Criminology

Criminology is concerned with what behaviour is defined as criminal and who has the power to define what constitutes crime. Criminology is commonly misconceived and confused with other subject areas, for example, forensic science. Although criminology does, of course, explore crime, the focus is on the causes of crime and deviant behaviour, how this affects society and how the criminal justice system responds to this, rather than on crime scene analysis, forensics and criminal investigation.

Criminology is a research-led degree and develops students into analytical and critical thinkers. It explores crime as a social construct, asking important questions such as: What are the individual and societal causes of crime and deviant behaviour? Who in society is more likely to commit a crime? Does offender rehabilitation work? Who is likely to become a victim of crime? Why are some dangerous behaviours criminal and others aren't? And how does media attention and reporting impact crime and deviance?

Criminologists are also interested in how to prevent crime, the purpose and effectiveness of punishment and how the criminal justice system can better respond to crime when it does take place. In 2020, the death of George Floyd at the hands of a Minneapolis police officer drew attention (on a global scale) to the relationship between inequalities and criminal justice – relationships Criminology is ideally placed to answer.

This degree is designed to acquaint you with the general theories, typical methods and key studies of criminology (especially sociological criminology) and to indicate their application to issues in contemporary society. It uses the modular system to deliver an innovative curriculum with a wide range of optional subjects.

The programme draws upon the existing provision within Criminology at Salford, using work on the major role played by crime, deviance, justice, law, regulation, surveillance and punishment in the construction, maintenance and disturbance of the social order at all levels. Our aim is to provide a deep criminological insight into the nature of crime and justice.

• Year one: Contemporary Challenges in Crime and Society, Criminal Justice and Human Rights, Culture, Power and Deviance, Social Divisions and Inequality, Social Justice in Action, and Understanding Criminology.
• Year two and optional modules: Globalisation, Society and Crime, Research Problems and Methods: Making it Count, Research Problems and Methods: Qualitatively Better, Theoretical Criminology, and optional modules (semester two) - you will choose two of the following: Critical Victimology, Critical Perspectives on Policing, Environmental Justice, Human Rights, Genocide and Resistance, Internet Risk and Security, and Violence in Society. You can replace an option with a University Wide Language module at level 5.
• Year three and optional modules: Dissertation, Work: Practice and Reflection. In addition to your Year 3 core module, you will also take four or five optional modules to bring the total modules for the year to 120. The list of optional modules includes Bodies: Biology to Blushing, Crime, Society and Racialisation, Critical Approaches to (Counter) Terrorism, Critical Perspectives on Policing, Critical Victimology, Digital Society, Environmental Justice, Gender, Crime and Criminal Justice, Human Rights, Genocide and Resistance, Identities and Interactions, Internet Risk and Security, Migration and Socio-Legal Dynamics, Prisons and Punishment, Probation and Rehabilitation, The Criminal Justice Process, and Violence in Society.
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A variety of assessment methods will be used, including essays, exams, presentations (both group and individual), reports, and an optional dissertation. Alongside traditional forms of assessment, you will also engage with innovative formats such as video blogs, podcasts, and digital presentations.