Criminology (with a Placement Year)

Criminology at Staffordshire University is a dynamic and diverse course. Through an understanding and appreciation of human rights and underpinned by cutting-edge research, you will explore the relationship between criminological theories and criminal justice policies and practices. You will be exposed to, and encouraged to discuss, explanations for crime and antisocial behaviour and how the police and courts deal with such matters.

Additionally, you will study the role of punishment in the secure estate, investigate crimes of the powerful and come to understand the role of the media.
Throughout your degree, you will be encouraged to think creatively, challenge established beliefs and develop your own research interests.

Our exciting pathways give you the option to focus on an area of Criminology that interests you. You will have the opportunity to choose to study our parent Criminology degree or to specialise in one of our exciting new pathways: Criminology with Offender Management, Criminology with Victim Support, or Criminology with Organised Crime and Terrorism.

You will attend a work placement between the second and final years of the course; our placement staff will work with you to identify a suitable location for your work placement. Please also note that you are responsible for any costs incurred in travelling to and from your work placement, and for any accommodation costs.

On successful completion of study, we will issue the following award: BSc (Hons) Criminology.

Year 1 – All Pathways Psychological Contexts of Crime and Punishment, The Criminal Justice Process, Media and Crime, Introduction to Crime and Crime Prevention, Case Studies in the Criminal Justice System, Introduction to Research Skills Year 2 – Criminology Pathway Designing Research Projects, Law for Justice, Theories of Crime and Justice, 3 option modules Options include: Understanding Terrorism: Causes and Theories, Organised Crime, Risk and Vulnerability, Offender Management, Crime, Harm and Victimisation. Year 2 – Offender Management Pathway Designing Research Projects, Law for Justice, Theories of Crime and Justice, Identifying Suicide and Self Harm, Offender Management, Prison and Probation Laws and Regulations Year 2 – Organised Crime and Terrorism Pathway Designing Research Projects, Law for Justice, Theories of Crime and Justice, Understanding Terrorism: Causes and Theories, Organised Crime, option module. Options include: Risk and Vulnerability, Offender Management, Crime, Harm and Victimisation. Year 2 – Victim Support Pathway Designing Research Projects, Law for Justice, Theories of Crime and Justice, Identifying Suicide and Self Harm, Crime, Harm and Victimisation, Working with Victims Year 3 – Placement Year Year 4 – Criminology Pathway Project, Punishment and Penology, Placement, two option modules Options include: Cyber Crime, Contemporary Terror Movements: Classification & Response, Working with Offenders, Transnational Organised Crime & Modern Slavery, Policing & Society. Year 4 - Offender Management Pathway Project, Punishment and Penology, Serial Killers, Rehabilitation of Offenders, Mental Health Assessment for Non-Mental Health Professionals, Community Justice Year 4 - Organised Crime and Terrorism Pathway Project, Punishment and Penology, Contemporary Terror Movements: Classification and Response, Transnational Organised Crime and Modern Slavery, Placement Year 4 - Victim Support Pathway Project, Punishment and Penology, Safeguarding Children, Rehabilitation of Offenders, Mental Health Assessment for Non-Mental Health Professionals, Placement.

You will encounter both traditional (for example, unseen examinations and essays) and newer modes of assessment (portfolios; reflective diaries; case studies; presentations). The assessment strategy also includes the reflective portfolio and presentation we use to assess the placement module (and the placement year for those taking the BSc (Hons) Criminology with a Placement Year).