Criminology (with a Placement Year)

Criminology at the University of Staffordshire  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.

You will be encouraged to apply the theoretical learning to simulated situations and scenarios to establish key employability skills.

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 pathways: Criminology (Offender Management) or Criminology (Victimology).

Upon completion of your studies you will be awarded a BSc (Hons) Criminology, BSc (Hons) Criminology (Offender Management), or BSc (Hons) Criminology (Victimology).

Course Modules

Year One Core (All Pathways): Understanding Criminal Justice, Academic and Research Foundations for Criminology, Criminology: The Essentials, Crime, Culture and Social Inequality

Year Two Core (No Pathway): Research Methods in Criminology, Contemporary Issues in Crime and Justice, Criminological Theory: Power, Conflict and Harm, 
Year Two Core Optional Modules: Victimisation and Social Harm, Sentence Management and Rehabilitation, Work Experience for Criminal Justice.

Year Two Core (Offender Management Pathway): Research Methods in Criminology, Contemporary Issues in Crime and Justice, Criminological Theory: Power, Conflict and Harm,  Sentence Management and Rehabilitation.

Year Two Core (Victimology Pathway): Research Methods in Criminology, Contemporary Issues in Crime and Justice, Criminological Theory: Power, Conflict and Harm, Victimisation and Social Harm.

Year Three Core (All Pathways): Criminology Placement Year

Year Four (No Pathway): Advanced Criminological Perspectives, Criminology Dissertation and 1 option. Or  Advanced Criminological Perspectives, Applied Criminology Project 
Year Three Optional Modules: Media and Crime, Gender Power and Sexual Violence, Terrorism, Extremism and Serious and Organised Crime, Addictions and Recovery, Homicide and Violent Organised Crime, Work Experience for Criminal Justice.

Year Four Core (Offender Management Pathway): Advanced Criminological Perspectives, Punishment, Prisons, Rehabilitation and Desistance and Criminology Dissertation. Or Advanced Criminological Perspectives, Punishment, Prisons, Rehabilitation and Desistance, Applied Criminology Project
Year Three Optional Modules (Offender Management Pathway): Media and Crime, Gender Power and Sexual Violence, Terrorism, Extremism and Serious and Organised Crime, Addictions and Recovery, Homicide and Violent Organised Crime, Work Experience for Criminal Justice.

Year Four Core (Victimology Pathway): Advanced Criminological Perspectives, Vulnerabilities and the Criminal Justice System and Criminology Dissertation. Or Advanced Criminological Perspectives Vulnerabilities and the Criminal Justice System, Applied Criminology Project and 1 option. 
Year Three Optional Modules (Victimology Pathway): Media and Crime, Gender Power and Sexual Violence, Terrorism, Extremism and Serious and Organised Crime, Addictions and Recovery, Homicide and Violent Organised Crime, Work Experience for Criminal Justice.

Assessment on the Criminology programme is designed to be fair, inclusive and relevant to real-world criminological practice, using a variety of assessment methods such as essays, reports, case studies, presentations, podcasts, reflective work, simulations, pitches and digital media. Where possible, you will be offered choice in how you are assessed, including options around assessment formats, topics or case studies, helping you to demonstrate your learning in ways that suit your strengths while meeting the same learning outcomes. Throughout your studies, informal assessment activities, practice tasks and draft feedback opportunities will help you prepare for formal assessments, with immediate feedback provided during practical activities and tailored feedforward available through academic support meetings. This approach ensures that assessment not only measures your achievement but also supports your ongoing learning, skills development and future employability.