Criminology (with a Foundation 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.

The Foundation Year route is designed for students who may not have the necessary academic profile for entry onto the 3-year course. We recognise that some of our applicants may have also been out of formal education for a while or feel they may need to enhance their skills and capabilities first. You will study a range of modules that are designed to increase academic confidence and prepare you for the remainder of your Criminology degree.

Upon completion of your studies you will be awarded a BSc (Hons) Criminology, BSc (Hons) Criminology (Offender Management), BSc (Hons) Criminology (Organised Crime and Terrorism), or BSc (Hons) Criminology (Victim Support)

Foundation Year
Crime in Context, Introduction to Principles of Law, Core Legal Skills, Sociology of Crime, Theories of Criminality

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 – 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 3 - Offender Management Pathway
Project, Punishment and Penology, Serial Killers, Rehabilitation of Offenders, Mental Health Assessment for Non-Mental Health Professionals, Community Justice

Year 3 - Organised Crime and Terrorism Pathway
Project, Punishment and Penology, Contemporary Terror Movements: Classification and Response, Transnational Organised Crime and Modern Slavery, Placement

Year 3 - 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).