Social Justice, Crime and Society

Step into a degree that looks beyond headlines and explores how crime, harm and inequality affect people, families and communities in real life.

The FdSc Social Justice, Crime and Society is an applied social science and criminology programme designed for students who want to understand crime and justice as lived social issues; shaped by inequality, social policy, mental health, safeguarding, youth marginalisation and community harm.

Rather than treating crime as a purely legal topic, this course places criminology within a wider social justice and community practice framework, reflecting how crime and vulnerability are encountered in professional settings across Cornwall and the UK.

This course offers a distinctive approach to criminology by placing crime, justice and social harm within a wider social justice and community practice framework. You will explore how inequality, victimisation, safeguarding, wellbeing and youth marginalisation shape real experiences of crime and professional responses in communities.
• Criminology taught through social justice, inequality, youth justice and community practice
• Embedded professional practice and a dedicated work placement module
• Small-group teaching with strong academic and pastoral support
• No exams – assessment through applied coursework, projects and professional portfolios
• Designed to reflect real workforce needs in Cornwall and the wider public and third sectors

WHY CHOOSE THIS COURSE?
If you are interested in crime, justice and social issues and you want to make a real difference in people’s lives – this course is designed for you.

You will study crime and justice in the way they are experienced by people and communities. Throughout the course you will explore how inequality, poverty, mental health, safeguarding, victimisation and youth marginalisation shape crime and harm, and how professionals respond in real services and settings.
This course is ideal if you want to work with people rather than in purely legal or enforcement roles. You will develop the knowledge and confidence needed to work across youth services, community organisations, social care, wellbeing services and justice-related settings.

You will also benefit from a highly supportive learning environment, small class sizes and teaching that is closely linked to professional practice. Work-based learning and placement are built into the course, giving you the opportunity to gain experience, build professional networks and strengthen your CV before you graduate.
This programme is particularly well suited to students who want a practical, applied degree that combines criminology with social justice, community work and professional skills, and provides a clear route into employment or further study.

WHAT WILL I LEARN?
On completion of the programme you will be able to:
• analyse how crime, victimisation and social harm are shaped by social, economic and cultural factors
• evaluate criminological and penal theories and their relevance to professional practice
• understand how social policy, welfare and justice systems respond to inequality and vulnerability
• work ethically and reflectively with individuals and communities affected by crime, trauma and disadvantage
• apply research and evidence to real community and justice-related issues
• communicate and work effectively within multi-agency and partnership settings

Level 4
• Understanding Communities and Society
• Working in Partnership to Support the Foundations of Mental Health
• Introducing Issues in Social Policy
• Developmental Perspectives and Youth
• Criminology and Crime Problems
• Restorative Justice and Victims of Crime
Level 5
• Applied Research Practice in the Community
• Developing Wellbeing in the Community
• Leadership in Youth, Social and Community Organisations
• Critical Professional Practice (Work Placement)
• Criminological and Penal Theory
• Youth Justice