BA (Hons) Criminal Justice

This course provides students with a critical understanding of both 'crime' and 'criminal justice'. You will critique and examine the social phenomena of crime and the societal and institutional responses to it. The course is constructed in such a way to explain the way formal and informal mechanisms of social control govern our lives, and regulate our routine conduct. Due to the multi-disciplinary questions such an analysis uncovers, the BA combines elements of law, criminology, sociology, socio-legal studies and politics.

The course itself is delivered by a small but dedicated lecturing cohort and the students enjoy both a high level of student support and tutor contact time.

A key element to this course is increasing student employability. The degree is in the process of creating links with local criminal justice agencies and all students will be given the opportunity to work within a relevant field. Students are currently gaining work experience within the police service, the prison service, youth justice, citizens advice and victim support among others. This, combined with solid academic standards, as demonstrated in external examiner reports, demonstrates that not only does the course lead to employment but also gives the student an enjoyable Higher Education experience.

Course Content and Structure

Year one (Level 4)

• Introduction to Criminology
• Representing Crime
• Civil Liberties and Human Rights
• Law and Social Change
• Research Design and Analysis
• Academic and Professional Development

Year two (Level 5)

• Criminal Justice
• Criminal Law
• Criminology and the Explanation of Crime
• Human Rights and Criminal Justice
• Research Methods in Criminology
• Work- based Learning

Year three (Level 6)

• Employment Law
• Law and Society
• Disability Rights and Criminal Justice
• Penology
• Policing and Crime Prevention
• Dissertation

Assessment

Students are assessed by a variety of methods, including essays, exams, projects, presentations and work based learning. A dissertation must be completed during level 6. Students, when undertaking work-based learning, will negotiate an individual learning contract, with suitable supervision

Entry Requirements

One of the following:

• 200 UCAS Tariff Points- from at least 2 GCE A Levels or BTEC National qualifications
• Access to HE Diploma in a related programme with at least 45 credits at Level 3
• Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL)

We welcome applications from people of any age who might not meet the standard entry criteria, but we would expect to see evidence of continuing academic and/or professional development and a capacity to pursue the course successfully

Progression Routes

Students will undertake a work based learning module that will directly enhance and provide them with the knowledge of working within a criminal justice environment. The programme provides a solid foundation for professional training in a variety of roles including social work, probation, youth justice, youth and community work, law and research. It also has direct relevance for graduates seeking entry into the police, prison service and other criminal justice agencies, as well as non-statutory bodies concerned with welfare rights, care and resettlement of offenders, civil liberties and support services in the community.

Alternatively, you may choose to further your studies. The research element within this degree means that it provides a firm foundation for postgraduate work. Many graduates pursue postgraduate study in the form of a Law conversion course.

If you are unsure which course is the right one for you, please contact us further information and guidance.