BA Criminological Studies with Social Science (subject to revalidation)
Your Programme
About the BA Criminological Studies with Social Science (subject to revalidation) programme
The BA Criminological Studies with Social Science programme aims to deliver an undergraduate degree that will provide a challenging and high quality academic grounding for the study of crime and society.
It seeks to do this by encouraging you to develop a critical understanding of crime and justice, informed by criminological and sociological theoretical debates and research. It aims to facilitate opportunities for you to develop your conceptual understanding in order to critically evaluate research, scholarship and different policies, practices and approaches to understanding crime and apply the knowledge gained to future practice and research.
This programme has been created for individuals with a passion or interest in crime looking to combine academic study with a desire to seek work within the criminal justice system. This involves professions such as policing, probation, working in prisons and much more community-based work in the many support areas, such as drugs, rehabilitation, housing, mentoring and ex-offender support.
The Stats...
Current Employment
Annual Salary
Occupations
Entry Requirements
For 2017 entry onwards: applicants require 80 UCAS points at A level, or an Access to HE Diploma . Students are also required to hold English and Maths GCSE (or equivalent) grade C or above.
Non academic entry: applicants who do not hold formal academic qualifications may still apply and will be set an appropriate piece of work in the form of a 1500 word essay, and a judgement made taking into account their academic potential and relevant experience.
All students will be required to attend an interview.
What you will learn
Year 1 (Level 4) – Certificate Stage
Year one of this course is designed to give you an introduction to the key areas of criminology and sociology
- Foundations in Criminology
- Foundations in Sociology
- Criminal Justice Institutions
- Images of Crime
- Policing
- Research and Study Skills
Year 2 (Level 5) – Diploma Stage
Year two of the course is designed to give you a more specialist approach to both disciplines and the year requires you to apply your knowledge to a number of areas.
- Readings in Criminology
- Readings in Sociology
- Criminal Justice Processes
- Surveillance and Social Control
- Researching Crime and Society
- Developing a Research Proposal
Year 3 (Level 6) – Honours Stage
Year three is all about you critically applying your knowledge to very specialist areas
- Penology
- Environmental Criminology
- Victimology
- International Human Rights
- Dissertation
Learning & Teaching Methods
Methods of learning and teaching are designed to support students in becoming active members of a learning community. Students will be expected to work together in an informal environment as well as in formal classes where a culture of dignity, courtesy and mutual respect with staff and their peers is essential. A variety of methods will be used such as lectures, student led seminars, group discussion, computer assisted learning and other multi media presentations.
This degree is very useful in gaining a number of skills that will establish you as strong academics for the future. Not only will these skills enhance your employability but will also set you up for further study; these transferable skills will be gained using innovative methods, in an enjoyable and supportive environment.
Programme Benefits
Upon successful completion of this degree, graduates will be equipped with the knowledge and skills to pursue a new career, or advance an existing one in the criminal justice services such as working for the police in a variety of roles; the legal professions; the prison service; probation; community and/or youth work. Other careers include those within mental health, victim support, social care and drug rehabilitation; victim support, housing and community development work.
What next?
The criminal justice sector is one of the UK’s largest employed areas, with a multitude of areas that require people with a strong knowledge of crime and criminal behaviour. We have had students apply their skills in areas such as the Police Service, the Prison Service and also those who now work with reintegration of ex-offenders in social enterprises. You can also apply for further study in a number of areas; criminology, sociology and research based master’s degrees are all appropriate for you upon completion of your degree. Some even take an alternative route and take a conversion degree in Law or Social Work.