BA Criminology

This course introduces students to the institutions that form the criminal justice system (CJS) and explores key features and debates relating to each of them in historical, social and policy context.

Indicative content: (1) Introduction to the CJS ; (2) The police (3) Suspects’ rights; (4) Crown Prosecution Service; (5) The court system; (6) Sentencing; (7) Victims; (8) Prisons; (9) Probation; (10) Course summary and assessment support.

This course unit aims to (1) familiarise students with the history and structure of the core agencies of the criminal justice system (CJS) in England and Wales; (2) introduce students to different sources of information on relevant criminal justice issues; (3) give students a critical appreciation of how the CJS operates; (4) develop students' autonomy and independence as learners.

On completion of this unit successful students will be able to: (1) understand the role of core agencies of the CJS; (2) have a critical appreciation of how the CJS operates; (3) be able to find, understand and critique academic sources.

Teaching and learning across course units consists of: (1) preparatory work to be completed prior to teaching sessions, including readings, pre-recorded subject material and online activities; (2) a weekly whole-class lecture or workshop; (3) a tutorial; and (4) one-to-one support via subject specific office hours.

 

 

This unit is summatively assessed by a 2500 word court case analysis worth 100% of the overall mark. Formative assessment consists of a 1000-word court case analysis. 

Formative feedback (both individual and collective) will be given on (1) tasks and contribution in class; and (2) the formative case analysis. Summative feedback will be given on the submitted assessment via Blackboard (Grademark).

Newburn, T. (2017) Criminology. 3rd Ed. Devon: Willan Publishing.

Across their course units each semester, full-time students are expected to devote a ‘working week’ of around 30-35 hours to study. Accordingly each course unit demands around 10-11 hours of study per week consisting of (i) 3 timetabled teacher-led hours, (ii) 7-8 independent study hours devoted to preparation, required and further reading, and note taking.

Information
Restricted to: BA (Criminology) and LLB (Law with Criminology) students for whom this subject is compulsory and BA Social Sciences (BASS).

This course is available to all incoming study abroad students university wide.

Pre-requisites: None.

Timetable
See Criminology timetable

 

Tuition fees for home students commencing their studies in September 2027 will be £10,050 per annum.

For general information please see the undergraduate finance pages.

All students should normally be able to complete their programme of study without incurring additional study costs over and above the tuition fee for that programme. Any unavoidable additional compulsory costs totalling more than 1% of the annual home undergraduate fee per annum, regardless of whether the programme in question is undergraduate or postgraduate taught, will be made clear to you at the point of application. Further information can be found in the University's Policy on additional costs incurred by students on undergraduate and postgraduate taught programmes (PDF document, 91KB).

We know that student finance can be complicated. The links below provide further information to help guide you.

Learn more about student finance options for UK students.

Learn more about fees and finance for international students .

As an international student you may be eligible for our Global Futures Scholarships . This is open to students starting their studies in September 2026.