BASS Social Anthropology and Philosophy

This course explores the 'inside story' of career paths within the criminal justice system 
and related fields, aided by a diverse array of guest speakers. It examines the contested 
role of criminological theory and research in this applied work. Who are the 'experts' 
seeking to influence these professions, and to what extent are they successful? Does 
criminological knowledge form an integral, albeit implicit, part of everyday operations within 
these professions? What are the everyday pressures experienced by front-line and 
managerial staff? How are these services dealing with the impact of funding austerity and 
other political and social pressures? Delivered with support from key criminal justice 
agencies, this course will allow you to understand the lived experience of staff, gain 
insights into criminology 'in action', and develop practical skills that will enhance your 
professional development. Indicative content: (1) Course Introduction ; (2) Experts, 
evidence & 'research utilisation'; (3) Criminology in criminal justice; (4) Ethics in criminal 
justice research; (5) Criminal justice careers and CJS voluntary sector; (6) View from practice: youth justice; (7) View from practice: prisons; (8) View from practice: police; (9) View from practice: probation; (10) Course summary & assignment support. 
 

None, though prior knowledge of the criminal justice system would be an advantage

The unit aims to (1) encourage intellectual awareness of the issues involved in criminal justice-related professions; (2) explore the potential of criminology to impact on those professions; and (3) enhance student employability through the development of marketable skills.

On completion of this unit successful students will be able to appreciate: (1) the potential of criminological theory and research to impact upon criminal justice agencies; (2) the breadth of careers in the Criminal Justice System and other related fields; (3) the challenges and demands of working in these fields.

 

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. 
 

• 3000 words: coursework (worth 100%);

Formative feedback (both individual and collective) will be given on (1) on tasks and  
contribution in class, (2) the group presentation. Detailed  
summative feedback will be given on the submitted essay via Blackboard (Grademark).  

Local and national websites of the key criminal justice agencies. Loader I, and Sparks I (2010) Public Criminology? London: Routledge.

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. Indicative content (subject to availability of guest speakers): Introduction & CJS Refresher; Experts, Evidence & Research Utilization; Criminology in CJS: From theory to practice; Ethics in CJS Research; Criminal Justice Careers & CJS Voluntary Sector; View from practice: Youth Justice; View from practice: Prisons; View from practice: Police; View from practice: Probation; (10) Course Summary & Assignment Support. The formative assessment (group presentations) will be held during course seminars, the summative assessment (3,000-word essay) will be submitted on Blackboard.

This course is restricted to students on the BA Criminology, Law with Criminology and BA Social Sciences (BASS) programmes Other students may be accepted at the discretion of the Course Unit Director.

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

Pre-requisites: none

Co-requisites: none 
 

Tuition fees for home students commencing their studies in September 2027 will be £10,050 per annum. Tuition fees for international students will be £29,200 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).

Scholarships and bursaries, including the Manchester Bursary , are available to eligible home/EU students.

Some undergraduate UK students will receive bursaries of up to £2,000 per year, in addition to the government package of maintenance grants.

You can get information and advice on student finance to help you manage your money.