BASS Criminology and Data Analytics / Course details

On BASS Criminology and Data Analytics course, you learn theories about the nature and determinants of crime, but also how to translate these theories into empirical questions that can be studied using real-life data.

Specifically, you learn data analytic and data science techniques to evaluate the effectiveness of anti-crime policies, understand criminal behaviour, predict and classify criminal phenomena and describe and analyse networks of relationships between criminals, criminal organisations and society.

By completing the core and optional units, you will gain sought after skills, including:

• how to collect, describe and visualise data;
• how to build quantitative models to explain phenomena;
• how to quantitatively evaluate the effectiveness of policies;
• how to map and analyse complex social networks;
• how to implement key machine learning algorithms;
• how to implement data analytic techniques and data science algorithms using statistical software including R, as well as proprietary packages such as SPSS.

The pathway emphasises the application of modern data analytic methods to real life problems while also teaching some of the underlying theory. This will support career progression to more advanced postgraduate courses and to more challenging scenarios in policy and industry.

You have the option of extending your studies and boosting your employability through a paid professional placement year.

You can apply in Year 1 or 2, complete your placement in Year 3, then return to University for Year 4.

The degree title will include 'with Professional Experience', giving you the added advantage of relevant work experience when entering the competitive graduate jobs market.

Study abroad

If you would like to broaden your horizons and your degree, you can apply to study overseas for a year at one of our partner universities. You apply in Year 2 to spend a year abroad in Year 3. If successful, you will put together a programme of study at the host university in consultation with your Academic Exchange Advisor, to complement your studies at Manchester. You will then come back to Manchester to study for a fourth year and graduate with a degree title including ‘with International Study'. See The University of Manchester Study Abroad pages for more information, including eligibility criteria, destinations, costs and funding.

Paid placement opportunity

You can apply for a paid Q-Step internship during the summer between the second and third year of your course.

Course units feature formal lectures supported by smaller tutorials or seminars, where you explore the contents of lectures and recommended reading in greater depth. 

Tutorials and seminars are key in improving your written and oral communication skills through group discussions, essay-writing, and presentations. 

You are assigned an Academic Advisor who takes a friendly interest in your progress, and can advise you on selecting course units and career opportunities.

The way that you study and are assessed will depend on which course units you choose. Our methods are designed to promote in-depth learning and understanding, including: 

• essays, coursework, and other mid-term evaluations; 
• dissertations; 
• presentations; 
• group projects; 
• exams.