BA (Hons) Criminology (Full Time)

Study one of the most fascinating areas of society, while also equipping yourself for a wide variety of professional roles.

Course overview

On the BA (Hons) Criminology at Southampton Solent University you will explore the nature and incidence of crime, examining explanations for criminal initiative, behaviour and repercussions.

You will open up fascinating debates on solutions to crime, the role of the media and the fairness of our judicial system. This will be underpinned by an exploration of the ways in which defendants and victims are processed by the criminal justice system.

At the end of Year 1 you choose a direction for your studies: Criminal Justice or Crime Analysis and Investigation. Both areas examine crime from an interdisciplinary perspective, and include elements of law, philosophy, history, sociology, politics and psychology. 

Industrial focus

Students receive guest lectures from a wide range of criminal justice professionals who give a detailed insight into the practical aspects of criminal justice and into potential careers in the field.

|

Course content

Year 1

Six core units:

• Introduction to Sociology
• Crime and the Individual
• The Political Environment of the UK
• Introduction to Criminology
• Criminological Research Skills and Methods
• Criminal Process and Responsibility. 

Year 2 

In Year 2 students are required to choose a pathway, which will determine the focus of their study in Years 2 and 3. The two pathways are ‘Criminal Justice’ and ‘Crime Analysis and Investigation’. All students study three core units (common to both pathways), two units in their specialist pathway and one option unit:

• Core units:
  ◦ Diversity, Equality and Criminal Justice
  ◦ Policing, Politics and Social Change
  ◦ Criminal Research Methods and Skills 2.
• ‘Criminal Justice’ pathway:
  ◦ Criminal Law in Context
  ◦ Criminal Evidence and Procedure.
• Criminal Investigation pathway:
  ◦ Critical Issues in Criminal Justice and Penology
  ◦ Critical Issues in Criminal Investigation.
  Options:
  ◦ History of Crime and Punishment
  ◦ Politics of Terrorism and Violence
  ◦ Youth Crime, Youth Justice. 

Year 3

Students study two core units (common to both pathways), one unit in their specialist pathway and two option units:

• Core units:
  ◦ Project Design and Dissertation
  ◦ Crime, Risk and Community Safety.
• Criminal Justice pathway:
  ◦ Comparative Criminal Justice.
• Criminal Investigation pathway:
  ◦ Leadership and Management in the Investigative Context.
  Options:
  ◦ Dangerous Offenders
  ◦ Landmark Cases in Criminal Justice
  ◦ Security, Policing and the State
  ◦ Alcohol, Drugs and Crime
  ◦ Political Violence and Counter Terrorism in Northern Ireland
  ◦ Crime and Media Culture
  ◦ Leadership and Management in the Investigative Context.

Why choose this course?

• Field trips to a variety of relevant locations depending on the chosen study pathway. Recent excursions have included Washington DC with visits to the Department of Justice, the Pentagon, and The British Embassy, and a behind-the-scenes tour of the Old Bailey.
• Guest lectures from a wide range of criminal justice professionals including serving and former police detectives, the Serious Organised Crime Agency, the National Offender Management Service, and the Crown Prosecution Service.
• Extra-curricular activities including a Criminology Society and a Crime Film Programme.
• A supportive staff team with wide-ranging experience in the field of criminology.
• Options range from alcohol, drugs and crime to political violence in Northern Ireland. 

Assessment

A wide and innovative variety of methods is used, ranging from conventional essays and exams to group and individual projects and presentations. 

Key career skills

Research methods, critical analysis and interpretation of information, communication, teamwork and leadership.

Projects/work experience

The department has partnerships with organisations in the criminal justice sector. Students are encouraged to gain voluntary positions and work experience and a dedicated member of staff is available to help them access placements.

• Every year a number of our students are given the opportunity to complete an internship at the Association of Chief Police Officers Criminal Records Office (ACRO). Having gained practical experience within the policing environment, all of the students are now employed by ACRO.
• Many of our students gain valuable experience as Special Constables and others act on various criminal justice panels, such as the Youth Offenders panel.
• Future volunteering opportunities will include placements in Witness and Victim Services.   

Student profile

Luke Cain

"The course is very interesting: it allows you to explore different perspectives on crime and the possible reasons for why crime exists.

"As you progress through the course you begin to learn to explore and rationalise the causes of crime and the possible effects the media can have.

"A trip was organised by students with the help of lecturers to the Police Museum in London which was a lot of fun and informative. We were shown a history of the City of London Police and went on the famous Jack the Ripper Tour to different locations of murders (those who wanted to were shown scene-of-crime photographs).

"The criminology course this year has had many great nights out celebrating key events throughout the year. Once you begin your course you will meet new people and develop friendships as the course progresses."