Programme/Approved Electives for 2025/26
None
Available as a Free Standing Elective
No
Co-requisites
None
Prerequisites
None
Barred Combinations
None
Description for 2025/26
This module aims to lay the foundations for your criminological studies and to ignite your `criminological imagination�. The module introduces you to criminology as a subject, to where our understanding of `crime� comes from, and to the ways in which criminological theories and ideas can help us to understand contemporary crime problems. You will also be introduced to theories of criminal justice and the work of, and relationships between, the main institutions of the criminal justice system.
Aims
The module aims to introduce students to the discipline of criminology; different ways of measuring crime; the development of various theoretical perspectives in criminology; and the use of those perspectives in understanding crime as a social problem. Students will also explore theories of criminal justice and the work of, and relationships between, the main institutions of the criminal justice process. The module will also place this process in the wider context of the development of other, privatised systems of criminal justice.
The module also aims to introduce students to studying criminology at university level and help them to develop the skills which they will need to do so effectively by: clarifying expectations regarding assessed work; providing guidance on avoiding plagiarism by using the Harvard system of citation and referencing; developing information collection and management skills (including the use of the University Library); and supporting effective participation in a range of learning activities including lectures, tutorials, private study, online learning and use of the KLE.
Intended Learning Outcomes
Recognise and describe the distinctive characteristics of criminology as a discipline in relation to other disciplines and other, everyday understandings of crime, including those communicated and informed by representations of crime in the media: 1
Distinguish between the principal approaches to the measurement of crime and victimisation and appreciate their use in relation to different forms of crime: 1
Recognise the main theoretical traditions in criminology and illustrate their application in understanding different forms of crime and criminal justice: 1,2
Identify and summarise the main points of key texts in criminology: 1
Recognise the development and current organisation, governance and operation of official and unofficial responses to crime and victimisation, including policing, punishment and other approaches to preventing harm and ensuring personal safety: 2
Make use of research evidence, other data and some basic criminological theories in developing arguments and making judgements about criminological issues and criminal justice challenges: 1,2
Present written work in criminology and criminal justice in an appropriate scholarly style using the Harvard system of citation and referencing: 1,2
Study hours
24 hours of lectures
24 hours of seminars/tutorials
48 hours of engagement with online resources and readings to prepare for lectures and seminars/tutorials.
16 hours of fieldwork and preparation for fieldwork.
40 hours of preparation and production of summative assessments.
20 hours of work for formative assessment.
128 hours for directed independent study.
School Rules
None
Description of Module Assessment
1: Review weighted 50%
Article Review (1500 words)
Students will be expected to write a 1500 word review of one of a number of selected journal articles or other papers based on empirical research. Detailed guidance will be provided on what students are expected to consider in completing this assessment.
2: Report weighted 50%
Court Report (1500 words) - based on observations carried out in courts
Students are required to carry out observations in a court and produce an individual court report which reflects these observations and is also informed by the issues covered in the lectures, seminars and readings (1500 words maximum). Students are required to visit at least one Magistrates' Court or Crown Court and spend a minimum of one day in the public gallery observing proceedings.