Criminology BA (Hons)

Course Content

• Course Details

  This BA Criminology course has been designed to contribute towards achieving the following United Nations Sustainable Development Goal: SDG10 of Reduced Inequalities.

  Studying Criminology with us gives you a distinctive approach to learning, drawing on the disciplines of sociology, psychology, history and law. This provides you with a comprehensive introduction to key theoretical and methodological issues at the heart of the discipline.

  Work Experience Opportunities

  As well as the research placement available in year two, there are a variety of opportunities for you to volunteer and gain work experience within a wide range of institutions and organisations of criminological interest. At various points during our criminology degree course we invite visitors and guest speakers from diverse backgrounds to talk to you about their organisations and the voluntary and paid opportunities with them.

  List of modules

  Stage 1

  • CRI1002 Crime and Society (20 Credits) (Compulsory)
  • CRI1011 Research Methods for Criminologists (20 Credits) (Compulsory)
  • CRI1007 The Science of Crime and Criminals (20 Credits) (Compulsory)
  • CRI1008 Becoming a Criminologist (20 Credits) (Compulsory)
  • CRI1009 Imaging Crime (20 Credits) (Compulsory)
  • CRI1010 From Delinquency to Criminal Careers (20 Credits) (Compulsory)

  Stage 2

  • CRI2003 Doing Research in Criminology (40 Credits) (Compulsory)
  • CRI2001 Crime and Justice (20 Credits) (Compulsory)
  • CRI2009 Advanced Criminological Theory (20 Credits) (Compulsory)
  • CRI2010 Criminology, Ethics and Professional Practice (20 Credits) (Compulsory)
  • CRI2011 International Policing (20 Credits) (Designated)
  • CRI2012 Outsiders: Journeys in Deviance (20 Credits) (Designated)

  Stage 3

  • CRI4003 Criminology Dissertation (40 Credits) (Compulsory)
  • CRI3001 Crime and Punishment (20 Credits) (Compulsory)
  • CRI3003 Violence (20 Credits) (Designated)
  • CRI3006 Beyond Justice (20 Credits) (Designated)
  • CRI3007 Critiquing Criminalistics (20 Credits) (Designated)
  • CRI3008 Intersections in Criminology (20 Credits) (Designated)
  • CRI3009 Activism in Criminology (20 Credits) (Designated)
  • CRI3010 Criminality Across the Lifespan (20 Credits) (Designated)
  • CRI3011 Global Perspectives of Crime (20 Credits) (Designated)
  • CRI3012 Social Injustices (20 Credits) (Designated)

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• Entry Requirements

  Standard entry requirements apply for this Criminology degree. A typical offer would be:

  • BCC at A Level or
  • DMM at BTEC or
  • Pass (C and above) at T Level.

  An Access Course must include 30 level 3 credits at Merit.

  In addition, you will be expected to have achieved GCSE Maths and English at Grade C/4 or above.

  We welcome international applications and applications from those with a range of non-traditional educational or professional qualifications. If you have a lively interest in issues of crime and justice and are prepared to pursue and develop that interest through reading and study then you will be considered for this course.

  For information on how to apply to study with us, please see our How to Apply page.

  Integrated Foundation Year Entry Requirements

  The standard entry requirements for the Integrated Foundation Year are:

  • DEE at A level or
  • MPP at BTEC or
  • Pass (D or E) at T Level.

  For more information on how to make an application please visit our How to Apply pages for Home and EU, and International students.

  English Language Requirements

  All International and EU students applying for a course with us must meet the following minimum English language requirements:

  • IELTS 6.0 (or equivalent) with a minimum of 5.5 in all bands for study at undergraduate level

  For information regarding English language requirements at the University, please see our IELTS page.

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• Fees and Funding

  2024/25 Tuition Fees
  

  Fees quoted relate to study in the Academic Year 2024/25 only and may be subject to inflationary increases in future years.

  • UK Full Time: £9,250
  • UK Part Time: £1,540 per 20 credit module
  • UK Integrated Foundation Year: £9,250 for the foundation year; thereafter standard fees apply
  • International Full Time: £15,200
  • International Integrated Foundation Year: £15,200 for the foundation year; thereafter standard fees apply

  For information on the scholarships available to you, please see our scholarships page.

  For more information about possible funding options, please visit our Fees and Funding pages.

  2023/24 Tuition Fees
  

  Fees quoted relate to study in the Academic Year 2023/24 only and may be subject to inflationary increases in future years.

  • UK Full Time: £9,250
  • UK Part Time: £1,540 per 20 credit module
  • UK Integrated Foundation Year: £9,250 for the foundation year; thereafter standard fees apply
  • International Full Time: £14,750
  • International Integrated Foundation Year: £14,750 for the foundation year; thereafter standard fees apply

  Additional costs

  There are no additional costs for our courses in criminology for students beginning their studies in September 2024. Should this change, applicants and students will be contacted by the university with details of the costs.

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• Student Perks

  At the University of Northampton, everything we do, from funded trips to paid internships, is to give you everything you need to make a difference when you leave.

  If you join our full-time BA Criminology degree at Northampton, you will receive a laptop when your course begins*. The laptops are built to a bespoke custom specification ideal for use in the seminar room, collaborative group work or studying at home.

  Whatever your ambitions, we’re here to help you to achieve them. We’ll support you to identify the skills you’re learning during your course, find your strengths and secure practical experience so that when it comes to applying for jobs or further study you’ll feel confident in standing out from the crowd. We’ve created the Northampton Employment Promise because we are so confident that if you focus on your studies and complete one of our awards you’ll be highly employable by the time you graduate. Putting you in a great position to secure employment or continue your studies.

  To check out the full list of perks, visit our Student Perks page or dedicated International Perks page.

  *UK fee payers only (see Terms and Conditions for further details).

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• Integrated Foundation Year

  The Integrated Foundation Year (IFY) offers a new and exciting route into studying for a degree, attracting ambitious and driven students who are willing to learn and advance.

  If you have non-standard qualifications or do not quite meet the admissions requirements for Criminology we can offer you a fantastic opportunity to study a four year Criminology programme which includes a Integrated Foundation Year. The Integrated Foundation Year will help you develop the theoretical/practical and academic skills you need, in order to successfully progress to the full award.

  Our four-year courses will enable you to successfully follow the degree pathway of your choice while gaining essential study skills. The foundation year of your chosen degree will be studied on a full-time basis and is aimed at supporting the transition to higher education. Years two, three and four are then studied as a standard degree programme.

  Please see our Integrated Foundation Year page for more details.

   

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• FAQs

  What makes Criminology at the University of Northampton special?

  The Criminology programme offered at the University of Northampton has been established for over 20 years. From the outset, the programme has incorporated a research placement whereby second year students undertake a piece of empirical research in a criminal justice agency. We are one of the few, if only, programmes which offers student membership of the British Society of Criminology, which enables students to engage with some of the important criminological thinkers across a range of different opportunities.

  What is the British Society of Criminology?

  Every Criminology student receives an undergraduate membership to the British Society of Criminology (BSC) for the entirety of their degree. Benefits of the membership include access to e-bulletins and newsletters, access to free BSC seminars and events, discounted rates to attend BSC events and many more. Check out the full Member Benefits list.

  What is a criminologist?

  A criminologist is a social scientist who studies crime, criminal behaviour, and the criminal justice system. They analyse crime statistics, conduct research to determine the causes of crime, and develop theories about criminal behaviour. They also study the responses of the criminal justice system to crime, including law enforcement, courts, and prisons.

  What does a criminologist do?

  Criminologists may work in a variety of settings, including government agencies, law enforcement organisations, universities, and research institutes. They may also work as consultants for private companies or law firms. Some criminologists specialise in particular areas of crime, such as white-collar crime, cybercrime, or terrorism.

  The goal of criminology is to understand why people commit crimes, and to develop strategies to prevent crime and reduce reoffending. Criminologists may work with policymakers and law enforcement agencies to develop evidence-based policies and programmes aimed at reducing crime and improving public safety.

  How will I be assessed?

  There are a variety of assessments used on the BA Criminology degree including essays, historical investigations, posters and end of year examinations. The assessments allow you to engage with the subject to nurture your talent and cultivate your success.

  Are there any special features on this course?

  • Multi-disciplinary approach to criminology
  • Opportunity for real life research
  • Holistic view of crime and criminal justice
  • Issues in gender, age, race and victimisation
  • Criminal justice and human rights

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