Programme Specifications

Programme summary

1. Programme Aims

• To deploy sociological theories, concepts and practices in the focused analysis of  criminology.
• To develop knowledge and understanding of society as well as crime, specifically the relationship between private trauma and public policy and organisation.
• To examine key concepts, theories and methods of sociology and criminology.
• To interpret and analyse contemporary social issues in general, and contemporary issues relating to criminal justice, policing and crime control in particular.
• To address key issues in sociological analysis and in society, including social inequality and cultural diversity.
• To examine British organisational and institutional arrangements for addressing issues of criminal justice policy.
• To hone skills that will enhance career and employment opportunities in varied occupations in the public and private sector upon graduating.

2. Relevant subject benchmark statements and other external reference points used to inform programme outcomes:

• The Benchmark Statement for Sociology
• The Benchmark Statement for Criminology
• Framework for Higher Education Qualifications (2008)
• University Learning and Teaching Strategy
• External Examiners’ Reports for BSc Sociology and BSc Criminology and Social Policy 

3. Programme Learning Outcomes

3.1 Knowledge and Understanding

On successful completion of this programme, students should be able to

1. Examine classical and contemporary social and/or criminological theories.
2. Evaluate contemporary social and political issues and debates using insights from  sociology and/or criminology.
3. Explain changing social structures and processes, tracing relevant historical and global perspectives.
4. Apply a variety of classical and innovative qualitative and quantitative research methods.
5. Explain basic sociological concepts, such as identity, inequality, social structure and social change.
6. Use sociological and criminological concepts to critically discuss diversity and causes of inequality.
7. Analyse the relationships between individuals, groups and society.
8. Discuss the prominent role of culture, (new) media and representation in social life.
9. Explain the specificity of the discipline of criminology and its interdisciplinary nature.
10. Describe and analyse policy issues related to crime, crime prevention and social welfare in contemporary Britain.

3.2 Skills and other attributes

a. Subject-specific cognitive skills:

On successful completion of this programme, students should be able to: 

1. Assess the merits and shortcomings of complex social theories and explanations of crime.
2. Formulate clear and penetrating sociological and criminological research questions and select appropriate research methods to address them.
3. Evaluate and interpret research evidence on social life and/or crime.
4. Synthesize and critically reflect on the relationship between sociological/criminological theories and empirical studies.
5. Assess the merits of competing explanations and theories of crime.
6. Interpret the values and practices of agencies that respond to criminological policy issues.

b. Subject-specific practical skills:

On successful completion of this programme, students should be able to: 

1. Identify and retrieve sociologically and/or criminologically relevant information from library sources.
2. Communicate sociological and criminological knowledge in oral presentations.
3. Communicate sociological and criminological knowledge in advanced formats, e.g. posters, video, oral debates.
4. Interpret and analyse sociologically and criminologically relevant statistical data.
5. Design and execute sociological and criminological research.
6. Apply ethical principles in sociological and/or criminological research.
7. Use sociological and criminological knowledge to suggest solutions to public and social policy and private enterprise at national and international levels.

c. Key transferable skills:

On successful completion of this programme, students should be able to: 

1. Master a range of scholarly skills e.g. referencing, summarising, reporting and use of databases.
2. Locate and evaluate sources of information, synthesize information and deploy it in reasoned argument.
3. Communicate and present information in a professional manner e.g. construct written arguments, contribute to group discussions.
4. Communicate and present information using more advanced formats e.g. prepare posters, write reports, oral presentations using powerpoint, preparation of videos.
5. Design and execute research projects.
6. Work in teams.
7. Use statistical and other quantitative methods, including use of statistical software.
8. Manage time and work: plan time and resources independently to meet deadlines and work under pressure.

4. Programme structure

Programme Code SSUB07

The programme lasts three years full-time. Students take modules amounting to 120 credits each year. Since the degree is majoring in Sociology with a minor in Criminology, students are required to take a maximum of 80 credits worth of Sociology modules and 40 credits worth of Criminology modules each year.  In addition, students have the opportunity to undertake a Placement Year (Part I) after Part B or a Study Abroad scheme at Part B.

Important Note: No module may be taken and passed more than once. Module availability is subject to timetabling constraints.

Study Abroad: Candidates have the opportunity to apply for permission to undertake an approved course of study at either a European university which is a member of the EU approved Erasmus Exchange programmes in the Department of Social Sciences or any other University with which the University has exchange study arrangements. Such a course of study must be undertaken in place of one Semester at Part B.

In all years (parts A, B and C) students take 60 credits of compulsory core modules in Sociology and may chose 20 credits of options from Sociology, Social Psychology or Media and Communication Studies. In addition students take 40 credits of core and optional modules in Criminology. Credit splits across the two semesters in all years may be 60:60, 50:70 or 70:50 

In the final year (Part C) complete a 40 credit dissertation in Sociology. 

Placement Year: Students have the opportunity to take a placement year (Part I) after successful completion of Part B. Three placement routes are available:

• Diploma of Professional Studies (DPS) Route: Students taking this route undertake a programme of professional training leading to the Diploma of Professional Studies (DPS) in the UK or abroad in accordance with Senate Regulation XI.
• Diploma in Industrial Studies (DIS) Route: Students taking this route undertake a programme of industrial training leading to the award of the Diploma in Industrial Studies (DIS) in the UK or abroad in accordance with Senate Regulation XI.
• Diploma in International Studies (DIntS) Route: Students taking this route undertake a British Council approved Teaching Assistantship either at a school or other approved placement in a French, German or Spanish speaking country in accordance with Senate Regulation XI. Successful completion of this route leads to the award of the Diploma in International Studies (DIntS). It should be noted that students undertaking a Teaching Assistantship should have a minimum of AS level in the appropriate language, or its equivalent. The equivalent level in the University Wide Language Programme is level 4. Note that students taking this Teaching Assistantship scheme through the Department of Politics, History and International Relations will be registered on module EUI002.  Students taking other work abroad placement opportunities will be registered on SSI002.

Registration on the DIntS, DIS and DPS routes is subject to Departmental approval and satisfactory performance during Parts A and B.

Part A 

Compulsory modules (100 credits) 

Optional modules 

Students take one 10 credit option each semester from the following

Part B 

For Students not Taking the Study Abroad Route 

Compulsory modules (100 credits) 

Optional modules

Students take 20 credits worth of 10 credit options across two semesters, from the selection below:

Part B for students opting for the Study Abroad scheme in Semester 2

Compulsory modules:

Semester 1 Compulsory Modules are as shown above (SSB008, SSB006, SSB201)

In addition, depending on the credit gained through the Semester Abroad, students are enrolled on one of the following modules:

Optional modules: Depending on the credit gained through the Study Abroad semester, students take either 10, 20 or 30 credits worth of options in Semester 1. A selection of optional modules will be offered every year from the list provided.

4.2.1 Part B for students opting for the Study Abroad scheme in Semester 1

Compulsory modules:

Semester 2 Compulsory Modules are as shown above (SSB010, SSB203, SSB032) 

In addition, depending on the credit gained through the Semester Abroad, students are enrolled on one of the following modules:

Optional modules: Depending on the credit gained through the Study Abroad semester, students take either 10, 20 or 30 credits worth of options in Semester 2. A selection of optional modules will be offered every year from the list provided for Part B and Part C.

Part I

Depending on the Placement type, students are enrolled on one of the following modules:

Part C

Compulsory modules (80 credits)

Optional modules

Students take two 20 credit options, of which one should be from Criminology Options and one from Sociology, Social Psychology or Communication and Media Studies Options.

Criminology Options:

Sociology, Social Psychology and Communication and Media Studies Options:

5. Criteria for Progression and Degree Award

In order to progress from Part A to Part B, from Part B to C, and to be eligible for the award of an Honours degree, candidates must satisfy the minimum credit requirements set out in Regulation XX.

6. Relative Weighting of Parts of the Programme for the Purposes of Final Degree Classification

Candidates' final degree classification will be determined on the basis of their performance in degree level Module Assessments in Parts B and C. The percentage mark for each Part will be combined in the ratio Part B 40% : Part C 60% to determine the final programme percentage mark.