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 used within criminology and sociology.
• 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 criminological theories.
2. Evaluate contemporary social and political issues and debates using insights from criminology and sociology.
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 criminological and sociological 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 criminological and sociological 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 criminological/sociological 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 information relevant to criminology and sociology from library sources.
2. Communicate criminological and sociological knowledge in oral presentations.
3. Communicate criminological and sociological knowledge in advanced formats, e.g. posters, video, oral debates.
4. Interpret and analyse statistical data relevant to criminology and sociology.
5. Design and execute research projects relevant to criminology and sociology.
6. Apply ethical principles to criminological and sociological 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 (PRE 2020 INTAKE) – CRIMINOLOGY AND SOCIOLOGY

The programme lasts three years full-time, with the opportunity to undertake a placement year (Part I – between second and final years). Candidates must take a total modular weight of 120 in each Part (Year) with a minimum modular weight of 50 in each semester, taking into account both compulsory and optional modules.  Individual modules taught and assessed over both semesters with a modular weight of 10 may count against either semester 1 or semester 2, depending on the balance of other modular weights between semesters. Where the modular weight of a module taught and assessed over both semesters is 20 or 40, this shall be split equally between semesters.

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

Part A - Introductory Modules 

COMPULSORY MODULES (100 credits)

Semester 1

 Semester 2

Semester 1 and 2

OPTIONAL MODULES

Students take 20 credits worth of optional modules from the following:

Semester 1

Semester 2

 Semesters 1 and 2

Students can also choose other modules from the University’s Module Catalogue, approved by the School of Social Sciences for inclusion in the programme, including languages in French, German, Spanish and Mandarin.

Part B - Degree Modules 

COMPULSORY MODULES (80 credits)

Semester 1

Semester 1 – students choose ONE of the following:

 Semester 2

OPTIONAL MODULES

Students must choose 40 credits from the following:

Semester 1

Semester 2

 Semesters 1 and 2

Part I

Candidates will undertake one of the following approved study and/or work placements leading to the Diploma in International Studies (IntS) or Diploma in Professional Studies (DPS) in accordance with Regulation XI.

Part C

COMPULSORY MODULES (100 credits)

Semester 1

Semester 2

Semester 1 and 2 – Dissertation students must choose ONE of the following:

OPTIONAL MODULES

Students must choose 20 credits from the following:

Semester 1

 Semester 2

 Semesters 1 and 2

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.