Criminology

Our Criminology degrees don’t just teach you the theories behind criminality, we help you understand the causes, reactions and solutions to crime.

At Staffordshire University, you’ll study the complex causes of crime and how our societies should respond to pressing problems, such as domestic violence, knife crime, or drug related crime, as well as supra national issues such as terrorism and transnational organised crime. What’s more, you’ll learn to consider the social context in which crime and punishment takes place, and eventually, you’ll start to challenge your preconceptions of ‘violence’, ‘harm’ and ‘justice’.

You’ll explore the relationship between criminological theories and criminal justice policies and practices. You’ll be investigating and discussing the explanations for crime and how the courts deal with them. Plus, you’ll explore the role of punishment and the secure estate, investigate crimes of the powerful, and come to understand the role of the media within the justice system.

We have three-year, placement year and MSci degrees. There is also a Foundation year route for students who may not have the necessary academic profile for entry onto one of our three or two-year courses or who have been out of formal education for a while and would like to enhance their skills and capabilities first. 

Pathway Options

You will be given the chance to specialise in a particular area of Criminology in your second and third years, tailoring your study to align with your career aspirations. You will be able to continue to study Criminology as a broad subject, or specialise by taking one of the following pathways: Offender Management, Victim Support, Organised Crime and Terrorism. 

At Staffordshire University, you’ll study the complex causes of crime and how our societies should respond to pressing problems, such as domestic violence, knife crime, or drug related crime, as well as supra national issues such as terrorism and transnational organised crime. What’s more, you’ll learn to consider the social context in which crime and punishment takes place, and eventually, you’ll start to challenge your preconceptions of ‘violence’, ‘harm’ and ‘justice’.

You’ll explore the relationship between criminological theories and criminal justice policies and practices. You’ll be investigating and discussing the explanations for crime and how the courts deal with them. Plus, you’ll explore the role of punishment and the secure estate, investigate crimes of the powerful, and come to understand the role of the media within the justice system.

The Foundation Year option is available for those who may not have the academic profile for direct entry onto the 3-year degree. It will prepare you for the Criminology degree by enhancing your skills and knowledge with modules such as, Theories of Criminality and Crime in Context. The Foundation year is taught with the City of Stoke on Trent Sixth Form College, so you will be on the Staffordshire University Stoke on Trent campus and the college's campus for the first year. 

Pathway Options

You will be given the chance to specialise in a particular area of Criminology from your third year, tailoring your study to align with your career aspirations. You will be able to continue to study Criminology as a broad subject, or specialise by taking one of the following pathways: Offender Management, Victim Support, Organised Crime and Terrorism. 

At Staffordshire University, you’ll study the complex causes of crime and how our societies should respond to pressing problems, such as domestic violence, knife crime, or drug related crime, as well as supra national issues such as terrorism and transnational organised crime. What’s more, you’ll learn to consider the social context in which crime and punishment takes place, and eventually, you’ll start to challenge your preconceptions of ‘violence’, ‘harm’ and ‘justice’.

You’ll explore the relationship between criminological theories and criminal justice policies and practices. You’ll be investigating and discussing the explanations for crime and how the courts deal with them. Plus, you’ll explore the role of punishment and the secure estate, investigate crimes of the powerful, and come to understand the role of the media within the justice system.

The BSc (Hons) Criminology with a Placement Year has been designed to provide students with the opportunity to gain practical experience by taking a year-long placement in industry. The placement takes place between the second and final year of study.

Pathway Option

You will be given the chance to specialise in a particular area of Criminology from your second year on wards, tailoring your study to align with your career aspirations. You will be able to continue to study Criminology as a broad subject, or specialise by taking one of the following pathways: Offender Management, Victim Support, Organised Crime and Terrorism. 

At Staffordshire University, you’ll study the complex causes of crime and how our societies should respond to pressing problems, such as domestic violence, knife crime, or drug related crime, as well as supra national issues such as terrorism and transnational organised crime. What’s more, you’ll learn to consider the social context in which crime and punishment takes place, and eventually, you’ll start to challenge your preconceptions of ‘violence’, ‘harm’ and ‘justice’.

You’ll explore the relationship between criminological theories and criminal justice policies and practices. You’ll be investigating and discussing the explanations for crime and how the courts deal with them. Plus, you’ll explore the role of punishment and the secure estate, investigate crimes of the powerful, and come to understand the role of the media within the justice system.

We have three-year, placement year and MSci degrees. There is also a Foundation year route for students who may not have the necessary academic profile for entry onto one of our three or two-year courses or who have been out of formal education for a while and would like to enhance their skills and capabilities first. 

Pathway Options

You will be given the chance to specialise in a particular area of Criminology in your second and third years, tailoring your study to align with your career aspirations. You will be able to continue to study Criminology as a broad subject, or specialise by taking one of the following pathways: Offender Management, Victim Support, Organised Crime and Terrorism. 

At Staffordshire University, you’ll study the complex causes of crime and how our societies should respond to pressing problems, such as domestic violence, knife crime, or drug related crime, as well as supra national issues such as terrorism and transnational organised crime. What’s more, you’ll learn to consider the social context in which crime and punishment takes place, and eventually, you’ll start to challenge your preconceptions of ‘violence’, ‘harm’ and ‘justice’.

You’ll explore the relationship between criminological theories and criminal justice policies and practices. You’ll be investigating and discussing the explanations for crime and how the courts deal with them. Plus, you’ll explore the role of punishment and the secure estate, investigate crimes of the powerful, and come to understand the role of the media within the justice system.

The MSci course combines Bachelors-level and Masters-level study in one integrated programme. Students follow the same structure of study in years 1 to 3, but complete advanced modules and an integrated placement option in their fourth and final year. 

Pathway Options

You will be given the chance to specialise in a particular area of Criminology from your second year onwards, tailoring your study to align with your career aspirations. You will be able to continue to study Criminology as a broad subject, or specialise by taking one of the following pathways: Offender Management, Victim Support, Organised Crime and Terrorism. 

Criminology at Staffordshire University is dynamic and diverse, and this four-year MSci (Hons) Criminology course is unique – we are the first to offer such an opportunity. By studying with us for four years, supported by four years of undergraduate student finance, you will graduate with an Integrated Master’s qualification which will make you stand out in the competitive race to secure graduate employment.

At Staffordshire University, you’ll study the complex causes of crime and how our societies should respond to pressing problems, such as domestic violence, knife crime, or drug-related crime, as well as supranational issues such as terrorism and transnational organised crime. What’s more, you ’ll learn to consider the social context in which crime and punishment takes place,  and eventually, you’ll start to challenge your preconceptions of ‘violence’, ‘harm’ and ‘justice’.

You’ll explore the relationship between criminological theories and criminal justice policies and practices. You’ll be investigating and discussing the explanations for crime and how the courts deal with them. Plus, you’ll explore the role of punishment and the secure estate, investigate crimes of the powerful, and come to understand the role of the media within the justice system.

You won’t just be learning theory either, throughout the course you’ll develop priceless employability skills while studying core modules that align with the probation training required knowledge qualifying modules. There’s also the benefit of additional expertise in policing, forensics and law to complement the expertise in Criminology. This, combined with opportunities of work placement and the chance to establish future connections during the course, means you’ll leave with the best chance of launching a future career in criminology.

Work placements

Work placements

Work placements

During your time of study with us, you will come to understand the development of the criminal justice institutions (police, prisons and courts) in the UK, as well as the inter-relationships between these systems, as mechanisms to respond to crimes and social harms

We will consider how different social groups and individuals experience crimes and social harms, as well as the policies and regulatory responses that are supposed to alleviate or ameliorate these issues. During the course, you will also come to understand the construction and representation of crime and of responses to it in policy making, the media in all its forms, and public opinion. We develop in you an understanding and appropriate use of research strategies and methods in criminological research.

In your first year students on all pathways will study the same modules such as, The Criminal Justice Process, Case Studies in the Criminal Justice System and Psychological Contexts of Crime and Punishment.

In your second year, you will study core modules in Law for Justice, Theories of Crime and Justice and begin designing your research project. You will have the opportunity to study three option modules on the Criminology pathway. Additional core modules for the Offender Management pathway include modules on identifying self-harm, managing offenders and prison and probation laws. For the Organised Crime and Terrorism pathway, you will also study core modules on causes and theories of terrorism, organised crime and you will have the opportunity to choose and option module. On the Victim Support pathway, you will study core modules about child safeguarding and crime and victimisation. 

In your final year, you will complete a research project for all pathways, along with Punishment and Penology and Placement as core modules. On the Criminology pathway, you have the flexibility to choose a range of option modules to suit your area of interest. The Offender Management Pathway has three additional core modules on Community Justice, Rehabilitation of Offenders and Mental Health Assessment for Non-Mental Health Professionals. For the Organised Crime and Terrorism pathway, you will complete a Placement module along with modules on Transnational Organised Crime and Modern Slavery, and Contemporary Terror Movements: Classification and Response. The Victim Support pathway has core modules on the Rehabilitation of Offenders, Mental Health Assessment for Non-Mental Health Professionals and a Placement module.

During your time of study with us, you will come to understand the development of the criminal justice institutions (police, prisons and courts) in the UK, as well as the inter-relationships between these systems, as mechanisms to respond to crimes and social harms

We will consider how different social groups and individuals experience crimes and social harms, as well as the policies and regulatory responses that are supposed to alleviate or ameliorate these issues. During the course, you will also come to understand the construction and representation of crime and of responses to it in policy making, the media in all its forms, and public opinion. We develop in you an understanding and appropriate use of research strategies and methods in criminological research.

In Year 1, you will build on your academic skills by discussing the different Theories of Criminality, Crime in context, Sociology of Crime and will be introduced to the Principles of Law.

In your second year students on all pathways will study the same modules such as, The Criminal Justice Process, Case Studies in the Criminal Justice System and Psychological Contexts of Crime and Punishment.

In your third year, you will study core modules in Law for Justice, Theories of Crime and Justice and begin designing your research project. You will have the opportunity to study three option modules on the Criminology pathway. Additional core modules for the Offender Management pathway include modules on identifying self-harm, managing offenders and prison and probation laws. For the Organised Crime and Terrorism pathway, you will also study core modules on causes and theories of terrorism, organised crime and you will have the opportunity to choose and option module. On the Victim Support pathway, you will study core modules about working with victims, identifying suicide and self-harm and crime and victimisation.

In your final year, you will complete a research project for all pathways, along with Punishment and Penology and Placement as core modules. On the Criminology pathway, you have the flexibility to choose a range of option modules to suit your area of interest. The Offender Management Pathway has three additional core modules on Community Justice, Rehabilitation of Offenders and Mental Health Assessment for Non-Mental Health Professionals. For the Organised Crime and Terrorism pathway, you will complete a Placement module along with modules on Transnational Organised Crime and Modern Slavery, and Contemporary Terror Movements: Classification and Response. The Vicitim Support pathway has core modules on the Rehabilitation of Offenders, Mental Health Assessment for Non-Mental Health Professionals and a Placement module.

During your time of study with us, you will come to understand the development of the criminal justice institutions (police, prisons and courts) in the UK, as well as the inter-relationships between these systems, as mechanisms to respond to crimes and social harms

We will consider how different social groups and individuals experience crimes and social harms, as well as the policies and regulatory responses that are supposed to alleviate or ameliorate these issues. During the course, you will also come to understand the construction and representation of crime and of responses to it in policy making, the media in all its forms, and public opinion. We develop in you an understanding and appropriate use of research strategies and methods in criminological research.

In your first year students on all pathways will study the same modules such as, The Criminal Justice Process, Case Studies in the Criminal Justice System and Psychological Contexts of Crime and Punishment.

In your second year, you will study core modules in Law for Justice, Theories of Crime and Justice and begin designing your research project. You will have the opportunity to study three option modules on the Criminology pathway. Additional core modules for the Offender Management pathway include modules on identifying self-harm, managing offenders and prison and probation laws. For the Organised Crime and Terrorism pathway, you will also study core modules on causes and theories of terrorism, organised crime and you will have the opportunity to choose and option module. On the Victim Support pathway, you will study core modules about working with victims, identifying suicide and self-harm and crime and victimisation.

On the Placement Year route, you will complete your placement year between your second and final year.

In your final year, you will complete a research project for all pathways, along with Punishment and Penology and Placement as core modules. On the Criminology pathway, you have the flexibility to choose a range of option modules to suit your area of interest. The Offender Management Pathway has three additional core modules on Community Justice, Rehabilitation of Offenders and Mental Health Assessment for Non-Mental Health Professionals. For the Organised Crime and Terrorism pathway, you will complete a Placement module along with modules on Transnational Organised Crime and Modern Slavery, and Contemporary Terror Movements: Classification and Response. The Vicitim Support pathway has core modules on the Rehabilitation of Offenders, Mental Health Assessment for Non-Mental Health Professionals and a Placement module.

During your time of study with us, you will come to understand the development of the criminal justice institutions (police, prisons and courts) in the UK, as well as the inter-relationships between these systems, as mechanisms to respond to crimes and social harms

We will consider how different social groups and individuals experience crimes and social harms, as well as the policies and regulatory responses that are supposed to alleviate or ameliorate these issues. During the course, you will also come to understand the construction and representation of crime and of responses to it in policy making, the media in all its forms, and public opinion. We develop in you an understanding and appropriate use of research strategies and methods in criminological research.

In your first year students on all pathways will study the same modules such as, The Criminal Justice Process, Case Studies in the Criminal Justice System and Psychological Contexts of Crime and Punishment.

In your second year, you will study core modules in Law for Justice, Theories of Crime and Justice and begin designing your research project. You will have the opportunity to study three option modules on the Criminology pathway. Additional core modules for the Offender Management pathway include modules on identifying self-harm, managing offenders and prison and probation laws. For the Organised Crime and Terrorism pathway, you will also study core modules on causes and theories of terrorism, organised crime and you will have the opportunity to choose and option module. On the Victim Support pathway, you will study core modules about child safeguarding and crime and victimisation. 

In your final year, you will complete a research project for all pathways, along with Punishment and Penology and Placement as core modules. On the Criminology pathway, you have the flexibility to choose a range of option modules to suit your area of interest. The Offender Management Pathway has three additional core modules on Community Justice, Rehabilitation of Offenders and Mental Health Assessment for Non-Mental Health Professionals. For the Organised Crime and Terrorism pathway, you will complete a Placement module along with modules on Transnational Organised Crime and Modern Slavery, and Contemporary Terror Movements: Classification and Response. The Victim Support pathway has core modules on the Rehabilitation of Offenders, Mental Health Assessment for Non-Mental Health Professionals and a Placement module.

During your time of study with us, you will come to understand the development of the criminal justice institutions (police, prisons and courts) in the UK, as well as the inter-relationships between these systems, as mechanisms to respond to crimes and social harms

We will consider how different social groups and individuals experience crimes and social harms, as well as the policies and regulatory responses that are supposed to alleviate or ameliorate these issues. During the course, you will also come to understand the construction and representation of crime and of responses to it in policy making, the media in all its forms, and public opinion. We develop in you an understanding and appropriate use of research strategies and methods in criminological research.

In your first year students on all pathways will study the same modules such as, The Criminal Justice Process, Case Studies in the Criminal Justice System and Psychological Contexts of Crime and Punishment.

In your second year, you will study core modules in Law for Justice, Theories of Crime and Justice and begin designing your research project. You will have the opportunity to study three option modules on the Criminology pathway. Additional core modules for the Offender Management pathway include modules on identifying self-harm, managing offenders and prison and probation laws. For the Organised Crime and Terrorism pathway, you will also study core modules on causes and theories of terrorism, organised crime and you will have the opportunity to choose and option module. On the Victim Support pathway, you will study core modules about working with victims, identifying suicide and self-harm and crime and victimisation.

In your third year, you will complete a research project for all pathways, along with Punishment and Penology and Placement as core modules. On the Criminology pathway, you have the flexibility to choose a range of option modules to suit your area of interest. The Offender Management Pathway has three additional core modules on Community Justice, Rehabilitation of Offenders and Mental Health Assessment for Non-Mental Health Professionals. For the Organised Crime and Terrorism pathway, you will complete a Placement module along with modules on Transnational Organised Crime and Modern Slavery, and Contemporary Terror Movements: Classification and Response. The Vicitim Support pathway has core modules on the Rehabilitation of Offenders, Mental Health Assessment for Non-Mental Health Professionals and a Placement module.

In your final year as an MSci student, you will have the opportunity to work more independently through either a professional placement or a research project and complete advanced core modules.

During your time of study with us, you will come to understand the development of the criminal justice institutions (police, prisons and courts) in the UK, as well as the inter-relationships between these systems, as mechanisms to respond to crimes and social harms

We will consider how different social groups and individuals experience crimes and social harms, as well as the policies and regulatory responses that are supposed to alleviate or ameliorate these issues. During the course, you will also come to understand the construction and representation of crime and of responses to it in policy making, the media in all its forms, and public opinion. We develop in you an understanding and appropriate use of research strategies and methods in criminological research.

In your first year students on all pathways will study the same modules such as, The Criminal Justice Process, Case Studies in the Criminal Justice System and Psychological Contexts of Crime and Punishment.

In your second year, you will study core modules in Law for Justice, Theories of Crime and Justice and begin designing your research project. You will have the opportunity to study three option modules on the Criminology pathway. Additional core modules for the Offender Management pathway include modules on identifying self-harm, managing offenders and prison and probation laws. For the Organised Crime and Terrorism pathway, you will also study core modules on causes and theories of terrorism, organised crime and you will have the opportunity to choose and option module. On the Victim Support pathway, you will study core modules about child safeguarding and crime and victimisation. 

In your final year, you will complete a research project for all pathways, along with Punishment and Penology and Placement as core modules. On the Criminology pathway, you have the flexibility to choose a range of option modules to suit your area of interest. The Offender Management Pathway has three additional core modules on Community Justice, Rehabilitation of Offenders and Mental Health Assessment for Non-Mental Health Professionals. For the Organised Crime and Terrorism pathway, you will complete a Placement module along with modules on Transnational Organised Crime and Modern Slavery, and Contemporary Terror Movements: Classification and Response. The Victim Support pathway has core modules on the Rehabilitation of Offenders, Mental Health Assessment for Non-Mental Health Professionals and a Placement module.

The course operates on a modular basis that provides flexibility and choice. Typically the majority of modules are 20 and 40 academic credits.

All students take a total of 120 credits per level and 360 credits for the degree as a whole. Your overall grade for the course and your degree classification are based on the marks obtained for modules taken at levels 5 and 6. The courses have one start point in September.

The course operates on a modular basis that provides flexibility and choice. Typically the majority of modules are 20 and 40 academic credits.

All students take a total of 120 credits per level and 360 credits for the degree as a whole. Your overall grade for the course and your degree classification are based on the marks obtained for modules taken at levels 5 and 6. The courses have one start point in September.

The course operates on a modular basis that provides flexibility and choice. Typically the majority of modules are 20 and 40 academic credits.

All students take a total of 120 credits per level and 360 credits for the degree as a whole. Your overall grade for the course and your degree classification are based on the marks obtained for modules taken at levels 5 and 6. The courses have one start point in September.

The course operates on a modular basis that provides flexibility and choice. Typically the majority of modules are 20 and 40 academic credits.

All students take a total of 120 credits per level and 360 credits for the degree as a whole. Your overall grade for the course and your degree classification are based on the marks obtained for modules taken at levels 5 and 6. The courses have one start point in September.

The course operates on a modular basis that provides flexibility and choice. Typically the majority of modules are 20 and 40 academic credits.

All students take a total of 120 credits per level and 360 credits for the degree as a whole. Your overall grade for the course and your degree classification are based on the marks obtained for modules taken at levels 5 and 6. The courses have one start point in September.

The course operates on a modular basis that provides flexibility and choice. Typically the majority of modules are 20 and 40 academic credits.

All students take a total of 120 credits per level and 360 credits for the degree as a whole. Your overall grade for the course and your degree classification are based on the marks obtained for modules taken at levels 5 and 6. The courses have one start point in September.