Criminology

Essential Skills For Criminology

Module code: CRIM40000

The Criminal Justice Process

Module code: SOCY40526

Psychology In The Justice System

How can psychology explain and influence issues within the Criminal Justice System? This module will provide you with an introduction to, and evaluation of, some of the ways in which psychological research and theories can help us to understand contemporary and key issues that we see in Criminal Justice cases in a number of areas including policing, interviewing and in the court room, setting the scene for explorations into criminal behaviours and impacts in later modules.

Module code: PSYC40819

Theories Of Crime And Justice

Theories of Crime and Justice provides you with a comprehensive grounding in the area of criminological theory. This module familiarises you with the different assumptions, explanations and proposed solutions embedded within these theories and sensitises you to the importance of the social contexts in which theories are produced. The module is also designed to develop your learning about 'crime' and 'criminal justice', so you learn that they are not fixed and settled entities but complex and shifting processes whose different characteristics are revealed (and concealed) when viewed through the lenses of different theories.

Module code: SOCY40528

Crime Prevention

Module code: CRIM40001

Introduction To Research Skills

Module code: SOCY40524

Offender Management

This module is a core module on the Offender Management pathways and has been designed to provide you with a detailed knowledge of contemporary offender management policies and procedures. The module will prepare you for employment in the custodial sector and many of the sessions are delivered by staff from HMPSS. You will have the opportunity to test your skills in role-play scenarios.

Module code: LAWS51952

Organised Crime

The purpose of this module is to examine different forms of organised crime in historical and contemporary settings. Particular attention will be given to the complex nature of organised crime, mafias, drugs, people and arms trades, as well as the role of states and corporations in relation to organised criminal activity. There will be a range of case studies, theoretical concepts, and other critical issues for students to work through in order to demonstrate their understanding of core content.

Module code: SOCY50588

Media And Crime

Media and Crime is an exciting module in which you will examine the complex interrelationships between the media and representations of criminal activity, including crimes of the powerful vs crimes of the powerless. The module offers case studies of representations of crime generated across a range of media sites including television, film, literature, advertising, newspapers, magazines, music videos and websites. You will also can analyse visual representations of crime from historical and contemporary media sources.

Module code: SOCY50590

Crime Harm And Victimisation

Using victimological theory, this module investigates concepts such as: conventional victims, non-conventional victims, victimisation, victimology and zemilology; to examine harm and victimisation beyond traditional frameworks; to investigate crime and harm committed by the powerful; and to examine regulatory frameworks and to assess the extent to which they deliver criminal and/or social justice and to acknowledge and understand resistance and redress

Module code: SOCY50585

Understanding Terrorism: Causes And Theories

What is ‘terrorism’? That is the question that frames this module. Since 9/11 the word ‘terrorism’ has become part of our daily vernacular and yet there is significant confusion and debate about its meaning and its causes. This module enters into these debates and begins by looking at various definitions of ‘terrorism’ and the different types of ‘terrorism’. Can we say we have entered into a new era of ‘terrorism’?With this grounding the module then moves onto look at various theories of ‘terrorism’ that attempt to offer some insight into the causes of ‘terrorism’. What are the religious, political, and socioeconomic dimensions of ‘terrorism’?This module is designed to give you a strong grounding in the sociology of terrorism and encourage you to continue with the study of terrorism.

Module code: SOCY50589

Law For Justice

Criminal law is an exciting subject, which you will find enjoyable and engaging. You will explore the law relating to some of the most serious and/or common criminal offences, including homicide, non-fatal offences against the person and fraud. Learners will explore a range of defences, such as, self-defence, diminished responsibility and insanity. You will learn about several key contemporary concepts of criminal liability such as fitness to plead and accessorial liability. You will consider some basic rules of evidence and aspects of sentencing to provide you will an effective and practical overview.

Module code: LAWS51950

Designing Research Projects

Module code: CRIM50000

Risk And Vulnerability

In recent years there has been a shift in policing towards public protective services (College of Policing, 2020), where one of the primary roles includes assessing for risk and vulnerability. Police training is changing across England and Wales with an increased awareness of the importance of understanding vulnerability and risk. This module explores and evaluates the complexities in relation to vulnerable people in society and the implications these can have on policing. The module provides students with an understanding of vulnerability, and the theories and concepts relating to how people can become vulnerable and as a result, victimised. During the module, students explore contemporary vulnerability issues such as families with complex needs, missing persons, prostitutions, domestic abuse, sexual offences and mental ill health. The module evaluates evidence-based models of policing to protect vulnerable people, with specific reference to police policies and practices, victim and perpetrator perceptions and mental health. Reference will be made to how vulnerable people are supported by the police and other agencies and how risk is managed. Multi-agency working will be a theme throughout this module, introducing case reviews and the management of offenders.

Module code: FORE50373

Working With Victims

Do you have the knowledge and skills to work with victims and encourage them to tell you their story and seek further support? This module provides you with relevant theory, policy and best practice information and the space to practice core communication skills pertinent to working with victims of crime. We will cover vulnerability and risk, trauma informed care, disclosure, and restorative justice. We will also build capability in listening skills, question techniques, note taking and making referrals for further support. You will be taught innovatively by a series of online podcast lectures and skills practice campus-based workshop sessions.

Module code: SOCY50587

Identifying Suicide And/Or Self-Harm Prevention

This module is a core module on the Offender Management pathway and has been designed to provide you with useful knowledge of a very serious and prevalent phenomenon in the criminal justice sector. The module will prepare you for employment in the justice and community sector and many of the sessions are delivered by staff from HMPSS. You will have the opportunity to test your skills in role-play scenarios. You will learn about different approaches to suicide and self-harm assessment, utilising different models, tools and considering evidence-based practice. You will gain an insight into the differences and relationships between suicidality and self-harm and provide appropriate responses and look at assessment as a therapeutic intervention including Cognitive Behaviour Approaches to assessment, formulation and intervention.

Module code: LAWS51949

Prison And Probation Law And Regulations

You will study the law relating to prisoners as adults or young offenders and how this extends to their release into the community. You will gain a basic knowledge of the Prison Act 1952, the current Prison Rules and how regulations are made and developed. You will consider the implications of Prison Service Orders (PSOs) and Prison Service Instructions (PSIs) Probation Instructions and the Ministry of Justice Policy frameworks. This module is designed to provide you with an invaluable knowledge about the important rules that regulate the lives of offenders and service users. Tutors will facilitate learning about key area of the law and regulations that govern the offender’s progression with the criminal justice system specifically post sentence, the custodial setting, parole and release into the community.

Module code: LAWS51953

Contemporary Terror Movements: Classifications And Responses

This module provides students with the systematic theoretical and empirical study of new and old types of terrorism and political violence. The module also covers types of new terrorism with a focus on terrorism in the twenty-first century. Using various terror networks, the modules analyses and interrogates key debates in terrorism such as: the meaning and politics of terrorism; the relationship between terrorism and the media; and the drivers of terrorism. Moreover, policy responses to terrorism and counter terrorism and their relationship with human rights will form part of this module.

Module code: SOCY60575

Child Safeguarding

The module allows students to delve into the contested subject of child safeguarding, child protection and offender management. This module aims to develop the students thirst for reading and research into case studies and wider, related criminological theory. The subject is intended to prompt an effective interest in analysing competing criminological theories and allow the students to build on their critical analysis. This module will hopefully develop reading and research skills that can be transferred to other modules.

Module code: CRIM60002

Cybercrime

The Cybercrime module will consider the ideas, concepts and law connected to cybercrime. The role of police and other agencies to investigate such crimes will be explored, as will the challenges of such investigations. Learning will take place through interactive lectures and tutorials including some supported by a range of specialist guest speakers.

Module code: FORE60380

Transnational Organised Crime

Progressing from the activities of organised crime groups previously covered (the ‘who’), this module examines numerous thematic processes associated with organised crime (the ‘what’). Crucially, the organised crime paradigm itself will be critically interrogated in order to examine how crime develops and thrives in otherwise legitimate structures, markets, and businesses. Throughout the module, a focus will be maintained on transnational issues and potential interventions. A core aim of the module is to situate organised crime within its various historical, political-economic, legal, and socio-cultural settings, thereby critiquing the value of an ‘organised crime’ framework in explaining the phenomena under consideration. In turn, this critique will enable students to develop rigorous assessments concerning the nature, organisation, and governance of organised crime within contemporary settings. Some of the subject content may change from year to year due to continuous developments in the field.

Module code: SOCY60579

Dissertation Project

Module code: CRIM60000

Policing And Society

This module focuses on individual and organisational aspects which may influence policing; investigation of crime, dealing with offenders, supporting victims and empowering communities. Students will learn about influences of bias; the effects of personal experience; the importance of procedural justice; as well as how community differences, values and norms, alongside politics, accountability and governance impact on the policing landscape. The module reviews how local and high profile cases can affect the police’s ability to foster and maintain community cohesion. This module will provide students with a knowledge and understanding about the role of risk in policing; the value of community policing in community engagement; and the needs and support police can provide to vulnerable people.

Module code: FORE60379

Placement

Students who have experience in a relevant workplace to their chosen career path gain paid work in the field more swiftly. This module has been developed to support you in becoming more employable in the future. The content and assessment relate to the University Employability Framework and this module requires you to engage in the module, with PDP sessions and the Career Coaching service at Staffordshire University in order to prepare and undertake a 40 hour work placement (paid or unpaid) in a related field to Criminology and Social Justice. The module leader and wider team from the Careers Service and PDP tutors provide you with support and knowledge to apply for placements and undertake your placement to maximise your employability potential. The module is delivered through a blended approach of online podcasts, face-to-face meetings and coaching sessions. By the end of the module you would have completed a skills audit and have written a professional CV as well as reflecting on the transferable skills you have gained from undertaking a work placement in relation to your future career ambitions. You will be expected to present on your learning from your work experience to others as part of your assessment, provide evidence of your placement and write a reflective portfolio for this module. You will reflect upon the importance of anti-discriminatory and anti-oppressive practice.

Module code: CRIM60004

Punishment And Penology

This module reflects the subject knowledge and understanding concerning the philosophy and politics of criminalisation, victimisation, criminal justice and modes of punishment. An integral part of this module is a critical analysis of power imbalance, human rights, civil liberties and the relationships of authority, discipline and coercion. The main aim is to review the politics of punishment and the socio-political controversies and debates which have shaped contemporary policies and penal practices. The main themes of this module include: philosophical and theoretical contributions to an understanding of punishments, the politics of punishments, policy developments in penal practice, offender rights and responsibilities, the wider instrumental role of prison in the criminal justice process, determining contexts and punishments (for example, gender, race, age, class, disability, etc.), comparative penology and penal abolitionism.

Module code: SOCY60578

Serial Killers

The module allows learners to delve into the fascinating topic of serial murder. This module is used to develop the learners’ thirst for reading and research. The subject is intended to prompt an interest in analysing competing criminological theories and allow the learners to build on their critical analysis. This subject will provide a stimulus for reading and research traditional and contemporary criminological theories.

Module code: CRIM60001

Rehabilitation Of Offenders

You will gain a more advanced knowledge of academic theories about rehabilitation within the context on the HMPSS and NPS’s practical application of theory. You will learn about cross-cutting social issues that lead to criminal behaviour such as poor mental health, drug and alcohol addiction, homelessness, debt and poor education and how theories have been developed to cut crime, tackle reoffending, support victims and keep the public safe. On completing the module, you should be able to effectively provide effective rehabilitation services that address criminogenic needs including mental health and addiction.

Module code: LAWS62060

Mental Health Assessment For Non-Mental Health Professionals

There is growing recognition that mental health is a crucial factor that influences an individual’s overall health and wellbeing. The need to view mental health as a priority with a status equal to that afforded physical health is increasingly reflected in health policy. Furthermore, there is growing acceptance that mental health issues are not only the remit of specialist services but rather demand attention from all services, individuals and professionals who work with people in prison, people on probation, and victims of crime. This module is designed to facilitate the development of your knowledge and skills in mental health assessment and relevant referral pathways appropriate to your role and scope of practice. Your learning will be facilitated by specialist practitioners via a flexible approach that utilises both face to face contact and blended learning. The module assessment will provide you with the opportunity to apply your enhanced understanding as part of a case study focusing on mental health assessment.

Module code: CRIM60003

Community Justice

You will learn about the probation service and how community sentences are facilitated by both public and private sector organisations. You will reflect on how community justice is essential to cutting crime, tackling reoffending, supporting victims and keeping the public safe. You will consider the efficacy of combining the right sentences with new technology. You will learn how probation staff work more closely with local authorities and the NHS to help offenders find a stable home and medical treatment so that they can access employment and education.

Module code: CRIM60005

Sociology Of Crime

This module is designed to provide students with an introduction to the sociological causes of crime and criminal behaviour. In this module we will explore the role media has to play in crime, moral panic, and theories of crime. We will also explore and critically analyse different crime prevention policies, including situational, environmental and community approaches to crime prevention. Case studies will be used throughout the module to ensure application of theory to contemporary crime challenges.

Module code: LAWS31316

Crime In Context

Module code: LAWS31320

Introduction To Critical Thinking And Argument

Module code: LAWS31322

Theories Of Criminality And An Introduction From Crime Scene To Courtroom

Module code: LAWS31324

Academic Skills

What are the core differences between an essay and other types of academic writing? Why is important to make this distinction? How do I improve my own writing skills? In this module, we will be answering all of these questions and more. Law and its application across the justice sector is intrinsically connected to language.. We will be considering how language is adapted to suit a variety of audiences, whether that is writing an academic essay, or writing a formal letter.We will be examining the core features of legal English and its use across the justice sector, which will form the foundations for your degree and future career.

Module code: LAWS31318

Undergraduate Criminology Placement

This module offers the opportunity to experience the professional world of work in a public, voluntary or community organisation or a registered charity. Particular attention is paid to an appreciation of the ethical, practical, technical, and financial (resource) issues involved in working with and for these sectors in the audit-driven culture of the twenty-first century. Students will typically be working with professional staff in the support of clients who experience some form of social disadvantage and require support and/or may be working in a profession related to their prospective career. Students may wish to seek a placement with the probation service or a charity supporting people who have been released from prison or a local service supporting people with drug or alcohol mis-use problems. Alternatively, students might be required to contribute towards or conduct a small-scale research/evaluation project for the organisation or profession. Students are supported in choosing their placement, supported to secure that placement, and then they are supported throughout that placement.

Module code: SOCYP0002

Advanced Criminological Theory

Module code: SOCY70524

Working In Criminal And Social Justice

Module code: SOCY70534

Contemporary Issues In Criminology And Criminal Justice

Module code: SOCY70525

Postgraduate Project

Module code: SOCY70528