Criminology and Sociology

Module overview: This module explores the complex intersections between diversity, inequalities and justice.

You will examine how social and structural inequalities shape experiences and outcomes within legal and criminal justice institutions. 

You will delve into historical and contemporary perspectives on systemic inequalities, structural racism, the overrepresentation of ethnic minority groups in criminal justice processes. 

How you’ll learn: You’ll learn about the module’s topic through mini-taught sessions. You’ll also take part in class activities, workshops, and group tasks where you’ll be encouraged to get involved and work with others. These sessions might include reading and presenting, interactive exercises, group work, solving problems, discussing ideas, debating topics, and doing quizzes to check your understanding. 

Assessment: You will be assessed through an essay and by submitting a podcast.  

Module overview: This module is designed to introduce the diverse range of perspectives contributing to ‘the sociological imagination’, giving you a taste of the different ways to approach a subject of sociological enquiry. You will think critically about so-called ‘schools of thought’ in sociology in building a fuller understanding of various phenomenon. 

How you’ll learn: You’ll attend a mix of lectures and seminars. You’ll also have an extra 30 minutes of online support each week, where you'll be able to watch recordings of bite-sized lecture material whenever it's convenient for you.  

Assessment: You will be assessed through an essay and case study.  

Module overview: This module examines key sociological concepts in urban settings, exploring how cities shape and are shaped by social, cultural, economic, and political forces. You will examine issues like inequality, race, class, urbanization, gentrification, and social movements through sociological theory, case studies, and real-world urban fieldwork.

How you'll learn: You will be involved in weekly workshops. These include mini taught sessions, blended with a range of interactive activities, group work, problem solving, reading and presenting, discussing and debating topics, and quizzes. 

Assessment: You will be assessed through an audio tour and essay.  

Module overview: How can we generate new knowledge and understandings in the Social Sciences?

In this practical module, you will explore the theoretical, ethical, and practical dimensions of the research process and will look at a range of quantitative and qualitative methodologies for collecting and analysing social scientific data. By the end of the module, you will be competent in carrying out criminological, policing, or sociological research. You will also develop a range of transferable skills including quantitative and qualitative data analysis and using software such as SPSS.  

How you’ll learn: You’ll learn through a mix of weekly lectures and seminar/group sessions. You’ll be introduced to core concepts and key information through bite-sized lecture inputs, while the rest of your learning will happen through hands-on, interactive activities. You’ll take part in group work, tackle problem-solving tasks, read and present materials, engage in discussions and debates, and test your understanding through quizzes—all designed to deepen your knowledge and build practical skills. You’ll have time during sessions to develop skills related to assessments, including improving your critical thinking, reading abilities, and overall assessment skills. 

Assessment: You will be assessed through a portfolio and a poster. 

Module overview: In this module you will design and lead on an independent research project on a subject of your own choice, drawing on your knowledge related to your subject of study and of research methodology and ethics. 

How you’ll learn: This module includes lectures that will help you understand how to complete a research project. The sessions will be interactive, featuring activities like group work, problem-solving tasks, and discussions or debates on key topics. You’ll also receive support from a supervisor as you work independently on your project. 

Assessment: You will be assessed through a research project and a reflection piece of work. 

Module overview: In this module, you will learn about international law, with particular focus on human rights.

You will explore key international legal institutions and mechanisms involved in the protection of human and other rights. You will be exposed to notorious case studies, which will be analysed and assessed during in-class discussions.  

How you’ll learn: You’ll gain knowledge of the module’s topics through mini-taught sessions, in-class tasks, and workshops. You’ll also take part in student-led activities, such as reading, answering questions, and presenting your answers to a supportive group of peers. Other activities may include interactive exercises, problem-solving tasks, and discussions or debates on various topics. 

Assessment: You will be assessed through an essay and a presentation. 

Module overview: This module will explore the relevance of sociology for addressing societal issues/problems across a range of organisations. You will consider a range of practice-relevant issues including homelessness, challenges experienced by families, and human rights violations, hearing from individuals working within relevant institutions/agencies.

How you’ll learn: You’ll attend a mix of lectures and seminars. You’ll also have an extra 30 minutes of online support each week, where you'll be able to watch recordings of bite-sized lecture material whenever it's convenient for you. 

Assessment: You will be assessed through a report and presentation.  

Module overview: Digital technology is increasingly a feature of our lives; from our behaviours as consumers to our day-to-day interactions to our engagement in education.

We’ll explore such issues in this module, looking to ask (and answer) big questions about what this digitality means for individuals, social groups, social structures and society.

How you’ll learn: You’ll learn through a mix of weekly workshops and seminar/group sessions. You’ll be introduced to core concepts and key information through bite-sized lecture inputs, while the rest of your learning will happen through hands-on, interactive activities. You’ll take part in group work, tackle problem-solving tasks, read and present materials, engage in discussions and debates, and test your understanding through quizzes—all designed to deepen your knowledge and build practical skills. 

Assessment: You will be assessed through a poster and a portfolio (podcast). 

Module overview: You will explore the ways in which family life shapes, and is shaped by, crime and criminal justice processes.

By placing ‘the family’ at the heart of its analysis, this module draws together a range of established criminological topics such as youth justice, interpersonal violence, organised crime, policing, and victimology.  

How you’ll learn: You'll gain knowledge through a blended teaching approach that combines mini-taught sessions with interactive, student-led activities. These may include reading and presenting information, participating in group work, solving problems, engaging in discussions or debates, completing quizzes, and taking part in workshops. Alongside learning the core content of the module, you'll also develop transferable skills that enhance your employability. These activities are designed to help you apply what you’ve learned and deepen your understanding of key concepts.   

Assessment: You will be assessed through a poster and an essay.  

Module overview: Complete a work placement as part of your degree. The work experience can be in any format, such as volunteering, paid, placement, or internship, as long as this is relevant to their subject of study. This module gives you a great opportunity to explore a career path that interests you, add valuable experience to your CV, and inspire you to pursue the right graduate opportunities in the future.

30 credits

You will develop your core academic and integrated English language skills of speaking, listening, reading and writing. You will become familiar with key academic skills and concepts, such as referencing methods and awareness of academic integrity and tone. You will apply these skills and knowledge to both broad topics and also your chosen subject pathway.

Teaching and learning

You will be required to actively engage in on-campus learning for up to 10 hours a week.

You will be taught through a full range of teaching and learning methods, which include lectures, seminars, workshops, discussion groups, group directed tasks and presentations. This will enable you to learn from your peers and tutors in both structured and information settings.

You will be encouraged to think creatively about your approach to learning and discussions with your peers. You will also have access to recordings, resources, links and signposting through Moodle to enrich your learning.

Assessment

You will be assessed through group and individual presentations, comparative and reflective essays, multiple choice exams, coursework and reports, oral exams, portfolios, case studies and blogs.

30 credits

You will develop your core academic and integrated English language skills of speaking, listening, reading and writing. You will become familiar with key academic skills and concepts, such as referencing methods and awareness of academic integrity and tone. You will apply these skills and knowledge to both broad topics and also your chosen subject pathway.

Teaching and Learning

You will be required to actively engage in on-campus learning for up to 10 hours a week.

You will be taught through a full range of teaching and learning methods, which include lectures, seminars, workshops, discussion groups, group directed tasks and presentations. This will enable you to learn from your peers and tutors in both structured and information settings.

You will be encouraged to think creatively about your approach to learning and discussions with your peers. You will also have access to recordings, resources, links and signposting through Moodle to enrich your learning.

Assessment

You will be assessed through group and individual presentations, comparative and reflective essays, multiple choice exams, coursework and reports, oral exams, portfolios, case studies and blogs. 

30 credits

You will develop your research, numeracy and information technology skills. You will investigate the difference between primary and secondary research, conduct your own research project and demonstrate your findings through data analysis. You will also develop your awareness of equality, diversion and inclusion in the UK, through a real-world issue; discrimination in the workplace.

Teaching and learning

You will be required to actively engage in on-campus learning for up to 10 hours a week.

You will be taught through a full range of teaching and learning methods, which include lectures, seminars, workshops, discussion groups, group directed tasks and presentations. This will enable you to learn from your peers and tutors in both structured and information settings.

You will be encouraged to think creatively about your approach to learning and discussions with your peers. You will also have access to recordings, resources, links and signposting through Moodle to enrich your learning.

Assessment

You will be assessed through group and individual presentations, comparative and reflective essays, multiple choice exams, coursework and reports, oral exams, portfolios, case studies and blogs. 

30 credits

This module supports a broad exploration of crime and law and its integration within society across various sources, which includes diverse cultural, social, and political representations. By analysing a wide range of topics, you are encouraged to critically engage with how disability, gender and race are represented and viewed in relation to crime and law.

This course integrates sustainability by looking at the sustainability of social interactions and your results and consequences in relation to crime and law. Social responsibility, legal injustice across the globe and inequality are all featured. Social Responsibility is embedded through topics such as social identity, prejudice and exclusion. Social Cognitive Theory and Rational Choice Theory helps you understand challenges and question accountability for individuals and communities.

This course fosters global engagement by examining the inequalities experienced in other cultures, particularly in relation to race, gender and exclusion. Global challenges are addressed at every step equipping you with the skills to navigate a globalised world in a variety of ways. By analysing data and text concerning diverse cultures and contexts, you will develop an understanding of how individuals and cultures operate amongst injustices in a globalised world, preparing you to engage thoughtfully with diverse audiences.

Teaching and learning

Through lectures, workshops, group work, and structured academic writing, you will have the opportunity to practice the core academic skills needed for your future studies. Critical thinking will be developed through tasks such as text analysis, group discussions, and the ability to create well-structured academic assignments, including essays and presentations.

The teaching delivery for each module consists of one, one-three-hour lecture and one, two-hour workshop per week. You will get a diverse learning experience through case studies and active learning workshops and microteaches.

You will also have an additional 30 minutes of online support each week, consisting of activities to develop your presentation skills and to provide you with opportunities to explore wider policy implementation in diverse/comparative transnational examples.

Assessment

This module will be assessed using a video presentation and summative essay.

30% - video presentation, working in groups, you will produce a video on a topic taught on the curriculum and explain its impact on UK society, using a real-world example.

70% - summative essay, you will identify an issue, either historical or contemporary, that has had an impact on UK society and connect it to at least one of the key topics covered in the course.

30 credits

This module supports a broad exploration of social understanding across various sources, which includes diverse cultural, social, and political representations. By analysing a wide range of topics, you are encouraged to critically engage with how disability, gender and race are represented and viewed. This ensures that your projects and research can reflect a variation of perspectives, fostering a more inclusive and holistic learning environment.

This course integrates sustainability by looking at the sustainability of social interactions and your results and consequences. Social responsibility, globalisation and inequality are all featured. Social Responsibility is embedded through topics such as social identity, prejudice and exclusion. Social Cognitive Theory and Rational Choice Theory help you understand challenges and question accountability for individuals and communities.

This course fosters global engagement by examining the inequalities experienced in other cultures, particularly in relation to race, gender and class. Global challenges are addressed at every step, equipping you to navigate a globalised world in a variety of ways. By analysing data and text concerning diverse cultures and contexts, you develop an understanding of how individuals and cultures operate in a globalised world, preparing you to engage thoughtfully with diverse audiences.

Teaching and learning

The teaching delivery for each module consists of one, one-three-hour lecture and one, two-hour seminar per week. Lecturers will cover core indicative content, while seminars will consist of research workshops, as well as forming small groups and learning on relevant case studies.

You will also have an additional 30 minutes of online support each week, consisting of activities to develop your presentation skills and to provide you with opportunities to explore wider policy implementation in diverse/comparative transnational examples.

Assessment

This module will be assessed using an academic poster and a summative essay.

40% - academic poster, you will design a poster that provides key information and sociological analysis of your selected story or issue chosen from key weekly topics.

60% - summative essay, you will conduct a sociological analysis of a story or issue you have encountered in the media.