Criminology (Direct Entry to Year 3 only) Bachelor of Arts (with Honours) - BA (Hons)

To reduce crime, we need to try and understand why it happens, how people feel about it, and the impact it has on individuals and society as a whole.

This degree introduces the fascinating and evolving world of criminology, including the criminal justice system and foundations of law, sociology and psychology, including an emphasis on research methods. It also covers contemporary issues in criminology, such as gender, race, and crime, the treatment and rehabilitation of offenders; victimology, miscarriages of justice, crime prevention and community safety.

This award is validated by The Open University.

**Please Note: 2027/28 will be the final year of operation for this programme. \
We welcome applicants for direct entry to Year 3 only. \
Applicants must have already passed (or expect to achieve) a full Level 5 qualification in a related discipline. This could be a Foundation Degree, Higher National Diploma (HND), Diploma of Higher Education (DipHE) or equivalent, having achieved 240 academic credits at undergraduate level.**

About the course:

Year 3 (Level 6) modules:

\-Dissertation (60 credits)\
• Prison and Punishment\

• Miscarriages of Justice\

• Criminal Justice and Inequality


The final-year dissertation allows students to complete an independent body of research on a related topic of their choice. This will require students to demonstrate their ability to conduct original research, analyse data, and present their findings in a clear and concise manner. Students will have the opportunity to apply the knowledge and skills acquired throughout the programme to a real-world issue in the field of criminology.

Assessments:

A variety of traditional and innovative methods will be used, designed to provide authentic experiences for students to demonstrate the real-world competencies they will be required to use in a professional context. These include individual and group presentations, discussions, essays, reports, case studies, research and project work, examinations, reflective journals and work-based projects.

Qualification awarded:

Level 6 Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Criminology - awarded by The Open University.

What does a criminologist do?

Criminologists are social scientists who study crime, criminal behaviour, and the criminal justice system. They analyse crime statistics, conduct research to determine the causes of crime, and develop theories around criminal behaviour. They also study how effectively the criminal justice system responds to crime; including law enforcement, courts, and prisons.

Careers and progression:

With vital transferable skills that many potential employers are looking for, Criminology graduates will be well-placed to progress to postgraduate education or employment in the criminal justice sector and beyond.

Traditional destinations might include the police, probation, prison and courts services and similar roles in HM Revenue and Customs, UK Border Force, social services, victim support, youth services and offender management. Also a wide range of social welfare roles, such as mental health support and drug rehabilitation, housing, homelessness officers, and in refugee and victim support/counselling.

Graduates could also consider a career in broadcast media, journalism or teaching.