Programme Specification for the 2025/6 academic year
BSc (Hons) Crime and Data Science with Study Abroad
1. Programme Details
| Programme name | BSc (Hons) Crime and Data Science with Study Abroad | Programme code | UFS4HPSHPS17 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Study mode(s) | Academic year | 2025/6 | |
| Campus(es) | Streatham (Exeter) |
NQF Level of the Final Award | 6 (Honours) |
2. Description of the Programme
BSc Crime and Data Science with Study Abroad is a new interdisciplinary programme that combines social and criminological theories with data science skills. Data science is an interdisciplinary field that combines scientific methods, statistical techniques, and computational methods such as the use of algorithms and processes in order to gain actionable insights from unstructured and “noisy” data. Recent years have seen an ever-increasing interest in the application of data science methods to both researching and tackling crime. In this programme you will learn how to analyse data using Python and R, the two most popular programming languages for data science, as well as learning about statistical methods for data analysis. You will also learn about criminology and applying the data science skills to understanding and responding to crime and deviance. This programme will suit many career opportunities, such as analyst positions in law enforcement, defence, security, intelligence, consultancy, and the public sector.
3. Educational Aims of the Programme
4. Programme Structure
5. Programme Modules
The following tables describe the programme and constituent modules. Constituent modules may be updated, deleted or replaced as a consequence of the annual programme review of this programme.
https://www.exeter.ac.uk/study/studyinformation/modules/?prog=sociology
Students will take a combination of substantive Criminology and Data Science core modules. This combination will to teach students how different fields have used their frameworks and methods to study crime and policing issues and will also equip students with the necessary analytical and computing skills that employers are looking for.
You may take optional modules as long as any necessary prerequisites have been satisfied, where the timetable allows and if you have not already taken the module in question or an equivalent module.
You may take elective modules up to 30 credits outside of the programme in stages 2 and 4 of the programme as long as any necessary prerequisites have been satisfied, where the timetable allows and if you have not already taken the module in question or an equivalent module.
Students are required to take 30 credits from the approved list of data analysis / data science modules (not including the compulsory core modules). The list will be updated annually by the Programme Director. See note a in the tables below.
Stage 1
90 credits of compulsory modules, 30 credits of optional modules
Compulsory Modules
| Code | Module | Credits | Non-condonable? |
|---|---|---|---|
| SSI1005 | Introduction to Social Data | 15 | Yes |
| SSI1006 | Data Analysis in Social Science 1 | 15 | Yes |
| SSI1002 | Programming for the Social Sciences | 30 | No |
| CRI1003 | Social Issues: Part I - Introducing Crime and Deviance | 15 | No |
| CRI1004 | Social Issues: Part II - Themes in Criminology | 15 | No |
Optional Modules
Choose 30 credits from this list of optional modules.
| Code | Module | Credits | Non-condonable? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Criminology Stage 1 Option Modules 2025-6 | |||
| ANT1000 | Introduction to Social Anthropology | 30 | No |
| ANT1013 | Traditions of Anthropological Inquiry | 30 | No |
| SOC1000 | Contemporary Society: Themes, Perspectives and Case Studies | 30 | No |
| SOC1028 | Media and Society | 15 | No |
| CRI1005 | Introduction to Criminal Justice | 15 | No |
Stage 2
75 credits of compulsory modules, 45 credits of optional modules
Compulsory Modules
| Code | Module | Credits | Non-condonable? |
|---|---|---|---|
| SSI2004 | Research Design in the Social Sciences | 15 | Yes |
| SSI2005 | Data Analysis in Social Science 2 | 15 | Yes |
| SSI2007 | Data Analysis in Social Science 3 | 15 | Yes |
| CRI2014 | Crime Science | 15 | No |
| SSI2008 | Mapping the Social World: Introduction to Spatial Analysis in the Social Sciences | 15 | No |
Optional Modules
Choose 75 credits from this list of optional modules.
a - Students are required to take 30 credits in these modules over Stages 2 and 4.
| Code | Module | Credits | Non-condonable? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Criminology Stage 2 Option Modules 2025-6 | |||
| ARC2514 | Forensic Anthropology | 15 | No |
| BIO2068 | Forensic Science | 30 | No |
| POL2057 | Security Studies | 15 | No |
| SOC2024 | Power and Domination | 15 | No |
| SPA2018 | Addiction | 30 | No |
| CRI2018 | Crime Prevention and Control within Contemporary Society | 15 | No |
| CRI2014 | Crime Science | 15 | No |
| CRI2012 | Deprivation of liberty: Imprisonment and beyond | 15 | No |
| CRI2010 | Forensic Science, Conflict and Justice | 15 | No |
| CRI2007 | Imprisonment: Key Criminological and Sociological Themes | 15 | No |
| CRI2015 | Introduction to Terrorism Studies | 30 | No |
| CRI2001 | Organised Crime and Criminal Networks | 15 | No |
| CRI2008 | Police and Policing | 15 | No |
| CRI2006 | Race, Ethnicity and Criminalisation | 15 | No |
| CRI2009 | Victimology | 15 | No |
| SPA2015 | When Things Fall Apart: Social Infrastructures | 15 | No |
| SPA2029 | Data Justice and Surveillance Capitalism | 15 | No |
Stage 3
120 credit compulsory placement module
Compulsory Modules
120 credit compulsory placement module
| Code | Module | Credits | Non-condonable? |
|---|---|---|---|
| HAS3999 | Study Abroad (HASS) | 120 | Yes |
Stage 4
30 credits of compulsory Dissertation, 90 credits of optional modules
Compulsory Modules
| Code | Module | Credits | Non-condonable? |
|---|---|---|---|
| SSI3019 | Quantitative Dissertation | 30 | No |
Optional Modules
Choose 75 credits from this list of optional modules.
b - Students are required to take 30 credits in these modules over Stages 2 and 4.
| Code | Module | Credits | Non-condonable? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Criminology Final Stage Option Modules 2025-6 | |||
| ARC3510 | Experimental Approaches to Forensic and Archaeological Investigations | 15 | No |
| PSY3411 | Psychology and Law | 15 | No |
| CRI3006 | Race, Ethnicity and Criminalisation | 15 | No |
| CRI3007 | Imprisonment: Key Criminological and Sociological Themes | 15 | No |
| CRI3008 | Police and Policing | 15 | No |
| CRI3009 | Victimology | 15 | No |
| CRI3010 | Forensic Science, Conflict and Justice | 15 | No |
| CRI3012 | Deprivation of liberty: Imprisonment and beyond | 15 | No |
| CRI3014 | Crime Science | 15 | No |
| CRI3015 | Introduction to Terrorism Studies | 30 | No |
| CRI3018 | Crime Prevention and Control within Contemporary Society | 15 | No |
| SOC3147 | Power and Domination | 15 | No |
| SPA3015 | When Things Fall Apart: Social Infrastructures | 15 | No |
| SPA3018 | Addiction | 30 | No |
| SPA3025 | Data Visualisation | 15 | No |
6. Programme Outcomes Linked to Teaching, Learning and Assessment Methods
Intended Learning Outcomes
A: Specialised Subject Skills and Knowledge
| Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) On successfully completing this programme you will be able to: | Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) will be... | |
|---|---|---|
| ...accommodated and facilitated by the following learning and teaching activities (in/out of class): | ...and evidenced by the following assessment methods: | |
1. Demonstrate knowledge of core methods of social data science. | 1-2). Are developed initially in SSI1002, SSI1005 and SSI1006, and then further developed in SSI2005 and SSI2006. 3-4) Are introduced in SOC1039 and SOC1040 and then further developed in optional modules in stages 2 and 4. 5) Is introduced in SSI1002, SSI1005, SSI1006 and further developed in SSI2004 6) Is delivered via optional modules in stages 1-4. | The assessment of these skills is through a combination of essays, data reports, examinations, online tests, coding exercises, and oral presentations |
Intended Learning Outcomes
B: Academic Discipline Core Skills and Knowledge
| Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) On successfully completing this programme you will be able to: | Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) will be... | |
|---|---|---|
| ...accommodated and facilitated by the following learning and teaching activities (in/out of class): | ...and evidenced by the following assessment methods: | |
7. Draw thematic comparisons between material from different sources. | These skills are developed throughout the degree programme, but the emphasis becomes more complex as students move from stage to stage. They are developed through lectures and seminars, written work, and oral work (both presentation and class discussion). | The assessment of these skills is through a combination of essays, data reports, examinations, online tests, coding exercises, and oral presentations. |
Intended Learning Outcomes
C: Personal/Transferable/Employment Skills and Knowledge
| Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) On successfully completing this programme you will be able to: | Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) will be... | |
|---|---|---|
| ...accommodated and facilitated by the following learning and teaching activities (in/out of class): | ...and evidenced by the following assessment methods: | |
15. Undertake independent research and ability to work to deadlines. | These skills are developed throughout the degree programme, but the emphasis becomes more complex as students move from stage to stage. They are developed through lectures and seminars, written work, and oral work (both presentation and class discussion). | The assessment of these skills is through a combination of essays, data reports, examinations, online tests, coding exercises, and oral presentations. |
7. Programme Regulations
Full details of assessment regulations for all taught programmes can be found in the TQA Manual, specifically in the Credit and Qualifications Framework, and the Assessment, Progression and Awarding: Taught Programmes Handbook.
Additional information, including Generic Marking Criteria, can be found in the Learning and Teaching Support Handbook.
The University and its constituent Colleges review the quality and standard of teaching and learning in all taught programmes against a range of criteria through the procedures outlined in the Teaching Quality Assurance (TQA) Manual Quality Review Framework.
Each academic programme in the University is subject to an agreed College assessment and marking strategy, underpinned by institution-wide assessment procedures.
The security of assessment and academic standards is further supported through the appointment of External Examiners for each programme. External Examiners have access to draft papers, course work and examination scripts. They are required to attend the Board of Examiners and to provide an annual report. Annual External Examiner reports are monitored at both College and University level. Their responsibilities are described in the University's code of practice. See the University's TQA Manual for details.
Classification
Full details of assessment regulations for all taught programmes can be found in the TQA Manual, specifically in the Credit and Qualifications Framework, and the Assessment, Progression and Awarding: Taught Programmes Handbook. Additional information, including Generic Marking Criteria, can be found in the Learning and Teaching Support Handbook.
8. College Support for Students and Students' Learning
Please refer to the University Academic Policy and Standards guidelines regarding support for students and students’ learning.
9. University Support for Students and Students' Learning
Please refer to the University Academic Policy and Standards guidelines regarding support for students and students' learning.
10. Admissions Criteria
Undergraduate applicants must satisfy the Undergraduate Admissions Policy of the University of Exeter.
Postgraduate applicants must satisfy the Postgraduate Admissions Policy of the University of Exeter.
Specific requirements required to enrol on this programme are available at the respective Undergraduate or Postgraduate Study Site webpages.
11. Regulation of Assessment and Academic Standards
Each academic programme in the University is subject to an agreed College assessment and marking strategy, underpinned by institution-wide assessment procedures.
The security of assessment and academic standards is further supported through the appointment of External Examiners for each programme. External Examiners have access to draft papers, course work and examination scripts. They are required to attend the Board of Examiners and to provide an annual report. Annual External Examiner reports are monitored at both College and University level. Their responsibilities are described in the University's code of practice. See the University's TQA Manual for details.
14. Awarding Institution
University of Exeter
15. Lead College / Teaching Institution
Faculty of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences (HASS)
16. Partner College / Institution
Partner College(s)
Not applicable to this programme
Partner Institution
Not applicable to this programme.
17. Programme Accredited / Validated by
0
18. Final Award
BSc (Hons) Crime and Data Science with Study Abroad
19. UCAS Code
M904
20. NQF Level of Final Award
6 (Honours)
21. Credit
| CATS credits | 360 |
ECTS credits | 180 |
|---|
22. QAA Subject Benchmarking Group
23. Dates
| Origin Date | 22/09/2022 |
Date of last revision | 06/11/2025 |
|---|
