Programme Specification for the 2024/5 academic year
BA (Hons) Sociology and Criminology
1. Programme Details
| Programme name | BA (Hons) Sociology and Criminology | Programme code | UFA3HPSHPS34 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Study mode(s) | Full Time |
Academic year | 2024/5 |
| Campus(es) | Streatham (Exeter) |
NQF Level of the Final Award | 6 (Honours) |
2. Description of the Programme
The BA in Sociology and Criminology at Exeter offers those with an interest in studying crime, criminal justice, and society to pursue their concerns in a supportive environment. The inter-disciplinary make up of the programme is rooted in sociological approaches, but also offers the potential to combine these perspectives for understanding and responding to crime and deviance with those from historical, political, and psychological studies. You will explore theoretical, empirical and methodological issues associated with these fields of social research. The emphasis will be on developing analytical and communication skills.
As a discipline, Sociology provides a critical understanding of society by examining a wide range of social activities from intimate personal relations to the operation of political and economic institutions. Students will examine cultural and economic issues such as identity, employment, inequality, deviance and health. Our sociology modules cover diverse subjects including music, media, cyborg studies, technology, terrorism, addiction, sexuality, ethnicity and immigration, and other subjects.
Criminology aims to provide systematic understanding of the historical patterning of crime, the causes of criminal behaviour and its consequences, as well as policy response. Through Criminology at Exeter you will learn to understand the multi-perspectival nature of crime, to explore terrains that are often contested, and to develop a critical appreciation of disciplinary perspectives. Throughout, attention will be given to the methodological issues and substantive challenges of the study of crime.
Studying Sociology and Criminology together will provide you with a full range of social science research skills that will enable you to engage with the nature and complexity of social life, deviance, and crime.
3. Educational Aims of the Programme
The programme will:
1. Provide an excellent Honours-level education in Sociology and Criminology, which meets the criteria for Honours level awards as set out in the FHEQ and the University’s statement of Levels and Awards, and which meets the standards set in the national Subject Benchmarking statements for both subject areas.
2. Facilitate graduates to become useful, productive and questioning members of society.
3. Provide a stimulating and supportive environment for you that is informed by research where deemed appropriate.
4. Work in partnership with you to produce graduates who are grounded in the main themes of Sociology through a combination of modules which develops a good understanding of how societies, institutions and practices of all kinds came into being, how they are currently organised around matters of identity, deviance, and crime, and how they might change in the future.
5. Work in partnership with you to produce graduates who are grounded in the main themes of Sociology and Criminology through a combination of modules offered across the university which develop a deep understanding of methodology and method in social research.
6. Offer a structured framework of study which ensures that within the time span of the programme you follow a balanced and complementary range of modules, whilst allowing sufficient choice to ensure that you are able to follow individual areas of learning.
7. Develop your competence in the subject-specific skills required in Sociology and in Criminology through practical engagement with primary and empirical data.
8. Expose you to different teaching and assessment methods within an appropriate learning environment, supported by feedback, monitoring and pastoral care.
9. Provide a range of academic and personal skills which will prepare you for employment or further study, which will foster mental agility and adaptability, and which will enable you to deploy tyour knowledge, abilities and skills in their entirety, displaying balance and judgement in a variety of circumstances.
4. Programme Structure
The programme is studied over three years full-time. Study is undertaken in three stages, with each stage comprising 120 credits made up of either 15 or 30-credit modules, which contribute towards the degree. The credit rating of a module is proportional to the total workload and one credit is nominally equivalent to ten hours of work. The ‘level’ of a module (designated by the first number in the module code) indicates its position in the progressive development of academic abilities and/or practical skills.
This degree programme contains compulsory and optional modules and as part of the degree programme students may take up to 30 credits a year in another discipline outside their main degree subjects, after they have met the compulsory requirements of their main subjects (specified below).
In each year students will take core modules in Sociology and Criminology with approved options from Sociology, Criminology and elsewhere. Students may drop 30 credits under modularity as directed below.
Modules and other study components can be taken only with the approval of the College (normally given by the student’s personal tutor); options are offered each year at the discretion of the Colleges. A module may be taken only if the necessary prerequisites have been satisfied, if the timetable allows and if the module or an equivalent module has not been taken previously.
Assessment at stage one does not contribute to the summative classification of the award which is based on a degree mark formed from the credit weighted average marks for stages 2 and 3, combined in the ratio 1:2.
In exceptional circumstances you may exit this award with a Certificate of Higher Education in Sociology and Criminology where you have achieved 120 credits at Stage 1 or a Diploma of Higher Education in Sociology and Criminology where you have achieved 240 credits across Stages 1 and 2, with at least 90 credits of these from Stage 2.
5. Programme Modules
https://www.exeter.ac.uk/study/studyinformation/modules/?prog=sociology
The BA Sociology and Criminology degree programme is made up of compulsory (core) and optional modules, which are worth 15 or 30 credits each. Full-time undergraduate students need to complete modules worth a total of 120 credits each year.
Depending on your programme you can take up to 30 credits each year in another subject, for instance a language or business module, to develop career-related skills or just widen your intellectual horizons.
Please note that modules offered are subject to change, depending on staff availability, timetabling, and demand.
Stage 1
The first year gives you a foundational knowledge of sociological and criminological theory and concepts. You will also gain important analytical techniques that will be useful across a range of subjects and research tasks.
90 credits of compulsory modules, 30 credits of optional modules.
Compulsory Modules
Your first year will give you an excellent grounding in the theories and application of Sociology with a particular focus on the issues facing the contemporary world such as social inequality, crime, deviance, migration and globalisation.
| Code | Module | Credits | Non-condonable? |
|---|---|---|---|
| SOC1000 | Contemporary Society: Themes, Perspectives and Case Studies | 30 | No |
| SPA1000 | Imagining Social Worlds | 30 | No |
| SOC1039 | Social Issues: Part I - Introducing Crime and Deviance | 15 | No |
| SOC1040 | Social Issues: Part II - Themes in Criminology | 15 | No |
Optional Modules
30 credits from level 1 SOC options
View option modules here (SOC)
You may elect to take a maximum of 30 credit options outside of Sociology and Criminology, for example to develop skills attractive to employers such as language proficiency; to examine an issue you’ve covered in one of your Sociology modules from a different disciplinary perspective; or to widen your horizons and challenge yourself intellectually SSI1005 and SSI1006 are recommended optional modules that will provide a basis for being able take modules in later stages to add the Q-Step ‘Proficiency in Applied Data Analysis’ to your degree title.
| Code | Module | Credits | Non-condonable? |
|---|---|---|---|
| SSI1005 | Introduction to Social Data Recommended Option | 15 | No |
| SSI1006 | Data Analysis in Social Science 1 Recommended Option | 15 | No |
Stage 2
75 credits of compulsory modules and 45 credits of options.
In the second year you will advance your grasp of sociological and criminological knowledge and methods through a set of compulsory modules. Optional modules enable you to develop specialist knowledge on a range of topics. 60 credits of compulsory modules, 60 credits of optional modules.
Compulsory Modules
75 credits of core Sociology modules
| Code | Module | Credits | Non-condonable? |
|---|---|---|---|
| SPA2000 | Knowing the Social World | 30 | No |
| SOC2005 | Theoretical Sociology | 30 | No |
| SOC2036 | International Criminal Justice: Application of Theory to Transnational and International Crime | 15 | No |
Optional Modules
You will be able to choose 60 credits from a wide range of Sociology and Criminology options covering topics as diverse as counter cultures, health, media, forensic science, war crimes, ethics, addiction and human rights. 30 credits should come from level 2 Sociology options below and 30 credits of level 2 approved Criminology options.
View option modules here
Please note that modules are subject to change and not all modules are available across all programmes, this is due to timetable, module size constraints and availability
| Code | Module | Credits | Non-condonable? |
|---|---|---|---|
| SOC Stage 2 Criminology Option Modules 2023-4 | |||
| SOC2009 | Deviance: Interdisciplinary Perspectives | 15 | No |
| SOC2024 | Power and Domination | 15 | No |
| SOC2035 | International Criminal Justice: Comparative Criminology | 15 | No |
| SOC2036 | International Criminal Justice: Application of Theory to Transnational and International Crime | 15 | No |
| SOC2038 | On Violence | 15 | No |
| SOC2063 | Policy Analysis in Criminology | 15 | No |
| SOC2068 | Race, Ethnicity and Criminalisation | 15 | No |
| SOC2069 | Crimes of the Powerful | 15 | No |
| SOC2086 | Addiction | 30 | No |
| SOC2098 | Sociology of Imprisonment | 15 | No |
| SOC2101 | Police and Policing | 15 | No |
| SOC2104 | Victimology | 15 | No |
| SOC2133 | The Anthropology of Prisons | 15 | No |
| SOC2135 | Forensic Cultures | 15 | No |
| SOC2136 | Deprivation of liberty: Imprisonment and beyond | 15 | No |
| PHL2061 | Philosophy of Law | 15 | No |
| BIO2068 | Forensic Science | 30 | No |
| ARC2514 | Forensic Anthropology | 15 | No |
Stage 3
The centre-point of the final year is the dissertation. This provides you with the opportunity to explore an area of interest and to demonstrate what you have learned over the previous years of your degree. You will also take up to three other specialist modules to create a programme of work fully reflecting your interests. 30 credits of compulsory modules, 90 credits of optional module
Compulsory Modules
| Code | Module | Credits | Non-condonable? |
|---|---|---|---|
| SOC3040 | Dissertation | 30 | No |
Optional Modules
45 credits Level 3 Sociology options
45 credits approved Level 3 Criminology options
View option modules here
Please note that modules are subject to change and not all modules are available across all programmes, this is due to timetable, module size constraints and availability
| Code | Module | Credits | Non-condonable? |
|---|---|---|---|
| SOC Final Stage Criminology Option Modules 2023-4 | |||
| SOC3002 | On Violence | 15 | No |
| SOC3034 | International Criminal Justice: Comparative Criminology | 15 | No |
| SOC3035 | Deviance: Interdisciplinary Perspectives | 15 | No |
| SOC3036 | International Criminal Justice: Application of Theory to Transnational and International Crime | 15 | No |
| SOC3086 | Addiction | 30 | No |
| SOC3098 | Sociology of Imprisonment | 15 | No |
| SOC3101 | Police and Policing | 15 | No |
| SOC3104 | Victimology | 15 | No |
| SOC3121 | Policy Analysis in Criminology | 15 | No |
| SOC3126 | Race, Ethnicity and Criminalisation | 15 | No |
| SOC3127 | Crimes of the Powerful | 15 | No |
| SOC3129 | Cybercrime | 15 | No |
| SOC3134 | Forensic Science, Conflict and Justice | 15 | No |
| SOC3141 | The Anthropology of Prisons | 15 | No |
| SOC3143 | Forensic Cultures | 15 | No |
| SOC3144 | Security, Society, and Algorithms | 15 | No |
| SOC3145 | Deprivation of liberty: Imprisonment and beyond | 15 | No |
| SOC3146 | Forensics in Policing | 15 | No |
| PHL3061 | Philosophy of Law | 15 | No |
| PSY3411 | Psychology and Law | 15 | No |
| POL3193 | Women in the Criminal Justice System: Law, Policy and Institutions | 30 | No |
| POL3298 | Studies of Terrorism | 15 | No |
| ARC3510 | Experimental Approaches to Forensic and Archaeological Investigations | 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 an analytical understanding of Sociology, taking into account different sociological perspectives, modes of social analysis and their concomitant theoretical and conceptual frameworks | Sociology 1.This skill is developed on all sociology modules through lectures, tutorials and guided independent study, and is a core aim of the sociology side of the programme, especially on SPA1000, SPA2000 and SOC2005. 2-4. These skills are developed initially through lectures, seminars and essay work for SOC1000, SPA1000, SPA2000 and SOC2005 and are developed on subsequent modules. 5-6 These skills are developed through similar methods on SOC1000, and further developed on subsequent modules. 7. This skill is developed through the optional modules taken. The level of competence expected of students intensifies at each stage of the programme. 8. These skills will be developed some of the foundational modules (SPA2000 and SOC2005) and expanded on in optional modules such as SOC3085 and others 9.-10. These skills will be practised through coursework and examination and seminar work in all modules, and consolidated specifically in modules at 2nd year and 3rd year level (SPA2000, SOC3040) Criminology 11-13. These skills are developed in the approved criminology modules, and are a core aim of SOC1039 Social Issues: Crime & Deviance. 14-16. These skills are developed through core and modules SOC1039 Social Issues: Crime & Deviance, HIH2107, PHL2012, and SOC3086. 17-19. These skills will be practised through coursework and examination and seminar work in all modules, and consolidated specifically in modules at 2 nd year and 3 rd year level (SOC2005, SOC2004 and SOC3040) | Exams (1,2,4,5,6, 7, 8-15, 18-19) Essays (1,2,3, 5,6,7, 8-15, 18-19) Other coursework (e.g. written analytical reflections, posters, research proposals) (3, 6, 8, 17, 18) Presentations (1,2,5,6,7, 11-17) Dissertation (1-19) |
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: | |
20. 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 (including essays, reports, research outlines, dissertation), and oral work (both presentation and class discussion). | Exams (21-25, 29, 31) Essays and other written assignments (20-29, 32) Presentations (20-27, 30, 31) Dissertation (20-30, 32) Criminology-specific skills (32) will be assessed through exams, written assignments, presentations, and the dissertation |
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: | |
33. Undertake independent study and work to deadlines. | 33. This skill is an essential part of the successful completion of the programme and will be developed through regular assignments such as essays and presentations towards vigorously monitored and enforced deadlines. 34. This skill is developed through the requirement that all written work be word-processed, and through the requirement on students to use the WWW for bibliographical searches. 35. This skill is developed through essay and presentation work throughout the programme. 36. This skill is encouraged and developed throughout, and is aided by the student Self-Appraisal system which takes place in the inter-semester week of Spring Term. 37. This skill is developed through practice: at all stages, students are partly assessed by timed, unseen examinations. 38. This skill is developed through seminars, which form the whole or part basis of all modules. Skills 39-43 are developed to some extent in all modules, through interaction in seminars and in discussion with tutors about essay work, and in response to criticism both collective and individual. 44. This skill is developed through the through the Dissertation, which has a single end of year deadline. | Exams (37, 42, 43) Essays (33 -35, 42, 43) Team Reports (36, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43) Individual Presentations (32, 35, 36, 38, 42, 43) Group Presentations (33, 35, 36, 38-43) Dissertation (33-36, 40, 42-44) |
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.
Classification
8. College Support for Students and Students' Learning
Personal and Academic tutoring: It is University policy that all Colleges should have in place a system of academic and personal tutors. The role of academic tutors is to support you on individual modules; the role of personal tutors is to provide you with advice and support for the duration of the programme and extends to providing you with details of how to obtain support and guidance on personal difficulties such as accommodation, financial difficulties and sickness. You can also make an appointment to see individual teaching staff.
As an undergraduate student in the College of Social Sciences and International Studies you will be allocated a Personal Tutor at the commencement of your studies. In normal circumstances your Personal Tutor will remain your tutor throughout your study programme. Your Personal Tutor is normally available through scheduled office hours, but should also see you as a matter of course three or four times a year (depending on your year of study); these meetings may typically commence soon after registration. These meetings will take place once or twice mid-year to discuss your progress and to perhaps consider Personal Development Planning (ePDP) and once to discuss your overall performance. The ePDP is a particularly useful developmental tool which you are encouraged to utilise and which is accessible though the Exeter Learning Environment (ELE).
You should feel that you are able to approach your personal tutor for advice, pastoral support or academic support in a wider sense.
Library, ELE and other resources provided to support this programme:
The Library offers you core services for learning and research. Whilst the various locations house a large collection of materials and services, many of our resources are available online through this website http://as.exeter.ac.uk/library/ for you to use at home, work or wherever you are located for your study. Each discipline has a subject librarian on hand to help you to find resources and we also work with tutors to digitise reading lists for inclusion in the Exeter Learning Environment (ELE).
Exeter Learning Environment (ELE) is used throughout the University to make course materials available online. You will be able to access module information, presentations, handouts, reading materials as well as interacting with other students and your tutors. Many tutors use ELE to run assessments and set coursework assignments. In addition to the materials provided by your tutors, there are various other resources available on ELE to help you in your studies, for example, you will be able to access your ePDP, the University’s online PDP system, which has been developed to help you keep an ongoing record of your academic, work and extra-curricular experiences, and help you develop action plans and personal statements.
The University provides a range of IT services, including open and training clusters of PCs (available on a 24/7 basis). In the Social Sciences and International Studies College this includes a 24/7 suite in Amory and a second one in the St Luke’s Campus Library. These suites are accessible by swiping your university card. The majority of the College also has access to the university’s wireless network. Network access is available from the majority of rooms in University halls of residence through the ResNet system.
All of these suites have the standard ‘palms’ printing systems in them (printing from credit held on your university card). At the St Luke’s Campus there is also a cash-based printing service at the GSE Print Unit based in South Cloisters. Please see link below for further information on the IT Services facilities on the Exeter Campuses:
9. University Support for Students and Students' Learning
10. Admissions Criteria
11. Regulation of Assessment and Academic Standards
12. Indicators of Quality and Standards
The programme is not subject to accreditation and/ or review by professional and statutory regulatory bodies (PSRBs).
13. Methods for Evaluating and Improving Quality and Standards
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
BA (Hons) Sociology and Criminology
19. UCAS Code
LM39
20. NQF Level of Final Award
6 (Honours)
21. Credit
| CATS credits | 360 |
ECTS credits | 180 |
|---|
22. QAA Subject Benchmarking Group
[Honours] Sociology
23. Dates
| Origin Date | 23/09/2019 |
Date of last revision | 27/05/2021 |
|---|
