BSc Criminology

CRI1003: Social Issues: Part I - Introducing Crime and Deviance

This module offers a foundational basis to the study of social life by introducing you to the social study of crime, deviance, and the criminal justice system. This will include examining the historical patterning of crime, the 'causes' of illegal activities and social responses to such acts. Taking this module you will learn to understand the multi-perspectival nature of the study of crime, to explore terrains that are often contested, and to develop a critical appreciation of the methodological issues associated with knowing rates of crime. The module will include elements of taught instruction and small group discussions. The main teaching method consists of lectures and tutorials. You will work independently on the summative and formative assessment exercises. No pre-requisites or co-requisites are required. It is suitable for non-specialist students and those on interdisciplinary pathways.

• Introduce you to central issues within the study of crime and deviance
• Situate the study of crime and its causes within the social sciences as a whole
• Foster understanding of the varied qualitative and quantitative methodologies for assessing crime
• Enable you to undertake independent research

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CRI1004: Social Issues: Part II - Themes in Criminology

This module offers an intermediate level analysis of crime and deviance by considering several core themes in criminology. It extends the analysis from SOC1039 'Social Issues: Part I', which is a prerequisite. Taking this module will extend your understanding of the study of crime, to allow you to explore terrains that are often contested, and to develop a critical appreciation of the methodological issues associated with knowing rates of crime. You will be invited to develop your critical thinking in understanding the construction of data through practical examinations of important controversies in the study of crime. By considering the contested nature of crime and criminalisation (e.g. in the context of the discussions around race), the module offers an opportunity to think about power in the development and implementation of criminological policy. The module will include elements of taught instruction and small group discussions. The main teaching method consists of lectures and tutorials. You will work independently on the summative and formative assessment exercises. It is suitable for non-specialist students and those on interdisciplinary pathways.

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SOC1001: Social Analysis

The module will introduce you to a range of sociologically significant contemporary phenomena and the ways in which social scientists study them. Both theoretical and empirical sociological work will be explored to understand the kind of questions social scientists ask, as well as the answers they provide, in their analysis of the social world. You will learn about social inequality and poverty and the ways to measure and analyse them. You will examine gender differences, immigration, ageing and other widely discussed issues. The main focus of the module is on the sociological perspectives, but we will also explore ideas and approaches from other social sciences.

The main aim of this module is to introduce you to the main areas, concepts and approaches in sociology and in other social sciences. You will be equipped with the conceptual and methodological toolkit required for researching a range of sociologically relevant issues. You will also gain an understanding of the substantive areas where social analysis skills can be applied.

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SSI1005: Introduction to Social Data

'Women do 11 hours more housework than men' or 'Violent crime is down for three years in a row'. Much social science research uses quantitative research methods and statistics to investigate social phenomena ranging from employment, crime rates, health outcomes, political participation and social class. This introductory first-year module introduces you to key concepts in quantitative research design,data collection and data analysis as a basis for understanding such social phenomena

This module is suitable for all social science students and is part of the Q-Step core sequence in research methods.

The aim of this module is to introduce you to quantitative research design,data collection and basic data analysis. More specifically, it uses data sets and research examples drawn from existing social science research to illustrate core concepts and methods in quantitative research. By introducing you to methods such as experiments and surveys, and the type of social science research that can be produced using these, this module lays the foundation for understanding quantitative methods and for your own experience in conducting quantitative studies.

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SSI1006: Data Analysis in Social Science 1

The purpose of the module is to introduce you to data analytical tools commonly used in social science research. It is designed for students with no previous experience of quantitative methods or statistics. It will provide you with a basic knowledge of the foundations of descriptive statistics and inference, focusing especially on methods for data presentation, description, and visualization. You will also become familiar with statistical software packages (Excel and R) commonly used in academic and workplace settings. Laboratory (Lab) sessions will be used to re-enforce the material covered in the lectures and to help apply the core concepts seen in class to relevant practical problems. Throughout the module, you will link the techniques and methods learned in class to substantively relevant political science questions - e.g., are there differences in corruption levels and its determinants across countries? What are the key determinants of income inequality in the UK?

SSI1005 (SOC1004/POL1008) is a pre-requisite and no co-requisites are required.

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CRI1005: Introduction to Criminal Justice

This module offers an introduction to the theoretical, conceptual, and historical framework in which to study criminology and the Criminal Justice System. You will develop an awareness of social diversity and inequalities within the Criminal Justice System. The main teaching method consists of lectures and tutorials, in which there will be taught elements alongside small group discussions and debates. You will work independently on the summative and formative assessments developing your written and communication skills, and transferable skills. This module is suitable for non-specialist students, those on interdisciplinary pathways as there are no pre-requisites or co-requisites required.

This module aims to:

• Introduce you to the Criminal Justice System and the study of crime
• Provide you with a critical understanding of some of the key theoretical, conceptual and historical approached within criminology
• Provide you with a basic understanding of the use, implications and ethics of the methodologies applied to practices, theories and the organisational of the Criminal Justice System.
• Give you opportunities to engage with and analyse the representations of crime and responses to crime by the Criminal Justice System.
• Train you to recognise and evaluate competing insights within Criminology and the Criminal Justice System

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SPA1002: Population and Society

This module will introduce you to the field of demography - the systematic study of human populations. Recent developments including the aftermath of the Covid-19 pandemic, Brexit and changing immigration policy, or population ageing, have demonstrated the increasing importance of understanding demographic processes of mortality, migration and fertility. In this module, you will learn about how these processes drive population change and the ways in which these changes affect or influenced by social and political developments in the UK, as well as other parts of the world.

This module will cover key demographic theories, including the first and the second demographic transition theories and the low fertility trap hypothesis. We will discuss different ways of measuring fertility, mortality and migration and how they are shaped by societal-level factors, such as education and economic developments. We will also discuss the role of policy interventions in shaping population trends, as in the case of China's one-child policy or other policies aimed at regulating population size and structure. In addition, this module will cover issues of inequality in health and longevity and the complex relationship between population growth and climate change.

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SPA1004: Introduction to Artificial Intelligence

This module will introduce the core societal, philosophical and ethical issues raised by Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Large Language Models (LLM) and provide a practical introduction to ethical use of Generative AI, with a focus on higher education. The module is suitable for all philosophy, sociology, criminology, anthropology, politics and international relations students who want to understand the philosophical issues related to AI and LLMs, and to acquire practical skills in the ethical use of AI.

• You will learn to identify and assess societal, philosophical and ethical issues raised by the development of artificial intelligence.
• You will learn research skills in ethically using Generative AI.
• You will develop core philosophical skills such as critical reflection, argumentation and clarity of expression.

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CRI2002: International Criminal Justice: Comparative Criminology

This module is an introduction to comparative criminology and the nature and extent of crime cross-nationally. You will learn about similarities and differences in crime patterns, and responding to crime between and among countries around the world. You will be introduced to relevant international data sources on crime and taught basic statistical analysis to learn how to analyze crime trends cross-nationally using quantitative methods. This module will expose you to the value as well as the difficulties of making cross-national comparisons of crime. Additionally this module will teach you various explanations for different rates of crime and different methods for dealing with crime in different countries.

This module aims to provide you with introductory knowledge of comparative criminology in the globalizing world. It aims to teach you how to read quantitative analysis, as well as how to conduct basic statistics with international crime data. International Criminal Justice: Comparative Criminology will also help develop your critical thinking skills to engage in international policy discussion.

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CRI2004: International Criminal Justice: Application of Theory to Transnational and International Crime

This module is an introduction to the nature and scope of international and transnational crime and how different criminological theories explain these crimes. In this era of globalization these crimes are becoming more common and have larger and more harmful effects on people and societies. You will be introduced to different philosophical approaches theorists have made in explaining crime and how each theory poses unique policy implications for how to address these crimes in societies.

This module aims to provide you with introductory knowledge of international criminal justice concerns with transnational and international crime in the globalizing world. It aims to teach you how to apply criminological theories and develop your critical thinking skills to engage in theory-based policy discussions.

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SSI2004: Research Design in the Social Sciences

In both academic and applied social research, it is crucial to examine empirical evidence in order to test ideas and hypotheses. In many career paths you will benefit from understanding and applying good research design. For example, in market research, it is necessary to examine data on sales and customer satisfaction to make decisions about a future marketing strategy. In political research you may want to collect and analyse data from polls. . This module will teach you how to design surveys, social experiments, qualitative and similar projects and ensure that your research design allows you to answer your research questions. This module helps prepare you for your Bachelors of Science degree quantitative dissertation.

The aim of this module is to introduce you to the principles of research design in the social sciences so that you are able to assess the research of others (e.g. in the media, in research articles) and use quantitative skills in your own research projects. This module covers the basics of research design and the scientific method, explaining how measuring variables allows us to test theories and hypotheses. It guides you in how to collect and manage social data, using surveys and experiments. It also discusses the concept of causality and introduces various research designs that can be used for causal inference with social data.

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SSI2005: Data Analysis in Social Science 2

The purpose of the module is to introduce you to regression analysis methods commonly used in political science, sociology and criminology. A good understanding of data collection, analysis and interpretation is essential for much empirical research in social science. Moreover, quantitative methods are becoming increasingly relevant for the competitive professional world. Hence, the module is designed to add to your current understanding of statistical analysis. By the end of the course, you should be able to understand a range of quantitative research methods, including multiple regression analysis, demonstrate competence in performing statistical analyses using popular software packages, apply quantitative methods to real world problems, evaluate their use in published research and employ these methods (where appropriate) in your dissertation.

SSI1006 (POL/SOC1041) is a pre-requisite for this module.

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HAS3999: Study Abroad

The Study Abroad programme enables you to undertake a year-long study placement at a partner university outside of the UK, as part of your degree programme.

This module serves as the administrative mechanism for recording the Study Abroad assessment results of students within the Faculty of Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences (HASS). Students participating in the Study Abroad programme and based in a HASS department (except for the Law School, the Institute of Arab and Islamic Studies, Modern Languages, and the School of Education) will be registered on this module during their Study Abroad placement year.

The Study Abroad programme widens the range of modules available to you during Stage 3 of your degree programme; enables you to broaden your academic horizons by studying in a different learning culture and (where relevant and appropriate) in languages other than English; and aims to promote resilience, independence, cultural awareness, and communication skills.

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HAS3998: Employment Experience

This module allows you to undertake and to learn from an extended work placement during the third year of a four year “with Employment Experience” programme. You will use one or more work placements to gain skills that equip you to work in the employment market and to improve your knowledge of the work environment. You are encouraged to think about the intercultural competence and the employability skills that you acquire during your year.

To progress to this module, you will have secured a suitable placement for a minimum of 26 weeks.

Having developed the skills necessary to find relevant roles and apply for roles in the graduate labour market, this is an invaluable opportunity to develop work-related skills and experience that will further enhance your success in the graduate labour market and support your future career choices.

During your placement year you will be supported by the Module Convenor and Placement Team.

The module assessment structure provides opportunity and support for you to evaluate your skills and achievements using personal development techniques.  You will also write an Employer Report to showpiece the culmination of your academic and business skills.

This module aims to:

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SSI3019: Quantitative Dissertation

The aim of the dissertation is to give you the opportunity to display your abilities in the collection, organization, analysis, and communication of an original piece of quantitative research. With guidance from academic staff at the Centre for Computational Social Science (C2S2), as well as experts in your respective disciplines (criminology, politics, or sociology), you will develop an appropriate research question and pursue independent, empirical research on an area of social science corresponding to your personal interests. In addition to consolidating your research methods and quantitative analysis skills, you will gain in-depth knowledge of a particular topic corresponding the areas of criminology, politics and international relations, or sociology. This is a unique opportunity to apply the theoretical and methodological knowledge acquired during the first two years of your degree to a research question that excites and fascinates you.

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