Criminology, BA (Hons)

Our exciting Criminology degree was one of the first undergraduate degrees of its kind to be taught in the UK. You'll hear from invited speakers, learn from practitioner experience and get the chance to become a special constable. The course provides you with an opportunity to study a general Criminology route or a tailored Policiing pathway. Why choose this course?

This innovative Criminology course gives you the chance to examine crime and law and order from a number of perspectives. You can choose to complete the BA (Hons) Criminology or tailor your learning by choosing to complete a Policing pathway.

You'll be taught by a respected team of research active academics and former practitioners who come from a range of professional backgrounds such as the Home Office, police service and the crime reduction charity NACRO.

Many members of staff are widely published in their field and contribute to the Nottingham Crime Reduction Unit and the Nottingham Centre for the Study and Reduction of Hate Crime, Bias and Prejudice.

Our teaching is also complemented with the input of practising professionals and you'll have the opportunity to hear from renowned guest speakers.

What our students say

"The Criminology team at NTU are fantastic. The support and guidance offered to me during my time on the course definitely helped me reach my potential."

Davina Patel
BA (Hons) Criminology.

For more details about our BA (Hons) Criminology you can request a course brochure. Open days are also a great way to find out more about our courses and experience NTU for yourself. Find out when our Open Days are taking place and book your place. If you can’t make it in person why not take a virtual tour?

What will I study?

Modules for the BA (Hons) Criminology and all pathways include the following:

Year One core modules (all students)

• Introduction to the Criminal Justice System
• Introduction to the Sociology and the Psychology of Crime
• Law Sentencing and Punishment
• Introduction to Research
• Explaining Criminal Behaviour
• Understanding Crime and Society

Year Two core modules

Criminology

• Crime Reduction Community Safety and Risk
• Penology
• Policing
• Diversity of Crimes and Prejudice
• Serving Learning Placement or Erasmus Exchange

Policing Pathway

• Crime Reduction Community Safety and Risk
• Policing
• Diversity and crimes of Prejudice
• Police Powers
• Operational Policing
• Policing Practice

Year Three core modules (all Students)

• Dissertation or Practice Problems Research
• Contemporary Criminological Theory and Research

Criminology Year Three optional modules
Pick two options, one from either A,B or C:

Option group A

• Hi-Tech Crime
• International Crime

Option Group B

• Substance Misuse
• Mentally Disordered Offenders

Option Group C

• Young People and Crime
• Sex and Violent Crimes

Year Three Policing additional core modules:

• Principles in Crime Investigation
• Issues in Operational Policing Two
• Policing Practice Two.

In Policing Practice students will be required to undertake 200 duty hours.

How will my work be assessed?

In your first year the majority of your work will be assessed through formal examinations with some coursework based assignments. In your second year you will be assessed by a combination of exams, course based essays and reports, policy papers as well as practical group and individual presentations. Assessments in your final year will focus around your dissertation / independent study as well as coursework and exams.

In response to student feedback the University have introduced a policy ensuring marked work is returned to you electronically within three weeks of submission.

Contact hours

To provide you with a first-class learning experience and to guarantee you have an opportunity to make the most of your time at University you will receive contact time through a diverse range of delivery methods.

Structured teaching will be delivered through a combination of traditional lectures, seminars and workshops. The smaller group seminars and workshops provide opportunities to develop problem solving skills, group working, analysis, debating skills, presentation skills and discussion about a wide range of views.

Tutorials with staff

As the relationship between students and tutors is an important one you can expect to have lots of direct contact and support through seminars and one-to-one tutorials. At these sessions you'll have the opportunity to:

• discuss and gain feedback about your work;
• ask questions about the projects you're working on
• raise any difficulties you are experiencing relating to your work, personal circumstances or your University experience.

Independent study

Independent study is an important part of this course. Throughout the three years of your course the scheduled contact hours you receive will gradually decrease as you develop the skills required to undertake an independent study or dissertation in your final year. You will still have regular contact with your tutors and if necessary ad hoc tutorials can be arranged.

Learning from industry experts

In addition to the traditional lectures, tutorials and independent study you'll also hear and learn from renowned industry experts and professionals in related fields who are regularly invited to come and talk to our students providing you with an insight into their specialist knowledge and experiences. In the past criminology students have heard from:

• Forensic Psychologists from HM Prison Whatton
• the On-Street Prostitution Team from Nottinghamshire Constabulary
• the 2XL London Gang Project
• the Programme Manager of the Cross-Governmental Hate Crime Strategy
• the Interim Chair of the Independent Police Complaints Commission

Virtual learning environment

You'll also use our virtual learning environment, NOW which is a flexible web-based system that allows you to have 24-hour access to module learning materials and reading lists. It allows you to discuss work with tutors and other students, and submit coursework electronically from anywhere in the world.

Learning from expert staff

You'll be taught by enthusiastic, engaged and expert staff. The course draws upon the multi-disciplinary nature of the team through their expertise, research interests and industry experience and many have also published textbooks in their specialist area of interest. Our NTUshell video series highlights just some of the staff expertise within the School of Social Sciences.

Where will I study?

As a member of the School of Social Sciences' community, you will study on our vibrant City site. You will typically be based in the Chaucer building although you will also learn in the recently regenerated Newton and Arkwright buildings. All of our teaching rooms and learning resources are within a short distance of each other.

When does this course start?

The course will begin with Welcome Week in September and you'll study over three terms each academic year. For specific information, take a look at NTU's future term dates.

Welcoming students from all over the world

The University is proud of its multicultural community. We provide specialist staff, services and facilities that you need to help you through all the stages of being a student. Find out more about the University's dedicated services for international students.

View the full course specification
Please note that course specifications may be subject to change

You will also have access to excellent facilities which will enable you to excel in the field. For example, the Criminology team lead the Nottingham Crime Research Unit and the Centre for the Study and Reduction of Hate Crime. The Centre has close links with the University of Arizona and is unique in providing ground breaking research in this developing field of criminology.

You'll have easy access to a great combination of facilities that include:

• the £13 million Boots Library that has a wide range of both print and online resources, as well as 24 / 7 IT facilities, group and individual study spaces
• the redeveloped Newton and Arkwright buildings which will provide you with an inspiring place to learn
• our virtual learning environment (NOW) which allows you to learn online at any time
• 3,000 student open access PC's and 300 secure wireless access points
• a new City site Students' Union building will open in 2013 giving you an exceptional array of social, leisure and well-being facilities.

The prime location of the City site gives you easy access to a great combination of facilities and activities including:

• sports facilities
• student accommodation
• music venues
• cafes.