Course Overview
Criminology at Newman University explores crime and the criminal justice system from a critical perspective and with a focus on social justice. You will quickly become a valued part of a diverse learning community seeking to understand the full range of crimes and social harms that affect us all in society. We will debate questions such as: is crime the product of social factors or individual psychology? Is the law enforced equally on all sections of the community? What is the purpose of punishment and prisons? How can we best respond to youth violence? Our interactive classroom sessions are complemented by field trips to courts and prisons and talks by guest speakers such as ex-prisoners, police and prison staff, magistrates, campaigners and internationally renowned academics. Awarding body: Birmingham Newman University Course duration: 4 years Course type: Full-time The programme uses a wide range of assessment methods including essays, reports, presentations, research projects, and case studies. Field trips and guest speakers provide real-world insights into the criminal justice system. Students can choose from optional research modules in the final year including Dissertation or Criminology Extended Project.
Course Structure
Foundation Year
Education and Society
Degree Tutor Group 1
Being Human in a Digital World
Degree Tutor Group 2
Year 1 - Level 4
Media and Crime
Understanding the Criminal Justice System
The Sociology of Crime
Youth Offending and Justice
Criminal Minds
Criminological Research Methods
Year 2 - Level 5
Designing Quantitative and Qualitative Research Projects
Penology: Punishment and Prisons
The Psychology of Criminal Behaviour
Gender and Violence
Global Perspectives in Criminal Justice
Year 3 - Level 6 (Core Modules)
Equality, Diversity and Criminal Justice
Crime and Power
Optional Modules (Level 6)
Crime, Place and Space
Optional module exploring geographical and spatial aspects of crime
Young People and Crime
Optional module focusing on youth justice and young offenders
Optional Research Modules (Level 6)
Dissertation
Optional comprehensive research dissertation
Criminology Extended Project
Optional extended research project in criminology
Learning Outcomes
Analyze crime and criminal justice from sociological, psychological, and legal perspectives
Understand the relationship between media representations and crime
Apply criminological research methods and design research projects
Analyze youth offending and justice systems
Understand the psychology of criminal behavior and individual motivations
Examine punishment, prisons, and penology from critical perspectives
Apply gender analysis to understanding violence and crime
Understand global perspectives on criminal justice systems
Analyze issues of equality, diversity, and power in criminal justice
Conduct independent research in criminology and related fields
Course Benefits
Foundation Year provides essential criminology and social justice knowledge
Awarded by Birmingham Newman University
Critical perspective on crime and social justice issues
Interactive learning with field trips to courts and prisons
Guest speakers including ex-prisoners, police, magistrates, and academics
Debate-focused learning addressing contemporary criminal justice questions
Understanding of social harms and inequalities in justice systems
Research methods training for evidence-based criminological analysis
Global and comparative perspectives on criminal justice
Preparation for diverse careers in criminal justice and social policy
Career Opportunities
Criminal Justice Officer
Youth Justice Worker
Prison Service Officer
Police Support Worker
Probation Service Assistant
Social Researcher
Policy Analyst
Community Safety Officer
Victim Support Worker
Criminal Justice Administrator
Youth Worker
Social Justice Advocate
Criminal Justice Researcher
Policy Development Officer
Progression Routes
- Master's in Criminology
- Master's in Criminal Justice
- Master's in Social Policy
- Professional qualifications: criminal justice and social work certifications
- Postgraduate Diploma in Criminology and Criminal Justice
Admission Requirements
Entry Requirements
- Application based on previous qualifications: Minimum of 90 credits from a Level 3 qualification such as A Levels or BTECs
- Mature learners (aged 21+): Assessment based entry considering prior experiences (work, voluntary, life, and other experiences) relevant to the course
Additional Requirements
- Personal statement (500 words)
- English language test (minimum 60% score, equivalent to IELTS 5.5)
- Maths test (minimum 50% score)
- SAPE assessment (Screening for Accreditation of Prior Experience)
- Interview required - to assess suitability for criminology and criminal justice
Tuition and Fees
Deposit
Contact institution - Contact FSB for deposit information
Scholarships
Scholarships are available
Scholarships can cover up to Contact institution of the tuition fees.
Accreditation
Birmingham Newman University