- Study Mode: Full time
- Location: High Wycombe
- Duration: Four Years
- Start Date: September 2022
We offer a degree which examines crime from multiple perspectives to understand its impact on individuals and society. On this course you will explore the theories, policies, processes and relationships that influence attitudes, beliefs and behaviour.
You will also develop a range of research skills that enhance your employability, such as critical thinking and data interpretation, how to evaluate evidence and write reports, presenting reasoned arguments and making ethical judgements.
Open Days
We understand that when it comes to deciding where you’d like to study, there are a lot of things to consider. Come along to our Open Day and discover why BNU could be the place for you. You can find out more about your course, meet the course team, and get all your questions answered.
Application Guide
For everything you need to know about applying, check out our Application Guide. You can find useful information for each stage of your application journey – from before you even apply to what to do if you receive an offer, and everything in between.
Why study this subject?
There are almost 80,000 people in prison in the UK and men are 22 times more likely to be in prison than women (gov.uk) But who commits crimes, why do they commit them, what is the impact, and how do we prevent them? Studying Criminology involves investigating all these questions and how they relate to wider society.
A degree in Criminology could lead to a career in the police, prison and probation services, the court or security services or with charities that work with young offenders. If you want to make a difference in this area, studying Criminology with equip you with the skills for a rewarding and successful career.
Why study at Buckinghamshire New University?
The eclectic programme team is committed to promoting a transformational learning experience with and for you, that facilitates the development of knowledge and understanding, skills, personal attributes and capability associated with employability and citizenship.
Throughout your time with us we’ll support you on the route to your chosen career. We’ll help you to develop crucial skills, encouraging you to become enterprising, employable and a good leader. Our modules and teaching will help you to become more independent as a learner and more certain of your discipline expertise.
The personal tutor system we operate helps us to support you and develop your professional identity and confidence. We also identify visits and trips to academic and criminal justice related events to complement your studies.
What facilities can I use?
Our library is packed with all the information you need for your assessments and there’s plenty of room to knuckle down for some quiet study.
Whilst studying with us you will also use our BucksAnywhere web service, which provides access to many of the software applications you use for learning and studying. BucksAnywhere can be used from your own device or from a University owned PC or laptop, from any location.
What will I study?
BSc (Hons) Criminology is a subject that focuses on human theories and concepts. The programme emphasises the diversity and ambiguity of the ‘real world’ by drawing upon a variety of contexts in which both crime and social life are discussed.
Our modules are cutting edge and cover issues such as crime, criminals, criminal behaviour, corrections, human social behaviour, origins, organisation, institutions and development of human society. These issues are all discussed in a scientific framework that supports you through appropriate levels of study. Criminological theories are applied throughout the degree.
How will I be taught and assessed?
This course is offered as a four-year programme, including an initial Foundation Year. The Foundation Year will allow you to develop your academic study skills and build confidence in your abilities, identifying your own strengths and development needs for progression onto an undergraduate degree.
Our teaching team is research active across a range of areas related to Criminology. We deliver at a variety of conferences and work with outside agencies and bodies. We are also committed to high student satisfaction within a clear underpinning theoretical framework.
We use different teaching and assessment strategies together with, where relevant, input from outside speakers. We recently had some guest speakers come in to speak with our current students regarding career prospects.
Assessment methods will include:
- Case studies
- Essays
- Annotated bibliographies
- Evaluative summaries
- Examinations
- Dissertation.
Placements Plus
BNU is a Placements Plus university. So, whatever degree you do, you can be sure there’ll be plenty of industry-relevant opportunities on offer, to help you get into your chosen field.
We’ll also prepare you for work beforehand, with special skills for work training, further boosting your CV, and building skills employers will value. In recognition of the value we place on these skills we have incorporated this experience into your study time.
Placements Plus is all about helping you get some valuable experience under your belt while you’re a student, to increase your choices later, and help you get the graduate-level job you want.
What are the course entry requirements?
A typical offer will require a UCAS tariff score of: 32 - 56
Applicants who do not meet the minimum requirements for the 3-year undergraduate programme, or those who do not feel fully prepared for a Level 4 course, will be considered for the 4-year programme including a Foundation Year. If you wish to enquire further, please send your query along with any academic evidence or references to admissions@bucks.ac.uk
Find out more about our General Entry Requirements.
Modules
This provides a guide of the modules that make up your course. You can find more information about how your course is structured on our Academic Advice section.
Year 1 Modules
Ways of Learning about the Social World
Preparing for Success Knowledge and Creativity
Preparing for Success Self-development and Responsibility
Inquiry Based Learning
Year 2 Modules
Introduction to Criminology: The Concept of Crime
Introduction to Criminology: The History of Punishment
Media, Communication and Society
Criminal Justice Process
Making Sense of Society: The Sociological Imagination
Making Sense of Society: Understanding the Social World
Policy and Strategy
Policy in Context
Year 3 Modules
Quantitative Research Methods for Social Scientists
Qualitative Research Methods for Social Scientists
Issues in Criminology: Discrimination (optional)
Contemporary Criminology
Forms of Crime: Crimes of the Powerful
Forms of Crime: Crime in Late Modernity
Employability and Professional Development
Knowledge of Policing (optional)
Human Rights and Crimes Against Humanity (optional)
Gender and Sexuality in Society (optional)
Race Ethnicity and Migration (optional)
Year 4 Modules
Dissertation
Comparative Criminal Justice
Criminal Justice Policy
Communication, Interaction and the Criminal Justice System (optional)
Cybercrime (optional)
Radicalisation and Terrorism (optional)
Disability, Mental Health in the Criminal Justice System (optional)
Victimology (optional)
Interpersonal Violence (optional)
Investigative and Forensic Psychology (optional)
Globalisation: Issues and Debates (optional)
Globalisation: Living in the late modern world
Personal and Professional Development (optional)
What are the tuition fees
Home
Home, Academic Year 2022 - 2023
£9,250 per year
International
Overseas/International, Academic Year 2022 - 2023
£14,250 per year
What are my career prospects?
Throughout your time with us we’ll support you on the route to your chosen career. We’ll help you to develop crucial skills, encouraging you to become enterprising, employable and good leaders. We also help you find employment after graduation. Have a look at our Careers and Employability pages to find out more.
Our Criminology programme is a springboard for entry into probation; the course at BNU covers the requisite modules for this. Recent graduates have secured employment in:
- Probation
- National security
- The police force
- Cybercrime and prevention.
Graduates can also choose to study for a postgraduate course.
Course leader
