Sociology and Criminology BA (Hons)

This module aims to provide you with a deeper appreciation of 'classical' social theory as well as explore a set of more contemporary theoretical perspectives – including Postcolonial Theory, Critical Race Theory, and Queer Theory – which shed new light on how our societies operate.

Compulsory

The aim of this module is to develop your understanding of the rationale for and methodological issues associated with research. This module helps you prepare for your final year dissertation developing the core employability skills such as research design, fieldwork and presentation of research.

Compulsory

This module explores central problems, key debates and contemporary research issues in criminology, alongside the dynamic policy landscape in policing, criminal justice and corrections. You will critically engage with developments in criminological theory, current research problems and debates and changes in policy and practice.

Compulsory

How much power should the police have? Are courts fair? Should children be imprisoned? This module asks vital questions about law enforcement, criminal justice and the penal system, which form the spine of state and society’s collective response to crime and disorder.

Compulsory

This module explores life in the 21st century and how people navigate meaning, purpose, happiness, and belonging within an ever-shifting local, national, and global set of circumstances. It outlines and interrogates some of the main theories relating to individual purpose and happiness as well as exploring the perspectives of different cultural groups across the world.

Compulsory

This module will further your understanding of social movements by examining how they are developed, are sustained, and how they (sometimes) decline. Our study of social movements will move back and forth between abstract concepts and particular case studies.

Compulsory

This module² provides you with an opportunity to reflect upon and gain experience for an approved placement undertaken during your programme. A placement should usually be at least 26 weeks or equivalent; however, each placement will be considered on its own merits, having regard to the ability to achieve the learning outcomes.

Optional

This module² provides you with an opportunity to reflect upon and gain experience for an approved international study/work placement undertaken during your programme. A work/study placement should usually be at least 26 weeks or equivalent; however, each placement will be considered on its own merits, having regard to the ability to achieve the learning outcomes.

Optional

Criminology was historically concerned with crime and the offender. However, over the course of its development, attention has shifted towards victims, victimisation and to include additional types of harm. This shift provides the starting point for this module, which is designed to equip you with an in-depth understanding of the interplay between crime, victimisation and harm.

Compulsory

The module encourages you to employ your sociological skills in the gathering, synthesis and interpretation of information and knowledge. This enables you to pursue an in-depth analysis of a subject of your own choosing within the context of your programme of study. This can take the form of an extended piece of writing, or a new media project such as a documentary film.

Compulsory

This module examines the development of modern penal systems from a comparative perspective. You will gain an understanding of how the experience of punishment can be shaped by social divisions and examine the goals of punishment. This will enable you to evaluate the success of modern penal institutions and the problems of crisis, legitimacy and resourcing that they face.

Compulsory

This module will introduce you to the theoretical and practical importance of race and racism in the historical and contemporary construction of modern societies. Topics will focus on the ways race and racism are socially constructed phenomena with very real implications for people’s lives.

Optional

This module explores and interrogates the impact of gender from both real-world and theoretical perspectives. It critically assesses some of the main theories of gender, illuminating how gender underpins and influences social institutions across the world. You will explore the everyday settings in which people encounter and experience gendered ideas.

Optional

This module will explore the construction of disability as identity, and the experience of being disabled, through a critical disability studies approach. The module will give you a grounding in disability theory and its application, while challenging you to critically consider the role ableism plays in your own lived experience.

Optional

This module examines the shifting attitudes towards sexuality and critically evaluates the role discourse has played in these changes. It explores the relationship between sex, sexuality and political and moral definitions of crime and deviance. You will consider a range of issues from the viewpoint of both victim and perpetrator.

Optional

This module will examine the recent evolution of the traditional criminal organisations (Sicilian mafia, American Cosa Nostra) from a comparative perspective, and the new wave of organised criminal groups. It will explore the nature of criminality behind human trade and piracy, the emergence of youth gangs and the evolution of organised crime in the UK.

Optional