Criminology and Law BA (Hons)

 

Course Code

UCAS Code: M930
International Code: HLSU183

Location

Coventry University (Coventry)

 

Study mode

Full-time
Sandwich

Duration

3 years full-time
4 years sandwich

Start date

September 2022

How to apply
Book an Open Day
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Course overview

Study level: Undergraduate

Bringing together the closely related disciplines of Law and Criminology, this course explores the widely publicised and often emotive issues surrounding crime, punishment, justice and the legal system.

  • Designed and shared by Criminology and the Law School and also having input from International Studies, the programme aims to prepare you to think about deviance, victimisation, punishment and regulation of justice issues.
  • No.1 for career prospects for Criminology in the Midlands in the Guardian University Guide 2021
  • Excellent current professional links with employers including the police, HM Prison Service and Positive Youth Foundation
  • Hear regularly from guest speakers from different sectors of the criminological spheres, such as the Prison Service, Police, UK Borders Agency and Youth Offending Team (subject to availability).
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Global Ready

An international outlook, with global opportunities
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Teaching excellence

Taught by lecturers who are experts in their field
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Employability

Career ready graduates, with the skills to succeed

Why you should study this course

Our Criminology and Law degree is designed to equip you with a detailed understanding of the social, moral, psychological, philosophical and legal aspects of criminology, complemented by ongoing study of constitutional, administrative and criminal law.

Designed and shared by Criminology and the Law School and also having input from International Studies, the programme aims to prepare you to think about deviance, victimisation, punishment and regulation of justice issues. It is designed to give you an opportunity to develop a rounded understanding of public and state responses to crime with guest speakers including staff from prisons, and victims providing real-world learning insights into such topics as mental health, court procedures and custody. Law modules also emphasise putting legal writing and research skills into practice.

This course is ideal for those interested in careers in criminal justice and with transferable analytical and problem-solving skills useful in a wide range of jobs. It aims to provide you with the opportunity to acquire insight into two complementary fields concerned with the nature of deviance and its composition and treatment by the law and its agents. You will have the opportunity to learn and apply research and analysis skills to theory, agencies and specialist topics including policing, organised crime and legal advocacy.

The practical focus of the course is designed to enhance your job prospects. The law element aims to provide you with an understanding of practical legal skills and knowledge, such as dispute resolution, written and oral advocacy, negotiation and client interviewing and counselling, useful in most careers.

Students are taught using a mixture of lectures and small group seminars and ‘hands-on’ skills workshops. This supports students to explore topics more independently, in-depth and see their connection to real-world issues.

Ideal for those interested in careers in criminal justice and with transferrable analytical and problem-solving skills useful in a wide range of jobs, the course considers the strengths and shortcomings of the legal system and the various philosophical, political, social, economic and moral issues which have shaped it and affect us today.

Coventry has a reputation for teaching excellence and excellent professional links with the Police, HM Prison Service and Youth Offending Service. Our partnership with Warwickshire Police to provide Police Support Volunteers was the first scheme of its kind in the country.

Course content is regularly reviewed by our Partnership Group, which is made up of key criminal justice agencies and allied professions, including West Midlands Police, HM Prison Service, the Coventry Rape and Sexual Abuse Centre, MIND and the Citizens Advice Bureau. We strongly encourage our students to gain practical work experience. You could, for example, volunteer as a special constable or spend a year on professional placement working in organisations, such as victim support or youth hostels for young offenders.*

You will have the opportunity to gain a detailed understanding of the workings of the criminal justice system, policing and different aspects of punishment, enhanced by regular interaction with criminal justice agencies. You’ll also be able to hear regularly from guest speakers from different sectors of the criminological spheres, such as the Prison Service, Police, UK Borders Agency and Youth Offending Team (subject to availability). We also organise a number of optional practical field trips – in the past visiting Rye Hill and Onley prisons, The Old Bailey and The Holocaust Centre (additional costs may apply).

You may also have the opportunity to participate in exciting field trips abroad, which have previously included the John Jay College of Criminal Justice in New York, Robben Island and Victor Verster Prison in South Africa and the Stasi museum in Berlin.*

1st

for career prospects for Criminology in the Midlands

Guardian University Guide 2021

More than just a degree

My course offered everything I wanted to explore. It has broadened my knowledge of all the opportunities available to me after graduating.

Sangeetha Kumar, Criminology and Law BA (Hons), quoted in 2019
Sangeetha Kumar

Criminology students observe Weinstein trial

In January 2020 our Criminology students, on a field trip to New York, had the good fortune to observe the initial stages of jury selection for the Harvey Weinstein trial. They also watched Gloria Allred, a high-profile lawyer in the US, who currently represents several of Weinstein’s alleged victims - and who has been instrumental to the #metoo movement - give a press conference. Following the press conference, Gloria Allred agreed to talk to the students and explained the importance of the case and answered questions.

Criminology students in New York

What you'll study

In the first year, you will be introduced to the foundation principles of criminology and law – the causes of crime, controlling crime and the basis of the British legal system. You will explore core ideas in criminology from key thinkers, such as Bentham, Lombroso, Foucault, Cohen and Young.

You’ll be exposed to a wide-ranging analysis of historical and contemporary issues in the area of social control, crime prevention, criminal justice and the legal system. For example, stop and search law and practices, mental health in relation to policing and custody, vulnerable victims and representation in court.

Modules

  • The first aim of this module is to provide you with an overview of the main perspectives and theories within Criminology. You will be provided with core ideas in a range of perspectives and how these relate to and differ from one another in terms of thinking about, and acting on, crime and deviance.

    A second aim of this module is to help you relate the perspectives and theories to expectations of study at degree level. You will learn about academic standards and conventions of writing and referencing and be provided with opportunities to practice these. This element of the module also introduces the concept of personal and professional development designed to assist you to prepare for employment after graduation.

    Compulsory

    Assessment: Coursework and group work

  • In this module you will focus on political, social, cultural and popular constructions of victims of crime and wider social harms. The module places a particular focus on the victimisation experiences of marginalised social groups, demonstrating that certain individuals and groups are more readily ascribed victim status than others. You will consider the International context, with technology and global insecurity impacting on contemporary victimisation experiences.

    Compulsory

    Assessment: Coursework

  • This module is intended to introduce you to the practice of researching and formulating structured ideas about criminological issues. The module will emphasise the link between theory, policy and practice and how you can approach explaining each of these and assessing their overall impact on a criminological topic. Ultimately the module focus is on developing your ability to think, write and talk about crime, including for employment.

    Compulsory

    Assessment: Coursework

  • This module will provide you with an insight into the sources, institutions and structures of the English legal system. You will be able to develop a critical awareness of the wider political and social context in which the law operates, and the principles and values underpinning the English legal system. Study of the English legal system will be combined with an integrated approach to the development of a range of legal skills necessary for completion of the course. The module will aim to develop your ability to conduct effective legal research, primarily focusing on primary sources, using both online legal databases and paper resources in the library. The module will further aim to ensure that you understand how to effectively utilise this research in the context of legal writing, whilst instilling the importance of appropriate legal referencing and citation.

    Compulsory

    Assessment: Coursework and test

  • This module will further develop your understanding of the English legal system, providing you with an insight into the workings of the civil and criminal justice system. It will introduce you to legal personnel, the role of ADR and tribunals within the English legal system and the concept of judicial law making. The module also builds upon the legal skills and knowledge acquired in Legal Method 1. You are encouraged to develop a critical approach to the understanding of the issues raised and there will be scope to evaluate the effect of any recent changes to the topics being studied. The module will also further enhance legal research ability with a focus on the location, retrieval and use of secondary legal sources.

    Compulsory

    Assessment: Coursework and test

  • You will also be able to take an Add+vantage module which can allow you to develop your CV by taking credits in an area of study that doesn’t have to be related to your degree. The assessment type will depend on the type of Add+vantage module you wish to take.

    Compulsory

    Assessment: Coursework and exam

The second year introduces you to a range of topics around the major institutions involved in crime control and representation – the police, the prison service and criminal law. We will evaluate the relationships between the police, the state and the citizen, exploring the independence of the police and their accountability. You will also explore the theory and practice of researching crime-related issues in preparation for your final year project.

Modules

  • The aim of this module is to further develop your criminological research thinking and research practice. You will be provided with the methodological and practical tools necessary for: developing your own thoughts and ideas about criminological matters; how to go about reviewing criminological literature; how to plan and conduct research; and how to present it to diverse audiences. The knowledge acquired during this module is designed to provide you with a set of digital literacy and other skills that are transferable to other modules and employment scenarios.

    Compulsory

    Assessment: Coursework

  • This module focuses on both historical developments and contemporary issues surrounding the use of criminal sanctions. It covers the theoretical underpinning of punishments and risk management whilst aiming to equip you with a critical understanding of the effectiveness of custodial and community sentences. You will explore a number of key issues relating to punishment and control, such as the complexities of managing a diverse prison population, privatisation and reintegration. You will demonstrate your understanding through group exercises in an assessment centre environment.

    Compulsory

    Assessment: Coursework and assessment centre

  • The key issues relating to policing democratic societies will be your focus in this module. This will include a critical evaluation of the relationships between the police, the state and the citizen. You will assess the independence of the police and their interdependence within the wider criminal justice system and investigate concepts such as consensus, legitimacy and accountability in relation to policing society. Topics to be discussed range from policing protest and disorder to the role of the media in representing the police.

    Compulsory

    Assessment: Coursework

  • This module initially enables an understanding of the principles and criteria upon which a person's liability under criminal law will be assessed. This requires an analysis of criminal responsibility and an appreciation of the elements that constitute criminal conduct. Having studied these basic principles, the module then aims to develop knowledge of homicide offences, non-fatal offences against the person, sexual offences, property offences, inchoate offences and liability for participation. The module concludes by application of the defences that may be raised in relation to certain crimes and the impact that they have on criminal liability.

    Compulsory

    Assessment: Coursework

  • The aim of the module is to provide you with a working understanding of practical legal skills and professional ethical awareness in the areas of Advocacy, Drafting, Interviewing and Negotiation.

    Compulsory

    Assessment: Group practical and portfolio

  • You will also be able to take an Add+vantage module which can allow you to develop your CV by taking credits in an area of study that doesn’t have to be related to your degree. The assessment type will depend on the type of Add+vantage module you wish to take.

    Compulsory

    Assessment: Coursework and exam

After your second year, you have the opportunity to spend a year on professional placement or studying abroad*.

If you wish to do so, you can opt to take the Professional Placement year module or Study Abroad Year module which both typically run for a full academic year between years 2 and 3 of your course. You are able to progress onto the relevant module if you have successfully completed the first two years of the course (i.e. having accumulated 240 credits) and provided that you confirm your interest in undertaking this option before the end of your second year, typically in August.

While these modules are non-credit bearing, if successfully completed, these modules will appear on your final academic transcript.

Modules

  • Optional

  • Optional

The final year of the programme is based around the development of your knowledge in contemporary topics. You will have the opportunity to collaborate with a member of academic staff and apply the knowledge of research methods obtained during the first two years of your degree to design and conduct your own piece of research in an area of your choice. In the past, students have researched conviction rates for rape, the prosecution of war crimes in Cambodia and the regulation of environmental crimes.

Modules

  • This module provides you with the opportunity to develop your knowledge and understanding of a range of criminological issues that currently dominate both political and professional attempts to make sense of the global phenomenon of ‘law and order’. Throughout this module you will be encouraged to develop your skills as an independent learner, and be given the opportunity to demonstrate your knowledge across assessments.

    Compulsory

    Assessment: Coursework

  • In this module you will explore forms of violence and exploitation in childhood and adulthood. You will explore violence and exploitation in relation to incidence, prevalence and reporting, theoretical and explanatory frameworks. You will be encouraged to develop an understanding of the concepts, issues and current debates in the field of violence and exploitation, with emphasis on developments in theoretical approaches, policies and procedures. Through discussions of recent research, you will explore the impacts and meaning for victims/survivors, persistence and change with respect to the justice system, support services and approaches to prevention.

    Compulsory

    Assessment: Coursework and group work

  • This module is designed to enable you to develop, enhance and implement the research skills acquired in your previous years of study in combination with focusing your attention on a specific area of knowledge in the criminological sphere. You will also develop time management and independent learning skills.

    Compulsory

    Assessment: Coursework/dissertation

  • The module will examine the recent evolution of the traditional criminal organisations in comparative perspective (Sicilian mafia, American Cosa Nostra, Japanese Yakuza and Chinese Triads), the growth of the new wave of organised criminal groups (with a focus on the Balkans, Eastern Europe, Africa and the South American Cartels), the nature of criminality behind the human trade and piracy, the emergence of youth gangs and the evolution of organised crime in the UK. The module will also consider the linkages between transnational criminal organisations and terrorist groups. Particular attention will be given to the international and domestic organisations in fighting organised crime and the impact of globalization on the criminal groups.

    Compulsory

    Assessment: Coursework

  • The module aim is to provide you with an insight into how the rules of evidence work in practice. Primarily focusing on a criminal case (but with comparisons to civil cases) the module will investigate the practical impact of rules of evidence. The law of evidence where rules and regulations are used to decide what facts will be used in a case as proof. The module will examine who in the system will investigate criminal cases and the methods of investigating cases including the means and methods of gathering evidence, the rules of admissibility and how evidence can be challenged. It will challenge the methods and rules and will place emphasis on the historical development and look at how statute, secondary legislation and case law have interacted in developing the law of evidence.

    Compulsory

    Assessment: Coursework

  • You will also be able to take an Add+vantage module which can allow you to develop your CV by taking credits in an area of study that doesn’t have to be related to your degree. The assessment type will depend on the type of Add+vantage module you wish to take.

    Compulsory

    Assessment: Coursework and exam

We regularly review our course content, to make it relevant and current for the benefit of our students. For these reasons, course modules may be updated.

How you'll learn

You are taught using a mixture of lectures and small group seminars and ‘hands-on’ skills workshops. This combination supports you to explore topics more independently and in more depth. We adopt an innovative approach to learning through involving guest speakers from different spheres of criminological activity such as the UK Borders Agency, practising psychologists, victims and oversight agencies to provide effective learning insights.

The teaching team come from a range of specialist backgrounds including mental health, psychology, sociology, and criminal justice to name a few and these feed in to a rich and varied range of perspectives that underpins your learning. The teaching you receive will be informed by the research staff conduct and present at national and international conference presentations, and writing for publication on topical issues, such as gun control, drugs, violence, sexual abuse, policing and policy issues.

You will also have the opportunity to engage in international activities. A focus on out of classroom activity emphasises practical field trips to prisons, courts and destinations including international destinations such as South Africa, Finland, New York, Germany and Poland.*

We will also support you to apply for work experience through volunteering activities. Agencies such as Warwickshire and West Midlands Police, Coventry Rape and Sexual Abuse Centre, Victim Support have attended events held at the university to advertise PCSO and support worker roles. This event also provides excellent professional networking opportunities for posts such as intelligence analysts.

In a typical teaching week, you will have around 14 ‘contact’ hours of teaching. This generally breaks down as:

  • Personal tutorial/small group teaching: 1-2 hours of tutorials or individual project supervision each week
  • Medium group teaching: 6-8 hours of skills workshops or seminars each week
  • Large group teaching: 4-6 hours of lectures each week.

In addition, you will be expected to undertake a further 15-20 hours of self-directed study each week e.g. completing the recommended reading that accompanies your lectures, working on coursework assignments, taking part in group work and exam revision. Some ‘contact’ hours may take the form of synchronous online learning (e.g. live online lectures, meeting tutors via video calling etc).

The university may deliver certain contact hours and assessments via emerging online technologies and methods across all courses. In response to the Covid-19 pandemic, we are prepared for courses due to start in or after the 2020/2021 academic year to be delivered in a variety of forms. The form of delivery will be determined in accordance with Government and Public Health guidance. Whether on campus or online, our key priority is staff and student safety.

Assessment

The course utilises a dynamic approach to assessing and learning, including digital stories, website design, poster creation and infographics, students undertaking their own research project and practise in the university Moot room to mirror courtroom scenarios. This approach is intended to encourage student creativity and re-enforce progressive understanding of criminology and mirror modern, work-based tasks.

The Coventry University Group assessment strategy ensures that our courses are fairly assessed and allows us to monitor student progression towards the achieving the intended learning outcomes. Assessments may include exams, individual assignments or group work elements.

Job ready

This degree is designed to provide you with an excellent basis for graduate-level employment in a wide range of relevant professions, from the more established careers such as the prison, probation and police service to the newer initiatives in areas of community safety and crime prevention.

You will have the opportunity to gain practical work experience and develop a range of skills and competencies that are intended to set you apart from other graduates and make you attractive to potential employers, such as group work, literature reviewing, critical analysis and the delivery of oral presentations.

Coventry University is committed to preparing you for your future career and giving you a competitive edge in the graduate job market. The university’s Talent Team provide a wide range of support services to help you plan and prepare for your career.

Successful completion of this course can give students who attain a 2:2 or above the opportunity to apply for the MA Criminology course.

International experience opportunities

As well as offering a range of short international field trips, which have previously included a visit to Krakow in Poland to visit Auschwitz-Birkenau, you also have the opportunity to complete the course over four years with a sandwich year spent studying abroad.*

The university has links with over 20 institutions in Cyprus, France, Malta, Spain, Sweden and Turkey, as well as several other countries around the world. Courses are largely taught in English, but there are opportunities to learn and attend courses in a foreign language (subject to availability, additional costs, application and/or meeting any applicable visa requirements). In the past, students on this course have studied the youth justice system in Malta and the sex industry in the context of people trafficking in Madrid.

Entry requirements

Typical offer for 2022 entry.

Requirement What we're looking for
A level BCC excludes General Studies
GCSE 5 GCSE's grade 9-4 / A*-C or above including English Language and Mathematics or specified equivalents
BTEC DMM
IB Diploma 27 points

We recognise a breadth of qualifications, speak to one of our advisers today to find out how we can help you.

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Are you eligible for the Fair Access Scheme?

We believe every student should have the opportunity to dream big, reach their potential and succeed, regardless of their background.

Fair Access Scheme

Typical offer for 2022 entry

Select your region to find detailed information about entry requirements:

Europe

Americas

Middle East

South Asia

South East Asia

East Asia

Africa

Russia and Central Asia

You can view our full list of country specific entry requirements on our Entry requirements page.

Alternatively, visit our International hub for further advice and guidance on finding in-country agents and representatives, joining our in-country events and how to apply.

English language requirements

  • IELTS: 6.0 overall, with no component lower than 5.5

If you don't meet the English language requirements, you can achieve the level you need by successfully completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course. 

For more information on our approved English language tests visit our English language requirements page.

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Fees and funding

2022/23 Tuition fees

Student Full time Part time
UK £9,250 per year Not available
International £15,300 per year Not available

For advice and guidance on tuition fees and student loans visit our Undergraduate Finance page and see The University’s Tuition Fee and Refund Terms and Conditions.

We offer a range of International scholarships to students all over the world. For more information, visit our International Scholarships page.

Tuition fees cover the cost of your teaching, assessments, facilities and support services. There may be additional costs not covered by this fee such as accommodation and living costs, recommended reading books, stationery, printing and re-assessments should you need them. Find out what's included in your tuition costs.

Facilities

Mock prison cells

Our mock cells enable you to experience the practical aspects of life in prison. Have a look round our mock prison cell on our virtual 360 tour.

Moot Room

Practice and develop your legal skills in the realistic setting of our Moot room.

Careers and opportunities

This degree is designed to provide you with an excellent basis for graduate-level employment in a wide range of relevant professions, from the more established careers such as the prison, probation and police service to the newer initiatives in areas of community safety and crime prevention.

You will have the opportunity to gain practical work experience and develop a range of skills and competencies that are intended to set you apart from other graduates and make you attractive to potential employers, such as group work, literature reviewing, critical analysis and the delivery of oral presentations.

Coventry University is committed to preparing you for your future career and giving you a competitive edge in the graduate job market. The university’s Talent Team provide a wide range of support services to help you plan and prepare for your career.

Successful completion of this course can give students who attain a 2:2 or above the opportunity to apply for the MA Criminology course.

Further study

You can choose to continue your studies at Coventry University with the Criminology MA. You may be entitled to an alumni discount on your fees if you decide to extend your time with us by progressing from undergraduate to postgraduate study.

How to apply

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Your next steps

Student life
Accommodation
Fees and funding

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  • Student Contract

    By accepting your offer of a place and enrolling with us, a Student Contract will be formed between you and the university. A copy of the 2021/22 Contract can be found here. The Contract details your rights and the obligations you will be bound by during your time as a student and contains the obligations that the university will owe to you. You should read the Contract before you accept an offer of a place and before you enrol at the university.

    Tuition fees

    The tuition fee for the course that is stated on the course webpage and in the prospectus for the first year of study will apply. We will review our tuition fees each year. For UK and EU students, if Parliament permit an increase in tuition fees, we may increase fees for each subsequent year of study in line with any such changes. Note that any increase is expected to be in line with inflation. Following the UK’s exit from the European Union, EU students should be aware that there may be a change to UK laws following the UK’s exit, this may change their student status, their eligibility to study part time, and/or their eligibility for student finance. We will act in accordance with the UK’s laws in force in relation to student tuition fees and finance from time to time.

    For International students the tuition fee that is stated on the course webpage and in the prospectus for the first year of study will apply. We will review our tuition fees each year. For international students, we may increase fees for each subsequent year of study but such increases will be no more than 5% above inflation.

    Accreditations

    The majority of our courses have been formally recognised by professional bodies, which means the courses have been reviewed and tested to ensure they reach a set standard. In some instances, studying on an accredited course can give you additional benefits such as exemptions from professional exams (subject to availability, fees may apply). Accreditations, partnerships, exemptions and memberships shall be renewed in accordance with the relevant bodies’ standard review process and subject to the university maintaining the same high standards of course delivery. 

    Facilities

    Facilities mentioned on this page may not be relevant for every course. Due to the ongoing restrictions relating to COVID-19, some facilities (including some teaching and learning spaces) and some non-academic offerings (particularly in relation to international experiences), may vary from those advertised and may have reduced availability or restrictions on their use.

    Placements and study abroad opportunities

    Please note that we are unable to guarantee any placement or study abroad opportunities and that all such opportunities may be subject to additional costs (e.g. travel, visas and accommodation etc.), competitive application, availability and/or meeting any applicable visa requirements. To ensure that you fully understand the requirements in this regard, please contact the International Office for further details if you are an EU or International student.

    Additional costs

    This course may incur additional costs associated with any field trips, placements or work experience, study abroad opportunities or any other opportunity (whether required or optional), which could include (but is not limited to), equipment, materials, bench fees, studio or facilities hire, travel, accommodation and visas).