BSc (Hons)
Criminology and Criminal Justice
Learn from some of the UK’s top crime experts
Course Overview
Why take this course?
This course offers an interdisciplinary approach to the study of criminology and criminal justice, drawing on staff expertise in sociology, social policy, psychology, police studies and theoretical criminology. It also offers you a balance of core study and personal choice through specialised options.
What will I experience?
On this course you can:
- Engage with and evaluate current critical debates surrounding the causes of crime and criminal justice responses
- Discuss career options with our panel of recent graduates working in the criminal justice sector
- Include languages or work experience placements alongside your degree study
What opportunities might it lead to?
Given the broad range of issues considered and the skills acquired throughout the degree programme, upon graduating you will be well equipped to embark upon a diverse range of career choices. Over the years our graduates have found employment in areas including policing (both as officers and as civilian staff), crime analysis, probation, the courts and prison service, local authorities, academia and research, the third sector, charities and private industry to name just a few.
I chose to study here as the Institute of Criminal Justice has a high reputation and provided the best learning experience for me.
Sian Rowe, BSc (Hons) Criminology and Criminal Justice student 2013
Key Facts
- UCAS Course Code:
- M930
- Duration
- 3 years full time
- Entry
240-300 points from 3 A Levels or equivalent, to include a minimum of 100 points in a relevant subject.
Other qualifications- Fees
UK/EU/Channel Islands and Isle of Man full-time students: £8,750 p/a*
International full-time students: £10,500 p/a*
*Please note that all fees are subject to annual increase.- Contact
- humanities.admissions@port.ac.uk
+44 (0)23 9284 8299 - Department
- Institute of Criminal Justice Studies
Subject:
Law and Criminology
Find out what our students say about studying at Portsmouth, including:
- Putting their knowledge into practice in real and mock situations
- Practical hands-on opportunities to extend experience and practical skills
- Lecturers with practical experience in the subjects
Visit us at our open day
Wed 10 Jul
Structure & Teaching
Year one
- Introduction to Criminology
- Introduction to Criminal Justice
- Institutions, Processes and Social Control
- Introduction to Psychology
- Skills for Criminologists
- Researching Criminology 1
Year two
Core units:
- Questioning Criminology
- Key Issues in Criminal Justice
- Researching Criminology 2
Optional themes in year two may include:
- Punishing Offenders
- Police, Law and Community
- Criminal Law and Psychology
- Crime, Media and Culture
- Victims of Crime: Key Players in Criminal Justice
- Crimes of the Powerful
- Substance Use and Misuse
- Policing a Diverse Society
- Global, State and Corporate Security
- Contemporary Terrorism and the Global Response
- Youth Crime, Youth Justice
- Crime Reduction, Partnerships and Community Safety
- Learning From Experience
- Languages
Year three
Core units:
- Dissertation/Major Project
- Contemporary Criminologies
Optional themes in year three may include:
- Safer Communities and Neighbourhood Policing
- Dangerous Offenders and the Criminal Justice System
- Fighting Fraud and Corruption
- Hate Crime
- Crime, Exclusion and Mental Heath
- Forensic Psychology
- Treatment and Rehabilitation of Offenders
- Cyber Crime: Virtual Realities, Control and Mitigation
- Miscarriages of Justice
- Advocacy, Presentation and Persuasion
- Learning from Experience
Teaching and Assessment
Our teaching approach involves lectures, seminars, tutorials, group discussions, practical workshops and forensic crime scene examinations. We'll teach you the skills necessary for degree-level work through study skills tutorials in year one and two, and focus on dissertation supervision in year three. You will have access to software and web-based learning materials, which will enhance your educational experience.
How are you assessed?
Assessment is through a combination of coursework, practical crime scene assessments and examinations. These include open, pre-seen papers and closed traditional examinations. Coursework involves seminar papers, presentations, group projects and a 10,000-word dissertation. Full support is given to help you develop the necessary techniques.
Tutor's view
Dr Nick Pamment
Criminology and Criminal Justice
This is a fascinating course enabling you to study all aspects of criminology and criminal justice. Supported by highly-experienced academic staff and innovative teaching methods, this degree has a strong record of student satisfaction, achievement and employability.
Visit us open day
Facilities & Features
ICJS
One of the UK's leading centres for research and course provision in criminology, criminal justice and police studies
Professional Links
Links with the criminal justice sector: local, national and international
University Library
Our library offers a wealth of information
ICJS
The Institute of Criminal Justice Studies was founded in 1992 and has since grown to comprise 50 academic staff and more than 1,800 students. Now an internationally-renowned focal point for the multidisciplinary study of crime and criminal justice processes, it draws together expertise in criminological analysis, applied psychology, police governance and management, victimology, penology, risk and security.
Professional Links
Our extensive experience and close professional relationships with the police service and criminal justice agencies ensure that our courses reflect the changing needs of the profession. You may benefit from these links by hearing guest speakers, listening to leading-edge research and being helped to find professional work placements.
University Library
Modern, comfortable and a great learning environment, our library offers a wealth of information including 400,000 books, DVDs, maps and thousands of online ejournals and newspapers. Many electronic resources are available anywhere, 24/7 and our friendly staff are always on hand to help.
Careers & Opportunities
Career prospects
You can expect to work within the police, probation and prison services, in the fields of community safety, crime prevention and criminological research, or the forensic science services.
Our graduates have gone on to jobs as:
- paralegal executive
- investigative data analyst
- police officer
- probation officer
- youth offending support officer
- emergency planning officer
- offender case administrator
Work experience
This course allows you to take the Learning From Experience (LiFE) option, which lets you earn credits toward your degree for work/research placements, volunteer roles or internships undertaken alongside your studies. This gives you the opportunity to enhance your employability skills, reflect on the ways in which you've done so, as well as learn to express this to potential employers.
Career planning
6.04 minutes
Finding a job is a competitive business, but the statistics show that 89 per cent of our 2011graduates went into employment, further study or training within six months of finishing their degrees.
To make sure you take the right steps on your career path, we’re here to give you help, support and advice throughout your study. Even after you’ve graduated, we continue to give you support for up to five years.
Employers tell us that they want graduates to be able to demonstrate certain skills when they come out of university. Our courses take account of this. We make sure we prepare you for employment through work-related learning, projects, placements and working in simulated environments that are designed to prepare you for the working world.
Open Day
Our next open day is Wed 10 July
VISIT US! Have a look around and get a feel for what it’s like to live and study here. We’ll be on hand to talk to you about your course interests and show you all of our amazing facilities. You’ll also get to meet tutors and other students…
Application, Fees and Funding — find out more