UCAS code
M930Mode of Study
Full-time, Full-time sandwich with work placementDuration
3 years full-time, 4 years sandwich with work placementStart date
September 2023, September 2024Overview
Why do people commit crimes? And what should we do about it? From offender to victim, punishment to rehabilitation, this BSc (Hons) Criminology and Criminal Justice degree asks questions about the causes and consequences of crime. The answers may surprise you. They’ll certainly help you choose the right career path.
As you become an expert on the criminal justice system in England and Wales, you’ll develop skills for a range of careers – from policing and prisons, to probation and rehabilitation, as well as roles fighting fraud in the private sector or influencing Government policy. And because crime doesn’t respect borders, this course also gives you a uniquely international perspective.
Course highlights
- Explore the latest national and international debates and research in topics as varied as hate crime, state crime, terrorism, gang crime, black criminology, and victimology
- Get career-ready with an emphasis on skills and employability, including volunteering opportunities with organisations such as Hampshire Constabulary and local charities like Aurora New Dawn (supporting victims of crime) and Read and Grow Society (helping ex-offenders learn to read)
- Learn from an international team whose experience spans law and criminal justice, policing, probation and more – including a former private detective doing important research into missing persons and an expert in European responses to domestic violence
- Join lively debates in one of the country’s largest criminology departments and contribute your own ideas on how we should respond to crime as a society
- Build a professional network by meeting practitioners from criminal justice agencies, businesses and charities
- Customise your degree to match your ambitions: some modules reduce the amount to time you’d need to train for a policing career or as a probation officer
Recognised by:
The module Economic Crime and Fraud Examination is recognised by ACFE (a global professional body for counter fraud professionals) and undertaking it provides opportunities for full-time students to complete the Certified Fraud Examiner qualification at a subsidised rate.
Why study Criminology and Criminal Justice?
Hear students and lecturers from our Criminology and Criminal Justice degree explain what they love about the course and what future students can expect from it.
Laura Haggar: The Criminology and Criminal Justice course draws on various disciplines, really. So thinking about criminology, psychology and sociology.
Michela Scalpello: The next part of the course takes us into the more practical side - the criminal justice area, where we look at how the courts operate policing and prisons. So it really gives a nice mix of both theory and practice.
Laura Haggar: This course offers individuals really the opportunity to start to specialise and develop kind of their own of interest in their areas of expertise, which of course is really useful for them then thinking about their employment prospects, what they might want to do.
Nicola: The career I'm looking to go into would be something along wildlife crime. We hear the issues of wildlife, but then there's so much more to it and my teachers were so passionate and suddenly it just blew out of proportion. I loved it so much. I mean, I'm just so passionate about it now.
Laura Haggar: We've got a number of staff here who have experiences within the criminal justice system. So what that also means is that we're really able to put into practice and apply those kind of theoretical underpinnings.
Michela Scalpello: I've come from a prison setting. We've got staff from policing and probation. It's fascinating, really.
Anwar: 'Policing in society' was one of my favourite topics. It's how it impacts people in different ways. As a black criminologist myself, I love the social aspects of criminology.
Laura Haggar: Students have the opportunity to undertake study abroad placements in Europe and in Australia.
Michela Scalpello: This gives them a really broad sense of how it works internationally to bring good practice back to the UK as well.
Laura Haggar: In much the same way with our placements, we do have a dedicated team that will support students who are interested. Those sorts of extra skills are kind of important for employment and what an opportunity? When I'm speaking to students, one of the things that they noticed is how friendly staff are, how passionate we are about supporting their learning journeys.
Nicola: How they respect us and we respect them and it's just amazing.
Anwar: If you have a problem in your assignment, you can talk to them and they'll help you solve it. I feel very, very supported by the lecturers.
Nicola: I feel like within criminology, I want to leave a lasting impact within our world. Even if it's not seeing some sort of legacy or something that's impacted people in a positive way or making change and help where I can.
Entry requirements
BSc (Hons) Criminology and Criminal Justice degree entry requirements
Typical offers
- A levels – ABB–BBB
- UCAS points – 120–128 points from 3 A levels or equivalent (calculate your UCAS points)
- T levels – Merit
- BTECs (Extended Diplomas) – DDM
You may need to have studied specific subjects – see full entry requirements and other qualifications we accept
English language requirements
- English language proficiency at a minimum of IELTS band 6.0 with no component score below 5.5.
See alternative English language qualifications
We also accept other standard English tests and qualifications, as long as they meet the minimum requirements of your course.
If you don't meet the English language requirements yet, you can achieve the level you need by successfully completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course.
Typical offers
- A levels – ABB–BBB
- UCAS points – 120-128 points from 3 A levels, or equivalent (calculate your UCAS points)
- T-levels – Merit
- BTECs (Extended Diplomas) – DDM
- International Baccalaureate – 29–30
You may need to have studied specific subjects – find full entry requirements and other qualifications we accept at UCAS.
English language requirements
- English language proficiency at a minimum of IELTS band 6.0 with no component score below 5.5.
See alternative English language qualifications
We also accept other standard English tests and qualifications, as long as they meet the minimum requirements of your course.
If you don't meet the English language requirements yet, you can achieve the level you need by successfully completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course.
Useful subjects for this course
You don't need to study specific subjects at school or college to do this degree. But you may find it useful to have covered some of these subjects:
- criminology
- law
- sociology
- psychology
- geography
- religious studies
- economics
- history
- biology
- computing
It was amazing to be taught by the authors of the books I was referencing – it fills you with confidence knowing your lecturers are experts in their fields and so passionate about their work.
Careers and opportunities
Crime is a fact of life, which means there will always be career opportunities around preventing it and dealing with the fallout. As our graduates’ career paths show, you’ll complete this course with a range of different professional routes open to you in the public, private and charitable sectors.
There is good demand for jobs in the criminal justice and penal sector. For example, Her Majesty's Prison and Probation Service (HMPPS) has developed a Probation Workforce Strategy to recruit skilled people to probation officer roles and invest in ongoing professional development.
You'll graduate with the skills and knowledge you need to work in the police, probation and prison services in areas such as:
- community safety
- crime prevention
- fraud investigation
- youth offending teams
You'll also have relevant skills or knowledge to progress into other areas such as:
- counter fraud roles in banking, the NHS or the DWP
- economic crime investigation
- policy analysis and formulation for councils or the Government
- community rehabilitation
- postgraduate study and research
What's it like to study Criminology and how does it apply to a career?
University of Portsmouth Criminology graduate Matt Hockley
Matt graduated in 2018 with a Criminology and Criminal Justice degree from the University of Portsmouth. He is now a Probation Practice Research Assistant. Find out what Matt’s role entails and how he’s applying the skills he learned during his time at Portsmouth
Matt: My name is Matt. I'm currently working as a probation practice research assistant.
I wanted to study criminology at the University of Portsmouth because of its reputation. I just found that the staff were supportive. I loved my cohort, they were absolutely fantastic and I love the approach that they took whilst I was there. So supportive, so willing to let me adapt and evolve as a criminologist. I started off as very shy and not a lot of confidence, and I feel like I definitely flourished during my time there.
My four week placement at the Portsmouth City Council was about crime and anti-social behaviour research, and I feel that experience really gave me that edge when I went for my first job outside of university.
I found there was an internship at the Royal Courts of Justice, despite there being quite a few applications, I was very lucky to get the role. I chose to apply for the Royal Courts of Justice here because it was in my chosen field, I've done work beforehand in probation and in prison. It just gave you a really good insight into how the court system is run.
My first week of properly working in the Royal Courts of Justice, I remember there were people cheering and people shouting and I was a bit confused. I thought, this is a very grand gesture for someone's first week, but I looked behind me and Johnny Depp is coming in for his court case, which was certainly a very interesting experience for someone's first week of work!
I love criminology. I would say my motivation is definitely to help people. My particular interest is about looking at gender and sexuality and how that is understood and how that is dealt with by the criminal justice system. I feel like the stuff that I am producing and the stuff that I'm researching has got wide implications and will benefit people. Without the University of Portsmouth, I would definitely not be the person I am today.
Graduate destinations
Our graduates have worked for organisations including:
- Hampshire Constabulary, Avon and Somerset Constabulary, Metropolitan Police, Thames Valley Police, South Wales Police, Kent Police
- National Probation Service
- G4S and other community rehabilitation providers
- Financial service companies
Roles our previous graduates have gone onto include:
- investigative data analyst
- police officer
- probation service officer
- youth offending support officer
- offender case administrator
- detective
- personnel security analyst
- private investigator
- witness service team leader
Placement year (optional)
After your second year of study, you can choose to do a relevant, paid work placement year in the UK or overseas. This lets you put your new skills to work while developing valuable links with employers.
It’s fantastic for your CV and will really help you stand out when applying for jobs after graduation.
We’ll help you secure a work placement that fits your aspirations. Mentoring and support throughout your placement will help you to get the most from the experience.
Previous placement destinations have included:
- Aurora New Dawn – a charity offering support to survivors of domestic abuse, sexual violence and stalking
- Hampshire Constabulary
- HMRC
- the Office for National Statistics
- Catch 22 – a social business building resilience and aspiration in communities
You can also spend this year studying overseas at one of our partner universities in Europe, South Asia, Australia or North America.
A global survey of 1000 business leaders by the Harvard Business Review [...] found that the skills most in-demand by employers are those in which Social Sciences, Humanities and the Arts graduates specialise – from communication, problem solving and creativity, to research and analysis.
Ongoing careers support
Get experience while you study, with support to find part-time jobs, volunteering opportunities, and work experience.
Towards the end of your degree and for up to five years after graduation, you’ll receive one-to-one support from our Graduate Recruitment Consultancy to help you find your perfect role.
Abigail's story
"There was no other university that made me feel the same..."
Discover what made Abigail choose Portsmouth to study a BSc (Hons) Criminology and Criminal Justice degree, and what she loves about the uni, city and studying here.
Abigail: When I came here on an open day I just fell in love with the place, there was no other university that made me feel the same.
I love studying criminology at Portsmouth because it's so up to date with current research, the lecturers are doing stuff here and now. I remember my first guest lecturer, and I can still remember the enthusiasm and passion he had in that lecture to this day, and I'm waiting at the moment to have him as a lecturer next year.
One thing I love is how everything's walking distance, you can easily walk round Portsmouth. Even in second year, I live further out than first year, but everywhere's so close.
What you'll study on this BSc (Hons) Criminology and Criminal Justice degree
Each module on this course is worth a certain number of credits.
In each year, you need to study modules worth a total of 120 credits. For example, four modules worth 20 credits and one module worth 40 credits.
Modules
Core modules
What you'll learn
The learning outcomes of this module are:
- Describe and discuss the definition of crime within society.
- Identify and reflect on social justice issues in relation to inequality and crime.
- Examine the impact of crime on society.
- Review societal responses to crime.
What you'll learn
The learning outcomes of this module are:
-
Recognise the historical development of criminal justice.
-
Describe the key functions of current criminal justice agencies.
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Obtain knowledge contributing to the ability to make informed career decisions within the sector.
-
Discuss philosophies and methods of punishment used within criminal justice.
-
Recognise and reflect upon examples of multi-agency working in criminal justice.
What you'll learn
The learning outcomes of this module are:
- Recognise the fundamental aspects of academic scholarship.
- Differentiate between the quality of academic sources.
- Reflect on personal developmental needs and make informed career decisions.
- Understand fundamental elements of research in criminology.
- Understand basic principles of quantitative and qualitative research.
- Demonstrate an understanding of the subject area and interrelationships with other relevant subjects.
What you'll learn
The learning outcomes of this module are:
- Engage creatively across disciplines.
- Locate and access information relevant to the subject area.
- Consider applications of theories to solve problems in society.
- Develop appreciation of ethical practice.
- Communicate ideas effectively in written form.
- Develop a reflective understanding of the subject area.
What you'll learn
The learning outcomes of this module are:
- Outline the historical context and origins of the subject area.
- Describe the key ideas that drove the development of the social sciences.
- Think independently and creatively across discipline boundaries.
- Recognise and apply new and existing knowledge in relation to explaining criminal behaviour.
- Outline and describe the social, cultural, political and economic contexts that influenced the development of criminology and criminological thinking.
Core modules
What you'll learn
The learning outcomes of this module are:
- Critically evaluate comparative criminal justice frameworks.
- Apply key issues of criminal justice studies in a comparative context.
- Critically analyse stages of the criminal justice process in different countries.
What you'll learn
The learning outcomes of this module are:
-
Develop knowledge and understanding of the subject area that is reflective and questioning.
-
Think independently, analytically and creatively about the subject area.
-
Appraise different critical standpoints of social control.
-
Locate, access and critically engage with information pertinent to the subject matter.
-
Recognise and discuss the importance of social justice.
-
Develop and further intellectual curiosity for the subject area.
What you'll learn
The learning outcomes of this module are:
-
Develop knowledge and understanding of the subject area in such a way as to be able to apply it to their own research projects.
-
Think analytically and critically about research in criminology.
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Provide opportunities for students to develop their skills in research for wider application.
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Identify the ethical issues inherent in research in criminology and to develop responses to these issues.
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Consider how research can generate creative solutions to societal issues.
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Work independently and in groups on research projects, and to deliver the results of these projects in a variety of forms.
Optional modules
What you'll learn
The learning outcomes of this module are:
- Develop critical, reflective knowledge and understanding of state crimes concepts (of commission and omission), examining and critiquing the boundaries of subject knowledge in a disciplinary context.
- Appraise the nature of state crimes of commission, including crimes against humanity and State Crimes Against Democracy.
- Appraise the nature of state crimes of omission, including state-corporate and environmental market-based crimes, contemporary slavery and trafficking of human beings.
- Critically examine by synthesising existing knowledge to generate ideas and creative solutions in the international communities' response to state crimes that is infused with a sense of responsibility allied to a commitment to ethical practice and social justice.
What you'll learn
The learning outcomes of this module are:
- Engage with contemporary debates regarding colonialism, decolonisation and its legacies in Europe and Africa.
- Critically analyse primary and secondary sources.
- Present a reasoned argument in written form, using appropriate terminology.
What you'll do
The learning outcomes of this module are:
- Communicate clearly and effectively about social problems and their consequences.
- Evaluate strategies for addressing forms of inequality and/or sustainability and obstacles to their implementation.
- Demonstrate the ability to be an effective team player able to support others.
What you'll learn
The learning outcomes of this module are:
- Justify the use of crime scene processing, management, and evidence recovery techniques.
- Compare and contrast methods of forensic analysis.
- Critically evaluate the value of forensic evidence types.
- Communicate the findings of forensic investigations to key stakeholders in the criminal justice system.
- Contextualise the holistic use of forensic evidence in collaboration with other investigative resources.
What you'll learn
The learning outcomes of this module are:
- Demonstrate a detailed knowledge and understanding of theories related to gang crime.
- Explore cross-cultural perspectives of group offending.
- Demonstrate critical awareness of the social constructions of gang crime and deviancy.
- Critically analyse new and existing theoretical principles surrounding gang crime.
- Compare and contrast empirical research methods within the area of gang crime.
What you'll learn
The learning outcomes of this module are:
- Appraise theoretical perspectives on environmental (in)justices.
- Analyse the nature, scale and range of perpetrators and victims of environmental crimes and harms.
- Evaluate approaches to managing environmental harms as applied across a range of settings, countries, contexts and systems.
- Examine the breadth of organisations engaged in the policing and investigation of environmental crime at a national and international level.
What you'll learn
The learning outcomes of this module are:
-
Recognise the varying disciplinary perspectives on the concept of security within a criminological framework.
-
Critically discuss the drivers of societal risk and insecurity.
-
Recognise the nature and impact of economic and political developments.
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Explain and assess the many forms of threat to the security of states, corporations and individuals.
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Identify and assess responses to security threats at the global, national, local, corporate and individual levels.
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Locate, interpret, question and summarise information from a number of different sources.
What you'll learn
The learning outcomes of this module are:
- Develop knowledge and understanding of the subject area that is reflective and questioning.
- Independently, analytically and creatively think about the subject area.
- Analyse and appraise both new and existing knowledge.
- Locate, access and engage with information pertinent to the subject area.
- Recognise and discuss the importance of social justice issues.
- Develop further intellectual curiosity for the subject area.
What you'll learn
The learning outcomes of this module are:
- Assess key theories in intercultural communication research.
- Collect data/information and analyse it from an intercultural perspective.
- Research a certain aspect of culture and communication.
What you'll learn
When you complete this module successfully, you'll be able to:
-
Develop an understanding of the big issues and contemporary debates in education and teaching.
-
Apply the fundamental concepts of teaching and learning theory to the planning and evaluation of a lesson plan.
-
Understand the importance of safeguarding children.
-
Reflect on current developments in teaching and learning.
What you'll learn
The learning outcomes of this module are:
-
Critically discuss key marketing concepts.
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Retrieve and analyse appropriate real world marketing information.
-
Apply theories of marketing to real world contexts.
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Distinguish between different forms of communication within the marketing context.
What you'll learn
The learning outcomes of this module are:
-
Describe and differentiate the various types and categories of missing person cases that are dealt with in the UK and elsewhere.
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Identify and discuss the role and impact of the agencies responding to or who are otherwise involved in dealing with missing persons incidents, including the role of the media.
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Examine and interpret the overlap between missing person's incidents and key types of serious crime.
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Appraise and critique the appropriateness and effectiveness of responses by key agencies to missing persons incidents while identifying areas for improvement.
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Appropriately apply relevant criminological and psychological theories to missing people, their families, responders, and to offenders.
What you'll learn
The learning objectives of this module are to be confirmed.
What you'll learn
The learning outcomes of this module are:
-
Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of key sources, concepts, ideas, substantive analyses, and contemporary relevance.
-
Demonstrate ability to compare and contrast analytical approaches to the study and explanation of themes and issues explored on the module.
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Communicate understanding and knowledge of complex ideas, concepts and themes and issues explored on the module clearly, effectively, and creatively.
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Work effectively, both independently and as a member of a group, to research, prepare and deliver a report.
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Produce an organised, well-structured and concise answer to an essay question demonstrating critical engagement with relevant texts and analyses.
What you'll learn
When you complete this module successfully, you'll be able to:
- Critically and reflectively engage with literature exploring nationalism from various disciplines
- Analyse current political and economic debates surrounding immigration
- Evaluate how global inequalities relate to nationalist social and political structures and ideologies
- Demonstrate an understanding of how the issues discussed are relevant at micro and macro levels globally
- Understand and critically question how nationalism and national identities are often taken for granted in Western societies, and how this relates to contemporary global power relations
What you'll learn
The learning outcomes of this module are:
- Examine current issues relative to traditional (i.e. print and/or broadcast) media
- Empirically analyse media texts in terms of ideological representation
- Identify and justify the selection of appropriate media texts and appropriate analytical frameworks in the formulation of a short empirical research project
What you'll learn
The learning outcomes of this module are:
- Develop knowledge of the principles and practices of penology.
- Engage creatively with the multi disciplinary basis of the subject area.
- Apply knowledge for the development of creative solutions to intractable problems.
- Engage in an ethical evaluation of the justifications for punishment.
What you'll learn
The learning outcomes of this module are:
- Evaluate the history and sociology of policing organisations.
- Explain the role, organisation, and governance arrangements of policing in the UK.
- Analyse issues of trust and legitimacy within the police.
- Identify and analyse major challenges confronting policing agencies nationally and internationally.
What you'll learn
When you complete this module successfully, you'll be able to:
- Know and recognize the varying disciplinary perspectives on the concept of the principles of economic crime investigation within criminological, legal, and economic frameworks
- Become familiar with the main types of organisations involved in investigating economic crime including SFO, NCA and FCA etc.
- Identify the different modes of investigative techniques employed in investigating economic crime
- Analyse information on the investigation techniques employed in real economic crime cases
- Gather, retrieve, and analyse information from a variety of sources
What you'll learn
The learning outcomes of this module are:
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Reflect on their learning and experience to date and use this as a basis to plan and organise suitable work experience(s) that will enable the development of their professional profile.
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Propose a programme of learning that enables the development and demonstration of specified professional skills.
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Critically evaluate their learning and experience and relate this to their future career goals.
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Communicate the outcomes of their experience, through the effective use of reflective practice.
What you'll learn
The learning outcomes of this module are:
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To think independently and analytically about psychology and security.
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To be able to locate, access and engage with information pertinent to psychology and security.
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Be creative in the development of a solution that could address a real-world security issue.
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Defend a reasoned position about the ethics of security practices.
What you'll learn
The learning outcomes of this module are:
- Discuss conceptual and thematic aspects of the literature.
- Reflect on the ways that subjectivity is formulated at specific periods and is related to place and/or gender.
- Recognise the materiality and historicity of philosophical and theoretical concepts.
- Comprehend the significance of perception for the subject and in narrative voice.
- Define and critically assess key terms and concepts for theoretically-informed literary analysis.
- Demonstrate critically-informed close reading skills and contextualised literary analysis.
What you'll learn
The learning outcomes of this module are:
-
Analyse the mechanisms employed in the pursuit of truth, justice and reparation for human rights abuses in selected countries.
-
Analyse the effectiveness of transitional justice mechanisms in selected countries.
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Analyse how political, social, cultural, and legal factors facilitate or hinder transitional justice in selected countries.
What you'll learn
The learning outcomes of this module are:
- Critically evaluate a variety of sources relating and appraise different aspects of the history of crime.
- Assess methods of social control used at different periods of time, and the extent to which these were challenged.
- Differentiate between different historiographical approaches and arguments within the history of crime.
- Review how legal records can be used as a primary source for the understanding of social history.
What you'll learn
The learning outcomes of this module are:
- Develop knowledge and understanding of the subject area that is reflective and questioning.
- Think independently, analytically and creatively about the subject area.
- Analyse and appraise new and existing knowledge.
- Locate, access and engage with information relevant to the subject area.
- Recognise and discuss the importance of social justice.
- Develop and further intellectual curiosity for the subject area.
What you'll learn
When you complete this module successfully, you'll be able to:
- Analyse the different types of wildlife crime and summarise environmental factors
- Recognise and examine the importance of environmental justice and sustainability
- Locate, access and engage with information pertinent to environmental justice and wildlife crime
- Interpret and assess new and existing knowledge
- Demonstrate intellectual curiosity and identify further opportunities within the subject area
What you'll learn
The learning outcomes of this module are:
- Develop knowledge and understanding of the subject area that is reflective and questioning.
- Independently, analytically and creatively think about youth crime and youth justice.
- Analyse and appraise both new and existing knowledge.
- Locate, access and engage with information pertinent to youth crime and youth justice.
- Recognise and discuss the importance of youth justice issues.
- Develop further intellectual curiosity for the subject area.
Optional modules
What you'll learn
The learning outcomes of this module are:
- Manage and complete tasks in a study relevant to their course, with an appropriate level of skill, initiative, independence and performance.
- Critically reflect on the formal learning experience and student ambassadorial role for the University, and consider the relevance of this learning to future study and employability and personal development.
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Critically assess how activities relate to disciplinary knowledge and practice covered on the student's undergraduate course, within a global context.
What you'll learn
The learning outcomes of this module are:
- Critically reflect on the competencies required within a placement environment.
- Identify and evaluate the learning experience and the relevance of this learning to future careers and professional development, identifying areas for improvement or further training.
- Self-evaluate their success in meeting the objectives identified in the learning agreement.
Core modules
What you'll learn
The learning outcomes of this module are:
- Critically evaluate theoretical approaches to understand the nature, impact, and place of the discipline in contemporary society.
- Comprehensively critique the contributions of contemporary criminology to interpretations of late modern transgression and punishment.
- Critically appraise the significance of challenges posed by cultural transformations on criminology as a discipline.
What you'll learn
The learning outcomes of this module are:
- Navigate international human rights case-law and critically evaluate their impacts on national criminal justice systems.
- Critically examine the reasons why human rights law fails to be enforced effectively within criminal justice.
- Critically compare different international and regional human rights instruments in their involvement with criminal justice.
- Critically assess how global issues affect the limitation of rights in criminal proceedings.
- Contextualise crime by applying a critical approach towards rights by taking into account social inequalities.
What you'll learn
The learning outcomes of this module are:
- Design a viable dissertation/project proposal.
- Utilise a range of current research or equivalent advanced scholarship in the relevant field.
- Deploy established and relevant techniques of analysis and enquiry in an ethical framework to a specific and focused area relevant to the subject.
- Critically evaluate assumptions, arguments and data (which may be incomplete) to form a judgement, frame further questions and identify potential solutions.
- Manage and reflect on your learning and communicate in writing to a specified audience relevant to either the academic or workplace community.
Optional modules
What you'll learn
The learning outcomes of this module are:
-
Demonstrate a critical understanding of contemporary penology.
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Critically evaluate prison regimes and practice from both local and global perspectives.
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Critically discuss the importance of a whole systems approach to rehabilitation and resettlement.
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Demonstrate the ability to think critically and act accordingly in various scenarios.
What you'll learn
The learning outcomes of this module are:
- Demonstrate detailed knowledge and understanding of the theories related to Black criminology, race and the criminal justice system.
- Explore cross-cultural perspectives of race in the criminal justice system.
- Demonstrate critical awareness of racialised experiences of the criminal justice system.
- Critically analyse historical and contemporary theoretical principles around race and criminology.
- Compare and contrast empirical research methods within the subject area.
What you'll learn
The learning outcomes of this module are:
- Conduct a multidisciplinary theoretical analysis of terrorism studies, terrorism, terrorists and pathways to terrorism and political violence.
- Systematically compare and contrast differing forms of terrorism.
- Critically reflect on differing counter terrorist strategies and tactics, policies and practices.
- Locate, access and critically engage with digital information related to terrorist groups globally.
What you'll learn
The learning outcomes of this module are:
- Collect and organise knowledge and understanding of the subject and assess its practical application.
- Compare and contrast knowledge from several areas of expertise to draw informed conclusions.
- Critically assess and compare ideas related to crime and new technologies.
- Evaluate the impact of new technologies in relation to crime.
What you'll learn
The learning outcomes of this module are:
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Differentiate between serious offending and the application of the dangerous label in criminal justice.
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Think independently and develop knowledge and comprehension of risk assessments, including the metrics of risk of harm and reoffending.
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Critically consider the development and implementation of relevant policies and legislation.
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Critically demonstrate knowledge of the key profile types of behaviour, including the main theoretical explanations, the nature and extent of the behaviour concerning certain populations of offenders.
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Evaluate and apply offender information, demonstrating knowledge and understanding of contributing agency role and function.
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Critically explore the management of dangerous offenders by different agencies within the criminal justice system.
What you'll learn
The learning outcomes of this module are:
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To critically evaluate the drivers of societal risks associated with economic crime drawing on criminological, legal, and sociological perspectives.
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To critically analyse economic crime cases without guidance, using a range of techniques appropriate to the subject.
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Locate, access and critically engage with available digitally based information in relation to economic crime and fraud examination.
What you'll learn
The learning outcomes of this module are:
- Locate and combine information relevant to the subject area.
- Critically consider applications of psychological theory to solve problems in a forensic setting.
- Communicate ideas effectively in written form.
- Develop a critical understanding of the subject area.
What you'll learn
The learning outcomes of this module are:
- Critically analyse the importance of understanding crime from a gendered perspective.
- Evaluate the influence of gendered perspectives on our understanding of crime and criminology.
- Compare and contrast gendered pathways into crime.
- Critically analyse gendered responses to crime.
- Examine the impact of gender on professionals working in criminal justice agencies.
- Critically analyse the female experiences of the criminal justice system.
What you'll learn
The learning outcomes of this module are:
- Critically appraise environmental criminology and other theoretical perspectives on 'green crime'.
- Critically analyse the nature, scale and range of perpetrators and victims surrounding environmental crime.
- Examine the role of environmental law and regulation.
- Assess the importance of environmental risk assessments.
- Examine the organisations engaged in the policing and investigation of environmental crime at a national and international level.
What you'll learn
The learning outcomes of this module are:
- Develop a critical understanding of security risk analysis and management.
- Design and manage a security policy.
- Evaluate various security solutions and their appropriate deployment in an organisational context.
- Create and critically evaluate a disaster recovery plan for business continuity.
- Assess human, legal, ethical and professional factors in developing security policies.
What you'll learn
The learning outcomes of this module are:
- Analyse the fundamentals of intelligence analysis in terms of the different practices, types and products.
- Develop an understanding of the role of the intelligence analyst and their role in an investigative team.
- Critically examine and demonstrate how strategic intelligence analysis helps inform policy and decision-making in public and private organisations.
- Appraise how intelligence analysis technologies and techniques can support investigations into forms of serious and organised crime.
- Critically examine and demonstrate how social network analysis represents a scientific alternative to conventional intelligence analysis.
What you'll learn
When you complete this module successfully, you'll be able to:
- Develop a critical understanding of the big issues and contemporary debates in education and teaching.
- Analyse and apply the fundamental concepts of teaching and learning theory to the planning and evaluation of a lesson plan.
- Understand the importance of safeguarding children.
- Critically reflect on current developments in teaching and learning.
What you'll learn
The learning outcomes of this module are:
- Develop knowledge and understanding of the subject area that is reflective and questioning.
- Independently, analytically and creatively think about the subject.
- Analyse and evaluate both new and existing knowledge.
- Develop further intellectual curiosity for the subject matter.
- Critically analyse information from a variety of sources and develop an argument.
What you'll learn
The learning outcomes of this module are:
- Critically and reflectively assess the causes of miscarriages of justice.
- Critically analyse miscarriages of justice using a holistic and cross-disciplinary approach.
- Using a range of theoretical approaches, assess the impact that forensic science advances have had on the detection and prevention of miscarriages of justice.
- Critically examine the basic rights of suspects from the initial investigation and first trial to the appeals process and beyond, including the role of the Criminal Cases Review Commission.
What you'll learn
The learning outcomes of this module are:
- Apply your knowledge and understanding of core terms and concepts relating to economic explanation for law, organisation and compliance in the area of anti-money laundering (AML).
- Apply the knowledge and understanding of the main AML legal and regulatory structures to new situations.
- Critically evaluate AML legal and regulatory structures and develop arguments while being aware of the limits of knowledge.
- Apply written communication skills and make use of library-based and community-based research opportunities.
What you'll learn
The learning outcomes of this module are:
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Critically examine national policing models of intelligence and decision-making.
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Articulate the principles of community policing.
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Critically apply approaches to intelligence to policing.
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Evaluate the police role in countering terrorist activities and other serious and organised crimes.
What you'll learn
The learning outcomes of this module are:
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Critically discuss the purpose of the police service.
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Demonstrate a critical understanding of the necessity for maintaining professional standards and values, and how these relate to the concept of policing by consent.
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Apply and evaluate core principles of ethics, equality, diversity and human rights in professional policing.
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Summarise strategies to develop resilience and maintain personal well-being within policing.
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Critically examine the application of law within policing.
What you'll learn
The learning outcomes of this module are:
- Critically appraise key debates from political science on the extreme right.
- Demonstrate detailed knowledge and critical understanding of the historical development and current position(s) of the extreme right.
- Critically analyse and evaluate contemporary criminological arguments on the extreme right.
What you'll learn
The learning outcomes of this module are:
- Critically evaluate personal professional profile and relate this to the development of effective job application strategies.
- Research, compare and contrast and critically evaluate employers expectations in terms of candidates' skills, attributes and competences in different sectors of employment.
- Reflect on and evaluate their scores from a range of Psychometric tests to prepare for an upcoming employment assessment.
- Communicate professionally the outcomes of their experience to potential employers via the production of a CV, statement, video pitch and a mock and formal job interview.
What you'll learn
The learning outcomes of this module are:
- Reflect on their learning and experience to date and use this as a basis to plan and organise suitable work experience(s) that will enable the development of their professional profile.
- Propose a programme of learning that enables the development and demonstration of specified professional skills.
- Critically evaluate their learning and experience and relate this to their future career goals.
- Communicate the outcomes of their experience, through the effective use of reflective practice.
What you'll learn
The learning outcomes of this module are:
- Critically analyse concepts of treatment and rehabilitation towards people in the criminal justice system.
- Evaluate theoretical approaches to treatment and rehabilitation.
- Critically examine and apply theoretical debates around rehabilitation to criminal justice practice.
- Compare and contrast different approaches to rehabilitation.
- Effectively communicate research and theories related to the treatment and rehabilitation of specific offender groups and offending behaviours.
- Critically analyse future directions for the treatment and rehabilitation of those in the criminal justice system.
What you'll learn
The learning outcomes of this module are:
- Demonstrate critical understanding of the construction of media accounts of crime in the True Crime genre.
- Critically evaluate how the media portrays True Crime.
- Critically analyse new and existing knowledge across disciplinary boundaries.
- Critically discuss the importance of social justice issues.
- Critically apply theory to the genre.
Changes to course content
We use the best and most current research and professional practice alongside feedback from our students to make sure course content is relevant to your future career or further studies.
Therefore, some course content may change over time to reflect changes in the discipline or industry. If a module doesn't run, we'll let you know as soon as possible and help you choose an alternative module.
I love studying Criminology at Portsmouth because it’s so up to date with current research.
Teaching
Teaching methods on this course include:
- Lectures
- Seminars
- Tutorials
- Group discussions
- Practical workshops
Teaching staff include current and former practitioners who have worked in roles such as police officer, probation officer, private investigator and search and rescue worker.
You can access all teaching resources on Moodle, our virtual learning environment, from anywhere with a Web connection.
For more about the teaching activities for specific modules, see the module list above.
You can access all teaching resources on Moodle, our virtual learning environment, from anywhere with a Web connection.
For more about the teaching activities for specific modules, see the module list above.
How you're assessed
You’ll be assessed through:
- Coursework
- Examinations
- Presentations
- Group projects
- A dissertation or major project
You’ll be able to test your skills and knowledge informally before you do assessments that count towards your final mark.
You can get feedback on all practice and formal assessments so you can improve in the future.
How you'll spend your time
One of the main differences between school or college and university is how much control you have over your learning.
We use a blended learning approach to teaching, which means you’ll take part in both face-to-face and online activities during your studies. As well as attending your timetabled classes you'll study independently in your free time, supported by staff and our virtual learning environment, Moodle.
A typical week
We recommend you spend at least 35 hours a week studying for your Criminology and Criminal Justice degree. In your first year, you’ll be in timetabled teaching activities, such as lectures, seminars and workshops for about 9 hours a week. The rest of the time you’ll do independent study such as research, reading, coursework and project work, alone or in a group with others from your course. You'll probably do more independent study and have less scheduled teaching in years 2 and 3, but this depends on which modules you choose.
Term dates
The academic year runs from September to June. There are breaks at Christmas and Easter.
Supporting your learning
The amount of timetabled teaching you'll get on your degree might be less than what you're used to at school or college, but you'll also get support via video, phone and face-to-face from teaching and support staff to enhance your learning experience and help you succeed. You can build your personalised network of support from the following people and services:
Types of support
Your personal tutor helps you make the transition to independent study and gives you academic and personal support throughout your time at university.
As well as regular scheduled meetings with your personal tutor, they're also available at set times during the week if you want to chat with them about anything that can't wait until your next meeting.
You'll have help from a team of faculty learning development tutors. They can help you improve and develop your academic skills and support you in any area of your study.
They can help with:
- Improving your academic writing (for example, essays, reports, dissertations)
- Delivering presentations (including observing and filming presentations)
- Understanding and using assignment feedback
- Managing your time and workload
- Revision and exam techniques
As well as support from faculty staff and your personal tutor, you can use the University's Academic Skills Unit (ASK).
ASK provides one-to-one support in areas such as:
- Academic writing
- Note taking
- Time management
- Critical thinking
- Presentation skills
- Referencing
- Working in groups
- Revision, memory and exam techniques
If you have a disability or need extra support, the Additional Support and Disability Centre (ASDAC) will give you help, support and advice.
Our online Learning Well mini-course will help you plan for managing the challenges of learning and student life, so you can fulfil your potential and have a great student experience.
You can get personal, emotional and mental health support from our Student Wellbeing Service, in person and online. This includes 1–2–1 support as well as courses and workshops that help you better manage stress, anxiety or depression.
If you require extra support because of a disability or additional learning need our specialist team can help you.
They'll help you to
- discuss and agree on reasonable adjustments
- liaise with other University services and facilities, such as the library
- access specialist study skills and strategies tutors, and assistive technology tutors, on a 1-to-1 basis or in groups
- liaise with external services
Library staff are available in person or by email, phone, or online chat to help you make the most of the University’s library resources. You can also request one-to-one appointments and get support from a librarian who specialises in your subject area.
The library is open 24 hours a day, every day, in term time.
If English isn't your first language, you can do one of our English language courses to improve your written and spoken English language skills before starting your degree. Once you're here, you can take part in our free In-Sessional English (ISE) programme to improve your English further.
Since graduating from this course, I've worked for Surrey Police, the Metropolitan Police and Hampshire Police, and now I'm training as a detective. Having visited a number of other universities, it's clear that Portsmouth is committed to leading the way in Criminology.
Course costs and funding
Tuition fees (2023 start)
- UK/Channel Islands and Isle of Man students – £9,250 a year (may be subject to annual increase)
- EU students – £9,250 a year, including our Transition Scholarship (may be subject to annual increase)
- International students – £17,200 a year (subject to annual increase)
Tuition fees (2024 start)
- UK/Channel Islands and Isle of Man students – £9,250 a year (may be subject to annual increase)
- EU students – £9,250 a year, including our Transition Scholarship (may be subject to annual increase)
- International students – £18,100 a year (subject to annual increase)
You won't pay any extra tuition fees to another university for taking part in a study/work abroad activity if you choose to do it for the whole academic year. During a year abroad you'll only have to pay a reduced fee to the University of Portsmouth.
Funding your studies
Find out how to fund your studies, including the scholarships and bursaries you could get. You can also find more about tuition fees and living costs, including what your tuition fees cover.
Applying from outside the UK? Find out about funding options for international students.
Additional course costs
These course-related costs aren’t included in the tuition fees. So you’ll need to budget for them when you plan your spending.
Additional costs
Our accommodation section show your accommodation options and highlight how much it costs to live in Portsmouth.
You’ll study up to 6 modules a year. You may have to read several recommended books or textbooks for each module.
You can borrow most of these from the Library. If you buy these, they may cost up to £60 each.
We recommend that you budget £75 a year for photocopying, memory sticks, DVDs and CDs, printing charges, binding and specialist printing.
If your final year includes a major project, there could be cost for transport or accommodation related to your research activities. The amount will depend on the project you choose.
You'll need to pay additional costs anywhere between £50–£1,000 to cover travel, accommodation or subsistence if you take a placement abroad.
The amount you'll pay will vary, depending on the location and length of your stay. It will also depend on additional funding the UK Government makes available after Brexit and if the UK remains part of the Erasmus+ student mobility programme or not.
During your placement year or study abroad year, you’ll be eligible for a discounted rate on your tuition fees. Currently, this discount amounts to 90% of the year’s fees.
Tuition fees for that year are:
- UK/Channel Islands and Isle of Man students – £925 a year (may be subject to annual increase)
- EU students – £925 a year, including Transition Scholarship (may be subject to annual increase)
- International students – £1,800 a year (subject to annual increase)
The costs associated with your specific destination will be discussed during your second year, as well as possible sources of additional funding.
Apply
How to apply
To start this course in 2023, apply through UCAS. You'll need:
- the UCAS course code – M930
- our institution code – P80
If you'd prefer to apply directly, use our online application form.
You can also sign up to an Open Day to:
- Tour our campus, facilities and halls of residence
- Speak with lecturers and chat with our students
- Get information about where to live, how to fund your studies and which clubs and societies to join
If you're new to the application process, read our guide on applying for an undergraduate course.
To start this course in 2024, apply through UCAS. You'll need:
- the UCAS course code – M930
- our institution code – P80
If you'd prefer to apply directly, use our online application form.
You can also sign up to an Open Day to:
- Tour our campus, facilities and halls of residence
- Speak with lecturers and chat with our students
- Get information about where to live, how to fund your studies and which clubs and societies to join
If you're new to the application process, read our guide on applying for an undergraduate course.
How to apply from outside the UK
See the 'How to apply' section above for details of how to apply. You can also get an agent to help with your application. Check your country page for details of agents in your region.
To find out what to include in your application, head to the how to apply page of our international students section.
If you don't meet the English language requirements for this course yet, you can achieve the level you need by successfully completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course.
Admissions terms and conditions
When you accept an offer to study at the University of Portsmouth, you also agree to abide by our Student Contract (which includes the University's relevant policies, rules and regulations). You should read and consider these before you apply.
Preparing for this degree
When you start the course, you'll have access to the latest journal articles and research. Texts you might want to explore beforehand include:
Criminology
- Carrabine, E. et al (2020). Criminology: A Sociological Introduction. Routledge.
- Jones, S. (2017). Criminology. Oxford University Press.
- Newburn, T. (2017). Criminology. Routledge.
- Tierney, J. (2009). Criminology: Theory and Context. Routledge
- Walklate, S. (2016). Criminology: The Basics. Routledge.
Criminal Justice
- Joyce, P. (2017). Criminal Justice: An Introduction. Routledge.
- Joyce, P. (2018). Criminology and Criminal Justice: A Study Guide. Routledge.
- Harding, J., Davies, P., and Mair, G. (2017). An Introduction to Criminal Justice. SAGE.
- O’Brien, F., Collie, C., & Giles, S. (2021, January 20). Lockdown 3: stricter rules could lead to more vulnerable people going missing. The Conversation.