BSc

Criminology

You are viewing this course for September start 2022

Key Facts

M900

  • UCAS Tariff

    120 - 96

  • Course duration

    3 years

Further details on entry requirements

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BSc Criminology, here at Aberystwyth University, will enable you to develop an understanding of the causes of crime and the impact it has on individuals, communities and society. You will also study the current challenges facing the criminal justice system.

Criminology is multidisciplinary in nature and therefore when studying Crime Causation and Crime Reduction you will draw information from a diverse range of disciplines, including Psychology, Sociology and Law. 

Modules in criminology research methods will also provide you with cutting-edge technical and analytical skills necessary to engage in contemporary debates surrounding policies and practices designed to prevent crime.

On completion of your degree, you will possess a repertoire of skills essential for pursuing a professional career in areas such as Policing, Prisons and Youth Justice. 

Course Overview

Why study Criminology at Aberystwyth University?

  • The degree provides a balanced coverage of theory, policy and practice issues in criminology and criminal justice studies.
  • The current teaching team comprises staff with expertise in the main disciplines that inform criminological study, such as psychology, sociology and law.
  • Our modules are continually revised and updated to reflect recent changes in patterns of criminal behaviour and crime policy responses.
  • You will be taught by criminologists who are actively engaged in research.
  • There are opportunities to undertake a criminal justice placement.
  • You can undertake supervised independent criminological research.
  • We have an excellent working relationship with local criminal justice agencies
Our Staff

Department of Law and Criminology lecturers are mostly either qualified to PHD level or have professional experience and qualifications as practicing lawyers. Many staff also have a PGCE (Higher Education).

Modules September start - 2022

Please note: The modules listed below are those currently intended for delivery during the next academic year and may be subject to change. They are included here to give an indication of how the course is structured.

Core

Module Name Module Code Credit Value
Crime Control and Prevention LC10320 20
Criminal Law LC10520 20
Criminology in Action LC14120 20
Essential Skills for Criminologists LC13120 20
Introduction to Criminology LC12220 20
Legal and Criminal Justice Systems LC10120 20

* Also available partially or entirely through the medium of Welsh

Careers

The degree will not only help you to develop a range of key transferable skills that are important for employment in general, but will also provide specialist skills and knowledge relevant to a professional career in a criminal justice setting (e.g. police, probation or prison service). 

Your future is important to us and our degrees will equip you with the following:

  • the ability to communicate clearly and concisely in both written and oral forms
  • enhanced problem-solving and creative thinking skills
  • the ability to work independently and as a team member
  • time management and organisation skills
  • enhanced self-motivation and self-reliance
  • transferable skills, such as computer literacy and key research skills relating to both qualitative and quantitative methods of data collection and analysis.

What career opportunities are there as a student at Aberystwyth?

Click here to find out about the various opportunities that our Aberystwyth University Careers team offer.

Enhance your employability prospects with GO Wales and YES (Year in Employment Scheme) managed by our Careers department. 

Course Content

The teaching programme is designed to provide you with a detailed insight into the nature and causes of crime and help you develop a critical understanding of the politics of criminal justice policy.

The breakdown below will provide you with an illustration of what you may study during the three year degree scheme.

In your first year you will be introduced to:

  • sociological and psychological approaches to the study of criminal behaviour
  • criminal law and the workings of the criminal justice system
  • basic research skills in criminology.

In your second and third years you will have the opportunity to:

  • develop your understanding of the relationship between theory, research and criminal justice practice
  • enhance your criminology research skills
  • conduct independent research on a topic of your own choosing
  • undertake a voluntary work placement in a criminal justice setting.

Choose from a long list of elective modules including:

  • Critical Perspectives on Imprisonment
  • Police, Policing and Society
  • Youth Crime and Youth Justice
  • Psychology and Crime.

How will I be taught?

A wide variety of teaching methods are used. You will be taught through a combination of lectures, tutorials, seminars, workshops and practical classes. High quality teaching and supervision will enable you to realise your full potential. You will be encouraged to take responsibility for your own learning and work on projects both individually and in groups.

A number of different types of assessment are used throughout the undergraduate programme. In addition to essays and written exams, you will undertake practical exercises (e.g. conducting a qualitative interview) and give individual and group presentations. You will receive constructive feedback on all coursework assignments.

You will be assigned a personal tutor, who will be the key contact when you have issues or queries.

There is an opportunity to complete a Personal Development Plan (PDP) at Aberystwyth. This is a structured process of self-appraisal, reflection, and planning, which will enable you to chart your personal, academic and professional development throughout your time at university. By recording your academic performance, and highlighting the skills you already have and those you will need for future employability, the PDP portfolio will equip you with the necessary tools to plan effectively, develop successful approaches to study, and consider your future career options and aspirations.

Student Testimonials

Criminology is a really interesting course, combining lots of different elements such as history and psychology in order to understand crime and the criminal justice system. There is a wide range of interesting modules to study, including elements of criminology, victims and crime control and prevention. Robert Wade

Typical Entry Requirements

UCAS Tariff 120 - 96

A Levels BBB-CCC

GCSE requirements (minimum grade C/4):
English or Welsh

BTEC National Diploma:
DDM-MMM

International Baccalaureate:
30-26

European Baccalaureate:
75%-65% overall

English Language Requirements:
See our Undergraduate English Language Requirements for this course. Pre-sessional English Programmes are also available for students who do not meet our English Language Requirements.

Country Specific Entry Requirements:
International students whose qualification is not listed on this page, can check our Country Specific Entry Requirements for further information.

The University welcomes undergraduate applications from students studying the Access to Higher Education Diploma or T-level qualifications, provided that relevant subject content and learning outcomes are met. We are not able to accept Access to Higher Education Diplomas or T-levels as a general qualification for every undergraduate degree course.
Our inclusive admissions policy values breadth as well as depth of study. Applicants are selected on their own individual merits and offers can vary. If you would like to check the eligibility of your qualifications before submitting an application, please contact the Undergraduate Admissions Office for advice and guidance.

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