Criminology
| Key facts | |
|---|---|
| Location: | Canterbury |
| Award: | BA (Hons) |
| Type: | Full-time and part-time |
| Further information | |
| Download: | Subject leaflet |
| Online: | Department |
Crime and criminal justice are major social and political issues. Why do people commit crime? How much crime is committed? What causes crime rates to rise or fall? How should we deal with offenders? How can crime be effectively prevented?
The number and variety of career opportunities related to crime control have increased in recent years. As well as the traditional criminal justice agencies such as the police, probation service and the prison service, there is an increasing demand for suitably qualified people in the voluntary, public and private sector.
This degree is taught by staff with internationally recognised expertise in criminological theory and criminal justice policy, and research interests in criminological theory, cultural criminology, policing and security, imprisonment, racist violence, night time economies, terrorism, drug use, youth crime and female offenders. We work regularly with criminal justice agencies, and people from these agencies occasionally lecture on the course.
Degree programmes
Criminology can only be studied as a joint honours degree.
Joint honours
Did you know?
Kent was ranked 1st for job prospects in social policy in the 2009 Guardian University Guide.
Criminology and…
- Cultural Studies (MV99)
- Law (MM19)
- Social Policy (LM49)
- Sociology (LM39)
Core modules
Stage 1
You take two 30-credit core modules, plus other required modules for your joint honours subject.
Core modules
- Introduction to Criminology
- Social Problems and Social Policy: The Family and the State
Stage 2/3
You take two 30-credit core modules, plus other required modules for your joint honours subject.
Core modules
- Criminal Justice in Modern Britain
- Sociology of Crime and Deviance
Options
You take four modules from the following list, plus other optional modules depending on your joint honours subject.
- Crime and Justice in Europe
- Crime, Media and Culture
- Dissertation
- Drugs Society and Culture (subject to approval)
- Gender, Crime and Criminal Justice
- History of Crime and Punishment
- Policing
- Punishment and the Penal System
- Psychology of Criminal Behaviour
- Psychology of Criminal Justice
- Sociological Approaches to Violence
- Terrorism and Modern Society
- Youth and Crime
Teaching and assessment
Most modules involve a weekly lecture and small group seminar, each lasting an hour. On average you have four lectures and four seminars a week if you are taking the degree full-time, or two of each if you are taking it part-time.
Most modules are assessed by coursework (50%) and written examinations (50%). Some modules take the form of an extended dissertation. Both Stage 2 and 3 marks count towards your final degree result.
Entry requirements
Passing the Foundation Programme for International Students guarantees you entry onto the first year of these degree programmes.
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Offer levels
MM19: A/AS level 320 points (over 3 A level equivalents) including either AB at A level or BB in GCE double A level, IB 33 points (16 at Higher)
MV99, LM49, LM39: A/AS level 280/300 points (3.5 A level equivalents) including either BC/BB at A level or BC in GCE double A level, IB 31/33 points (14/15 at Higher)
Pass Foundation Programme for International Students
Required subjects
None
The School is committed to widening participation and has a long and successful tradition of admitting mature students. We welcome applications from students on accredited Access courses
Careers
Recently our graduates have gone into areas such as police forces, local authorities, criminal justice services, youth services, social services and the Crown Court, more general areas such as banks and financial services, or on to further study.
