Criminology and Law BA (Hons)

Criminology

Prepare yourself for a career in one of the largest growing areas of employment as you explore the relationship between society, the individual, crime, punishment and victimisation.

At Chester we offer you a dynamic and diverse course. We explore the relationship between criminological theories and criminal justice policies and practices. You will also look at explanations for crime and antisocial behaviour and how the police and courts deal with such matters. Additionally, you will study the role of punishment and the secure estate, and investigate crimes of the powerless and crimes of the powerful. The issue of human rights is integral to our analyses.

Through our wide ranging backgrounds and expertise, and in ensuing a rich interdisciplinary approach, we work to expand your criminological and victimological imagination. We encourage you to engage in independent learning and thought, and we equip you with the skills needed to find, retrieve and analyse an array of materials.

Across the Department we have an emphasis on being student centred. This includes students being assigned a Personal Academic Tutor (PAT) and highlighted drop in times for you to visit lecturers.

Law

Understand the mechanisms of society and develop academic and professional skills as you explore the fundamental areas of law alongside another academic discipline.

By studying Law combined with another subject, you can develop academic and professional skills as you explore the fundamental areas of law alongside another academic discipline. You will also benefit from additional activities that are arranged in the Law School such as mooting, debating, guest lectures, and events involving local legal professionals.

Studying the BA Combined degree allows you to tailor your studies to your interests. We use our links with the local legal community to enhance our provision (e.g. guest lectures) and to help students make the most of their Work-Based Learning placements during second year.

Teaching methods

Criminology at Chester is taught mainly through face-to-face lecture/workshop sessions on a modular system. Our modules run over the full academic year and each module is worth 20 credits.

Assessment

To make the Criminology course engaging, we assess you in a variety of ways. You will be assessed via case studies, essays, examinations, portfolio projects, group poster presentations and individual project papers. Written and oral assessments will develop your knowledge, confidence and preparedness for post-University life.

Job prospects

Criminology graduates will possess a vast range of skills and expertise that are highly applicable to roles in public, private and charitable sectors. Graduates of criminology are often employed in criminal justice agencies, third-sector organisations that work with vulnerable individuals and groups; policy and analyst roles for public service agencies and private companies and further study including taught postgraduate and doctoral programmes.

The range of teaching and assessment methods used on the programme, as well as the excellent opportunities for self-development offered via our Work-Based Learning module, assist students in demonstrating, on graduation, an extensive range of skills that are transferable to a variety of professions. Our graduates have gone a range of successful professional careers and further study.