Criminology BA (Hons)

Durham University

Criminology is concerned with understanding crime, deviance and institutions of criminal justice.Criminologists seek to answer questions like: why are some people more likely to commit or be victims of crime than others; how can crime be effectively prevented or controlled; and from a more critical perspective, how do particular activities become defined as “criminal” in the first place and what does this tells us about the nature of power and authority in society?Overall, the course progressively develops your critical understanding of Criminology through the examination of key concepts and theories as well as substantive issues related to crime and criminal justice. Alongside this, the course teaches critical analytical and methodological skills to equip students with the practical expertise required to engage with and carry out Criminological research. As such, by the end of the course, graduates will be able to draw upon conceptual and empirical material to critically analyse complex Criminological issues in a scholarly fashion.The degree is based on a modular structure, with students required to take the equivalent of six modules (some of which may be ‘double modules’) within each year. Over the course of the degree, modules become increasingly focused on specialist topics and issues, with the chance to undertake a Sociological research project on a specific topic of substantive interest in the final year of study.Year 1Students will develop knowledge and understanding of foundational concepts and issues related to crime, criminal justice and Criminological research, as a platform for study in years 2 and 3.Compulsory modules:Criminal Justice LandscapeCritical Scholarship in the Social SciencesIntroduction to Criminological TheorySocial Research MethodsOptional module:Any open module to the value of 40 credits offered elsewhere in the Department or by another Board of Studies, including appropriate credit-bearing language modules offered by the Centre for Foreign Language Study.Year 2Students will develop their understanding of key issues in Criminological theory and research building on work completed during the first year of study. Students will also begin to study in detail various topics of substantive Criminological relevance that relate to the Department’s major research themes.Compulsory modules:Contemporary Criminological TheoryResearch Methods in ActionExamples of optional modules:Communities and Social JusticeCrime, Power and Social InequalitiesModern and Contemporary Sociological TheoryPolice and PolicingSelf, Identity and SocietySociology of Education and Social InequalitiesSociology of Health and MedicineViolence and Abuse in SocietyAny open module to the value of 20 credits offered elsewhere by another Board of Studies, including appropriate credit-bearing language modules offered by the Centre for Foreign Language Study.Year 3In the final year of study, students focus on detailed critical analysis and evaluation of salient social issues drawing upon conceptual knowledge and understanding developed over the previous two years of study. Students will also undertake an independent research project related to a specific area of Sociological interest through their dissertation thesis.Compulsory module:DissertationExamples of optional modules:Community PlacementCrime, Justice and the Sex IndustryCyberculture and CybercrimeInside Out: Issues in Criminal JusticeSocial PolicySociology of Forensic Science and Criminal InvestigationSociology of Work and ProfessionsFeminist Anti-Violence Activism (short module)Justice, Violence and Abuse (short module)Youth in Crisis (short module)Sociology of Mental Health (short module)Sociology of Reproduction and Parenthood (short module)Any open module to the value of 20 credits