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BA (Hons) Criminology of 18

Course Information Form This Course Information Form provides the definitive record of the designated course

General Course Information

Course Title Criminology

Criminology (With Professional Practice Year)

Qualification BA (Hons)

FHEQ Level 6

Intermediate Qualification(s)

Awarding Institution University of Bedfordshire

Location of Delivery AA (University Square Campus)

Mode(s) of Study and Duration

3 years full time

6 years part time

Professional, Statutory or Regulatory Body (PSRB) accreditation or endorsement

Not Applicable

UCAS Course Code M931

External Benchmarking

QAA Quality Code section a1 (The Framework for Higher Education

Qualifications); Level 6

QAA Quality Code section A2: Criminology Subject Benchmark, 2014

Entry Month(s) October

February

Why study this course

The BA(Hons) in Criminology is designed for students who have the desire to explore why people offend

and the various settings/situations relating to offending, and the responses of the state to offending

behaviours. In addition, the course will prepare you for the world of work through providing you with both

an academic appreciation of the causes of offending and the state’s response and a range of skills that

are transferable into employment.


Educational Aims

The criminology course aims to provide units of study that will enable students to acquire knowledge and understanding of selected substantive topics, related processes and issues from the disciplines of criminology and sociology. The course has also been designed to develop graduates who have wider skills such as - Interpretation and evaluation of evidence, assessing the strengths and weaknesses of rival

criminological and sociological explanations, making informed and reasoned arguments, accessing

and synthesising information from different sources and being able to reflect upon and articulate their

own learning experience.

The course also aims to enable students to practise, develop and acquire a number of key skills; such as - Oral and written communication skills, group work skills, information technology skills, learning and

study skills, problem solving skills, number skills and job search and application skills that are needed to make informed choices when entering the labour market and securing employment.

Course Structure

The Units which make up the course (including the Professional Practice Year as applicable) are:

Unit Code Level Credits Unit Name Core or option

TBC 4 15 Skills for the Social Sciences Core

TBC 4 15 Understanding the Human Services Core

TBC 4 30 Law, Society and Controversy Core

TBC 4 30 Introduction to Criminology and the Criminal

Justice system Core

TBC 5 30 Researching, Representing and Evidencing

the Social World Core

TBC 5 30 Theorising Crime, Punishment and Justice Core

TBC 5 15 Multi-Agency Working Core

TBC 5 15 The Social Sciences at Work Core

TBC 5 15 Rehabilitation of the Offender

Option

TBC 5 15 Mental Health and Society

Option

TBC 5 15 Corporate and Organised Crime Option

TBC 5 15 Young People, Gangs and Group Offending Option

TBC 5 15 Policing Issues: Challenges and Debates Option


TBC 6 45 Independent Project in Criminology Core

TBC 6 30 Issues in Crime and justice Core

TBC 6 30 Violence in Modern Society

Option

TBC 6 30

Comparative Youth Justice: Youth Justice: models and approaches Option

TBC 6 15 Crime and the Media Option

TBC 6 15 Inclusion and Exclusion in Education Option

TBC 6 15 Leadership and Management in the Human Services Option

Course-Specific Regulations

None

Additional Course Costs

Any external trips will need to be funded by the student

Entry requirements

For UK students, standard entry requirements apply - http://www.beds.ac.uk/howtoapply/ukugentryreqs For EU students, standard entry requirements apply - http://www.beds.ac.uk/howtoapply/eu/guides For International students, standard entry requirements apply – http://www.beds.ac.uk/international/international-applications/international-entry-requirements

Graduate Impact Statements

The BA(Hons) in Criminology is designed for students who have the desire to explore why people offend

and the various settings/situations relating to offending, and the responses of the state to offending

behaviours. In addition, the course has been designed to develop graduates who are able to:

Apply knowledge and understanding of offending behaviours, and the response to offending, in a

variety of settings within the criminal justice both in the UK and internationally

Work collaboratively to evaluate solutions to offending and recognise and assess the values and practices of the key agencies which administer responses to crime and offending

Make an analysis of current policy and evaluate current research into crime and offending and produce evidence based assessments of current knowledge

Course Learning Outcomes

At the end of the course, a graduate will be able to demonstrate the ability to:

http://www.beds.ac.uk/howtoapply/ukugentryreqs

http://www.beds.ac.uk/howtoapply/eu/guides

http://www.beds.ac.uk/international/international-applications/international-entry-requirements


LO1 - evidence and have a clear knowledge of the approaches (theories) evident in the course, and evaluate how those approaches allow for a better understanding of crime, offending and control mechanisms within a complex and changing social environment

LO2 - critically evaluate the variety of techniques available for analysis within the discipline of criminology and be able to analyse, evaluate and present data in a variety of formats appropriately and ethically, in order to improve your employment-potential

LO3 - display an in-depth and detailed knowledge of Criminology, and an awareness of the disciplines and frameworks of the subject to address questions in relation to crime, victimisation and the responses to crime

LO4 - adopt an independent approach to learning and the ability to formulate questions to critically evaluate the political and social processes, and the effects of inequality and diversity posed by the study of Criminology and assess practices and values within the Criminal Justice System

LO5 - demonstrate a confident ability to handle, interpret, synthesise and critically review knowledge at the forefront of the discipline, both overseas and in the UK, using quantitative and qualitative data where appropriate

LO6 - locate and assess criminological issues and interventions within historical, contemporary and international settings, to critically examine the values, practices and processes of governance and practice contexts across society

LO7 - evidence a familiarity with key research theories, methodologies and techniques, in order to complete an independent research project commenting on and presenting key findings to enhance your future employability.

LO8 - Demonstrate key skills (oral communication, written communication, presentational,

information technology, learning and study, number, job search and application) at specified

levels of difficulty

PSRB details

Learning and Teaching

The BA(Hons) Criminology is delivered across three academic years. Research skills, study skills and key transferable skills for Employability are embedded across the 3 year programme within both core and option units. In the first year of the course the learning is designed to develop in you subject knowledge, understanding and study skills. Your learning is developed in the second year of study through a mix of core knowledge and skills, but with an increasing emphasis on option choices that allows you to take ownership of the direction of your learning so broadening your knowledge and employability. In your final year of study, you will be able to demonstrate contemporary subject knowledge and have independently self-managed your learning.

In terms of the research skills and transferable skills for employment strands of the course, in your first year, the unit Skills for Social Scientists will provide you with an introduction to the different ‘ways of knowing’ within the social sciences and you will gain a grounding in the general principles of social research, the key research paradigms and the knowledge they generate. Against this backdrop, you will also be taught key academic literacy and numeracy skills and personal development planning - effectively using BREO, referencing, study skills, assessment planning, using feedback, understanding and interpreting data, searching for and sourcing academic material, constructing essays and presentations- grounding your key skills and academic literacy learning within the subject matter.

In year two, the unit Researching, Representing and Evidencing the Social World will build on your knowledge and understanding of social research through the practical application of research methods and analysis techniques. As such this unit will prepare you for the independent project unit at level six where you will use the research skills developed in this unit along with your subject specific knowledge


gained on course, to plan and undertake your dissertation research project. Both the Work Based Learning Unit and Multi-Agency Working allow you to build on your personal development planning and employability skills by exploring the ways in which the professional work place operates and through gaining the skills, knowledge and experiences that are expected and desirable for your successful transition into graduate level employment. Option units offered in your second year are also employability focussed and assessments tasks such as e-posters, presentations, and role-play are designed to equip you with the ‘soft skills’ such as communication, creativity, problem solving, team working and leadership to enhance your employability.

Your final year units including your dissertation, will provide you with the opportunity to gain specialist knowledge and you will be expected tasked with concisely communicate ideas and information, employing research skills, problem solving skills and project management and a range of other key transferable skills for employment.

The nature of your learning experience is through lectures, seminars and workshops and will develop across the course allowing you to gain the skill of independent learning and the ability to research a topic of your choice. At the end of the course you will be able as a life-long learner, to learn in new settings and situations.

Assessment

A range of appropriate assessments will enable you to grow in confidence and demonstrate your acquisition of knowledge and skills. The assessment methods used across the course include:

Written assignments – these may vary from essays and reports to more in-depth research work on broader topics

Examinations: These will be a range of multiple choice computer examinations through to in-class tests and essay-based exams in your final year

Oral presentations and Poster presentations that demonstrate verbal and presentational skills in communicating information to others

Group work allowing you to demonstrate skills of group research while allowing you to submit a piece of individual work at the same time as your contribution to the group

The Dissertation allowing you to undertake a complex research project and communicate knowledge, findings and recommendations, in your final year on the course

The assessments will develop incrementally across the course and allow you to gain skills and acquire knowledge, receive feedback and grow, thus allowing you to implement this knowledge and feedback into subsequent assessments. Working in groups is an important attribute and as part of the assessment process you will work in groups with others. However, your contribution will be individually graded and you will receive a grade based on your contribution to the assessed group work. At the end of the course completion of the assessments will demonstrate your ability to analyse current knowledge and communicate this, in both written and presentational formats, and to demonstrate a range of transferable skills relevant to your professional employability.


Assessment Map

Unit Code

C/O

2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30

SSS C Cw-port

F/G Cw-prj

F/G

UHS C Cw-ess

F/G Pj-art

LSC C Wr-i F/G EX

ICCJS C Cw-

lr F/G

Ex-cb

F/G

RRESW C Cw-port

F/G

TCPJ C Wr-i F/G EX F/G

MAW C Pr-or

F/G

SSW C Cw-epor

t

ROO O Ex-pt

F/G

MHS O Wr-i F/G

COC O Cw-cs

F/G

YPGGO O Pr-

post F/G

PICC C Cw-cs

F/G

IPC C Cw-cs

F/G Pj-proj

ICJ C Pr-oral

F/G Pj-proj

F/G

VMS O Cw-rw

F/G Cw-ess

F/G

CYJ O Cw-jour

F/G Cw-ess

F/G

CAM O Wr-post

F/G

IEE O Cw-cs

F/G

LMHS O Cw-port

F/G


Developing your employability

Employability skills are a central component of your BA(Hons) Criminology course. You will develop and demonstrate a range of transferable skills through your experience as a student. For example, the ability to foster in yourself independence of learning required for your continuing professional development and the requirement of maintaining a knowledge base commensurate with your employment. In addition, the learning will develop in you:

Communication skills that will allow you to present conclusions in a variety of formats

Your ability to design and implement research strategies assessing and using appropriate methodologies.

The development of these skills is an essential workplace requirement and will enhance your employability. The ability to select options and a dissertation topic will develop in you specialist knowledge in aspects of criminal justice, crime and offending that is aware of current issues and developments in the subject. This specialist and current knowledge will enhance your employability and give you an advantage in the employment market. Employers also wish to see that graduates have more than academic skills; they require practical experience as well. To address this, all students are encouraged to undertake a volunteering role within the human service and will be expected to participate in the core Work Based unit available at level 5.

After Graduation

Typical graduate destination for Criminology students include:

Criminal Justice such as Youth Justice or NOMs organisations including the private sector identified by government as contributing to the Transforming Rehabilitation agenda. For example, Sodexo Justices Services and Interserve

Local and Central Government (Civil Service)

Charity Organisations but more specifically charities committed to work with offenders similar in nature to St Mungo’s and St Giles Trust.

Research Posts in the private and public sectors

Further study at Masters level (M7)

Additional Information

Your career management skills are those of managing individual learning and personal development – both of which are embedded in the course. Your ability to grow, with tutor support, and recognise where your personal qualities enhance your employability is a key life skill. Identifying the transferability of skills and experience is another key skill developed on the course.

Additionally, specific skills you need for the human services, such as being sensitive to diversity, promoting equality of opportunity and protecting the rights of vulnerable people, are fostered in the classroom. The course enables you to engage with relevant work experience while you are studying. You will also take part in a multi-agency case conference to plan a ‘care package’ based on a real client case. You will also be able to take part in the Bedfordshire Edge Employability Award and you will be able to take advantage of the volunteering opportunities related to the course.

Student Support during the course

All students will be allocated a personal academic tutor at the start of the course. The tutor will provide you with personal tutorials providing academic support and monitoring of academic and professional development. The personal tutor will also be able to assist you with decisions relating to your option choices, career possibilities and dissertation topics. Unit tutors and the course coordinator are available to discuss unit and course level concerns through published office hours, personal appointments arranged by e-mail and informal guidance on the phone. The feedback given to students as part of the assessment process will enable self-assessment and development of your learning and skills, and promote progress to overcome any learning problems. Tutors will also refer you to appropriate services in the event of issues that lie outside the boundaries of the tutor relationship.


For example, you can make use of the Professional Academic Development (PAD) team where appropriate support can be provided to support your particular learning needs. Language and communication skills are also addressed when need is identified and support provided by the PAD team.

For students where English is a second language, the University provides free English lessons from intermediate up to more advanced level English language skills. Additionally, the first year unit, Skills for Social Scientists, provides you with both study skills and Academic English writing skills required to succeed. For students needing further assistance with developing their IT skills, Library Services offer tutor led computer skill training workshops. You will also be supported by the Peer Assisted Learning (PAL) system in your first year. PAL sessions are run on a regular basis and by specially trained second and third year students who studied the same material as you in their first year and who will therefore be able to give you their advice and the benefit of their experience to enable you to achieve your full potential in your first year on the course. The BA Criminology is open and accessible and works to ensure there are no barriers to students with impairments/ disabilities. The Department of Applied Social Studies is pro-active in working with the disability team and Bedfordshire Students’ Union in order to ensure open access to all of its courses and students with known disabilities will be supported and assessed as appropriate, and will always make reasonable adjustments as required.

Additional Course costs

None


Course Equality Impact Assessment

Question Y/N Anticipatory adjustments/actions

The promotion of the course is open and inclusive in terms of language, images and location?

Y

Are there any aspects of the curriculum that might present difficulties for disabled students? For example, skills and practical tests, use of equipment, use of e-learning, placements, field trips etc.

Y

Across units, learning materials are available in PPT and transcripts and/or subtitles are available for all video clips used If necessary.

Individual learning styles of students are taken into account through the provision of a range of teaching materials and styles throughout the course. Where necessary, alternative modes of delivery and assessments will be agreed with students in accordance with their individual needs.

Are there any elements of the content of the course that might have an adverse impact on any of the other groups with protected characteristics1?

Y

In adherence to the University’s Equality and Diversity Policy, the course aims to provide a fair, equitable and mutually supportive learning environment where all students feel valued. To this end, the curriculum is designed to foster students’ awareness and understanding of equality and diversity issues and to ensure their compliance with anti –discriminatory and anti-oppressive practices within the learning environment.

It is recognised that focus on some of the more sensitive issues around crime and victimisation may prove upsetting in some instances, particularly for students who are or have been affected, so students will be notified in advance if teaching content and resources may potentially be upsetting so individual students can make an informed choice as to whether to take part. Where necessary, if students choose not to attend or require additional guidance, support will be provided by tutors.

If the admission process involves interviews, performances or portfolios indicate how you demonstrate fairness and avoid practices that could lead to unlawful discrimination?

N/A

Confirm that you have considered that the course learning outcomes and Graduate Impact Y

The Course learning outcomes and Graduate Impact Statements have been framed to provide an equal opportunity for all students to achieve the course learning

1 Age, Gender reassignment, Marriage and civil partnership, Pregnancy and maternity, Race, Religion

and belief, Sex, Sexual orientation


Statements are framed in a non-discriminatory way.

outcomes, however, if students with impairments, chronic health conditions or those who are pregnant are unable to engage in any aspects of the course, additional support such as one-to-one sessions with tutors will be arranged if requested by the student(s).

Efforts will also be made to:

Integrate students where English is a second language.

Seek information from student support for prior information where difficulties in applying equality may arise.

Make alternative provisions for individualised approaches to students with additional learning needs.

Confirm that the course handbook makes appropriate reference to the support of disabled students.

Y


Administrative Information – Faculty completion

Faculty Health and Social Sciences

Portfolio Undergraduate Applied Social Studies

Department/School Applied Social Studies

Course Coordinator Dr Suzella Palmer

Trimester pattern of operation Trimester 1 and 2

PSRB renewal date (where recognised)

Version number 1/17

Approved by (c.f. Quality Handbook ch.2)

University Approval

Date of approval (dd/mm/yyyy) 27/02/2017

Implementation start-date of this version (plus any identified end-date)

October 2017

Study model type (e.g. study centre)

2017/18

Form completed by: Name: …Dr Suzella Palmer…………… Date: ….5/02/2017..……………. Authorisation on behalf of the Faculty Teaching Quality and Standards Committee (FTQSC) Chair: ………………………………………………………… Date: …..…………………………………….

Course Updates

Date (dd/mm/yyyy)

Nature of Update FTQSC Minute Ref:


Administrative Information – Academic Registry completion

Route code (post approval)

JACS / HECoS code (KIS)

SLC code (post approval)

Qualification aim (based on HESA coding framework)


Annexes to the Course Information Form These annexes will be used as part of the approval and review process and peer academics are the target audience. General course information

Course Title Criminology

Qualification BA (Hons)

Route Code (SITS) BACRS-S+BACRPAAF

Faculty Health and Social Sciences

Department/School/Division Applied Social Studies

Version Number 1/17


Annex A: Course mapping of unit learning outcomes to course learning outcomes

Unit code ASS0

41-1 20-1 Intro to Crim

58-1 42-1 06-2 25-2 TCPJ

69-2 ??-2 Work Based Unit

58-2 56-2 64-2 67-2 ASS045-3 IP 2

Contem issues

13-3 11-3 63-2 14-3 L&M in the HS

Level 4 4 4 4 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6

Credits 30 30 30 30 30 30 15 15 15 15 15 45 30 30 30 30 15 15 15

Core or option

C C C C C C C C O O O C C C O O O O O

Course Learning Outcomes

1 LO1 LO2

LO1 LO2

LO2

LO1 LO2

LO1 LO2

LO1 LO2

LO1 LO2

LO1 LO2

LO1 LO2

LO1 LO2

LO1 LO2

LO1 LO2

LO1 LO2

LO1 LO2

LO1

LO1 LO2

LO1 LO2

LO2

2 LO1 LO2

LO2 LO1 LO2

LO1 LO2

LO1 LO2

LO2

LO1 LO2

LO1

LO1 LO2

LO1 LO2

LO1 LO2

3 LO1 LO2

LO1 LO2

LO1 LO2

LO1 LO2

LO1 LO2

LO1 LO2

LO1 LO2

LO1 LO2

LO1 LO2

LO1 LO2

LO1 LO2

LO1 LO2

LO2

LO1

4 LO2

LO1 LO2

LO1 LO2

LO1 LO2

LO1 LO2

LO2 LO1 LO2

LO1 LO2

LO1 LO2

LO2

LO1 LO2

LO1 LO2

LO1 LO2

LO2

5 LO1 LO2

LO2

LO1 LO2

LO2

LO1 LO2

LO1 LO2

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LO1

LO2

6 LO1 LO2

LO1 LO2

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LO1 LO2

LO1 LO2

LO1 LO2

LO1 LO2

LO1 LO2

LO1 LO2

LO1

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LO2

LO1

LO1 LO2

7 LO1

LO2

LO2

LO1 LO2

LO1 LO2

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LO1 LO2

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LO1 LO2

LO1 LO2

LO2

LO2

8 LO1 LO2

LO2 LO1 LO2

LO1 LO2

LO1 LO2

LO1 LO2

LO1 LO2

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LO1 LO2

LO2

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LO2

LO1 LO2

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LO1 LO2

LO1 LO2


Annex C: Course mapping to FHEQ level descriptor, subject benchmark(s) and professional body or other external reference points One set of mapping tables to be produced for the course and each named intermediate qualification

Course (or intermediate) qualification and title

FHEQ Descriptor for a higher education qualification

(insert level and title)

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 a systematic understanding of key aspects of their field of study, including acquisition of coherent and detailed knowledge, at least some of which is at, or informed by, the forefront of defined aspects of a discipline

x x x x x

an ability to deploy accurately established techniques of analysis and enquiry within a discipline

x x x x x

conceptual understanding that enables the student: to devise and sustain arguments, and/or to solve problems, using ideas and techniques, some of which are at the forefront of a discipline; to describe and comment upon particular aspects of current research, or equivalent advanced scholarship, in the discipline

x x x x x x x x

an appreciation of the uncertainty, ambiguity and limits of knowledge x x x x x x the ability to manage their own learning, and to make use of scholarly reviews and primary sources (for example, refereed research articles and/or original materials appropriate to the discipline).

x x x x x x

apply the methods and techniques that they have learned to review, consolidate, extend and apply their knowledge and understanding, and to initiate and carry out projects

x x x x x x x

critically evaluate arguments, assumptions, abstract concepts and data (that may be incomplete), to make judgements, and to frame appropriate questions to achieve a solution - or identify a range of solutions - to a problem

x x x x

communicate information, ideas, problems and solutions to both specialist and non-specialist audiences.

x x x x x x

And holders will have: the qualities and transferable skills necessary for employment requiring: the exercise of initiative and personal responsibility; decision-making in complex and unpredictable contexts; and the learning ability needed to undertake appropriate further training of a professional or equivalent nature.

x x x x x x x x


Subject Benchmark Statement(s) Criminology 2014

Subject Knowledge and Understanding

1.Describe and examine a range of key concepts and theoretical approaches within Criminology, and to evaluate their application

1,3,7,8

2. Appraise critically political and social processes of victimisation and criminalisation in light of criminological theories

1,3,4,5,6,7,8

3. Provide an analytical account of social diversity and inequality and their effects in relation to crime, victimisation and responses to crime and deviance

1,3,4,5,6,7

4. Evaluate criminal justice agency practices and developments in terms of changing values and relationships between individuals, groups, and public and private agencies in different locations

1,3,4,5,6,7

5. Examine critically the values, practices and processes of governance, including human rights that underpin the treatment of lawbreakers within UK criminal justice systems, and allied agencies which administer sentencing and alternatives

1,3,4,5,6,7

6. Apply conceptions of human rights in order to evaluate efforts to prevent harm and ensure personal safety

3,4,6,7

7. Examine a range of research strategies and methods, assess the appropriateness of their use, and identify an appropriate strategy for specific research problems

2,4,5,6,7

8. Evaluate strengths and weaknesses in the use of comparison in relation to crime, victimisation and responses to crime and deviance

2,3,4,5,6

9. Explain and evaluate complex social problems in terms of criminological theories of crime, victimisation and responses to crime and deviance; analyse ways in which the discipline of Criminology can be distinguished from other forms of understanding.

2,3,4,6,,8

Cognitive Abilities and Skills

10. Assess a range of perspectives and discuss the strengths of each for the understanding of crime and victimisation

1,3,5,7

11. Assess the values and practices of the key agencies which administer responses to crime and deviance

1,3,4,6,7

12. Draw on materials from a range of sources and demonstrate an ability to synthesise them

4,5,7,8

13. Design and use appropriate research strategies for data collection using quantitative and qualitative methods

2,4,5,7, 8


14. Apply statistical techniques and methods 2,4,5,7, 8

15. Distinguish between ethical and unethical research practice 2,7, 8

16. Draw on relevant evidence to evaluate competing explanations 3,5,6,7, 8

17. Evaluate the viability of competing explanations within Criminology and draw logical and appropriate conclusions

2,3,5,6,7

Subject Specific Skills

18. Formulate and investigate criminological questions 4,7

19. Summarise and explain empirical information and research findings about crime, victimisation and responses to crime and deviance

2,3,5,6,8

20. Assess the methodology used 2,7,8

21. Apply basic research tools appropriately in relation to theoretically driven, exploratory or evaluation research

2,7,8

22. Gather appropriate qualitative or 24. quantitative information to address criminological questions in relation to crime, victimisation, responses to crime and deviance, and representations of these, using qualitative and quantitative methods

2,7,8

23. Recognise the ethical implications of research into criminological questions and identify appropriate solutions

2,7,8

24. Discuss criminological topics with an appreciation of criminological theory, of evidence, and of relevance to current debates, and present the conclusions in a variety of appropriate academic formats

3,5,6,7

25. Comment on the value of criminological work on crime, victimisation, responses to crime and deviance, and representations of these in relation to policy questions at national, international and global levels

1,3,4,5,6,7

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