The BA (Ordinary) or BA (Hons) in Crime, Criminology and Criminal Justice draws upon a broad range of disciplines such as Criminology, Sociology, Psychology, Law, Social Policy and Philosophy to actively encourage the development of strong analytical, reasoning and reflective skills. Challenging “common-sense‟ notions of criminal and deviant behaviours, this course gives you the opportunity to explore key elements of crime, criminology and criminal justice, enabling you to gain greater insight into criminal behaviour and how society responds to it. You will also learn how to conduct and interpret research so that you can evaluate claims made regarding crime and deviance, critically engaging with national and international dimensions of crime and criminal justice policy.
Computer Marked Assignments (CMAs)
A range of Tutor Marked Assignments (TMAs), including:
An Independent Research Project report
We are firmly committed to a policy of open learning and there are no specific academic entry requirements for this course, you just need to be motivated to succeed. See Student Support for how we can help you during your course to realise your full potential.
This is made up of:
Certificate of Higher Education in Crime, Criminology & Criminal Justice: £2400
+ Level 5 Criminal Behaviours module: £1200
+ Level 5 Criminal Justice in Practice: £1200
OR Level 5 Effective Practice in Youth Justice: £1200
+ Level 6 Social Policy module: £1200
OR Level 6 Contemporary Issues & Debates module: £1200
+ Level 6 Independent Research Module: £1200 (BA (Hons) only)
Payment plans are available to help you spread out the cost – please see Fees and Funding for more information. If you are being sponsored on this course, please have your sponsor details ready when you register.
You will study up to six 30-week modules, the first four of which make up the Dip HE in Crime, Criminology and Criminal Justice (Dip HE CCCJ). Modules 1-3 provide a firm foundation in what the study of criminology involves, how the criminal justice system works and the different kinds of criminal behaviours shown by people across the world. You will explore a range of criminological theories, and consider the roles, responsibilities and actions of agencies within the criminal justice sector.
For the fourth and fifth modules you can choose to consider either criminal justice or youth justice from a practice perspective, focusing on the actual work done by people who work with those who offend and the policies that impact that work. If you already have the Youth Justice Effective Practice Certificate (YJEPC), this will be recognised as prior learning for Effective Practice in Youth Justice, giving you a sixth of the degree already. To complete the full BA (Hons) you will then undertake an independent research project in a topic of your choosing supported by an experienced academic.
Using our unique digital platform, you will learn through video case studies, extracts, reflective activities and interactive quizzes. You will be able to study anywhere and at any time; either online or on the app, which you can use even without an internet connection. You will also have a dedicated Learning Coach who will support you on your learning journey and assess your work.
Click on the modules below to see more.
Explore the key issues that relate to crime and punishment – why people commit crime and how society punishes those who do:
Investigate the operations of the criminal justice system, including issues affecting criminal justice policy that are of historical importance and contemporary relevance. You will study six blocks:
Examine a wide range of criminal behaviours by considering categories of crime that include serial killers and crimes of the rich and powerful in six blocks:
Examine in detail the work and operations of key agencies that operate within the criminal justice system:
Investigate the current state of theory, practice and evidence relating to working effectively with children in the youth justice system across a number of important domains:
Critically explore issues of contemporary concern in criminal justice. Chose six blocks from:
Explore the policy context for youth justice – what the drivers are and what impacts different approaches have on children and their families. You will study:
With the support of a learning coach, conduct your own mini research project in an area of criminal justice that interests you. You will produce a report of 9000 words (75%) and an artefact to present your research (25%) – to share with colleagues and other interested audiences.
A criminology degree is relevant to many jobs that you might aspire to in criminal justice, such as crime scene investigator, police, prison or probation officer, social worker or youth offending team practitioner.
The organisational, research and analytical skills that you will develop through your studies are also highly prized by employers and are transferable to a wide range of other work settings.
This degree would provide a strong foundation for you progress to a Master’s Degree in criminal justice or in youth justice. Its interdisciplinary nature will also mean that you can broaden your studies in, for example, the fields of psychology, sociology or youth studies.
“The support I have received so far has been amazing. Both from the team at Unitas office and my learning Coach. My learning coach is supportive, encouraging, patient, knowledgeable and has a great sense of humour. I love the ease I can fit my studies in around work and family commitments. I’ve now completed my first TMA and although it was hard work I loved it and was brilliantly supported by my learning coach. The Unitas App is excellent. Everything you need is included and supporting material is of a high standard. Its all broken up into achievable parts you just need to follow the course calendar.”
Warwick – Crime, Criminology & Criminal Justice student
“I was thrilled to be asked to work with students on the Crime, Criminology and Criminal Justice programme. As a Learning Coach I am available to support students learning and development on both a formal and informal basis. I often work with students who haven’t studied since leaving school and might be less confident in their abilities. It is great to see a student’s confidence grow as they progress through the course”
Alison Alford, Learning Coach
Contact us
01603 570365