The BA (Ordinary) or BA (Hons) in 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 analytical, reasoning and reflective skills. You will engage with academic literature and debates related to the criminal justice system, criminal behaviours and some of the critical issues and debates in criminal justice while critically evaluating research and evidence, applying this directly to your working experience.
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. However, to join this practice-based course you must be employed or volunteering within the prison service, criminal justice system or allied area for the equivalent of at least one day a week.
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 in Criminal Justice: £2875
+ Level 5 Criminal Behaviours module: £1437.50
+ Level 5 Professional Practice Skills in Criminal Justice: £1437.50
+ 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 modules, two of which last 24 weeks and four of which last 30 weeks each. The first four modules make up the Foundation Degree in Criminal Justice (FDCJ) and provide a detailed overview of how the criminal justice system works and the principles on which it is based, covering important areas of criminal justice practice including the needs of people who offend, assessment and planning, rehabilitation and multi-agency working.
For the fifth module you will investigate highly relevant contemporary issues and debates in areas such as hate crime, terrorism and transnational crime. To complete the BA (Hons) you will undertake an independent research project in a topic of your choice, 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, online or on the app. 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.
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:
Develop the skills necessary to be a professional, reflective practitioner and critically explore how you would act in a professional setting through 4 blocks of learning:
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:
Enhance further the skills already developed with emphasis on becoming a high performing professional, reflective practitioner by studying:
Critically explore issues of contemporary concern in criminal justice. Choose six blocks from:
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-based degree is relevant to many jobs that you might aspire to in criminal justice, in particular senior practitioner and operational management roles in, for example, the police, probation or the prison service
The organisational, research and analytical skills that you will develop through your studies are also transferable to a wide range of other roles and vocational areas.
This degree provides a strong foundation for you to progress to a Master’s Degree in criminal justice or in youth justice. Its interdisciplinary nature will also mean that you can also broaden your studies in other fields, such as psychology, sociology or youth studies.
Contact us
01603 570365