MA Digital Media and Creative Industries
The MA Digital Media and Creative Industries at Loughborough University aims t...
BSc (Hons) Criminology with Placement Year
Loughborough
INTAKE: October
Program Overview
The BSc (Hons) Criminology with Placement Year is a comprehensive program designed to offer students a thorough understanding of crime, social responses to crime, and the functioning of criminal justice systems. The addition of a placement year allows students to gain valuable, real-world experience, bridging the gap between academic learning and practical application. This program offers a balance of theoretical study and practical exposure, ensuring that students are well-prepared for a range of roles in the criminology and social justice sectors. During the placement year, students can apply their academic knowledge to real-life scenarios, enhancing their employability and professional development.
Curriculum: The curriculum for the BSc (Hons) Criminology with Placement Year program at Loughborough University is designed to provide a strong foundation in criminological theory, research methodologies, and the practical workings of the criminal justice system. Key modules include criminological theory, crime prevention, social justice, policing, and criminal law. Students are also introduced to important areas such as victimology, restorative justice, and social inequalities, which play a significant role in understanding crime and its societal impact. The program emphasizes critical thinking, analytical skills, and data analysis, which are essential for evaluating crime data and understanding the social implications of crime. The optional modules allow students to tailor their studies to their specific interests in criminology, whether they wish to focus on law enforcement, social justice, or policy development. The inclusion of the placement year gives students a competitive edge by providing firsthand industry experience and exposure to the criminal justice system, community organizations, or government agencies.
Research Focus: Loughborough University is home to a vibrant research community, and the criminology department focuses on a range of contemporary issues in crime, justice, and social policies. The research strengths of the department include areas such as crime prevention, criminal behavior, restorative justice, victimology, and social justice. Research in criminology at Loughborough is both interdisciplinary and applied, ensuring that students are exposed to the latest advancements and emerging trends in the field. Students are encouraged to engage in research projects, which helps them develop strong analytical and problem-solving skills. The university’s research-driven approach allows students to participate in studies that have direct implications for the improvement of criminal justice practices and policies, as well as the lives of individuals and communities impacted by crime.
Industry Engagement: Industry engagement is a crucial component of the BSc (Hons) Criminology with Placement Year program at Loughborough University. The placement year is designed to immerse students in real-world criminology and criminal justice settings, allowing them to gain practical experience and build valuable professional networks. Placement opportunities are available in various sectors, including law enforcement, government agencies, social services, victim support organizations, and nonprofit entities focused on criminal justice reform. These placements allow students to apply the theories they have learned to solve real-world problems, while also developing important career skills such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving. Loughborough’s strong links with industry partners ensure that students have access to a wide range of placement opportunities and are exposed to the challenges and innovations within the criminal justice sector. Industry engagement not only enhances employability but also provides students with a deeper understanding of the practical aspects of criminology.
Global Perspective: Loughborough University emphasizes the importance of a global perspective in understanding crime and justice, recognizing that crime and criminal justice are not confined to national boundaries. The BSc (Hons) Criminology with Placement Year program encourages students to engage with global issues such as international crime, human rights, terrorism, and global security. Students are exposed to diverse perspectives on crime and justice, allowing them to understand how social, political, and economic factors influence crime at the international level. The program offers students opportunities to study global criminological issues and develop a broader understanding of how criminal justice systems differ across countries. Loughborough’s diverse academic community, international partnerships, and opportunities for study abroad programs further enrich the global outlook of the degree. This global perspective helps prepare graduates to work in international agencies, NGOs, or global organizations that address crime and social justice on a global scale.
Location
Loughborough
Score
IELTS 6.5
Tuition Fee
£ 23000
Undergraduate Entry Requirements
Academic Qualifications: Applicants should have successfully completed their secondary education with a minimum overall score of 75% or equivalent in their respective country's grading system.
English language proficiency:
- IELTS: A minimum overall score of 6.0 or 6.5 with no individual component below 6.0.
- TOEFL: A minimum overall score of 92.
- PTE Academic: A minimum overall score of 67.
- DET Academic: A minimum overall score of 120.
- Some programs may have specific subject prerequisites or additional requirements.
Loughborough University offers a range of scholarships for international students to support their education and make studying in the UK more affordable. These scholarships recognize academic excellence, financial need, and the potential for students to contribute to the university community.
International Excellence Awards: These are merit-based scholarships offered to international students applying for undergraduate and postgraduate programs. These awards typically cover part of the tuition fees and are designed to attract outstanding students from around the globe.
Global Scholarships: Loughborough offers various global scholarships based on geographical location, supporting students from specific regions or countries with reduced tuition fees.
Loughborough University Elite Sports Scholarships: These are available for students who are competing at an elite level in their sport. The scholarship includes financial support, as well as access to the university's world-class sports facilities, coaching, and training programs.
Country-Specific Scholarships: Loughborough University offers country-specific scholarships for students from particular countries. These scholarships are designed to support students who demonstrate high academic potential and a commitment to contributing to their home country upon graduation.
Loughborough University, one of the leading institutions in the United Kingdom, offers a BSc (Hons) Criminology with Placement Year program that provides students with a comprehensive understanding of criminology, crime, and criminal justice systems. By combining academic theory with practical work experience during the placement year, the program equips graduates with essential skills and knowledge, opening the door to a wide range of rewarding career options in criminology and related fields. Graduates from this program are well-prepared for roles in law enforcement, policy development, social work, research, and many other sectors.
Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice Careers: Graduates of the BSc (Hons) Criminology with Placement Year program are well-suited for careers in law enforcement and the criminal justice system. These include roles such as police officers, probation officers, prison officers, and criminal investigators. The placement year offers students valuable hands-on experience in real-world settings, such as police departments or correctional facilities, allowing them to gain practical insight into law enforcement practices and the criminal justice system. Graduates with this experience often pursue roles in specialized fields such as forensic analysis, crime scene investigation, or intelligence analysis. Their criminological knowledge equips them to address the challenges of modern-day policing, crime prevention, and public safety.
Social Research and Policy Development: With an in-depth understanding of criminology, many graduates choose to pursue careers in social research or policy development. Criminology graduates are highly sought after by government agencies, think tanks, and social policy organizations. In these roles, graduates may work as social researchers, policy advisors, or data analysts. They are involved in researching crime trends, evaluating criminal justice policies, and providing evidence-based recommendations to improve crime prevention and criminal justice practices. Graduates may also work with government agencies to analyze social issues, criminal behavior, and the impact of various policies on crime rates and social justice.
Social Work and Community Support: Many criminology graduates go on to work in the social services sector, where they support individuals and communities affected by crime. This can include roles such as social workers, youth workers, or victim support officers. In these positions, graduates provide assistance to individuals involved in the criminal justice system, such as those on probation or rehabilitation programs. The criminology program’s focus on understanding social issues, crime prevention, and restorative justice prepares students to work with vulnerable populations, offering a positive impact on community development, rehabilitation, and crime reduction.
Security and Risk Management: Criminology graduates are also in demand within the private sector, particularly in security and risk management. Many businesses, corporations, and financial institutions require experts who can identify and mitigate risks, particularly in relation to fraud, theft, and security threats. Roles such as security consultants, corporate investigators, or fraud prevention officers are common career paths for criminology graduates. Their ability to understand criminal behavior, assess risks, and develop strategies to safeguard assets makes them valuable assets in industries that prioritize security and operational safety.
Nonprofit and Advocacy Organizations: Graduates with a criminology background can work for nonprofit organizations and advocacy groups focused on social justice, human rights, or criminal justice reform. These organizations often require professionals to advocate for policy change, raise awareness about social inequalities, or support victims of crime. Criminology graduates may take on roles as advocacy officers, program managers, or fundraisers for charities that focus on crime prevention, rehabilitation, and supporting marginalized communities. Their work may involve conducting research, engaging in public campaigns, and offering direct services to victims of crime or individuals at risk of offending.
Education and Teaching: For those interested in academia, a criminology degree provides a pathway into teaching and education. Graduates may become secondary school teachers specializing in criminology, sociology, or social studies. To teach at a higher level, graduates may pursue further studies and gain Postgraduate Certificates in Education (PGCE), enabling them to teach at the college or university level. Additionally, those interested in research may go on to pursue Master’s degrees or PhDs in criminology or related fields, eventually becoming lecturers or researchers in criminology or sociology departments.
International Organizations and Global Careers: Loughborough University’s emphasis on a global perspective in criminology helps prepare graduates for international career opportunities. Graduates can work for international organizations, NGOs, and global research institutes that focus on transnational crime, human rights violations, terrorism, or international security. Positions within international criminal justice systems, such as roles with the United Nations, Interpol, or international human rights organizations, may appeal to those who wish to work on global criminological issues. This international outlook, combined with the practical experience gained during the placement year, makes criminology graduates well-suited for roles in global crime prevention, international policing, and global social justice work.
Cybersecurity and Digital Forensics: With the rise of cybercrime and digital offenses, criminology graduates with an interest in technology may choose to pursue careers in cybersecurity and digital forensics. These fields require expertise in investigating online criminal activities, identifying security breaches, and preventing cybercrimes. Criminology graduates can work as cybercrime investigators, digital forensics specialists, or network security analysts. Their criminological background provides a strong foundation for understanding criminal behavior in the digital age, and their placement year experience may further support this transition into the cybersecurity industry.
