BA (Hons) Business and Management and Criminology

Program Overview

The BA (Hons) Business and Management and Criminology program at Bath Spa University is a three-year, full-time course providing a stimulating and intellectually engaging learning experience. It is structured to progressively build foundational knowledge in both business and criminology in the first year, explore the core concepts and theories of each discipline in the second, and culminate in specialized studies at the intersection of business and criminology, along with an interdisciplinary research project in the final year. Students benefit from interactive lectures, engaging seminars incorporating case studies from both business and criminology, opportunities for applying theoretical frameworks to real-world scenarios, and collaborative group work. A key element involves understanding the ethical and social responsibilities of businesses and the impact of crime on organizations and society. The program fosters a critical and analytical atmosphere, encouraging students to develop their expertise in both fields and their ability to connect these distinct yet related areas of study.

Curriculum: The curriculum for the BA (Hons) Business and Management and Criminology program is designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of core business principles alongside key criminological theories and concepts. Core business modules typically cover areas such as management, marketing, and organizational behavior. Criminology modules delve into topics such as criminological theory, the criminal justice system, sociology of crime, and research methods in criminology. As students progress, the curriculum increasingly focuses on the intersection of these two fields, exploring areas such as corporate crime, white-collar crime, fraud and financial crime, security management, and the impact of crime on business and the economy. The program emphasizes the development of critical thinking, analytical skills, research methodologies relevant to both business and criminology, and ethical reasoning. Students will engage in case study analysis from both business and criminal justice contexts, apply theoretical frameworks to real-world scenarios, and undertake interdisciplinary projects that require them to integrate knowledge from both fields. The final year often includes advanced topics at the intersection of business and criminology and a significant interdisciplinary research project or dissertation.

Research Focus: The BA (Hons) Business and Management and Criminology program at Bath Spa University benefits from a research-informed learning environment within both the School of Business and Management and the School of Humanities and Cultural Industries. Faculty members in both disciplines are actively engaged in research related to areas such as corporate social responsibility, business ethics, white-collar crime, the sociology of deviance, and criminal justice reform. This research informs the curriculum, ensuring that students are exposed to current academic debates, theoretical frameworks, and empirical findings in both business and criminology. Students are encouraged to develop their own research interests at the intersection of these fields through assignments and their final year interdisciplinary project, fostering critical inquiry and analytical skills relevant to understanding the complex relationship between business and crime.

Industry Engagement: Bath Spa University's BA (Hons) Business and Management and Criminology program fosters connections with relevant organizations in both the business and criminal justice sectors. The program may facilitate guest lectures by professionals working in areas such as corporate compliance, fraud investigation, security management, law enforcement, and criminal justice agencies. Students may have opportunities for internships or placements with businesses focused on risk management and security, or with organizations within the criminal justice system, providing valuable insights into real-world applications of their interdisciplinary knowledge. The curriculum often incorporates case studies and scenarios that reflect the practical challenges and ethical dilemmas faced by professionals working at the intersection of business and crime.

Global Perspective: The BA (Hons) Business and Management and Criminology program at Bath Spa University incorporates a global perspective by examining international business practices, cross-cultural issues related to crime and justice, and the impact of globalization on both business operations and criminal activity. The curriculum may include case studies of international corporate crime, comparisons of different criminal justice systems, and the exploration of transnational organized crime and its impact on global business. The university's diverse international student body contributes to a global learning environment, fostering discussions and collaborations across different cultural perspectives on business ethics, crime, and justice. Furthermore, the program may touch upon topics such as international business law, global security challenges, and the role of international organizations in addressing transnational crime, preparing graduates to understand and navigate the complex global landscape at the intersection of business and criminology.