BA (Hons) Criminology

Program Overview

The BA (Hons) Criminology program provides a focused and in-depth study of crime as a social phenomenon. It emphasizes a critical and analytical approach to understanding the causes, consequences, and societal reactions to crime. The program encourages students to examine the social, economic, and political factors that contribute to criminal behavior and to analyze the role of various agencies within the criminal justice system. Through a combination of lectures, seminars, debates, and research projects, students develop a comprehensive understanding of the complexities of crime and the challenges of achieving justice.

Curriculum: The curriculum is structured to provide a progressive learning experience, starting with foundational modules that introduce core criminological theories, the history of crime and punishment, and the structure of the criminal justice system. Students then advance to more specialized modules covering topics such as policing, criminal law and the courts, penology and prisons, youth justice, gender and crime, race and crime, cybercrime, terrorism, and criminological research methods. The program encourages students to critically evaluate different theoretical perspectives on crime and to engage with empirical research findings. A significant component involves developing research skills through the design and execution of research projects, alongside critical analysis of criminological debates and policy initiatives.

Research Focus: The University of Worcester fosters a research-informed teaching environment within its School of Humanities and Social Science, which directly benefits the BA (Hons) Criminology program. Faculty members are actively engaged in research across various areas of criminology, including policing, prisons, youth justice, cybercrime, victimology, and the social and political contexts of crime. Students benefit from being taught by academics who are actively contributing to their fields and may have opportunities to engage with research through their studies and final-year dissertations. The program aims to cultivate a research-oriented mindset, encouraging students to critically evaluate existing research and contribute their own analytical insights to understanding crime and the pursuit of justice.

Industry Engagement: The BA (Hons) Criminology program recognizes the importance of preparing students for successful careers within the criminal justice system and related fields. The curriculum often incorporates guest lectures from practitioners working in policing, probation, prisons, and crime prevention agencies. The University of Worcester actively seeks to build and maintain links with local and national organizations involved in criminal justice, social welfare, and policy development. This engagement may include opportunities for volunteering, internships, and research collaborations, providing students with valuable practical experience and insights into potential career pathways. The aim is to ensure that graduates possess the skills and knowledge that are highly valued by employers in fields that require a strong understanding of crime and the criminal justice system.

Global Perspective: The University of Worcester welcomes a diverse international student body, enriching the learning experience within the BA (Hons) Criminology program. Crime and criminal justice systems are global phenomena, and the program encourages students to develop a comparative understanding of crime trends, justice practices, and international cooperation in addressing crime. Discussions and analyses often incorporate international examples, and students have opportunities to interact with peers from various cultural backgrounds, fostering a global perspective essential for understanding the complexities of crime and justice in an increasingly interconnected world.