BA (Hons) Criminology with Politics

Program Overview

The BA (Hons) Criminology with Politics program provides a balanced and integrated study of crime as a social and political phenomenon. It emphasizes a critical and analytical approach to understanding the causes, consequences, and societal reactions to crime, alongside an exploration of the political systems, ideologies, and power dynamics that influence criminal justice policy and practice. The program encourages students to examine the political factors that shape the definition of crime, the development of laws, and the operation of law enforcement and other criminal justice agencies. Through a combination of lectures, seminars, debates, and research projects, students develop a comprehensive understanding of the complex interplay between crime and politics.

Curriculum: The curriculum is structured to provide a progressive learning experience, starting with foundational modules that introduce core criminological theories, the structure of the criminal justice system, and fundamental concepts in political science, such as political ideologies, institutions, and processes. Students then advance to more specialized modules covering topics such as criminal justice policy, political sociology, power and inequality, governance and democracy, political theory, comparative politics, and research methods relevant to both criminology and political science. The program encourages students to explore the intersections between criminological and political perspectives, understanding how political ideologies and power structures influence the creation and implementation of criminal justice policies, and how crime can impact political processes and social order. A significant component involves developing research skills through the design and execution of research projects, alongside critical analysis of theoretical debates and policy initiatives in both criminology and politics.

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 with Politics program. Faculty members are actively engaged in research across various areas of criminology and political science, including criminal justice policy, the politics of crime control, social movements, political participation, and the impact of political ideologies on social issues. 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 the political dimensions of crime and justice.

Industry Engagement: The BA (Hons) Criminology with Politics program recognizes the importance of preparing students for successful careers in criminal justice, public policy, and government-related fields. The curriculum often incorporates guest lectures from practitioners working in the criminal justice system, government agencies, and policy organizations. The University of Worcester actively seeks to build and maintain links with local and national organizations involved in crime prevention, criminal justice reform, policy development, and political advocacy. 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, politics, and public policy.

Global Perspective: The University of Worcester welcomes a diverse international student body, enriching the learning experience within the BA (Hons) Criminology with Politics program. Crime and political systems are global phenomena, and the program encourages students to develop a comparative understanding of criminal justice policies, political ideologies, and the relationship between crime and governance across different countries and cultures. 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 politics in an increasingly interconnected world.