Canterbury Christ Church University (CCCU) in the United Kingdom offers a compelling BA (Hons) Applied Criminology degree, designed to provide a thorough grounding in core criminological themes, concepts, debates, and perspectives, and apply these theories to a range of real-world crime problems. This interdisciplinary program adopts a broad perspective, examining various crime types from murder to environmental harm, and delves into the complex cycles of violence, the intersection of crime, justice, and society, and the lived experiences of participants in the criminal justice system. Developed by staff with specialist experience as researchers and practitioners, the degree is innovative and industry-led, preparing students to become reflective practitioners and policy makers capable of driving change.
Curriculum: The BA Applied Criminology curriculum at CCCU is structured to provide a comprehensive and practical education in the field. While specific module titles can vary, common themes include criminological theory, youth crime and the youth justice system, crime and social control, and the media representation of crime. The program encourages students to explore the true nature, extent, and causes of crime, along with the methods used to manage criminal behaviour. Students develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills through a combination of lectures, workshops, tutorials, and interactive sessions. Assessments typically involve a range of methods such as written assignments (reports, essays, journals), presentations, and case studies. Optional modules allow students to specialize in areas like policing, law, psychology, cybercrime, hate crime, mental health, media, prisons, and drug-related crime, or even environmental crime.
Research Focus: The BA Applied Criminology program at Canterbury Christ Church University is taught by experienced staff with academic expertise across a wide range of criminological issues. Their research interests often include policing, mental health, criminal justice and crime, the history of crime and punishment, migration and crime, drug-related crime and drug treatment, youth justice, and victimology. 1 This active research background ensures that the curriculum is informed by current debates, policy, and research findings within the field. The university also promotes a focus on learning through experience, with staff often supporting students in independent studies that can contribute to ongoing research within the department.
Industry Engagement: Industry engagement is a core strength of the BA Applied Criminology program at CCCU, designed to provide students with valuable practical experience and networking opportunities. The university fosters close links with local, national, and international criminal justice agencies. Students benefit from an "insights from practice" initiative, which includes regular guest speakers who are professionals and practitioners working within the justice system. Where possible, trips or visits are offered to provide additional insight into the workings of the justice system; for instance, students have previously visited the British Board of Film Classification. The program actively promotes volunteering and provides support and advice in identifying and applying for volunteering posts and work experience, including opportunities within prisons, the probation service, and the police. CCCU's specialist facilities, such as the Hydra Suite, offer immersive simulations of real-life decision-making used to train professionals in criminal justice, government, and emergency services, giving students a unique experiential learning opportunity.
Global Perspective: The BA Applied Criminology program at Canterbury Christ Church University inherently incorporates a global perspective by addressing crime and justice issues that transcend national borders. The curriculum explores key concepts and contemporary issues in criminology within a global context, acknowledging the international dimensions of crime control, transnational crime, and organized crime. Modules may delve into topics such as "Transnational Crime and Global Markets," examining how the opening up of global markets has changed crimes and how criminal justice agencies approach international cooperation. Students analyze how national and international legislation and agencies work to combat crime, including major policing efforts against terrorism and drugs. The program also encourages a critical understanding of how broader social issues such as power, discrimination, and inequality underpin crime and contribute to injustices on a global scale, preparing students to engage with a diverse range of criminal justice systems and global challenges.
