Criminology BSc (Hons)

You will examine how crime, deviance, and harm are constructed within societies, as well as a breadth of theories about why people commit crimes and harms. You will explore the arguments for different forms of punishment, and discover how, why and when societies punish deviant behaviours.

You will analyse the big contemporary challenges of society and the criminal justice system, including why crimes of the powerful, such as corporations or national leaders, often evade punishment. You will learn from experienced researchers about the experiences of young people in the criminal justice system as well as the lived realities of people in the adult prisons estate. You will analyse the roles of different individuals, agencies and processes within the criminal justice system and explore the differential treatment of people with attention given to race, socio-economic inequality and mental health, and the often challenging experiences of victims, particularly of violent crimes. Case studies will draw on international, national and local criminal cases to explore the challenges of securing justice, including exploring some of the key historical and contemporary cases local to Chester. You will develop knowledge and skills relevant to roles in the criminal justice system and beyond, with teaching and assessments focussed on developing your plans for graduate success.

You will explore the influence of both traditional and contemporary media platforms on societal views of crime, deviance, inequality, mental health and politics as well as other key social issues. You will examine key academic literature and theories, learning to critically analyse concepts such as agenda-setting, news values, and media framing, as well as influential models like Chomsky and Herman's propaganda model and moral panic theory. You will discover the evolution of media, from its historical roots to the complex world of social media, examining the power dynamics in media ownership, the regulatory landscape, and the framing of social issues. Through case studies, you will apply your learning to real-world examples, understanding how media representations impact public opinion and influence policy on topics like mental health, poverty, welfare, and crime. This module is essential for anyone interested in understanding the major impact of media on society and social change.

Chinese: Intermediate Language Development (20 Credits) Option

This module is designed for students who have completed GCSE in Chinese or equivalent. You will further develop your grammar, vocabulary and learning conventions for spelling and pronunciation. You will work with written and recorded texts on a range of cultural, personal and social topics and will develop oral and written communication skills at an intermediate level.

French: Communication in Practice (20 Credits) Option

This module is designed for students that have completed A-Level or equivalent in French. You will further develop your grammar, vocabulary and expression and apply these to real world situations. You will work with written and recorded texts on a range of cultural, personal and social topics and will develop your oral and written communication skills at Post-A level.

French: Intermediate Language Development (20 Credits) Option

This module is designed for students who have completed GCSE or equivalent in French. You will further develop your grammar, vocabulary and learning conventions for spelling and pronunciation. You will work with written and recorded texts on a range of cultural, personal and social topics and will develop oral and written communication skills at an intermediate level.

German: Communication in Practice (20 Credits) Option

This module enables students with A-Level German or equivalent to further develop their grammar, vocabulary and expression and apply these to real world situations. You will work with written and recorded texts on a range of cultural, personal and social topics and will develop your oral and written communication skills at Post-A level.

Spanish: Communication in Practice (20 Credits) Option

This module is designed for students that have completed a A-Level or equivalent in Spanish. You will further develop your grammar, vocabulary and expression and apply these to real world situations. You will work with written and recorded texts on a range of cultural, personal and social topics and will develop oral and written communication skills at Post-A level.

Spanish: Intermediate Language Development (20 Credits) Option

This module is designed for students that have completed GCSE or equivalent in Spanish. You will further develop your grammar, vocabulary and learning conventions for spelling and pronunciation. You will work with written and recorded texts on a range of cultural, personal and social topics and will develop oral and written communication skills at an intermediate level.

Subsidiary Language for Beginners (20 Credits) Option

This module provides the opportunity to study a new language from scratch and introduces you to basic grammar, vocabulary and cultural contexts. You will apply the language to practical situations using both oral and written skills. 

This module will enable students to critically develop their existing knowledge and understanding of current – and former – representations of crime and criminal justice. Through analytically deconstructing a wide array of historical, geographical, social and political representations of crime and criminal justice. Students upon the module will be encouraged to identify and assess how and why these representations of crime and criminal justice are constructed and disseminated among society. Considerations of gender, class, disability, age, race, religion and sex will therefore be acknowledged to emphasise the spectrum of individuals within society (sub-)consciously influential in, as well as influenced by representations of crime and criminal justice. Whilst the philosophical and theoretical concepts which are embedded throughout the module will serve to highlight to students the advantages and limitations of representations throughout practice. This module will allow students to acquire meaningful skills which can be pivotal in their personal and professional lives as champions of social justice reform. From having explored and discovered the pervasive influence representations hold over the ongoing (re-)configuration of culture in practice, as well as developing their digital proficiencies in communication.

You will develop an understanding of the social and legal consequences of the social constructions of, and interactions between, race, ethnicity and migration in the contemporary governance of global injustice, You will analyse arguments about migration, both as a range of practices and relations that people enact, and as a system of governance that manages security as well as inequality in the freedom to move, and in life opportunities. You will examine the challenges and harms of border controls, the attribution or denial of citizen rights, and migrant detention. You will also develop understanding of how systemic inequities in race and ethnicity intersect with criminal justice practices, influencing outcomes such as policing, sentencing, and incarceration. Through exploration of individual biographies and case studies, you will come to recognise the core issues of concern in race, ethnicity, migration and justice. 

You will explore the contribution of medical and scientific expertise in society’s management of mental illness. You will examine experiences of people with mental ill health in the criminal justice system, analysing laws, policy, and practice in the areas of public protection and offender assessment and management. You will analyse the themes of power and control in the context of the development of psychiatry and the medicalisation process. You will learn how historical treatments of mental illness have created false identities of mental illness being connected to crime and concepts of risk and dangerousness. You will develop a critically informed viewpoint on the ethical, practical, and legal complexities of treating, assessing, and managing offenders with a mental health disorder in the criminal justice and psychiatric systems. You will develop an understanding of the complexities of assessing and managing so-called ‘dangerous’ or ‘high-risk’ offenders in practice.

Experiential Learning - Social Impact Leadership on Action (40 Credits) Option
This experiential module is designed to provide students with hands-on learning experiences that complement their academic studies. This module aims to bridge the gap between personal social missions, theory and practice, equipping students with critical awareness, essential skills and experiences for their future plans, including employment, further study and other ventures. The module is enriched through partnership working between academics and others working in a range of organisations promoting social impact. Students will have opportunities to foster their own social missions, develop and apply academic understanding and key skills through working on real-world projects. Key components of teaching and learning include:

• Real-World Projects: Students engage in projects that address actual challenges faced by organisations, allowing them to apply theoretical knowledge and key skills in practical settings.
• Service Learning: Initiatives that combine community service with learning objectives, promoting social responsibility and civic engagement.
• Reflective Practices: Encouraging students to reflect on their experiences through journals, discussions, and skills analyses to enhance critical thinking and personal growth.
• Networking Opportunities: A range of networking opportunities will be shared that students can engage in during independent study to build sector insights and develop their networks.
• Skills workshops: Experts will deliver Social Impact Leadership workshops giving insight into personal success and challenges in their paths and teaching key skills towards success.
• Career Guidance workshops: Knowledge from Career Experts will underpin career guidance to support students to develop personalised plans for actioning towards aspirations, including employment, further study and other aspirations.

This module aims to empower students with the tools and resources necessary to secure meaningful employment and embark on successful careers.

Preparation for the year abroad will take place in Chester during level 5 and will include:

• Cross-cultural issues and sensitivity
• Host-country orientation, study methods– economic, political and social reality of the country
• Orientation specific to exchange – health, education, gender issues
• The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals
• Practical matters relating to living and studying in the wider world

Theories, models and strategies of learning

• Critical thinking skills, experiential learning and models of reflection

Personal and placement-related transversal skills

• Effective self-motivation and independent resourcefulness
• Effective time management and organisational skills
• Project management – working away from University and independent study
• Self-management and personal development

Whilst abroad:

You will undertake study at one of the University of Chester's partner universities or undertake and approved work placement or virtual placement. If you are a student,  it is expected that you will choose a series of modules at the university abroad which must be agreed by the host institution and the Module Leader. you must supply details of you modules on a learning agreement within 4 weeks of arrival at the host university.

What role can you play as a social scientist beyond the University? This module explores our public responsibilities as social scientists to share our knowledge beyond university walls and contribute to social change locally, nationally and globally. You will consider how ideas, theories and practice from your studies can impact the real-world causing real change. Together, we'll discuss the major social challenges that public social scientists encounter today and what can be done about them. The module also encourages you to think about life after university, considering the responsibilities and opportunities you have as a social science graduate to bring your insight and expertise to the world.

This module critically examines the multifaceted ways in which state actions can contribute to social harms, injustices, and environmental degradation. Students will explore state-induced crimes through a critical criminological lens, focusing on how policies and actions can perpetuate systemic inequalities and harm both individuals and communities globally. The module introduces sense-making theories, providing tools to analyse and evaluate the impact of state actions on broader social injustices, including ecological damage and economic inequality. Through a combination of theoretical insights and real-world case studies, students will critically assess topics such as state violence, environmental harms, economic policies, and human rights violations. Key learning outcomes include the ability to analyse the global impacts of state-induced crimes, apply theoretical frameworks, and devise strategies for mitigating harms. The module emphasises practical, socially responsible approaches to addressing systemic issues, equipping students with actionable skills to contribute to meaningful change. With a structured curriculum spanning ten weeks, topics include the historical and contemporary dimensions of state crime, environmental and social injustices, and the role of human rights frameworks. By the end, students will be well-prepared to critically engage with these pressing global challenges and advocate for justice in diverse contexts.

You will develop as a social researcher, equipped to undertake your own research projects. You will learn how to design research plans, manage ethical issues, undertake data analysis, and present your findings. You will develop skills in both qualitative and quantitative research methods, and practice methods in small group settings. You will apply your learning to a research topic of your choice, developing and generating knowledge on real-world phenomena relevant to your intended future career. You will be supported one-to-one by a supervisor with research expertise who can advise throughout your project. You will develop investigative, analytical and presentation skills that will be of value throughout your career.

You will critically analyse justifications of punishment over history to the present day, nationally and internationally. You will examine different types of punishment and their use in penal policy. You will develop knowledge of the role of punishment practitioners and their practices. You will study the impact of gender, race, religion, age, class, sex, and disability on the delivery and experience of punishment, with case studies on current social issues such as transgender prisoner policy, and the challenges of young and aging prison populations. You will critically assess the ethics of imprisonment and other punishment, and a range of perspectives on criminal justice reform, including arguments for rehabilitation outside prisons and abolitionist perspectives.