The content of this module enables students to develop understanding of the foundations of the discipline alongside academic and transferable skills relevant to career readiness. The module firstly introduces students to the breadth of criminological scholarship, providing a pathway into the discipline by identifying and exploring key debates and ideas. Students will examine how crime, deviance and harm are constructed, perceived and responded to in society. This content will include key ideas associated with differential treatment and experiences of the criminal justice system for marginalised and under-represented groups in society alongside non-conventional forms of crime and harm, especially those committed by the ‘powerful’. Students will critically consider the array of individuals, agencies and processes integral to the functioning of the criminal justice system alongside theoretical and practical perspectives of punishments. There will also be a theoretical and practical exploration of the interrelationships between crime and harm, victimisation, social problems and their context.

Students will examine the consistencies, contradictions and conflicts which arise across theoretical and philosophical inquiry, as well as among political ideologies. In doing so, students will critically evaluate the influence sociodemographic characteristics and lived experiences hold in the operational objectives, procedures and outcomes of the criminal justice system across different groups. Within this module, there will be a focus upon influences that shape public perceptions, in particular in reference to deviance and the influence of both traditional and contemporary media platforms on societal views, looking in particular at deviance, from crime to inequality, mental health and politics. In doing so, students will acquire meaningful skills which can be influential in their personal and professional lives as proponents of criminal justice reform. Throughout students’ engagement with the academic content, they will develop as an individual and lifelong learner whilst also being part of a learning community. Students will be encouraged to reflect upon how academic skills acquired might transfer over into purposeful and rewarding forms of employment.

Explore how media shapes public perceptions, in particular in reference to deviance in this dynamic sociology and criminology module. "Media and the Representation of Deviance" delves into the influence of both traditional and contemporary media platforms on societal views, looking in particular at deviance, from crime to inequality, mental health and politics. Students 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. The module covers 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, students will apply theoretical insights to real-world examples, understanding how media representations impact public opinion and influence policy on topics like mental health, poverty, welfare, and crime. By the module's end, students will be equipped to construct well-supported arguments on the role of media in shaping social inequalities, understand its power in influencing societal outcomes, and critically reflect on emerging trends in media representation. This module is essential for anyone interested in understanding the media’s role in constructing narratives around deviance and its broad impact on society.

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.