Foundation Degree Criminology Year 1

In a nutshell

This course will give you a strong practical and academic grounding in the different aspects of Criminology and Criminal Justice. If you’re interested in studying crime, criminality and the criminal justice system, the Foundation Degree Criminology and Criminal Justice is for you.

This course is for you if...

... You aspire to work within the areas of crime, criminology and criminal justice
... You work well under pressure
... You want both practical and theoretical skills

What will I be doing?

You will develop a critical awareness of theory and practice in criminology, and understand the social context of crime and how it is managed. You will also learn how agencies operate within the criminal justice system.

We have strong links with criminal justice agencies and offer modules that reflect the current nature of this subject, often inviting guest speakers to talk to you about their work. As well as volunteering opportunities, you can complete a work placement module, which could help you secure employment when you graduate.

To ensure you have a good understanding of criminology and Criminal Justice, you’ll study several core modules where you’ll gain both practical and theoretical.

Modules are likely to include:

Year 1

Inside the Criminal Justice System

Exploring Crime and Deviance

From Theory to Impact: Essential Research in Criminology

Crime Unmasked: Contemporary Crime and Challenges

Diversity, Crime and Justice

Beyond the Books: Academia, Employment and Professionalism in Criminal Justice.

The real Impact of crime: Vulnerability and victims

Year 2

The Politics of Policing

From Evidence to Verdict: Investigating Crime.

Researching Crime, Security and Justice

Unmasking Violent Crime

Beyond Borders: Serious, Organised, and Transnational Crime

Work Experience

To make your learning relevant to the workplace, you’ll have real life examples of relevant issues. For example, in one module you’ll work on a live cold case in conjunction with the University and the police.

You’ll learn through a range of methods, usually a combination of lectures, seminars and workshops. At later stages of the course, you’ll have the chance to work on projects, either individually or in groups.

Immersive learning & simulated activities are also built into the programme, as well as visiting speakers and project work. There are a variety of assessment methods, and whilst most modules are coursework based, there are some exams. Coursework includes real life projects, essays, group work and presentations.

What is expected of me?

To enter the course, you’ll need a minimum of three GCSEs at Grade C or above including Maths/Maths Numeracy and English Language (Or equivalent), plus:

• 48 UCAS points - UCAS tariff calculator https://www.ucas.com/ucas/tariff-calculator

• Or Access to HE where you have achieved a Pass Diploma with 45 Passes

Please note that if you do not meet the grade criteria, then age and experience may be able to be taken into consideration.

What comes next?

This course is a valuable qualification if you want a career in the civil service, police, probation service, prison and security services, or community or social service organisations.

You can also progress to the final year of the BA (Hons) Criminology & Criminal Justice degree at the University of South Wales.

Additional information

This course is delivered over two days and is franchised by the University of South Wales (subject to validation).