Content
The optional modules listed are those that are most likely to be available, but they may be subject to change.
Year zero (Foundation year)
All foundation year students study together and will take four compulsory modules covering introductions to Sociology, Criminology, Philosophy, Politics and International Relations, Psychology, and university level academic and study skills.
This will ensure that you have the necessary grounding across all the social science disciplines, enabling you to develop a range of perspectives that will enrich your learning at year one and beyond.
You'll study:
- Essentials of Academic Practice
- Exploring the Social World and the Problems of Crime
- From Plato to Nato
- People and Social Science.
You normally need to pass your foundation year before going into year one.
Year one
You'll study:
- Introduction to Criminological Theory
- Introduction to Criminal Justice
- Understanding Crime
- Critical Thinking (Sociology and Criminology)
- Social Issues and Social Problems
- Researching Crime and Society.
Year two
You'll study:
- Contemporary Perspectives in Criminology
- Criminology in Action: Engaging in the Real World
- Policing and Crime Prevention
- Nature and Use of Research (Criminology).
Plus, optional modules from (the number depending on credit requirements):
- Criminal Psychology
- Angels or Demons? Understanding and Managing Youth Offending
- Drugs, Crime and Society
- Crime, Media and Culture
- 'Difference': Race, Ethnicity and Diversity in Contemporary Society
- Mental Health, Crime and Criminal Justice.
Placement year (if applicable)
If you study on the four year (sandwich) course, you'll spend a year away from the University on a work or study placement after year two.
You'll complete a placement learning module.
See the Placements and Fees sections for more information.
Final year
You'll study:
- Transnational Crime and Comparative Criminology
- Criminology Project.
Plus, optional modules from (the number depending on credit requirements):
- Victims and Victimology
- Terrorism: History, Myths and Policy
- Risk and Risk Management
- Protest, Policing and Public Order
- Hate Crime: Offenders, Victims and the Criminal Justice System
- Gender, Sex and Social Control
- Green Criminology: Environment, Crime and Justice
- Prisons, Punishment and Human Rights
- Missing People: Lost Identities and Social Harm
- Organised Crime.
This structure is for full-time students only. Part-time students study the same modules but the delivery pattern will be different.
The University continually enhances our offer by responding to feedback from our students and other stakeholders, ensuring the curriculum is kept up to date and our graduates are equipped with the knowledge and skills they need for the real world. This may result in changes to the course. If changes to your course are approved, we will inform you.
Learning and Teaching
Learn through a balanced mix of lectures, seminars, workshops, online tutorials, media presentations, project work and reflective diaries.
Work with experienced and enthusiastic academics who are leaders in their fields and incorporate their research into their teaching to give you access to the latest ideas.
Attend regular presentations from visiting practitioners and guest lecturers so you can learn about industry challenges and best practice.
Carry out your own criminological research, focusing on real-world issues that link into your career plans.
You'll learn how to think critically, interpret data and evaluate evidence, as well as developing skills in report writing, argumentation and making balanced judgements.
We offer modules that differ in learning approach, so you can choose those that match your style.
Your tutors will be on hand to support you, and you'll have your own personal academic tutor, as a mentor and guide.
See our full glossary of learning and teaching terms.
Community and public projects
Studying criminology at UWE Bristol provides you with the opportunity of engaging with some of the leading scholars in their fields. Teaching is carried out by a team of experienced, enthusiastic and supportive lecturers dedicated to translating aspects of their research into their teaching.
Study time
During your degree, you'll have at least 12 hours of teaching and related activities each week.
Assessment
We'll assess your academic and practical skills using essays, seminar presentations, projects, literature reviews, and 'unseen' and 'seen' examinations.
Learn more about assessments.