On This Page
Quick info & apply now
LOCATION
University Square Stratford
Location Fees and Funding
Here's the fees and funding information for each year of this course
Overview
If you're interested in the problem of crime in contemporary societies, our Criminology and Criminal Justice course is for you.
As a criminology student you'll investigate the nature of crime and criminality, studying society's response through the criminal justice system. You'll learn how societies try to control and punish crime and disorder, gaining a theoretical and practical understanding of this fascinating subject.
Criminology takes a social sciences approach by studying and classifying crime, and exploring theories around criminal behaviour. As well as the theory, you'll learn how society deals with criminal behaviour by studying institutions and roles such as the police, courts, prisons and probation service.
The course offers a wide choice of options in your final year and you'll be expected to undertake an independent piece of research on a relevant topic of particular interest to you.
Our Foundation year course is perfect if you want a degree in Criminology and Criminal Justice but you don't meet the standard entry requirements. First we prepare you for your degree during your Foundation year, bringing you up to speed with academic skills and a firm grounding in the subject. Then you can go on to do the full undergraduate degree.
What makes this course different
WHAT YOU'LL LEARN
We recently revised this course to ensure you benefit from the most up-to-date ideas, concepts and research in this evolving field of study.
In the first two years you'll gain a solid grounding in the subject through an introduction to criminology and criminal justice. You'll study contemporary issues in criminology, the legal framework, research methods, applied criminology and professional practice, and crime, deviance and social history.
In your last year, you'll be able to research a relevant topic of your choice in a final project. Recent student projects include the impact of police stop-and-search policies in ethnic communities and the psychology of serial killers. The choice is yours.
You'll also be able to choose from a wide variety of optional modules, including drug trafficking, mentally disordered offenders, terrorism, prison studies and football hooliganism. You can also choose to take a work-based learning module, where you will apply learning from volunteering or work experience to your academic studies.
We consistently review our courses to ensure we are up-to-date with industry changes and requirements from our graduates. As a result, our modules are subject to change.
DOWNLOAD COURSE SPECIFICATIONS
MODULES
- Core Modules
Knowledge, Skills, Practice and the Self: Mental Wealth CloseKnowledge, Skills, Practice and the Self: Mental Wealth
This module will allow you to acquire tangible evidence to support your employability narrative at interviews as you progress through your academic studies. The module recognises the importance of acknowledging the value of skills, competencies and experience (SCE) beyond academic subject assessment to aid you in securing a job and support your career acceleration. It forms the foundation of the Career Passport pathway in the Communities cluster of the Cass School of Education and Communities, anticipating the more in-depth approach to skills at Levels 4 and 5.
The focus will be on knowledge of the labour market and the range of individual intelligences and digital proficiency, required for social sciences related employment. The module will consider the relationship between skills, technology and work by introducing you to debates surrounding contemporary work theories. Concepts such as ‘skill’, ‘de-skilling’, ‘re-skilling’ and ‘under-utilisation of skills’ will be explored. You will draw on your own experiences of work and consider how university prepares you for careers in the 21st century, including that of social entrepreneurship; this will include group work and presentation skills. Digital proficiency will enable you to use ICT effectively, encourage technological literacy and reflections on your use of social media and your digital footprint. You will be encouraged to examine personal experience of technologies and how technologies are part of our private worlds - what Sherry Turkle terms ‘the inner history of devices’ and issues related to inequalities and the digital divide. You will develop their emotional, social, physical and cognitive intelligence in preparation for success at Level 4.
Exploring Communities as Social Scientists CloseExploring Communities as Social Scientists
This module extends your understanding of local and global communities through applying the sociological concepts of community, identity, place, social memory and migration. It builds on your existing knowledge of the global and local contexts of your future academic study and employment. Cultural capital and knowledge of the complexities of communities will be introduced through topical readings, a guided walk of a London neighbourhood and a visit to a museum that you will prepare for and reflect on, using the key concepts of identity, place, social memory and migration. The module frontloads key academic skills required for university education and consolidates them throughout the module in order to support your learning in other modules at this level and above as well as your future careers.
Crime, Justice and Surveillance CloseCrime, Justice and Surveillance
This module introduces you to crime and surveillance from sociological and criminological perspectives and offers you theoretical and practical skills and experiences that prepare you for your journey as a criminologist. It considers how surveillance overlaps with many fields, including crime detection and prevention and the management of dangerous spaces and people. It also offers an introduction to Cybercrime and you will be asked to produce a public information leaflet that outlines the dangers of the internet. It includes a field trip to see a court in action as part of the teaching for coursework two.
Researching Changing Communities CloseResearching Changing Communities
The module extends your previous knowledge and understanding of how and why local ‘communities’ change over time. ‘Communities’ will be defined either geographically - such as a territorial neighbourhood/post code or culturally - such as an ethnic, linguistic or religious group. It builds on your experiential knowledge of local and global communities through introducing you to academic and policy-related literature and to sociological concepts, research methods, skills and ethics. The module also consolidates core academic skills valuable in other modules as well as your future career. You will carry out a small, guided research project that will include a semi-structured interview with an individual professionally or socially connected to the ‘community’ combined with secondary research reading academic and policy literature) into the chosen ‘community’. In addition, the research project allows you to engage with and apply sociological concepts studied in all other L3 modules on this programme (for example crime, surveillance, globalisation, as well as core career related modules.).
Reimagining Work As A Social Scientist CloseReimagining Work As A Social Scientist
Reading the Body Psychosocially CloseReading the Body Psychosocially
In this module, you will consider the choices you make in relation to your own body and its presentation to others and in so doing will consider how a psychosocial approach to the body embraces choices informed rationally and irrationally. The latter incorporate the personal and political as well as changing attitudes to health and life.
The human body and the nature of embodiment constitute a critical area of academic research and are central to cultural and social change. In a rapidly changing globalised world the body is a prime terrain of identity formation through popular discourses, surgical interventions, the aesthetisation of everyday life and online practices. At the same time, the commodification of the body, whereby the body becomes fragmented into a series of parts, objectified and represented through the media and promotional culture, is normalised as ‘ideal’. But what of its counterparts: the diseased body; the ageing body; the disabled body or even the monstrous body, the subject of literature and film since Shelley’s Frankenstein and the postmodern turn to vampires and zombies?
This module adopts a Psychosocial approach (as an integral part of the Social Sciences), whereby the body can be explored as a contested site for the operations of affect, power and identity, and explored via social categories such as gender, race, class and dis/ability. Bringing together sociological and cultural theory with basic concept of Freudian psychoanalysis, this module provides you with a succinct and focused introduction to interdisciplinary thinking within the Social Sciences.
Optional ModulesIntroduction to Digital Sociology CloseIntroduction to Digital Sociology
This module introduces you to Digital Sociology by exploring what it means to be a sociologist in the rapidly developing technological world. It will also introduce you to digital social research methods, asking what issues there are for social researchers in a digital society; what new material is available to social researchers; how social scientists can harness the new tools available to them and how they can navigate through this space in a secure, mindful and ethical way?
Globalisation and Society CloseGlobalisation and Society
This module introduces you to key issues and debates about globalisation and society. Knowledge of the complexities of globalisation is introduced through [a] topical readings [b] a guided tour of Parliament [c] a visit to the British Museum that you will prepare for and reflect on, using the key concepts of political economy. As well as the two core visits, the topics are presented and examined through lectures, seminars, workshops and film.
- Core Modules
Introduction to Crime and Punishment CloseIntroduction to Crime and Punishment
This module will introduce students to the key thinking and research, historically and presently, about the causes and consequences of crime on society. It will also examine and explore many of the key issues that face us when trying to understand how best to deal with those who commit crime. It will consider crime as a social construction, the construction of victims and perpetrators, and the ways in which crimes of the powerful are overlooked by focusing on working class groups. It will explore the relationship between the media and police and the ways in which they impact on meanings and perceptions of crime and criminals.
Developing Skills for Justice (MW) CloseDeveloping Skills for Justice (MW)
This module will examine the structural factors, including poverty, racism and discrimination, underpinning our understanding of crime and social justice. You will examine our responses to stress and develop practical mindfulness skills to deal with that stress, fully cognisant of their systemic origins, in order to empower us to resist and confront those systemic factors. You will have the opportunity to develop a proposal for a crime and justice project (e.g., a youth engagement project or a digital campaign to reduce hate crime or knife crime). Some of these projects will be implemented in groups at Level 5.
Applied Criminology (Term 1) CloseApplied Criminology (Term 1)
The purpose of this module is to develop in the student general and subject specific core skills and knowledge appropriate to a criminology and criminal justice graduate. In the first instance, the module aims to encourage students to identify how criminology and criminal justice theory and research is applied in professional settings, and to identify the skills and attributes needed for successful professional practice. The Skills are explicit and are developed within the context of current professional practice in the criminology and criminal justice field. Students will have the opportunity to identify the skills they need and to record and evidence skills and knowledge acquisition through a supported Personal Development Planning process.
Contemporary Issues in Criminology CloseContemporary Issues in Criminology
You will develop positive notions of mutual respect by fostering a safe learning environment where you are encouraged to share your views on key political and criminological issues. You will develop listening skills and experience the power of having your voice heard. The module will provide you with a stimulating introduction to a selection of the issues of current concerns within the fields of criminology and criminal justice studies. The module also intends to introduce you to more general issues pertaining to the position and relevance of criminology in the 21st Century.
Criminal Justice Process (Term 2) CloseCriminal Justice Process (Term 2)
This module aims to provide essential knowledge and analysis of the criminal justice process and acts as a foundation for the other courses on the Criminology and Criminal Justice degree. You will be introduced to recent developments in criminal justice policy in relation to adult offenders and encouraged to engage critically in current debates.
- Core Modules
Crime and Social History CloseCrime and Social History
The primary aim will be to introduce students to the understanding of crime through the study of social history, focusing in particular on the emergence and growth of the modern 'crimino-legal complex'. Students will be made aware that throughout history the explanation of 'crime' and the concept of 'the criminal' has been constructed, and this construction is intimately connected to changes in philosophical and social ideas, and, economic and political forces. More specifically the course aims to introduce students from diverse disciplinary backgrounds to the benefits of thinking of crime in the context of social history. This will involve looking at philosophy, social theory and cultural studies as well as criminology. Students will finish the course with a clear understanding of the importance of social history for the discipline of criminology, as well as a command of key theoretical concepts such as modernity and for postmodernity.
Essential Skills for Justice (MW) (Term 1) CloseEssential Skills for Justice (MW) (Term 1)
This module builds on Developing Skills for Justice at Level 4. In this module we will focus more on group work essential for success in the workplace. We will develop teamwork skills, group facilitation and active listening skills. Students will use these skills in groups to develop a project related to crime and justice that some students proposed at Level 4 (e.g., a youth engagement project or a digital campaign to reduce hate crime or knife crime).
Crime Policy into Practice (Term 2) CloseCrime Policy into Practice (Term 2)
This module will firstly outline some of the key sociological theories of crime and deviance in post-modern society and the socio-cultural and political economic contexts in which they have emerged. It will then move on to examine and discuss the complex processes at play within contemporary society – driven by the media and the police – that has resulted in the trend toward the increasing criminalisation of social policy. In particular, it will explore the public anxieties and media fixations upon perceived social problems that soon become law and order problems, whereby the behaviour of large segments of the population (non –compliant individuals) is increasingly monitored and regulated by criminal or civil sanctions. Furthermore, the module will go on to detail the vast array of influences that impact on and inform crime policy as well as focusing on the ‘politics’ of justice practice: law enforcement, prisons and imprisonment, and offender management.
Policing and Society: Critical Perspectives ClosePolicing and Society: Critical Perspectives
The module assists students to develop engagement with ideas beyond police investigation and operations by considering the wider social context of contemporary policing. Recent developments and current debates on police and policing are explored in relation to the demands created by modern diverse communities, seeking to help students develop independent thinking on the social consent given to the police role in dealing with crime as part of a criminal justice system.
Applied Research & Evaluation (Term 2) CloseApplied Research & Evaluation (Term 2)
In this module you will develop the knowledge and skills that were introduced on the Level 4 Research Skills Module. You will develop a deeper understanding of applied research and evaluation methods as practical skills that can be used in the workplace.
- Optional Modules
Optional placement CloseOptional placement
This course offers the opportunity of year-long placement between years two and three. If you choose to take this option, you’ll spend your third year on a placement with a relevant company or organisation, adding valuable practical experience to your growing academic knowledge.
The extra placement year means it will take four years to complete your studies, instead of three. - Core Modules
Leadership Skills for Justice (MW) (Term 2) CloseLeadership Skills for Justice (MW) (Term 2)
This module provides you with the opportunity to build on Developing Skills for Justice and Essential Skills for Justice at Levels 4 and 5. You will develop core employability skills and acquire tangible evidence to support your employability narrative at interviews. You will develop and demonstrate skills in (i) the analysis of a problem (ii) planning and organising a task/project, including time management (iii) exercising judgement in the light of observed and published data (iv) compiling a report, (v) teamwork and collaboration and (vi) use of appropriate technologies.
Optional ModulesCybercrime (Term 1) CloseCybercrime (Term 1)
The module aims to:
- provide you with a critical introduction to the concept of cybercrime; · examine the impact of cybercrime on contemporary society, including a focus on key areas such as financial cybercrime, online abuse and hate, cyber terrorism;
- provide you with the knowledge, understanding and skills to critically engage with debates and research about cybercrime, cyber-deviance , freedom and privacy;
- provide you with the skills to design and undertake a small research project in the area of cyber,
Race, Ethnicity, Crime and Justice (Term 1) CloseRace, Ethnicity, Crime and Justice (Term 1)
The module will aim to introduce students to the main theoretical discourses and empirical research pertaining to the bitterly contested and politically charged ‘race and crime’ debate. This module will explore from a historical perspective the social, economic and political forces that have: i) led to the widespread stereotyping and criminalisation of the black Caribbean community within the popular media and the academy ii) resulted in higher incidences of victimisation amongst black and Asian groups as a result of racist violence, and institutional racism as manifested throughout the criminal justice process. The module will initially outline and deconstruct those key theories pertaining to race – and the itinerant themes of racist thinking that were so central to the British imperial and colonial project – and ethnicity before going onto to examine the impact of post Second World War black and Asian settlement within Britain upon the race and crime debate. Whilst this module will look to explore issues of racism, ethnicity, crime and justice largely within the English context, where relevant the course will also look to draw upon the extensive American derived literature concerning the race and crime debate.
Youth Crime and Gangs Policy CloseYouth Crime and Gangs Policy
Policing and Criminal Investigation (Term 2) ClosePolicing and Criminal Investigation (Term 2)
The aim of this module is to enable you to develop an awareness of police investigation and to critically assess the role of the police in combating serious and organised crimes. You will look at how the police investigate and the governance and accountability arrangements that the police operate within. You will examine the policing response to murder including serial killings, child & domestic deaths, sexual offences, organised crime and an introduction to cyber-crimes. The legal constraints that the modern investigator operate within are explored along with history of investigations and how serious cases are solved. You will discuss the Police’s role within the wider Criminal Justice system.
Mentally Disordered Suspects, Defendants and Offenders CloseMentally Disordered Suspects, Defendants and Offenders
This module explores the connections between mental health, crime and justice, through a critical examination of the position of people with mental disorder and learning disabilities in the criminal justice system.
You will study issues such as the relationship between mental disorder and crime, vulnerability, deaths in custody, miscarriages of justice, indefinite detention and dangerousness; using a wide variety of sociological, policy and legal materials, including analysis of video and audio documentaries, charity and pressure group websites and blogs. You will also learn about the policy of diversion, engage in debates about whether people who commit crimes and are mentally disordered at the time can be considered criminally responsible, and whether they should be punished for their actions. We will look at arguments for preventive detention within the mental health system, forensic mental health care and High Security Hospitals.
This module will be of particular interest if you are considering a future career within the criminal justice, health and social care fields and will enable you to evidence key employability skills relevant to these sectors. You will acquire a practical understanding of the relevant legal and policy frameworks, and the rights and interests of those subject to legal control in both the mental health and criminal justice systems. You will also be able to reflect on the impact of those frameworks and engage in debate over their future reform through an understanding of competing social, legal and scientific theories about the relationship between mental disorder and criminality.
Psychological Criminology ClosePsychological Criminology
The aim of this module is to provide you with an introduction to the developing relationship between psychology and criminology. You will combine the study and practice of forensic psychology and criminology, particularly in relation to police and court systems. You will be encouraged to critically appraise the relevance and efficacy of psychological and forensic studies of crime.
HOW YOU'LL LEARN
You'll find the course stimulating and varied, with a wide range of teaching methods to fire your interest.
With our expert team of lecturers, you'll be in safe hands as you begin to learn through a mixture of lectures and smaller seminar groups. These will help you to get to grips with the key issues, concepts and ideas in criminology and criminal justice.
We're looking for students who are genuinely engaged with the issues and debates that make up this subject, so you'll be expected to play an active role to get the most out of the course - and make the most of yourself.
You'll also learn through a mixture of tutorials, presentations, workshops and 'learning by doing'. The work-based learning module will enable you to put the practice into the theory - and vice versa.
Some students have worked as volunteer community support officers, while others have volunteered in local community groups. If you choose this approach, you'll be able to count your community experience towards your degree.
Your learning will be supplemented by field trips, conferences and events to help build your network, understanding and experience. And you'll be given notes, handbooks and online materials to help you study, prepare for assignments and support your learning.
Course Leader Aaron Winter says, "The teaching staff are engaged in cutting-edge research in the area and are highly motivated in delivering an excellent learning experience for students, as well as sharing their own research insights."
HOW YOU'LL BE ASSESSED
We'll assess you with a mixture of coursework and exams. Coursework includes essays, reflective reports and group and seminar presentations. You'll be given plenty of feedback to help you improve.
You will also have the chance to complete a work-based learning module, where you'll be assessed on your practical work. In your final year, you'll complete a project based on your own independent research.
CAMPUS and FACILITIES

University Square Stratford, University Square Stratford
WHO TEACHES THIS COURSE
The teaching team includes qualified academics, practitioners and industry experts as guest speakers. Full details of the academics will be provided in the student handbook and module guides.
Related Courses
What we're researching
At the University of East London we are working on the some of the big issues that will define our future; from sustainable architecture and ethical AI, to health inequality and breaking down barriers in the creative industries.
Our students and academics are more critically engaged and socially conscious than ever before. Discover some of the positive changes our students, alumni and academics are making in the world.

It was fantastic - a really good course. My degree was essential in helping me to get a full-time job with the Met and I'd encourage anyone to volunteer in the community early on as it really backs up your theoretical learning."
Besnik Vrapi
BA (Hons) Criminology and Criminal Justice graduate
YOUR FUTURE CAREER
Our Criminology graduates have found work in a wide variety of roles. Some have pursued a career in a related field while others have used the transferable skills they have learnt in other areas.
The course has a strong focus on preparing you for the world of work, with a specific employability module in year two. This is geared towards providing you with the best advice on preparing yourself for the job market and applying for jobs.
While a degree in Criminology and Criminal Justice is focused on your future career, it doesn't limit your options. You'll learn a host of skills that will appeal to many employers, including writing and presenting, the ability to make a case, meet deadlines and work independently.
Students have found jobs in a number of related areas, such as:
- The police, prison and probation services
- Central and local government
- Social work
- Voluntary organisations, including victim support groups.
While these roles are particularly suited to students with a criminology degree, our graduates have also found employment in fields such as market research, journalism and the public sector. Some have also gone on to postgraduate study.
To enhance your career prospects, we run a dedicated employability programme for students in the School of Business and Law. Called 'Employ', it includes employability workshops, skills training sessions, guest speaker events, voluntary work, student ambassador roles and work experience opportunities.
Explore the different career options you can pursue with this degree and see the median salaries of the sector on our Career Coach portal.