Our core and optional modules are delivered through a combination of lectures and workshops, alongside contemporary virtual learning environments such as podcasts, online discussion forums, and audio-visual learning materials. Lectures provide foundational knowledge, while workshops offer opportunities to explore key ideas through discussion with peers and tutors. Virtual learning environments allow you to engage with the subject at your own pace.

On the BSc Criminology, your assessments are designed to help you develop the skills you’ll need for your future career. There are no exams; instead, you will be assessed through a range of applied formats, such as creating posters (Victims of Crime), writing briefing reports (Hate Crime), gathering and analysing qualitative data (Research Methods 1 and 2), creating social media campaign reports (Gender and Crime) and developing strategies and responses to real-world scenarios (Understanding Extremism). Alongside this, you’ll also be assessment via more traditional methods such as essays and presentations.

From your first year, you’ll become part of a welcoming and supportive learning community. You’ll be allocated a personal tutor who provides one-to-one guidance throughout your studies, offering academic support as well as advice on wellbeing and progression. In addition, you’ll have access to a weekly drop-in help desk for quick queries, and teaching staff hold regular office hours, so you’ll always know where and when to find support when you need it.

In your third year, you’ll undertake a Research Project focused on an area of criminology that interests you. This final project allows you to demonstrate the knowledge and skills you’ve developed throughout your studies while exploring a topic in depth. While the Research Project encourages independent learning, you’ll be supported throughout by dedicated one-to-one supervision.

Independent learning

When not attending lectures, seminars or other timetabled sessions you will be expected to continue learning independently through self-study. Typically, this will involve reading journal articles and books, working on individual and group projects, undertaking research in the library, preparing coursework assignments and presentations, and preparing for exams. To help with your independent learning, you can use our student study spaces in the school, access the Library and our social study spaces in halls of residence.

Academic support

Our Centre for Academic Achievement provides help in the following areas:

• study and exam skills
• academic writing
• presentations
• dissertations
• numerical data skills
• referencing sources

Our AccessAbility Centre offers support and practical help for students with dyslexia or other specific learning difficulties, including physical, mental health or mobility difficulties, deafness, or visual impairment.

Teaching staff

You will be taught by an award-winning teaching team whose expertise and knowledge are closely matched to the content of the modules on the course. PhD research students who have undertaken teacher training may also contribute to the teaching of workshops under the supervision of the module leader. You can learn more about our staff by visiting our staff profiles.