Criminology with Foundation Year BSc (Hons)

Explore the intricacies of legal procedures and individual accountability, from investigation to trial and beyond with our Criminal Process and Responsibility module.

Delve into theories of culpability, mens rea, and the moral dimensions of criminal behaviour through real-world case studies and landmark legal decisions, preparing you to navigate the complexities of criminal justice while honing your legal analysis skills. Through this module you gain a nuanced understanding of the ethical and legal implications of criminal actions and become equipped to contribute meaningfully to the fair and effective functioning of the criminal justice process.

Embark on a transformative academic journey with our Applying Criminology Skills module, where developing essential scholarly skills takes centre stage for your seamless transition into higher education success. 

Through immersive exploration of real-world case studies and practical scenarios, you will explore the intricacies of criminology theory and practice, ensuring you are well-prepared to navigate the dynamic landscape of criminological study. Gain practical insights, empower yourself with foundational skills, and be ready to make meaningful contributions to criminology-related employment upon graduation.

In this module you will get an answer to the question: Why do Criminals Commit Crimes?! Immerse yourself in our Criminological Theory module, where you'll explore key perspectives from classical to modern, like strain theory and feminist criminology. 

Learn from real-world scenarios and develop your analytical skills to unveil the complexities of criminal behaviour. This module sets the stage for advanced criminological studies—join us and unravel the mysteries of crime!

Explore the profound impact of crime on victims, gaining in-depth knowledge of diverse perspectives, responses, and holistic measures to prevent victimisation. Acquire the skills to navigate the complexities of victimology, actively contribute to safeguarding efforts, and comprehend the broader societal implications of crimes.

This transformative module not only equips you with crucial insights into addressing multifaceted challenges surrounding victims of crime but also enhances your role as an informed and empathetic contributor to society. Join us on this crucial journey toward making a positive impact in the field of criminology and victim advocacy.

Criminologists want to understand what crime is, and how, why, and when it occurs. To do this, a criminologist needs to develop skills that will allow them to capture data safely and accurately on criminality. We have a variety of techniques we can use that include talking to criminals, victims, and those who work in the criminal justice system; observing social interactions in communities; and reading and interpreting policy and legal documents. Doing this requires specialist training in research design, method, and analysis.

The course Researching Criminal Worlds is the first part of a series of research skills modules at the University of West London that will equip you with these skills. You will learn from our teaching staff, who have experience in researching diverse subjects such as drug markets, terrorism, cybercrime, homicide, and policing. Completing this course will start you on your journey to carrying out your own Criminological research, as well as giving you transferable skills in research and analysis, in addition to the skills that will help you to work with diverse communities in a variety of job roles.

Are you ready to delve into the fascinating world of policing? Have you ever pondered what happens behind the scenes of crime prevention and law enforcement? Brace yourself for a thrilling journey as we navigate through the evolution of policing in the UK, unravelling the legal intricacies that safeguard our communities.

From deciphering the impact of media on policing to demystifying police culture, this module serves as your passport to the enthralling study of policing society! 

With diversity being a central pillar of society’s doctrines this module examines diversity, equity and inclusion within the criminal Justice System of England and Wales and examines the causes of perceived and apparent inequities based on gender, social class, race, sexual orientation, religion and other characteristics, protected or otherwise.

The module delves deeper in examining the causes of and society’s response to; hate crime, human trafficking and sex crime and explores the causes and consequences of drugs and crime. The Criminal Justice System itself is examined, diversity within it analysed and the causes of disproportionate representation and underrepresentation explored.

In today's technology-driven landscape, the distinction between the physical and virtual world has become increasingly blurred. This specialist module guides you through the dynamic world of cybercrime and cyber security, where you'll unravel the motivations and techniques employed by threat actors.

Our module not only explores the intricacies of cyber threats but also equips you with a critical understanding of how to combat them. Investigate real-world scenarios, and discover the strategies employed by individuals, organisations, and governments to effectively mitigate and manage the risks of electronic crime. This module will equip you to stay ahead in the fight against digital threats and prepare for a variety of jobs in this fast-growing area.

The module consists of theoretical and experiential components and allows you to examine and critically evaluate criminological theories and concepts in applied settings.

You are required to carry out a minimum of 30 hours of experiential learning in an organisation. You have different options for different types of placements, including face-to-face (in-person) placements, remote working (from home) placements, or a combination of both. The module also supports you in reflecting upon and working towards your career and personal goals.

Explore the world of criminological research with our 'Methods and Analysis in Criminological Practice' module.  Building upon foundational principles from level four, this course immerses you in sophisticated quantitative methods crucial for analysing criminal behaviour and policy responses. Gain hands-on experience crafting research frameworks, designing robust studies, and employ advanced analytical tools to understand real crime data. 

The skills you will develop here extend far beyond criminology, finding relevance in industries like law enforcement, where crime analytics and data play an increasingly pivotal role. Equip yourself with the expertise demanded by industries seeking professionals adept at navigating complex data landscapes. Join us to master these invaluable skills and pave the way for impactful contributions in criminological research and related sectors. 

Explore the world of criminal behaviour with our dynamic module, Explaining Criminal Behaviour. Explore the psychological aspects of crime, unravelling diverse theories to discover the motivations behind criminal actions. This module guides you through a critical examination of human behaviour, emphasising foundational concepts like psychopathy, personality disorders, and behavioural disorders.

From cognitive processes to social learning, gain invaluable insights into the driving forces behind criminal decision-making. Engaging case studies and empirical research bring theory to life, allowing you to analyse the intricate relationship between psychological factors and criminal conduct. Address both psychological and societal perspectives for a well-rounded viewpoint, fostering cultural competence and adaptability—key attributes in the diverse landscape of criminological professions.

This module will explore global challenges such as drugs, organised crime, corruption, and terrorism, understanding how these issues often involve criminal networks crossing borders. You will examine the far-reaching impacts of environmental crimes and conflicts that transcend national boundaries, with a focus on their disproportionate effects on states in the Global South compared to the North. 

Through this exploration, you will uncover the dynamics contributing to unjust international and national structures. This module will help you to comprehend the magnitude of these global challenges, recognising the need for transnational collaboration. You will analyse the interconnected dimensions of crime, harm, and victimhood on a global scale. Specifically, you will gain insights into the root causes and effects of global and environmental crimes, identifying the factors that fuel these issues. By completing this module, you will develop the skills to comprehend and analyse global criminal problems, applying an international perspective to your examination of criminality.
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The criminology dissertation is a rewarding year-long project that explores your interests in criminology. Serving as the culmination of your degree, the dissertation highlights your expertise, analytical skills, and research abilities. Benefit from a supportive relationship with an expert supervisor who guides your academic development. Regular consultations with your supervisor will address challenges, refine your approach, and ensure a high-quality dissertation by the deadline.

Gain essential skills for both academia and the professional world—navigating challenges, refining approaches, and meeting deadlines. This comprehensive approach facilitates a smooth transition from academia to the workforce, solidifying your impact in the field of criminology. 

Explore the role and uses of punishment as a way of dealing with crime and offenders. Through this module gain in-depth knowledge of diverse perspectives, responses, and measures to manage offenders and offending.  

Acquire the skills to engage with law, policy and the criminal justice system as a means of safeguarding society as well as the rights of individuals and communities.  This foundational module provides crucial insights into addressing the multifaceted challenges surrounding offenders while developing your capacity to be an informed and reasoned citizen.

Dive into the theoretical foundations of corruption, exploring its multifaceted nature and delving into the political, economic, and social forces that drive it. This dynamic module goes beyond theory, providing practical insights into anti-corruption strategies, governance mechanisms, and international initiatives.

Through real-world case studies, students develop the skills to analyse and implement effective measures against corruption. Join us to gain a comprehensive understanding of this global challenge and be at the forefront of creating positive change. Take the first step towards a corruption-free future with our thought-provoking and action-oriented learning experience.

This module will give you the knowledge to analyse the causes of terrorism, the activities of terrorist groups, and evaluate counterterrorism policies. You will be taught core theories that tell us how terrorist groups form, grow, and organise, and use primary materials to understand the internal operations of some of the most prominent terrorist groups across history.

You will be given the skills to critically analyse policy, examine government strategy documents which outline the threat of terrorism today, and evaluate what the security services have done to disrupt terrorist groups. Each lesson will provide you with the relevant theory, a case study, and a counterterrorism strategy to analyse. By taking this module, you will be equipped to critically understand one of the most challenging problems facing modern society.

This module further reflects on basic areas covered in the L4 module of Criminal Process and Responsibility from a youth’s perspective. The module has been designed to enable you to develop a comprehensive and critical understanding of the contemporary youth justice system in England and Wales. 

The second part of this module will consider aspects of the criminal law in a broader, socio-legal context. You will not only study the applicable laws, but also the wider debates and impact around areas such as prostitution, pornography, accessories to crime and false allegations of sexual assault. The module seeks to encourage you to analyse the underlying reasons behind the criminalisation of behaviour, and the wider impact of the criminal law on individuals and society.

Gain practical strategies to boost resilience in the demanding criminal justice environment with the Mental Health, Wellbeing, and Resilience in Criminal Justice module. Explore the prevalence of mental health issues among criminal justice professionals and learn effective ways to address these challenges head-on. Navigate high-pressure scenarios with confidence by employing stress management techniques.

Uncover the fundamentals of resilience and cultivate a tough mindset for long-lasting career success. This module, which seamlessly blends theory, hands-on skills, and real-world examples, equips you to understand and manage mental health effectively. Elevate your career by enhancing your well-being—empower yourself in the field of criminal justice.

Fancy yourself as the next Sherlock Holmes? Then this module is for you. 

Tackling real-life cases, you'll find out what it’s like to be at the forefront of decision-making in complex crime scenarios. Building on your knowledge of criminal behaviour, you will explore how crime scene investigation can both help and hinder justice being served.

Learn from actual cases and forensic experiments, honing your ability to critically evaluate crime scenes and form analytical judgments. You will develop advanced skills in evidence interpretation, understanding how experts weigh physical, digital, and interview evidence for compelling prosecutions.

Gain core employable skills, including first-hand experience with police techniques for establishing and following leads. Develop an experiential understanding of science's role in the justice system, mastering the skills to navigate error and uncertainty in evidence. Unleash your potential in the exciting realm of forensic sleuthing!

This unique module hones in on the critical arena of expert evidence testimony, providing students with a comprehensive understanding of the rules, procedures, and ethical considerations essential for effective courtroom practice and admissible evidence. 

Through a blend of theoretical knowledge and hands-on training, participants will master the art of preparing and delivering expert testimony. Engage in simulated trials, analyse real-world case studies, and develop the skills needed to excel in legal proceedings where expert evidence is pivotal.

Equip yourself with the proficiency to navigate the complexities of the courtroom with confidence. Join us and make decisive progress toward becoming a skilled professional with expertise in the laws of evidence surrounding expert evidence testimony.

The Hate Crime module journeys into understanding the complexities of victimisation and the profound psychological impact experienced by individuals targeted by hate crimes. Throughout this module, we'll delve into various aspects of hate crimes to enhance your comprehension.

Our focus will be on the different groups that often face discrimination, despite their efforts to seek legal protection as hate crime victims. By the end of this course, you'll not only be able to identify these protected hate crime groups but also critically evaluate their experiences and the challenges they encounter in obtaining the recognition they deserve.

We will explore the broader impact of hate crimes on communities, allowing you to comprehend the collective consequences of such incidents. Moreover, we'll navigate the intricate landscape of hate crime legislation and policy-making, shedding light on the controversies and complexities that surround these issues.

Ultimately, this module aims to foster an appreciation for 'difference' and enhance your awareness of the preventative measures that individuals targeted by hate crimes can adopt. By the end of the course, you'll be equipped with the knowledge and skills needed to contribute to a more inclusive and empathetic society. Join us on this educational journey as we explore, analyse, and discuss the multifaceted dimensions of hate crimes.

Drugs and Crime in Criminal Justice presents an opportunity to explore the intricate dynamics of drugs use, criminal behaviour and societal responses to both. You will start this module by tracing the fascinating history of drugs while unravelling the evolution of national and international policies—relevant even today.

You will then go on to uncover the evidence linking drug use to crime, redefine drug addiction, and dissect drug markets. Finally, we will all explore a spectrum of policy responses including full prohibition, decriminalisation, and legalisation. As part of this module, you will take on a role of a government policy expert, and evaluate two drug policy models from different countries.