BSc (Hons) Criminology with Foundation Year

Our Criminology degrees don’t just teach you the theories behind criminality, we help you understand the causes, reactions and solutions to crime. If you study with us, you could either study Criminology more broadly or choose to specialise on one of our pathways.

At Staffordshire University, you’ll study the complex causes of crime and how our societies should respond to pressing problems, such as domestic violence, knife crime, or drug related crime, as well as supra national issues such as terrorism and transnational organised crime. What’s more, you’ll learn to consider the social context in which crime and punishment takes place, and eventually, you’ll start to challenge your preconceptions of ‘violence’, ‘harm’ and ‘justice’.

You’ll explore the relationship between criminological theories and criminal justice policies and practices. You’ll be investigating and discussing the explanations for crime and how the courts deal with them. Plus, you’ll explore the role of punishment and the secure estate, investigate crimes of the powerful, and come to understand the role of the media within the justice system.

We have three-year, placement year and MSci degrees. There is also a Foundation year route for students who may not have the necessary academic profile for entry onto one of our three or two-year courses or who have been out of formal education for a while and would like to enhance their skills and capabilities first. 

Pathway Options

You will be given the chance to specialise in a particular area of Criminology in your second and third years, tailoring your study to align with your career aspirations. You will be able to continue to study Criminology as a broad subject, or specialise by taking one of the following pathways: Offender Management, Victim Support, Organised Crime and Terrorism. 

At Staffordshire University, you’ll study the complex causes of crime and how our societies should respond to pressing problems, such as domestic violence, knife crime, or drug related crime, as well as supra national issues such as terrorism and transnational organised crime. What’s more, you’ll learn to consider the social context in which crime and punishment takes place, and eventually, you’ll start to challenge your preconceptions of ‘violence’, ‘harm’ and ‘justice’.

You’ll explore the relationship between criminological theories and criminal justice policies and practices. You’ll be investigating and discussing the explanations for crime and how the courts deal with them. Plus, you’ll explore the role of punishment and the secure estate, investigate crimes of the powerful, and come to understand the role of the media within the justice system.

The Foundation Year option is available for those who may not have the academic profile for direct entry onto the 3-year degree. It will prepare you for the Criminology degree by enhancing your skills and knowledge with modules such as, Theories of Criminality and Crime in Context. The Foundation year is taught with the City of Stoke on Trent Sixth Form College, so you will be on the Staffordshire University Stoke on Trent campus and the college's campus for the first year. 

Pathway Options

You will be given the chance to specialise in a particular area of Criminology from your third year, tailoring your study to align with your career aspirations. You will be able to continue to study Criminology as a broad subject, or specialise by taking one of the following pathways: Offender Management, Victim Support, Organised Crime and Terrorism. 

At Staffordshire University, you’ll study the complex causes of crime and how our societies should respond to pressing problems, such as domestic violence, knife crime, or drug related crime, as well as supra national issues such as terrorism and transnational organised crime. What’s more, you’ll learn to consider the social context in which crime and punishment takes place, and eventually, you’ll start to challenge your preconceptions of ‘violence’, ‘harm’ and ‘justice’.

You’ll explore the relationship between criminological theories and criminal justice policies and practices. You’ll be investigating and discussing the explanations for crime and how the courts deal with them. Plus, you’ll explore the role of punishment and the secure estate, investigate crimes of the powerful, and come to understand the role of the media within the justice system.

The BSc (Hons) Criminology with a Placement Year has been designed to provide students with the opportunity to gain practical experience by taking a year-long placement in industry. The placement takes place between the second and final year of study.

Pathway Option

You will be given the chance to specialise in a particular area of Criminology from your second year on wards, tailoring your study to align with your career aspirations. You will be able to continue to study Criminology as a broad subject, or specialise by taking one of the following pathways: Offender Management, Victim Support, Organised Crime and Terrorism. 

At Staffordshire University, you’ll study the complex causes of crime and how our societies should respond to pressing problems, such as domestic violence, knife crime, or drug related crime, as well as supra national issues such as terrorism and transnational organised crime. What’s more, you’ll learn to consider the social context in which crime and punishment takes place, and eventually, you’ll start to challenge your preconceptions of ‘violence’, ‘harm’ and ‘justice’.

You’ll explore the relationship between criminological theories and criminal justice policies and practices. You’ll be investigating and discussing the explanations for crime and how the courts deal with them. Plus, you’ll explore the role of punishment and the secure estate, investigate crimes of the powerful, and come to understand the role of the media within the justice system.

The MSci course combines Bachelors-level and Masters-level study in one integrated programme. Students follow the same structure of study in years 1 to 3, but complete advanced modules and an integrated placement option in their fourth and final year. 

Pathway Options

You will be given the chance to specialise in a particular area of Criminology from your second year onwards, tailoring your study to align with your career aspirations. You will be able to continue to study Criminology as a broad subject, or specialise by taking one of the following pathways: Offender Management, Victim Support, Organised Crime and Terrorism. 

Work placements

Work placements

Work placements