Course summary
Why choose this course? Our Criminology and Criminal Justice degree will allow you to explore a fascinating array of questions from why people commit crime and how it affects society, to historical landmarks in the justice system and high-profile cases that have shaped the legal landscape. You will: Utilise cutting-edge facilities, including a modern moot court room and 'learning crime scene house' Experience the field of criminology and criminal justice first-hand with site visits to operational areas of the criminal justice system such as a working prison Gain practical skills and enhance your employability through a variety of voluntary work opportunities Benefit from the invaluable insights of a team of expert lecturers and also high profile guest speakers, including judges, police officers, probation officers, and youth justice professionals Graduate ready to make an impact, with the skills to pursue careers in youth justice, probation, the prison service, the police, and other voluntary organisations Key Course Features: You will have the opportunity to customise your degree to suit your interests and career goals with a range of optional modules. This degree offers a Work-Based Learning module, allowing you to gain experience in professional criminal justice practice through a work-based placement, ultimately enhancing your employability and experience in the criminology and criminal justice field. You will be part of a close-knit community and given the opportunity to join our active Criminology and Criminal Justice Society where you can get involved with fun, interactive events, guest talks, conferences, and charitable fundraisers. The course has learning and teaching approaches that aim to enhance your student experience through thought-provoking activities, structured classroom sessions, and critical debates. The course allows you to study criminology and criminal justice through social, political, and psychological lenses, focusing on modern policing methods, policy development, and the workings of magistrates and crown courts. You will examine criminal law and the roles of the various agencies that make up today’s criminal justice system.
Modules
What you will study YEAR 1 (LEVEL 4) The first year of our criminology degree provides you with an introduction to practice matters relating to working in the community justice system and understanding and engaging with offending behaviour. The range of modules explored in year one provides knowledge and understanding of the causes of crime at a societal and individual level and explores the work of the agencies that make up the criminal justice system. MODULES: • Study Skills in Higher Education (Core) • Introduction to Criminology and Criminal Justice (Core) • Signal Crimes and Criminals (Core) • Drugs, Alcohol and Crime (Optional) • Crime, Society and Social Policy (Optional) • Introduction to Forensic Psychology (Optional) • Attachment and Crime (Optional) YEAR 2 (LEVEL 5) The second year is designed to build directly on the skills and knowledge acquired during year one. You will study criminal law and in traditional lecturers and field trips where possible e.g. to prison and court, you will learn about advanced issues in effective practice with particular types of offenders. Criminological and research theory is explored to begin the process of developing your ability to think theoretically and critically about the practice of criminal justice. MODULES: • Research Methods (Core) • Criminology (Core) • Crime and Criminal Behaviour (Core) • Social Difference and Inequality (Core) • Work-based learning (Optional) • Working in Custodial and Community Settings with people who have offended (Optional) • Criminal Law and the Criminal Justice Process (Optional) YEAR 3 (LEVEL 6) In the final year, modules develop your abilities to apply theoretical and critical perspectives to criminal justice processes and practice. Some degree of choice is also offered in relation to modules options. The socio-political nature of criminal justice policy-making is explored and a critical lens is brought to bear on the criminal justice system. You may then choose to explore how guilt and innocence might be negotiated in police and courtroom, the contribution forensic psychology might make to understanding crime, youth justice or multi-agency criminal justice response to crime. Students will also complete their own research project (option to conduct primary or secondary data collection) which explores an area of interest to themselves under the supervision of one of the experienced criminology lecturers in the department. MODULES: • Research Project (Core) • Control, Justice and Punishment (Core) • Multi-Agency Working in the Criminal Justice System (Optional) • Youth Justice (Optional) • Terrorism (Optional) • Policing Contemporary Communities (Optional) • Constructing Guilt and Innocence (Optional) The information listed in this section is an overview of the academic content of the programme that will take the form of either core or option modules. Modules are designated as core or option in accordance with professional body requirements and internal academic framework review, so may be subject to change.
Assessment method
Teaching & Assessment There is a variety of assessment methods for this course, including essays, presentations, case studies and examinations. In year 3, you will produce a final-year dissertation, designed to evaluate your understanding and application of criminological concepts. You will be required to do a research project on a topic of your interest. This will be a secondary piece of research which draws upon current knowledge and research. Flexible, accessible and inclusive teaching methods are utilised across the degree programme. Students will attend face-to-face lectures three days a week. Students are encouraged to participate in site visits to operational areas of the criminal justice system, which in the past have included visits to a crown court and a prison. TEACHING AND LEARNING We offer workshops and support sessions in areas such as academic writing, effective note-making and preparing for assignments. Students can book appointments with academic skills tutors dedicated to helping deal with the practicalities of university work. Our student support section has more information on the help available. In terms of particular needs, the University’s Inclusion Services can provide appropriate guidance and support should any students require reasonable adjustments to be made because of a recognised prevailing disability, medical condition, or specific learning difference.
How to apply
This is the deadline for applications to be completed and sent for this course. If the university or college still has places available you can apply after this date, but your application is not guaranteed to be considered.
Application codes
- Course code:
- M240
- Institution code:
- G53
- Campus name:
- Wrexham
- Campus code:
- -
Points of entry
The following entry points are available for this course:
- Year 1
- Year 2
- Year 3
International applicants
This course is not currently available to those requiring a Tier 4 visa to study in the UK.
Entry requirements
Qualification requirements
UCAS Tariff - 96 - 112 points
A level - CCC - BBC
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016) - MMM - DMM
Access to HE Diploma - D: 0 credits M: 45 credits P: 0 credits
Scottish Higher - CDDDDD
AS
Scottish Advanced Higher - DDD
International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme
Welsh Baccalaureate - Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate (last awarded Summer 2024)
Extended Project
Leaving Certificate - Higher Level (Ireland) (first awarded in 2017)
Leaving Certificate - Ordinary Level (Ireland) (first awarded in 2017)
Cambridge International Pre-U Certificate - Principal
Wrexham University takes into account a variety of qualifications and experience when considering applications to our programmes. If you are unsure if the qualifications you currently hold will be accepted for entry, or if you're not sure you'll achieve the required UCAS Tariff points, please contact us at [email protected] for further advice and guidance.
Student Outcomes
The number of student respondents and response rates can be important in interpreting the data – it is important to note your experience may be different from theirs. This data will be based on the subject area rather than the specific course. Read more about this data on the Discover Uni website.
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
England | £9250 | Year 1 |
Northern Ireland | £9250 | Year 1 |
Scotland | £9250 | Year 1 |
Wales | £9250 | Year 1 |
Channel Islands | £9250 | Year 1 |
Republic of Ireland | £9250 | Year 1 |
Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website .
Additional fee information
Provider information
Wrexham University
Plas Coch
Mold Road
Wrexham
LL11 2AW