Course summary

About the Foundation Year Our four-year degree programmes (including a foundation year) provide an alternative route to undergraduate study at university if you do not have the grades to access higher education in the traditional way. Delve into current issues in criminology and criminal justice with experts who actively influence national policy and practice through their research. You will have the opportunity for professional work experience and training from experts. These opportunities will help you cultivate personal and professional qualities that employers in relevant industries are looking for. A number of our graduates are now working in those industries or pursuing further studies. Work with professionals in the industry You will benefit from having access to professionals in the criminal justice system and charities that support service delivery across social justice and criminal justice. Engaging with them will not only help to keep you at the cutting edge of professional practice but also help spark your imagination and curiosity. The taught content on the criminology modules also encourages interdisciplinarity and you will engage with content from sociology, psychology and law. This will enhance your future career options. Make the most of our specialist facilities As part of your learning, we will facilitate training workshops with experts to help you in a variety of professional careers in criminal justice, charities, communications and local government. These workshops will provide you with the opportunity to: gain knowledge analytical skills and investigative abilities On campus you will have the opportunity to participate in the moot court with law students and join computer science students on joint knowledge workshops designed to encourage interdisciplinary engagement. There are other facilities across campus including the library, commuter lounge and other sports related facilities that you will have access to. Gain invaluable work experience You will have the benefit of gaining work experience through initiatives led by academics teaching you. For example, both law and criminology and sociology students have gained work experience on the One Stop Shop and the Youth Independent Advisory Group (YIAG). Specific work experience modules are also available as options in the 2nd and 3rd year of your study. Join us on regular field trips Applying what you learn is a big part of learning and 'doing' criminology. As part of your study, you will visit courts, prison, crime and justice museum and other free public exhibitions to explore criminal behaviour, understand causes of crime and evaluate the consequences of crime. About the Placement Year A placement year enables you to undertake a year of experience in an organisation between your second and final year. It will enable you to: apply the knowledge and skills you gain from your course in a work setting build your commercial awareness and insights into organisations and industries you might want to work in develop your professional skills through company training, networking skills and confidence in the workplace get some great experience for future job applications or even land a graduate job. Support from St Mary’s every step of the way Securing a placement can really help you develop your job search skills and the Employability Service placement and Careers Teams can support you to find and apply for available opportunities. Please note: in the event that you cannot secure a placement you will be able to transfer onto the three year version of your degree programme.