Course summary

Are you interested in learning how to develop solution focussed approaches to social problems relevant to the criminal justice system? Do you want to establish a career in the criminal justice system and related social sectors? Our BSc (Hons) Criminology and Social Studies programme will offer you a unique opportunity to study the social and societal factors underlying and influencing crime, criminal justice and associated social problems. Why study this subject? Who commits crimes, why do they commit them, what is the impact, and how do we prevent them? Criminology and Social Studies delves into what are the factors influencing crime, criminal justice and the associated issues in society. Crime affects everyone so you could turn your desire for answers into a rewarding and successful career with the right teaching and learning experiences. It could lead to a role in the Criminal Justice System including the courts, prisons and probation services, the civil service or voluntary and third sector organisations such as drug and alcohol services. Why study at Buckinghamshire New University? Studying this course at Buckinghamshire New University will give you the opportunity to learn with highly experienced and qualified staff who will work with you to develop new skills and knowledge. Throughout the course, we place a strong emphasis on social ‘praxis’ - developing solutions to social problems. We will equip you with the necessary skills, knowledge and understanding to work in any setting where developing strategies for positive, transformative change are useful and required. This is the course to do if you are interested in understanding the present moment in our societies. What will I study? The course is tuned to the most current of social issues surrounding crime and criminal justice in our contemporary world, such as the issues around the Black Lives Matters movement. You will develop critical thinking around such issues as the ways policing and criminal justice are situated within wider social inequalities and injustices, and also how social change for justice can be achieved through social movements, often via the latest digital technologies. This course also includes an integrated employability module which will give you the opportunity to volunteer in an organisation relevant to your degree and interests. This module is unique in preparing students for potential careers through workplace experience. You will also have the opportunity to work with external organisations and employers if you opt to do an Applied Dissertation at Level 6. The Applied Dissertation allows you to identify a ‘real world’ issue with employers, which you will go on to research and devise solutions to. This gives you a unique opportunity to apply your learning in ways useful to employers, therefore increasing your employability upon graduation. What are my career prospects? Our BSc (Hons) Criminology and Social Studies course will help prepare you for a range of career possibilities. Typically, graduating students will focus on roles in various branches of the Criminal Justice System (e.g. the courts, prisons, probation services etc.), and relevant social sectors and organisations (e.g. public sector; civil service; voluntary and third sector organisations such as drug and alcohol services).