Criminology

Course Structure

Introduction	Modules often draw on international comparisons with a strong Irish (North and South) emphasis. All of the optional modules are taught by experts in the area, who have published textbooks and research articles on the topic at hand.
Stage 1 Core Modules	These core modules aim to introduce students to the discipline of criminology, provide you with a range of intellectual and practical skills to develop your understanding of crime, criminal justice and criminalisation. These modules are delivered by our core criminology team - as experts in their respective fields - and who have published widely on the topics you will be learning. These core criminology will be taught alongside complementary optional modules in stage 1 (below) which develop student understandings of wider societal, government policy and sociological dynamics which inform understandings of, and responses to, crime phenomenon. - Introducing Criminology - Exploring Criminology
Stage 1 Optional Modules	- Visualising the Social World - Introducing Social Policy - Themes and Issues in Social Policy - The Sociological Imagination - Comparative Politics - Issues in Contemporary Politics - Rethinking Society - Digital Society
Stage 2 Core Modules	As student progress into year two, the criminology degree builds upon the foundational skills and knowledge developed at stage one, and begins to specialise down in to specific fields of criminological interest. This includes applied theoretical considerations, considering important criminological issues in society, along with with examining policing and security in society. In particular, level two focuses on providing students with key research skills - to develop applied quantitative and qualitative research approaches to criminological and societal issues. There are additional optional modules (below) which allow students to further develop areas of interest and expertise delivered by our research-active team. - Criminological Theory - Qualitative Research Skills - Quantitative Research Skills - Crime and Society - Policing and Society
Stage 2 Optional Modules	- Crime and the Media - Environmental Justice - Theory Counts
Stage 3 Core Modules	In the final year of your degree, students will further extend and deepen their criminological knowledge into specialist, research-led modules, developing analytical and critical skills across a range of areas including border criminology, prisons and desistance, youth justice and psychology. For single BA Criminology students, you will also undertake your own research in the form of a dissertation topic of your choice - which will draw on the the research and intellectual skills accrued across the various stages of the the degree. - Punishment, Penal Policy and Prison - Research Project and Dissertation - Youth, Crime and Criminal Justice - Criminology Beyond Borders
Stage 3 Optional Modules	- Psychological Perspectives on Crime - Reintegration after Prison - Modelling the Social World - Social Identity: Difference and Inequalities
The Optional Q-Step Exit Pathway	Students who wish to benefit from specialist training in quantitative research can undertake a series of dedicated social science research modules over the course of their degree studies. Successful completion of 80 CATS credits of advanced quantitative research training (four modules) in level 2 and level 3 will receive the enhancement of BSc “with Quantitative Methods” added to the name of the degree awarded.
Value Added to Your Degree	As part of international expertise and profile of the criminology academics at QUB, you will get a range of opportunities to engage with ‘real-world’ stakeholders in the criminal justice and voluntary / community sector world. These will include expert inputs, field trips and engagements with a range of actors and organisations with whom many of our academics work with as part of their wider research. In addition, students will also become part of the vibrant research community at QUB, with opportunities across year to attend criminology talks, events and guest speakers to broaden you knowledge and understanding of the criminological field. A range of modules throughout second and third year invite guest speakers from criminal justice organisations and NGOs to discuss the practices of policing, offender management, supporting offenders. This includes representatives from the Police Service of Northern Ireland, the Northern Ireland Prison Service, the Youth Justice System. Local NGOs discuss their work with young people in conflict with the law, offender reintegration, supporting refugees and asylum seekers. Degree Plus is an opportunity for any current Queen’s student to get involved and gain accreditation from Queen’s for completing extra-curricular work related learning alongside their degree. Why do it? Over 2000 Students successfully complete Degree Plus each year. In doing so, they build up valuable experience(s) and practice in articulating their development and achievements to others (e.g. employers or activity providers via application, presentation or interview). They also receive a certificate at graduation. https://www.qub.ac.uk/directorates/degreeplus/

Contact Teaching Times

Large Group Teaching	6 (hours maximum) hours of lectures
Personal Study	24 (hours maximum) 22–24 hours studying and revising in your own time each week, including some guided study using handouts, online activities, etc
Small Group Teaching/Personal Tutorial	6 (hours maximum)

• E-Learning technologies
  Information associated with lectures and assignments is often communicated via our Canvas Virtual Learning Environment (VLE). A range of e-learning experiences are also embedded in the degree programme through the use of, for example, online discussion forums; interactive media workshops in a flexible learning space; statistics and data analysis modules; podcasts and interactive web-based learning activities; opportunities to use IT programmes associated with project- based work etc.
• Field Trips/Study Tours
  Study visits and field trips are integrated into a number of core Criminology modules. The purpose of these is to examine how buildings and the urban space around us is shaped by crime and our attempts to reduce it. These present opportunities to apply theoretical ideas and concepts within real world settings. Back in the classroom students present and discuss observations and ideas developed during the field trip.
• Guest speakers
  We work with criminal justice agencies and people from these agencies regularly lecture on the course. As well as studying the academic and theoretical aspects of criminology, students have opportunities to hear from senior practitioners within the Police, Courts, Prisons and/or Probation Services.
• Lectures
  Introduce basic information about new topics as a starting point for further self-directed private study/reading. Lectures also provide opportunities to ask questions, gain some feedback and advice on assessments (normally delivered in large groups to all year group peers).
• Peer Mentors
  We offer a peer mentoring scheme for our BA students, which sees specially- trained second and third year students, under the guidance of staff and the Centre for Educational Development, help first year students settle into life at Queen’s through social events, small group or one-to-one informal support and learning skills workshops.
• Personal Tutor
  Undergraduates are allocated a Personal Tutor from their first day at the University. The Personal Tutor is available to them to give advice and support throughout their time at Queen’s. The Personal Tutor will meet with them on several occasions during the year to support their academic development.
• Practicals
  In research method modules you will have opportunities to develop research design and technical skills and apply theoretical principles to real-life research contexts.
• Prizes
  The highest achieving students in the school are awarded the annual Lockheed Prize. We also support our students entering essays to the annual Undergraduate Awards.
• Self-directed study
  This is an essential part of life as a Queen’s student when important private reading, engagement with e-learning resources, reflection on feedback to date and assignment research and preparation work is carried out.
• Seminars/tutorials
  A significant amount of teaching is carried out in small groups (typically 10-20 students). These provide an opportunity for students to engage with academic staff who have specialist knowledge of the topic, to ask questions of them and to assess their own progress and understanding with the support of peers. You should also expect to make presentations and other contributions to these groups.
• Supervised projects
  In final year, you will be expected to carry out a significant piece of research on a topic that you have chosen. You will receive support from a supervisor who will guide you in terms of how to carry out your research and will provide feedback to you on a one-to-one basis and via email throughout the two semesters

• The way in which students are assessed will vary according to the learning objectives of each module. Some modules are assessed solely through project work or written assignments. Others are assessed through a combination of coursework and end of semester examinations. Details of how each module is assessed are shown in the Student Handbook which is provided to all students during their first year induction. Following each element of assessed coursework, students are provided with detailed feedback on the quality of their written work and how they can improve future assignments.

• Feedback provided via formal written comments and marks relating to work that you, as an individual or as part of a group, have submitted.
• Face to face comment. This may include occasions when you make use of the lecturers’ advertised “office hours” to help you to address a specific query.
• Online or emailed comment.
• General comments or question and answer opportunities at the end of a lecture, seminar or tutorial.
• Pre-submission advice regarding the standards you should aim for and common pitfalls to avoid. In some instances, this may be provided in the form of model answers or exemplars which you can review in your own time.
• Feedback and outcomes from practical classes.
• Comment and guidance provided by staff from specialist support services such as, Careers, Employability and Skills or the Learning Development Service.
• Once you have reviewed your feedback, you will be encouraged to identify and implement further improvements to the quality of your work.

Facilities

The School is located within a recently renovated building, with state of the art teaching and learning facilities, together with dedicated student space including a large student common room. The teaching facilities enable an interactive learning environment.

Entrance requirements

A level requirements ABB

Irish leaving certificate requirements H3H3H3H3H3H3/H2H3H3H3H3

Access Course Successful completion of Access Course with an average of 70%.

International Baccalaureate Diploma 33 points overall, including 6,5,5 at Higher Level. If not offered at Higher Level/GCSE then Standard Level grade 4 in English would be accepted.

BTEC Level 3 Extended/National Extended Diploma QCF Level 3 BTEC Extended Diploma (180 credits), with 120 credits at Distinction grade and 60 credits at Merit grade. RQF Level 3 BTEC National Extended Diploma (1080 Guided Learning Hours (GLH)), with at least 660 GLH at Distinction grade (minimum 240 GLH to be externally assessed) and 420 GLH at Merit grade.

All applicants There are no specific subject requirements to study Criminology.

Graduate A minimum of a 2:2 Honours Degree

Career Prospects

Introduction
The diversity of interests and topics covered in the discipline, plus the wide range of skills it equips you with, means that our students enter a wide range of careers on graduation. Public and private sector organisations involved in the criminal justice system continue to expand and the demand for criminology graduates is strong. The number and variety of career opportunities related to the criminal justice system has increased in recent years.

As well as the traditional criminal justice agencies such as the police, probation service and the prison service, criminology graduates work in a range of occupations, including the media, civil service, research, teaching, business, voluntary organisations and management. Criminology graduates also work in victim support organisations and in other social care agencies. Some graduates build on the degree by undertaking further post-graduate training in fields such as policing, probation work, prison service, social work, law, human rights, social science research and teaching. The School has a strong post-graduate programme, offering both Master's and PhD degrees.

Studying for a Criminology degree at Queen’s will assist you in developing the core skills and employment-related experiences that are valued by employers, professional organisations and academic institutions. Graduates from this degree at Queen’s are well regarded by many employers (local, national and international) and over half of all graduate jobs are now open to graduates of any discipline.

You should also take a look at www.prospects.ac.uk for further information concerning the types of jobs that attract Criminology graduates.

Further study is also an option open to Criminology graduates. You can choose from a wide range of Master's programmes as well as a comprehensive list of research topics
http://www.prospects.ac.uk

Employment after the Course
Typical career destinations of graduates include:

Researcher
Civil Servant
Policy Analyst
Charity Fundraiser
Market Researcher
Youth and Community Worker

Employment Links
Graduate employers include:

Northern Ireland Civil Service
Northern Ireland Housing Executive
National Health Service
Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency
PWC
Ulster Bank
Santander
Belfast City Council
Ipsos Mori
Commission for Victims and Survivors NI

Professional Opportunities
Utilising Q-Step resources Criminology, students can apply (on a competitive basis) for placement opportunities. Recent placements have been with the NI Assembly, and Praxis Care.

Degree plus award for extra-curricular skills

In addition to your degree programme, at Queen's you can have the opportunity to gain wider life, academic and employability skills. For example, placements, voluntary work, clubs, societies, sports and lots more. So not only do you graduate with a degree recognised from a world leading university, you'll have practical national and international experience plus a wider exposure to life overall. We call this Degree Plus. It's what makes studying at Queen's University Belfast special.

Tuition Fees

Northern Ireland (NI)	£4,395
England, Scotland or Wales (GB)	£9,250
Other (non-UK) EU *	£4,395
International	£16,900

The undergraduate fees for 2021 entry have not yet been set. The fees shown are for 2020 entry and are to be used only as a guide. Please check back later in 2020 to view updated fees.

Tuition fee rates are calculated based on a student’s tuition fee status and generally increase annually by inflation. How tuition fees are determined is set out in the Student Finance Framework.

* The tuition fees that EU students starting courses at UK universities following the agreed transition period are required to pay will depend on what is agreed as part of the UK's exit negotiations. Please refer to www.qub.ac.uk/brexit-advice/information-for-students

Additional course costs

Criminology costs

There are no specific additional course costs associated with this programme

How do I fund my study?

There are different tuition fee and student financial support arrangements for students from Northern Ireland, those from England, Scotland and Wales (Great Britain), and those from the rest of the European Union.

Information on funding options and financial assistance for undergraduate students is available at http://www.qub.ac.uk/Study/Undergraduate/Fees-and-scholarships/.

Scholarships

Each year, we offer a range of scholarships and prizes for new students. Information on scholarships available.

International Scholarships

Information on scholarships for international students, is available at http://www.qub.ac.uk/International/International-students/International-scholarships/.

How and when to Apply

How to Apply
Application for admission to full-time undergraduate and sandwich courses at the University should normally be made through the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS).  Full information can be obtained from the UCAS website at: www.ucas.com/students.

When to Apply
UCAS will start processing applications for entry in autumn 2021 from 1 September 2020.

Advisory closing date: 15 January 2021 (18:00). This is the 'equal consideration' deadline for this course.

Applications from UK and EU students after this date are, in practice, considered by Queen’s for entry to this course throughout the remainder of the application cycle (30 June 2021) subject to the availability of places.

Applications from International (non-UK/EU) students are normally considered by Queen’s for entry to this course until 30 June 2021. If you apply for 2021 entry after this deadline, you will automatically be entered into Clearing.

Applicants are encouraged to apply as early as is consistent with having made a careful and considered choice of institutions and courses.

The Institution code name for Queen's is QBELF and the institution code is Q75.

Further information on applying to study at Queen's is available at: www.qub.ac.uk/Study/Undergraduate/How-to-apply/

Apply via UCAS

Terms and Conditions

The terms and conditions that apply when you accept an offer of a place at the University on a taught programme of study. Queen's University Belfast Terms and Conditions.

Additional Information for International (non-EU) Students

1. Applying through UCAS
   Most students make their applications through UCAS (Universities and Colleges Admissions Service) for full-time undergraduate degree programmes at Queen's. The UCAS application deadline for international students is 30 June 2021.
2. Applying direct
   The Direct Entry Application form is to be used by international applicants who wish to apply directly, and only, to Queen's or who have been asked to provide information in advance of submitting a formal UCAS application. Find out more.
3. Applying through agents and partners
   The University’s in-country representatives can assist you to submit a UCAS application or a direct application. Please consult the Agent List to find an agent in your country who will help you with your application to Queen’s University.

---

Download a prospectus