Programme Title

BA Criminology and Sociology

Final Award
(exit route if applicable for Postgraduate Taught Programmes)

Bachelor of Arts

Programme Code

CRI-BA-JS

UCAS Code

ML93

HECoS Code

100484

ATAS Clearance Required

No

Mode of Study

Full Time

Type of Programme

Joint Honours Single

Length of Programme

3 Academic Year(s)

Total Credits for Programme

360

Exit Awards available

Teaching Institution

Queen's University Belfast

School/Department

Social Sciences, Education and Social Work

Framework for Higher Education Qualification Level 
www.qaa.ac.uk

Level 6

QAA Benchmark Group
www.qaa.ac.uk/quality-code/subject-benchmark-statements

Criminology (2014)

Accreditations (PSRB)

Does the Programme have any approved exemptions from the University General Regulations
(Please see General Regulations)

None

Programme Specific Regulations

On completing Level I a Single Honours student in either of Criminology or Sociology who has completed 40 CATS at Level I in the other subject and has achieved an average mark across the 40 CATS of 60 or above may be admitted to this Joint Honours programme subject having obtained the approval of the advisor of studies of the subject in which they only have 40CATS.

A Single Honours student wishing to be admitted to the Joint Honours programme must have passed the following modules: CRM1001 and CRM1002 for Criminology and SOC1001 and SOC1002 for Sociology.

A Single Honours student can only be admitted to the Joint Honours programme if the admission requirement is also met.

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.

Students with protected characteristics

N/A

Are students subject to Fitness to Practise Regulations

(Please see General Regulations)

No

Learning Outcomes: Cognitive Skills

On the completion of this course successful students will be able to:

interpret events in different ways and to present a range of perspectives around issues and phenomena.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Cognitive skills are largely gained from reading materials and through small group discussion and debate in tutorials and seminars as well as the traditional lecture format.

Methods of Assessment

Methods of assessment include the long essay, timed unseen examinations, group projects and article/book reviews, media diaries and critical reviews.

present reasoned arguments by contrasting and discussing different points of view.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Cognitive skills are largely gained from reading materials and through small group discussion and debate in tutorials and seminars as well as the traditional lecture format.

Methods of Assessment

Methods of assessment include the long essay, timed unseen examinations, group projects and article/book reviews, media diaries and critical reviews.

assess a range of perspectives and discuss the strengths of each for the understanding of crime and victimisation

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Cognitive skills are largely gained from reading materials and through small group discussion and debate in tutorials and seminars as well as the traditional lecture format.

Methods of Assessment

Methods of assessment include the long essay, timed unseen examinations, group projects and article/book reviews, media diaries and critical reviews.

draw on materials from a range of sources and synthesise them

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Cognitive skills are largely gained from reading materials and through small group discussion and debate in tutorials and seminars as well as the traditional lecture format.

Methods of Assessment

Methods of assessment include the long essay, timed unseen examinations, group projects and article/book reviews, media diaries and critical reviews.

draw on relevant evidence to evaluate competing explanations and validate information by assessing its merits

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Cognitive skills are largely gained from reading materials and through small group discussion and debate in tutorials and seminars as well as the traditional lecture format.

Methods of Assessment

Methods of assessment include the long essay, timed unseen examinations, group projects and article/book reviews, media diaries and critical reviews.

evaluate the viability of competing explanations within criminology and draw logical and appropriate conclusions.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Cognitive skills are largely gained from reading materials and through small group discussion and debate in tutorials and seminars as well as the traditional lecture format.

Methods of Assessment

Methods of assessment include the long essay, timed unseen examinations, group projects and article/book reviews, media diaries and critical reviews.

assess the values and practices of the key agencies which administer responses to crime and deviance

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Students are exposed to external agency speakers across the degree programme. In addition, students undertake numerous visits to CJS agencies (e.g. local prisons and courts) to observe the operation of the CJS

Methods of Assessment

Diaries and reflective essays

design and use appropriate research strategies for data collection using quantitative and qualitative methods

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Students undertake a number of group based training exercises in which they are taught practical qualitative and quantitative research skills

Methods of Assessment

Research skills are accessed via a research proposal, a reflective research diary, annotated statistical (SPSS) analysis (output file), analysing qualitative data (NVIVO).

apply statistical techniques and methods

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Students undertake a number of group based training exercises in which they are taught practical qualitative and quantitative research skills

Methods of Assessment

Research skills are accessed via a research proposal, a reflective research diary, annotated statistical (SPSS) analysis (output file), analysing qualitative data (NVIVO).

Learning Outcomes: Knowledge & Understanding

On the completion of this course successful students will be able to:

describe a range of key concepts and theoretical approaches within Criminology and Sociology in a range of national contexts

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Students are introduced to a broad range of sociological and social policy approaches and perspectives in level one, before specialising in criminological theory in level 2 and beyond. This ensures that students are equipped with knowledge and understand of a broad range of social issues including class, inequalities, race, mental health, disability and welfare provision. This provides a foundation on which criminological theory and appreciation of the impact of social issues on crime and the CJS can be fully developed.
A range of teaching methods are employed including lectures, tutorials, seminars, workshops, field visits, and supervised independent learning. Many of these teaching methods are enhanced by the use of visual technology, such as PowerPoint presentations, dvd clips, handouts, and key materials being made available through Queen’s Online.

Methods of Assessment

Knowledge and understanding are assessed through unseen timed examinations, coursework assignments, oral presentations, seminar and tutorial contribution and multiple choice tests.

recognise contemporary debates around the definition of needs, social problems, and crime, and relate these to social diversity and inequality

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Students are introduced to a broad range of sociological and social policy approaches and perspectives in level one, before specialising in criminological theory in level 2 and beyond. This ensures that students are equipped with knowledge and understand of a broad range of social issues including class, inequalities, race, mental health, disability and welfare provision. This provides a foundation on which criminological theory and appreciation of the impact of social issues on crime and the CJS can be fully developed.
A range of teaching methods are employed including lectures, tutorials, seminars, workshops, field visits, and supervised independent learning. Many of these teaching methods are enhanced by the use of visual technology, such as PowerPoint presentations, dvd clips, handouts, and key materials being made available through Queen’s Online.

Methods of Assessment

Knowledge and understanding are assessed through unseen timed examinations, coursework assignments, oral presentations, seminar and tutorial contribution and multiple choice tests.

be familiar with key concepts and theories associated with the analysis of well-being, crime and social welfare

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Students are introduced to a broad range of sociological and social policy approaches and perspectives in level one, before specialising in criminological theory in level 2 and beyond. This ensures that students are equipped with knowledge and understand of a broad range of social issues including class, inequalities, race, mental health, disability and welfare provision. This provides a foundation on which criminological theory and appreciation of the impact of social issues on crime and the CJS can be fully developed.
A range of teaching methods are employed including lectures, tutorials, seminars, workshops, field visits, and supervised independent learning. Many of these teaching methods are enhanced by the use of visual technology, such as PowerPoint presentations, dvd clips, handouts, and key materials being made available through Queen’s Online.

Methods of Assessment

Knowledge and understanding are assessed through unseen timed examinations, coursework assignments, oral presentations, seminar and tutorial contribution and multiple choice tests.

They will also understand the issues around the appropriate forms of state, private or informal intervention in relation to social problems. They will gain knowledge of policies in specific fields of crime control and punishment.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Students are introduced to a broad range of sociological and social policy approaches and perspectives in level one, before specialising in criminological theory in level 2 and beyond. This ensures that students are equipped with knowledge and understand of a broad range of social issues including class, inequalities, race, mental health, disability and welfare provision. This provides a foundation on which criminological theory and appreciation of the impact of social issues on crime and the CJS can be fully developed.
A range of teaching methods are employed including lectures, tutorials, seminars, workshops, field visits, and supervised independent learning. Many of these teaching methods are enhanced by the use of visual technology, such as PowerPoint presentations, dvd clips, handouts, and key materials being made available through Queen’s Online.

Methods of Assessment

Knowledge and understanding are assessed through unseen timed examinations, coursework assignments, oral presentations, seminar and tutorial contribution and multiple choice tests.

evaluate criminal justice agency practices and developments in terms of changing values and relationships between individuals, groups, and public and private agencies in Ireland, UK and other international jurisdictions

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Specific modules examine historical and current developments and practices of key CJS agencies and institutions including the Police, Prison, Youth Justice Services within Northern Ireland, Ireland and the UK. In addition to previously outlined teaching methods, knowledge and understanding in this area is further developed through the use of specialist external speakers from CJS agencies, including local community based Restorative Justice Services, alcohol and drug services, NIPS, PSNI, & YJA.
The School also promotes student volunteering in local independent sector agencies

Methods of Assessment

Knowledge and understanding are assessed through unseen timed examinations, coursework assignments, oral presentations, seminar and tutorial contribution and multiple choice tests.

examine critically the values, practices and processes of governance, including human rights, that underpin the treatment of lawbreakers within Ireland and UK CJS, and allied agencies which administer sentencing and alternatives (in particular restorative justice initiatives). They will also acquire the ability to critically evaluate policies using a range of empirical data and be able to recognise different research strategies and methods.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Specific modules examine historical and current developments and practices of key CJS agencies and institutions including the Police, Prison, Youth Justice Services within Northern Ireland, Ireland and the UK. In addition to previously outlined teaching methods, knowledge and understanding in this area is further developed through the use of specialist external speakers from CJS agencies, including local community based Restorative Justice Services, alcohol and drug services, NIPS, PSNI, & YJA.
The School also promotes student volunteering in local independent sector agencies

Methods of Assessment

Knowledge and understanding are assessed through unseen timed examinations, coursework assignments, oral presentations, seminar and tutorial contribution and multiple choice tests.

use a range of research strategies and methods, assess the appropriateness of their use, and identify an appropriate strategy for specific research problems

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Knowledge and understanding of social research methods and practices are developed through a combination of traditional lectures and group based workshops where students develop and rehearse data collection and data analysis skills.

Methods of Assessment

Assessment of research understanding and knowledge is via the completion of a research proposal, the design of a questionnaire, undertaking face-to-face interviews, NVIVO analysis for qualitative data, a reflective research diary, SPSS analysis (including regression analysis).

evaluate strengths and weaknesses in the use of comparison in relation to crime, victimisation and responses to crime and deviance

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Knowledge and understanding of social research methods and practices are developed through a combination of traditional lectures and group based workshops where students develop and rehearse data collection and data analysis skills.

Methods of Assessment

Assessment of research understanding and knowledge is via the completion of a research proposal, the design of a questionnaire, undertaking face-to-face interviews, NVIVO analysis for qualitative data, a reflective research diary, SPSS analysis (including regression analysis).

summarise and analyse quantitative and qualitative empirical data about crime, victimisation and responses to crime, in order to evaluate competing criminological
theories

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Knowledge and understanding of social research methods and practices are developed through a combination of traditional lectures and group based workshops where students develop and rehearse data collection and data analysis skills.

Methods of Assessment

Assessment of research understanding and knowledge is via the completion of a research proposal, the design of a questionnaire, undertaking face-to-face interviews, NVIVO analysis for qualitative data, a reflective research diary, SPSS analysis (including regression analysis).

Learning Outcomes: Subject Specific

On the completion of this course successful students will be able to:

use key theoretical perspectives and concepts in Criminology and Sociology and to comprehend their application to real life situations.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

All criminology and sociological students undertake training in research skills. This involves learning about the development of research question(s), the design of appropriate research methods; data collection and analysis, and the drafting of a final thesis.

Methods of Assessment

Methods-based assignments (including detailed research project proposals).

use their knowledge to formulate and investigate social problems including crime, and responses to those problems.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

All criminology and sociological students undertake training in research skills. This involves learning about the development of research question(s), the design of appropriate research methods; data collection and analysis, and the drafting of a final thesis.

Methods of Assessment

Methods-based assignments (including detailed research project proposals).

conduct criminological and sociological-related research, and will be able to identify a range of research strategies and methods, including their advantages and disadvantages.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

All criminology and sociological students undertake training in research skills. This involves learning about the development of research question(s), the design of appropriate research methods; data collection and analysis, and the drafting of a final thesis.

Methods of Assessment

Methods-based assignments (including detailed research project proposals).

access or gather appropriate qualitative or quantitative information to address criminological and sociological questions in relation to crime, victimisation, responses to crime and deviance, and representations of these, using qualitative and quantitative methods

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

All criminology and sociological students undertake training in research skills. This involves learning about the development of research question(s), the design of appropriate research methods; data collection and analysis, and the drafting of a final thesis.

Methods of Assessment

Methods-based assignments (including detailed research project proposals).

recognise the ethical implications of research into criminological and social problems and identify appropriate solutions

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Students are taught the importance of identification of ethical issues in research, and how protocols and procedures protect and minimise harm to participants

Methods of Assessment

All Research Skills modules

review, summarise and evaluate empirical information and research findings about crime, victimisation and responses to crime and deviance

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

These learning outcomes are consistently addressed across almost all of the modules offered on the programme. As a result a wide range of different teaching methods are employed to promote depth learning, to facilitate consolidation of knowledge and understanding and to support student progression across the three years.
Key to this is the use of interactive teaching methods (discussions, Q&As, pub quizzes, individual tutor meetings, problem orientated sessions, PRS) to promote student engagement within lectures and tutorials.

Methods of Assessment

Again, a wide range of assessment methods are employed across the three years of study. Highlights include the use of reflective reports, diaries, book and film reviews, peer assessment and feedback

develop a capacity for recognising the relevance of criminological knowledge to social, public and civic policy.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

These learning outcomes are consistently addressed across almost all of the modules offered on the programme. As a result a wide range of different teaching methods are employed to promote depth learning, to facilitate consolidation of knowledge and understanding and to support student progression across the three years.
Key to this is the use of interactive teaching methods (discussions, Q&As, pub quizzes, individual tutor meetings, problem orientated sessions, PRS) to promote student engagement within lectures and tutorials.

Methods of Assessment

Again, a wide range of assessment methods are employed across the three years of study. Highlights include the use of reflective reports, diaries, book and film reviews, peer assessment and feedback

The course encourages students to be sensitive to the values and interests of others, taking account of the normative and moral positions of others in understanding how human needs are felt and met.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

These learning outcomes are consistently addressed across almost all of the modules offered on the programme. As a result a wide range of different teaching methods are employed to promote depth learning, to facilitate consolidation of knowledge and understanding and to support student progression across the three years.
Key to this is the use of interactive teaching methods (discussions, Q&As, pub quizzes, individual tutor meetings, problem orientated sessions, PRS) to promote student engagement within lectures and tutorials.

Methods of Assessment

Again, a wide range of assessment methods are employed across the three years of study. Highlights include the use of reflective reports, diaries, book and film reviews, peer assessment and feedback

Learning Outcomes: Transferable Skills

On the completion of this course successful students will be able to:

communicate effectively in writing and speaking

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Flexible and interactive teaching methods and group based project work allow students to develop a range of presentation and communication skills

Methods of Assessment

Students are required to present course work in a number of different formats including book reviews, diaries, excel spreadsheets, PowerPoint presentations, SPSS output, oral presentations, research proposals, questionnaire modules

present data and evidence in an appropriate format for a variety of audiences (including computing skills in relation both to text and the presentation of basic research data)

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Flexible and interactive teaching methods and group based project work allow students to develop a range of presentation and communication skills

Methods of Assessment

Students are required to present course work in a number of different formats including book reviews, diaries, excel spreadsheets, PowerPoint presentations, SPSS output, oral presentations, research proposals, questionnaire modules

be efficient in time planning and management

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Time planning, project management, group working skills are developed through personal tutor workshops and exercises, and group based employability exercises.

Methods of Assessment

Time and project planning/management is a core requirement of coursework tasks

work productively in a group

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Time planning, project management, group working skills are developed through personal tutor workshops and exercises, and group based employability exercises.

Methods of Assessment

Time and project planning/management is a core requirement of coursework tasks

evaluate evidence of diverse kinds and drawing appropriate conclusions

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Critical comparative analysis of available information sources is a theme that runs through the Criminology and Sociology programme. Students are immersed in techniques for the collation, analysis and comparison of published material. Students are also introduced to systematic review procedures and the review of meta-analytical studies

Methods of Assessment

Critical review of criminological and sociological sources is a key component of most coursework assignments. Rigorous assessment, combined with detailed and constructive feedback, is essential to the development and refinement of critical analysis skills.

make critical use of published data sources

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Critical comparative analysis of available information sources is a theme that runs through the Criminology and Sociology programme. Students are immersed in techniques for the collation, analysis and comparison of published material. Students are also introduced to systematic review procedures and the review of meta-analytical studies

Methods of Assessment

Critical review of criminological and sociological sources is a key component of most coursework assignments. Rigorous assessment, combined with detailed and constructive feedback, is essential to the development and refinement of critical analysis skills.

identify the most important arguments or evidence in a text and recording and/or representing these

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Critical comparative analysis of available information sources is a theme that runs through the Criminology and Sociology programme. Students are immersed in techniques for the collation, analysis and comparison of published material. Students are also introduced to systematic review procedures and the review of meta-analytical studies

Methods of Assessment

Critical review of criminological and sociological sources is a key component of most coursework assignments. Rigorous assessment, combined with detailed and constructive feedback, is essential to the development and refinement of critical analysis skills.

Use bibliographic and referencing skills: the identification of relevant published and web-based materials in relation to a particular topic

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Critical comparative analysis of available information sources is a theme that runs through the Criminology and Sociology programme. Students are immersed in techniques for the collation, analysis and comparison of published material. Students are also introduced to systematic review procedures and the review of meta-analytical studies

Methods of Assessment

Critical review of criminological and sociological sources is a key component of most coursework assignments. Rigorous assessment, combined with detailed and constructive feedback, is essential to the development and refinement of critical analysis skills.

formulating researchable problems within a general area of concern

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Several research based modules encourage students to acquire and enhance their skills in the design, planning, execution and analysis of both quantitative and quantitative research

Methods of Assessment

Students are assessed on the completion of a research proposal, the design of a questionnaire, undertaking face-to-face interviews, qualitative data analysis (NVIVO), a reflective research diary and SPSS analysis (including regression analysis).

research design and data collection skills in relation to crime, victimisation and responses to crime and deviance

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Several research based modules encourage students to acquire and enhance their skills in the design, planning, execution and analysis of both quantitative and quantitative research

Methods of Assessment

Students are assessed on the completion of a research proposal, the design of a questionnaire, undertaking face-to-face interviews, qualitative data analysis (NVIVO), a reflective research diary and SPSS analysis (including regression analysis).

data analysis, including indexing and retrieval of qualitative data

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Several research based modules encourage students to acquire and enhance their skills in the design, planning, execution and analysis of both quantitative and quantitative research

Methods of Assessment

Students are assessed on the completion of a research proposal, the design of a questionnaire, undertaking face-to-face interviews, qualitative data analysis (NVIVO), a reflective research diary and SPSS analysis (including regression analysis).

use and understanding of descriptive and inferential statistics (including summary measures, measures of association and significance, contingency tables, regression analysis and knowledge of the use and value of appropriate learning technologies), and awareness of the use and potential misuse of statistics

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Several research based modules encourage students to acquire and enhance their skills in the design, planning, execution and analysis of both quantitative and quantitative research

Methods of Assessment

Students are assessed on the completion of a research proposal, the design of a questionnaire, undertaking face-to-face interviews, qualitative data analysis (NVIVO), a reflective research diary and SPSS analysis (including regression analysis).