Thinking Like a Criminologist (L3120)

15 credits, Level 4

Autumn teaching

This module introduces you to the key skills needed to think like a criminologist. You’ll build a foundation in both the theory and practice of criminology as a discipline.

You’ll learn to interpret crime statistics, analyse definitions of crime and engage with media debates about crime and justice. Key criminological theories will inform your studies – including positivism, classicism, Durkheim and the Chicago School.

Key topics will include:

• What is crime?
• Who is a criminal?
• How can we use crime statistics?
• The history of crime
• Media representations of crime
• The use of official reports and policy documents.

Contact hours and workload

This module is approximately 150 hours of work. This breaks down into about 20 hours of contact time and about 130 hours of independent study. The University may make minor variations to the contact hours for operational reasons, including timetabling requirements.

We regularly review our modules to incorporate student feedback, staff expertise, as well as the latest research and teaching methodology. We’re planning to run these modules in the academic year 2025/26. However, there may be changes to these modules in response to feedback, staff availability, student demand or updates to our curriculum.

We’ll make sure to let you know of any material changes to modules at the earliest opportunity.

Courses

This module is offered on the following courses:

• Criminology BA
• Criminology and Sociology BA
• Criminology with Psychology BA