Crime and Policing will be of interest to those who seek a deeper understanding of criminal justice, policing and forensic investigation. The emphasis of the programme is on the application of investigative and policing methods, criminal justice policy and processes.

Introduction

The Crime and Policing programme has developed as a result of the work of the University’s Department of Law and Criminal Justice Studies. Since its inception, the Department has taken a particular interest in the academic study of policing. The work of the Department has been commended in a number of HMIC and other UK government reports into policing. For example, in May 2002 the Home Office Skills Foresight Report into Police Skills and Standards drew attention to the Department’s development, in conjunction with Kent County Constabulary, of an innovative degree programme that underpins the training of detectives.

Content and Structure

The programme provides students with the ability to apply investigative and policing concepts to problems that arise from crime and criminal behaviour. The programme moves from a thorough grounding in criminological theories, law and criminal justice, policing and forensic investigation through to a comprehensive knowledge and understanding of criminal justice policy and contemporary policing problems.

LEVEL 1

Compulsory modules, titles and credits:

• Overview of Justice (20 credits)
• Crime in Context (20 credits)
• Policing and the Police (20 credits)
• Principles of Forensic Investigation (20 credits)
• Criminal Law (20 credits)
• The Historical and Cultural Contexts of Crime and Justice (20 credits)

LEVEL 2

Compulsory modules, titles and credits:

• Perspectives of Justice (20 credits)
• Policing and Police Powers (20 credits)
• Public Law (20 credits)
• Crime and Social Control (20 credits)
• Crime Scene Investigation (20 credits)

Option modules include:

• Computers in Forensic Investigation (20 credits)
• Specialist Forensic Roles (20 credits)
• Volume, Series and Major Crime Investigation (20 credits)
• Miscarriages of Justice (20 credits)
• Digital Crime (20 credits)
• Criminological Psychology (20 credits)
• Human Rights (20 credits)

LEVEL 3

Compulsory modules, titles and credits:

• Policing Late Modernity (20 credits)
• Individual Study (40 credits)

Plus two further compulsory modules from either A, B or C:

A

• Fire & Explosion Investigation (20 credits)
• Interpretation of Evidence (20 credits)

B

• Youth Crime and Justice (20 credits)
• Applications of Criminology (20 credits)

C 

• International Law and Human Rights (20 credits)
• Theory of Dispute Resolution (20 Credits)

Option modules include:

• Forensic Informatics (20 Credits)
• Interpretation of Evidence (20 Credits)
• Prisons and Penality (20 Credits)
• Legal and Criminal Psychology (20 Credits)
• Terrorism and Political Violence (20 Credits)
• Gender Studies (20 Credits)
• Law, Politics and Religion (20 Credits)

Further information about options at levels two and three can be found here.

Methods of Assessment

Assessment varies from course to course but in general terms consists of a combination of coursework (for example essays), oral presentations and examinations.

Important Information

Applications to this programme are made through UCAS, see the UCAS codes page. The entry requirements for the Crime and Policing programme can be found on the entry requirements page. There are no specific subjects required to take Crime and Policing with an interest in the subject being the main requirement.

Employment Opportunities

The skills developed in respect of both understanding the nature of crime and responses to its management means that they have much to offer potential employers. The programme can lead to further study and/or employment in occupations and professions where an understanding of crime would be of value. Obvious examples include the police service, prison service and youth work.