If you are a prospective student who is interested in pursuing study in the areas of criminal justice or law, but are unsure as to which degree programme you wish to study, this page allows you to browse the programmes available in order to help you make a decision.
There are four main academic disciplines represented within the department of law and criminal justice studies, including applied criminology, forensic investigation, legal studies / law and policing. There are a range of programmes available within the department and these include very specific programmes (single honours), programmes that incorporate two subject areas and some more generalised programmes. It is advised that you consider the type of career you may wish to follow and choose a degree programme that will provide you with the knowledge required to be successful securing a job in that area. If you are unsure and need advice when choosing your degree, you should contact the programme directors for the degree programmes that interest you.
Applied Criminology
Applied Criminology will be of interest to those who seek a deeper understanding of both the nature, extent and causes of crime and the methods used to detect, counter and manage criminal behaviour. The emphasis of the programme is on the application of criminological theories and approaches to real-life problems of crime. Applied Criminology can be studied as a single honours degree or it can be combined with another subject within the university.
BSc Applied Criminology (single honours)|
BA/BSc Applied Criminology (combined honours)|
Forensic Investigation
Forensic Investigation is the term utilised to describe the scientific response to a crime, and it is a process designed to establish the facts surrounding the event. Forensic Investigators typically work as crime scene investigators, or forensic laboratory staff and their main role is to collect, preserve, analyse and interpret items that are identified as significant during the investigation of crime. They also attend court as expert witnesses and present their findings to the judge and jury. Forensic Investigation can be can be studied as a single honours degree or it can be combined with Applied Criminology, Biosciences, Legal Studies or Psychology.
BSc Forensic Investigation (single honours)|
BA/BSc Forensic Investigation (combined honours)|
Law / Legal Studies
Law can be considered as a system of 'rules' that govern society. There are many branches to law, including family law, criminal law, property law and public law to name a few examples and therefore the career opportunities available following a degree in law or legal studies is vast. Law can be can be studied as a single honours degree or legal studies can be studied as a combined honours degree with another subject.
LLB Law (single honours)|
BA/BSc Legal Studies (combined honours)|
Policing
Police officers are known for their powers to enforce the law, however, there are a range of roles for police officers and police staff from community reassurance, crime prevention to investigating crime. The programmes listed below are aimed at developing knowledge and skills among students to provide a comprehensive introduction to a policing career. Policing as a subject matter engages with a range of important and interesting themes ranging from policing across international borders, understanding crime (from transnational and organised crime, sex crimes, terrorism, state crime, the role of technology in offending, volume crime and antisocial behaviour through to violence), managing the right to protest, contributions to policing from the private and voluntary sector, police powers and discretion through to the use of intelligence to name a few. Have a look at the content of the programmes by clicking on the links below, come and see us at the open day and discuss which programme suits you.
BSc/Dip HE Policing/Police Studies (pre-service)|
BSc Crime & Policing Studies|
Operational Police Officers may be eligible to study:
BSc Policing|