Do you have an enquiring mind? Are you interested in why people commit crime or become victims of crime? If so, then this course could be for you. Discover the political, personal and social aspects of crime with a degree in Criminology and Criminal Justice.
There is a widespread and growing interest in crime in our modern society. Our Criminology and Criminal Justice degree addresses this. It meets the demand from UK Government agencies and other employers for graduates in this field.
You'll learn about criminal justice, examining how offenders and victims get treated by the system in the UK. The subject is developing rapidly as new areas of study open up for criminological investigation. You’ll explore issues around how crime gets defined and managed in our society. As you progress through the course, you’ll have the option to study in areas such as policing, the prison system or social work.
The cYear 3
Compulsory modules
• CJ3201: Dissertation
• CJ3202: Diversity, Crime and Justice
CJ3203: Crimes of the Powerful
Optional modules
• CJ3021: Drugs, Crime and Society
• CJ3204: Human Trafficking
• CJ3205: New Perspectives on Cybercrime
•
CJ3207: Gender, Crime and Justice
• CJ3208: Prison and Societyourse rigorously examines how crime gets perceived, defined and managed in communities. You'll develop a critical stance through a broad curriculum that forms an excellent exploration of this subject. Study a balanced mix of compulsory and optional modules taught by specialists in these areas.
Why study with us
- The School has working partnerships with organisations such as Lancashire Constabulary, the Criminal Justice System, the National Health Service, the Probation Trust, and more.
- Criminology at the University of Central Lancashire ranks 2nd in the North West for Research Quality. (Times Good University Guide)
- We offer option modules on our Criminology courses, so you can tailor your degree to your interests.
What you'll do
- Gain a deep insight into the political, personal and social aspects of crime. Our teaching uses a wealth of cutting-edge research, delivered by award-winning research staff.
- You can customise your learning with optional modules to hone in on areas of interest and your career aspirations.
- You’ll enjoy student led conferences and guest visit speakers from many different sectors. These include the Lancashire Constabulary, Armed Services, the Criminal Justice System, Social Services, Magistrate and Crown Court Services amongst others.
Module overview
Year 1Compulsory modules
• CJ1201: Looking Beyond Crime and Criminology
• CJ1202: Skills, Research and Employability
• CJ1203: The History of Criminal Justice
• CJ1204: Crime and Morality
• CJ1205: Key Approaches in Criminology
• CJ1206: Criminal Justice in Action
Year 2
Compulsory modules
• CJ2201: Research Methods and Theory 1
• CJ2202: Research Methods and Theory 2
• CJ2203: Understanding Policing and Security
• CJ2204: Youth Justice
• CJ2205: Punishment and the Penal System
Optional modules
• CJ2206: Violence Against Women and Girls
• CJ2207: Drugs, Crime and Society
• CJ2208: Work Placement
Course delivery
This course is taught face-to-face at one of our UK campuses.
Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of our published course information. However, our programmes are subject to ongoing review and development. Changing circumstances may cause alteration to, or the cancellation of, courses. Changes may be necessary to comply with the requirements of accrediting bodies or revisions to subject benchmarks statements. As well as to keep courses updated and contemporary, or as a result of student feedback. We reserve the right to make variations if we consider such action to be necessary or in the best interests of students.
Careers in Criminology and Criminal Justice
Two thirds of our students will follow career paths connected with their degree. Graduates have found work in:
- UK Border Agency
- Greater Manchester Police (GMP)
- Local prisons
- Drug schemes
- Educational institutions
- Youth offending teams
You may wish to follow a career in areas such as the police, the probation service, prisons or branches of the Home Office. This includes the Border Agency and the Criminal Justice System.
You might also consider community development work, local government administration and adult guidance work with ex-offenders. Paid employment in the voluntary sector is an increasingly important area. Positions are available in victim support and women’s refuges, among others.

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