Criminology and Law BA (Hons) Please login to Apply

Bringing together the closely related disciplines of Law and Criminology, this course explores the widely publicised and often emotive issues surrounding crime, punishment, justice and the legal system.

You will be introduced to the notion of crime, control of crime and legal treatment of crime. Students are taught using a mixture of lectures and small group seminars and ‘hands-on’ skills workshops. This supports students to explore topics more independently, in-depth and see their connection to real-world issues.

Designed and shared by Criminology and the Law School and also having input from International Studies, the programme aims to prepare you to think about deviance, victimisation, punishment and regulation of justice issues. It is designed to give you an opportunity to develop a rounded understanding of public and state responses to crime with guest speakers including staff from prisons, and victims providing real-world learning insights into such topics as mental health, court procedures and custody. Law modules also emphasise putting legal writing and research skills into practice.

Ideal for those interested in careers in criminal justice and with transferrable analytical and problem-solving skills useful in a wide range of jobs, the course considers the strengths and shortcomings of the legal system and the various philosophical, political, social, economic and moral issues which have shaped it and affect us today.

Coventry has a reputation for teaching excellence and excellent professional links with the Police, HM Prison Service and youth Offending Service. Our partnership with Warwickshire Police to provide Police Support Volunteers was the first scheme of its kind in the country.

Ranked 4th for Career Prospects in Criminology and 10th for Teaching Quality in Law – Guardian University Guide 2020.

See the facilities available in our brand new Alison Gingell Building. 

Overview

In the first year, we introduce you to the foundation principles of criminology and law – the causes of crime, controlling crime and the basis of the British legal system. We explore core ideas in criminology from key thinkers, such as Bentham, Lombroso, Foucault, Cohen and Young.

You’ll be exposed to a wide-ranging analysis of historical and contemporary issues in the area of social control, crime prevention, criminal justice and the legal system. For example, stop and search law and practices, mental health in relation to policing and custody, vulnerable victims and representation in court.

Modules

• Year One – Module titles

  • Introduction to Criminology: Theory and Skills
  • Victims and Victimology
  • Exploring Crime
  • Legal Methods I
  • Legal Methods 2
  • Add+vantage module

   

Add+vantage

The focus on preparing students for successful futures sets Coventry apart as a university.

The Add+vantage modules teach a range of work experience and extra-curricular activities that are taken each year, and broaden students knowledge and skills within a work focused environment. There is a very wide range of Add+vantage free-choice subject areas, and they are arranged in themes.

Overview

The second year introduces you to a range of topics around the major institutions involved in crime control and representation – the police, the prison service and criminal law. We will evaluate the relationships between the police, the state and the citizen, exploring the independence of the police and their accountability. You will also explore the theory and practice of researching crime-related issues in preparation for your final year project.

Modules

• Year Two – Module titles

  • Researching Crime
  • Punishment and Control
  • Policing and Society
  • Criminal Law
  • Introduction to Practical Legal Skills
  • Add+vantage

   

Add+vantage

The focus on preparing students for successful futures sets Coventry apart as a university.

The Add+vantage modules teach a range of work experience and extra-curricular activities that are taken each year, and broaden students knowledge and skills within a work focused environment. There is a very wide range of Add+vantage free-choice subject areas, and they are arranged in themes.

Overview

After your second year, you have the opportunity to spend a year on professional placement or studying abroad.

If you wish to do so, you can opt to take the Professional Placement year module or Study Abroad Year module which both typically run for a full academic year between years 2 and 3 of your course. You are able to progress onto the relevant module if you have successfully completed the first two years of the course (i.e. having accumulated 240 credits) and provided that you confirm your interest in undertaking this option before the end of your second year, typically in August.

While these modules are non-credit bearing and do not incur any additional tuition fees, if successfully completed, these modules will appear on your final academic transcript.

Modules

• Professional Placement

• Study Abroad

Overview

The final year of the programme is based around the development of your knowledge in contemporary topics. You will have the opportunity to collaborate with a member of academic staff and apply the knowledge of research methods obtained during the first two years of your degree to design and conduct your own piece of research in an area of your choice. In the past, students have researched conviction rates for rape, the prosecution of war crimes in Cambodia and the regulation of environmental crimes.

Modules

• Final Year – module titles

  • Current Issues in Criminology
  • Violence and Exploitation
  • Research Project in Criminology
  • Global Organised Crime
  • Law of Evidence

Add+vantage

The focus on preparing students for successful futures sets Coventry apart as a university.

The Add+vantage modules teach a range of work experience and extra-curricular activities that are taken each year, and broaden students knowledge and skills within a work focused environment. There is a very wide range of Add+vantage free-choice subject areas, and they are arranged in themes.