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This module examines the relationship between crime, justice, and the media, exploring how they are constructed and represented across various media platforms. Using key criminological concepts, it analyses the role of the media in shaping public perceptions of crime and justice through news, drama, and documentary formats. The module also considers different media outlets, including print, television, film, and digital media, to critically assess their influence on societal understandings of crime and justice.
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This module focuses on theories of criminal justice and how these help understand the processes and systems which constitute criminal justice within the UK. The module introduces the different stages, institutions and professional roles within justice systems and how the criminal law operates through the courts. You will observe practices and procedures in a courtroom and analyse them using both the academic resources introduced in the classroom. The module will combine tutor led input and input from guest speakers.
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The module explores the key sociological perspectives in relation to crime and deviance. It explores theoretical concepts and research that explains patterns of crime and criminal behaviour. Additionally, the module explores the historical development of sociological theory and the links to contemporary debates in crime and society. Topics include but not limited to, Functionalism, Marxism, Left and Right Realism, Labelling and The Self-Fulfilling Prophecy, Gender and Crime, Ethnicity and Crime, Social Class and Crime and Locality and Crime. Students will explore a range of different case studies that can be explained using sociological theory and will explore the extent to which theories can explain a range of different crimes
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This module provides an in-depth examination of the factors that contribute to youth crime, critically exploring a wide range of criminological theories, both historical and contemporary. You will engage with these theories to understand why young people commit crime, while also evaluating current policies and legislation within the Youth Justice System, with a specific focus on England and Wales. The module also addresses various strategies aimed at encouraging desistance from crime and the challenges of supporting young offenders in their reintegration into society. Through class discussions and insights from guest speakers actively working in the youth justice field, you will gain a real-world perspective on the complexities of working with young offenders. By the end of the module, you will be equipped to articulate a well-rounded, informed position on the effectiveness of current policy responses to youth crime and understand the ways in which these responses impact a diverse range of young people.
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This module explores the contributions of psychological theory to the multidisciplinary study of crime. It introduces key concepts from Psychology, Social Psychology, and Developmental Psychology, providing a theoretical foundation for understanding individual factors influencing deviance, criminal behaviour, forensic mental health, offending, victimisation, and desistance.
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This module introduces students to a variety of research methods and analytical techniques that Criminological researchers use to test social theory and study aspects of social life. Topics covered include; the epistemological approaches underpinning quantitative and qualitative approaches and practicalities involved with generating quantitative and qualitative research (e.g. sampling and recruitment). Research methods covered include: surveys; freedom of information requests; official statistics and content analysis; interviews; ethnography and participant observation; archival sources; digital methods. Space is given to discussions of the importance of ethical research.
Criminology with Law BA (Hons)
Honours Degree, Undergraduate, September 2025
Key Details
- L311 Course Code
- 3* Years
- 112 Typical UCAS Tariff
This opportunity is provided as a pathway on our BA (Hons) Criminology degree. All students begin their studies on the BA (Hons) Criminology degree before either choosing to remain on the Criminology degree or choosing the Criminology with Law pathway towards the end of their first year. Students who complete this pathway will receive the specialist BA (Hons) Criminology with Law award at graduation.
Overview
Criminology at Birmingham Newman University offers a critical perspective on crime and the criminal justice system, focusing on social harms and social justice. You will quickly become a valued part of a diverse learning community seeking to understand the full range of crimes and social harms that affect society.
You will be taught by a team of experienced lecturers who are research-active and engaged in research that informs the teaching and learning experience in criminology. The teaching team have substantive professional experience in the criminal justice and victim support sectors, policing and legal sectors enriching your learning experience through their connections.
Our innovative approach to teaching, learning, and assessments immerses learners in the study of crime and justice. The Core Criminology curriculum is delivered in the classroom by experienced lecturers.
The Criminology team’s diverse connections and partnerships with criminal justice professionals in the West Midlands mean our students regularly learn about the everyday realities, rewards, and challenges of working in prisons, probation, youth justice, victim support, and more. This immersion includes varied assessment methods such as individual and group presentations, skills in improvisation and responding to panel questions, youth justice panel simulations, consultation reports, appraising and recommending interventions, briefing papers, and designing and writing up research projects. This approach equips students with the necessary qualities and transferable skills for future careers in criminal justice professions.
Criminology with Law
The Criminology with Law programme at Birmingham Newman University adopts an interdisciplinary approach, allowing learners to acquire a comprehensive understanding of criminology and law. This course introduces learners to major criminological and legal perspectives. Learners examine concepts of crime and the operation of the criminal justice system, acquiring a solid foundation in elements of law and legal practice. Studies include examining various types of crimes and social harms, understanding their impact on society, and exploring crime prevention, criminal behaviour, and societal responses to crime.
Elements of Law covered in the Criminology with Law pathway include family law, immigration and asylum law, and law of the European Union, as well as international human rights and medical law and ethics.
You will be taught by experienced academics with professional experience in the criminal justice, victim support, and legal sectors. They enrich your learning experience through their connections. Some lecturers are research-active and engaged in research that informs the teaching and learning experience in Criminology with Law.
Our innovative approach to teaching, learning, and assessments immerses learners in the study of crime, justice, and law. The Criminology and Law curriculum is delivered in the classroom by experienced lecturers.
The Criminology and Law team’s diverse connections and partnerships with criminal justice and legal professionals in the West Midlands mean our students regularly learn about the everyday realities, rewards, and challenges of working in prisons, probation, youth justice, victim support, and legal sectors. This immersion includes varied assessment methods such as individual and group presentations, skills in improvisation and responding to panel questions, youth justice panel simulations, consultation reports, appraising and recommending interventions, briefing papers, and designing and writing up research projects. This approach equips students with the necessary qualities and transferable skills for future careers in criminal justice and/or law enforcement professions.
Why study this course?
-The holistic course design (content, simulation assessments, criminal justice site visits, and guest speakers) allows learners to be immersed in their study of crime and justice to aid their eventual progression into various Criminal Justice professions.
-Master a range of criminological theories and their evolution, while learning to evaluate how these frameworks shape modern approaches to crime prevention and criminal justice.
-Small cohorts afford opportunities to personalise students progression and over three years, we nurture and champion students to develop their own specialist criminological subject expertise
-Uncover the issues underpinning social harms and inequalities. Discover the potential for how your learning can be channelled into tackling crime, social harms, injustice and make a lasting difference in the work you do.
What to expect from your First Year of Study:
Your first year of study, gives you a foundational knowledge and understanding of crime, criminal justice, crime prevention, issues of social inequality and criminological theory. You will study controversial debates about the role the media have in driving the narrative about representing crime and groups in society as ‘social problems’. You will learn to apply various social and psychological theories to the causes of crime and specialise in issues relating to youth crime and the interventions used by the youth justice sector. You will also develop an understanding of key research methods and study skills vital for your progression in your undergraduate studies.
At the end of your first year of study, you make a decision as to whether to remain studying solely Criminology. If you do, and once you’ve completed your studies, you will graduate with a BA (Hons) Criminology award. Or you can choose to follow either the Criminology with Policing pathway or Criminology with Law pathway. Students who complete one of these pathways will study specially selected modules from Law or Professional Policing. Once the studies are completed you will graduate with a specialist BA (Hons) Criminology with Policing award or BA (Hons) Criminology with Law award.
What to expect from your second year of studying Criminology with Law pathway
In your second year of study, you will engage with a meticulously planned curriculum that integrates Criminology with Law. You will pursue specially selected Law modules such as Family Law, which provides learners with a critical understanding of the legal responses to the formation, dissolution, and regulation of family relationships through marriage and civil partnerships. Learners will evaluate the law concerning the parent/child relationship, including the concept of parental responsibility, its operation between parents, and circumstances under which a court may intervene. The module also covers the legal consequences of domestic violence within the family home and the protective measures available to safeguard family members. Key concepts, definitions, and sources of UK immigration and asylum law are critically examined in Immigration and Asylum Law. Learners will gain critical insights into key aspects of immigration law, including work-related provisions, dependents, refugee status, penalties, and appeals. will Despite the UK no longer being a member of the EU, learners will understand, analyse, and apply European Union law in various contexts, as domestic law continues to be influenced by previous membership. Learners will also acquire a working knowledge of international law through study encountered on Law of the European Union. Additionally, you will deepen your understanding of key criminological issues, such as the moral and ethical dimensions of punishment, and explore various social problems. You will consider how criminal justice and social policy offer different responses to these issues. You will develop criminological skills in both quantitative and qualitative research, including project design, data analysis, and writing up research findings.
What to expect from your third year of studying Criminology with Law pathway
In your third and final undergraduate year of study, you will delve deeper into pertinent criminological issues and explore advanced topics in law and ethics. You will delve deeper into critical criminological issues, including Equality and Diversity in the Criminal Justice System. You will have the opportunity to study the processes of Rehabilitation and Desistance, exploring how individuals cease offending and reintegrate into society.
The study of International Human Rights will provide learners with an understanding of the historical development of human rights protection in international law, focusing on theories and various regional and international enforcement systems. Students will examine specific rights and the legal and structural limitations of international human rights law.
Alongside this, learners will acquire a working knowledge of the expansive and evolving area of Medical Law and Ethics, driven by developments in medical technology and innovative scientific techniques. Students will also debate the philosophical and ethical dimensions of medical law.
Finally, you will pursue independent, in-depth research on a criminological or social harm topic of particular interest to you. This work will be presented as a traditional written dissertation or an extended project that includes a written component and allows for a more creative ‘resource’.
Criminology students complete a range of assessments including:
Blog posts;
youth justice panel simulation;
individual or group presentations;
Essay;
Multiple-choice test;
Project report;
Research proposal;
Portfolio;
Consultant report;
Auto-ethnography;
Poster
Criminology graduates generally find employment within:
Youth Justice;
The National Probation Service and Community Rehabilitation Companies
The Police
The Prison Service
Third sector organisations such as victim support and local supported accommodation and offender management projects.
Roles within the IPCC
Crime analysts
Investigators in the expanding private security sector.
A criminology degree also promotes an excellent grounding for graduate careers in other public sector and voluntary sector organisations, and for progressing to professional training routes in the areas such as law and social work.
Potential future employers include:
Central and local government departments such as the Home Office and Ministry of Justice, the Police and Crime Commissioners Office, the Court Services, security services, the NHS, educational institutions, and charities that work with victims of crime.
Criminology graduates also work in a range of other social welfare posts, such as social work, teaching, community development, mental health support and drug rehabilitation, in refugee and victim support/counselling and policy and campaigning organisations.
Opportunities also exist in the private sector, for example in in law practices.
Note that entry into some of these professions require further postgraduate training.
Birmingham Newman University is located in Britain’s second city – Birmingham. With one of the youngest city populations in Europe, it is a vibrant and dynamic place to study.
Studying at Newman University, you have the advantage of being near to the city, but living in, or commuting to peaceful and comfortable surroundings on campus.
Dining out
Birmingham has lots of wonderful places to dine out with a range of different cuisines. Places where you can dine out include; Brindley Place, Mailbox and Hagley Road (just 10 minutes’ from Newman).
Entertainment
Whether you like to go to; the theatre, gigs or clubs, or enjoy: sports, shopping visiting art galleries or exhibitions – Birmingham will not disappoint and you will be spoilt for choice!
Location
Getting around Birmingham is easy via train, bus or by car. Birmingham has excellent transport links to the rest of Britain, making it easy for those weekend getaways!
Why not explore the city for yourself by visiting one of our Open Days?
Want to find out more about Birmingham? Then take a look at some Birmingham City Secrets.
Entry Requirements
UK home students
Entry requirements, for UK home students, for September 2025 entry:
- 112 UCAS points
UK Applying Direct Option
International students
If you are an international student, please get in touch with our International team who will be able to advise on entry criteria for this course. Email international@newman.ac.uk or telephone +441218160449.
International Applying Direct option
To apply for this course, you can apply direct using the apply link provided below:
Please note that courses with a professional placement are not available to International students.
Course Fees
UK home students
The full-time course fee, for UK home students, for September 2025 is £9,535 per year.
International students
The full-time course fees and funding, for International students, for September 2025 are:
- Undergraduate Taught: £12,500 tuition fee
- International Excellence Scholarship: £1,500
All International Students who apply in 2024/25 will be eligible for the International Excellence Scholarship which will be automatically applied to their offer as a tuition fee reduction.
Additional Costs
Find out more about the other additional costs associated with our undergraduate degrees.
The University will review tuition fees and increase fees in line with any inflationary uplift as determined by the UK Government, if permitted by law or government policy, in subsequent years of your course. It is anticipated that such increases would be linked to RPI (the Retail Price Index excluding mortgage interest payments).
International students
For detailed information on course fees for international students, please visit our International Students page.
Additional Costs
Find out more about the other additional costs associated with our undergraduate degrees.
The University will review tuition fees and increase fees in line with any inflationary uplift as determined by the UK Government, if permitted by law or government policy, in subsequent years of your course. It is anticipated that such increases would be linked to RPI (the Retail Price Index excluding mortgage interest payments).
Modules
Please be aware that, as with any course, there may be changes to the modules delivered, for information view our Changes to Programmes or Module Changes page.
Timetables: find out when information is available to students
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Examines English Law practice and procedure relating to private issues around family life. What works well and what requires further development and why? What changes would you introduce?
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This module gives learners robust training in quantitative and qualitative research methods and practical skills and competencies in the retrieval, analysis and writing up of quantitative and qualitative data
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This module is a study of the penal system. This includes the history, philosophy, sociology and practice of state punishment. Punishment is highly contested and penal practices both historically and in the contemporary world have been subject to vigorous critique. Students will be encouraged to become involved in these debates and to have the confidence to articulate their own views and opinions concerning state punishment. This module will start by considering a range of conceptual and theoretical approaches towards state punishment. Students will explore how state punishment is justified philosophically and how its operation is explained sociologically. The module will then explore how the penal these ideas are reflected in both in terms of government policy and in practice through the work of courts, prisons and offender management agencies.
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Examines UK practice and procedure under the light of its International Legal Obligations on Immigration and Asylum. What works well and what requires further development and why? What changes would you introduce?
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This module provides an overview of the legal framework and institutions of the only supranational organisation in the world—the European Union. It will explore the origin, goals, and dynamics of EU institutions, as well as the principles and effectiveness of EU law, their impact on member states, and the relationship between EU law and national law. Why did the UK join the organisation in 1973 and leave in 2019? The module aims to develop a critical understanding of the EU's legal system and its significance in shaping policies and regulations within member states.
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This module invites students to critically explore the complex relationship between societal issues and the criminal justice system. By examining themes of equality, diversity, and justice, this module challenges students to reflect on their own perspectives and experiences, while encouraging deeper understanding of the world they study. The module’s participatory and evolving nature provides an engaging learning experience where students are encouraged to remain open-minded and actively engage in discussions throughout. Each week builds on previous concepts, providing opportunities for personal and professional growth. By the end of the module, students will have gained valuable insights, ultimately enhancing their abilities as criminology practitioners. The key topics covered include masculinities, the concept of whiteness, intersectionality, women in criminal justice, and the experiences of individuals with disabilities within the system. These subjects provide a comprehensive understanding of the diverse factors influencing criminal justice, enriching students' perspectives and broadening their analytical skills This module is designed to provoke thoughtful reflection, foster empathy, and challenge existing norms, all while striving to create a more inclusive and equitable approach to criminal justice.
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The undergraduate project affords learners the opportunity for sustained and independent study in the final year of their course. It intends to develop knowledge of, and critical insight into, a topic of the student's choice within the broad area of Criminology. Students are enabled to undertake first-hand enquiry and encouraged to develop an analytical and reflective approach to the subject identified for study. The module aims to encourage the articulation of a critically informed perspective on the subject being studied. It also intends to enable the production of a coherent document or artefact of rigorous academic standards.
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This module provides an in-depth examination of the principles and practices of international human rights law. It examines the UN and regional International Human Rights systems and their potential to deliver on the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (1948) promise to guarantee the protection of the inherent dignity of individuals qua human beings everywhere. Students will explore what has worked well, what requires further development, and why. The module aims to develop a critical understanding of the legal frameworks that protect human rights, and the challenges faced in ensuring these rights are upheld globally.
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Rehabilitation and Desistance explores the various approaches within the criminal justice system aimed at addressing individuals who have been convicted of criminal offenses. Focusing on rehabilitation and desistance, the module examines how offenders are managed, either through incarceration or through programs designed to promote reintegration and reduce recidivism. The module begins with an introduction to the concepts of rehabilitation and desistance, encouraging students to critically reflect on how personal values influence attitudes toward offenders. This foundational understanding will then serve as a springboard for analysing a variety of rehabilitative programs aimed at both adults and young people, including those convicted of violent, terrorist, and sexual offenses. Through a detailed examination of these programs, students will gain insight into the complexities of rehabilitation practices, the challenges of supporting offenders in desisting from crime, and the broader societal and ethical issues surrounding punitive measures and reintegration strategies. By the end of the module, students will be equipped with the knowledge to critically assess and engage with contemporary rehabilitative practices in the criminal justice system.
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In this disruptive era, the question of what in the field of medical practice is ethical and what not so ethical is being severely tested. Can the law ever catch-up with the fast pace of change in this space, to give assurance and certainty to professionals and users of emergent advances in medical therapies? This module examines the issues.
Additional Information
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