
Criminology BA (Hons)
Welcome
Welcome to Criminology at Birmingham Newman University!
Are you fascinated by the mysteries of human behaviour, the workings of justice, and the forces that shape our society? Then you’re in the right place!
At Birmingham Newman, our Criminology programme is more than just lectures and textbooks — it’s a dynamic, real-world journey into the heart of crime and justice. You’ll explore everything from cybercrime and youth offending to criminal psychology and justice reform, all while developing the critical thinking and analytical skills that employers value.
What makes us different?
- Passionate lecturers who bring real-world experience into the classroom.
- A supportive, close-knit community where you’re known by name.
- Hands-on learning through guest speakers, court visits, and networking events.
- A timetable designed to give you three focused days on campus, leaving time for independent study and reflection.
Semester 1
Week beginning 22 September 2025
- Monday: 3pm to 6pm
- Thursday: 11am to 2pm
- Friday: 11am to 2pm
Full details of your individual academic timetable, including Semester 2 timetable which may differ, will be available via your university email calendar after you have completed online enrolment and set up your student login.
- Introduction to the Criminology team (15 minutes) – 10am to 10:15am
- Why Criminology (activity) (30 minutes) – 10:15am to 10:45am
- Crime through the ages: time-line puzzle (30 minutes) – 10:45am to 11:15am
- Fake News (20 minutes) – 11:15am to 11:35am
- Criminal Sketch Artist (25 minutes) – 11:35am to close (time permitting)
Lunch – 12pm to 1pm
- Coaching and Personal Development session (Careers) – 1pm to 3pm
Pre-arrival activities
Get a head start before you arrive:
- Engage critically with the news — notice how stories are told, what’s emphasised, and what’s left out.
- Watch and listen to programmes like Newsnight, Channel 4 News, and BBC Radio 4 Today.
- Explore your interests through podcasts, documentaries, and docu-dramas.
- Reflect on what drew you to Criminology — what issues matter to you? Start reading around them now to prepare for your research journey.
Optional Pre-Arrival Task:
Watch episode 1 of The Gold series 1(BBC iPlayer) — a gripping drama based on the 1983 Brink’s-Mat robbery.
Make notes on the following:
- The main characters involved in the robbery.
- The planning and execution of the crime.
- Any other criminal activities that emerge (e.g., money laundering, corruption, violence).
Thinking time:
- What types of crimes are shown in the episode? (e.g., armed robbery, conspiracy, handling stolen goods)
- What motivates the characters to commit these crimes?
- How do the crimes affect others (victims, families, society)?
Now complete the table:
- Type of Crime
- Character(s) Involved
- Motivation
- Consequences
- Armed Robbery
- Money Laundering
- Corruption
- Conspiracy to Commit Crime
Recommended Reading:
- The Devil You Know – G. Adshead & E. Horne (2021)
- In Control: Dangerous Relationships and How They End in Murder – J. Monckton Smith (2021)
These texts explore the psychology behind extreme criminal behaviour — and challenge us to think deeply about how society responds to it.
- Monday 15 September 2025
- 2pm to 5:30pm
- Room DA118
IMPORTANT: Please bring your photo ID with you to complete the ID verification check for Student Finance confirmation.
- Thursday 18 September 2025
- 11am to 1pm – Room DA118
- 2pm to 3pm – Room DA118
Team Overview: Criminology
A dynamic and interdisciplinary team of educators, researchers, and practitioners shaping the future of criminology across Higher Education, public engagement, and community-led change.
Dr. Em Temple-Malt – Programme Lead, Criminology
- Leads both Undergraduate and Postgraduate Criminology programmes
- Core research focus: life course theory and relationships between self and society
- Explores LGBTQ+ histories and the impact of societal attitudes on identity
- Advocates for mental health through equine therapy; passionate about horse-human relationships
- Co-Director of the SU-VAWG Hub, fostering cross-sector collaboration to address violence against women and girls
- Experienced PhD supervisor with specialisms in gender, social harm, and crimes of the powerful
Dr. Tammia O’Callaghan – Prison Education & Restorative Justice Expert
- Over a decade of teaching experience in prison education including HMP Birmingham & HMP Oakwood
- Specialist in penology, restorative justice, crime and media, and punishment strategies
- Well-connected across prisons, probation services, and charities supporting reintegration and rehabilitation
- Offers insights into alternative approaches to incarceration and systemic change within the criminal justice system
- Nature enthusiast and dedicated mother; brings deep empathy and grounded perspective to her teaching
Dr. Tiffany Cater – Victimology & Gender-Based Violence Researcher
- Expert in stalking, coercive control, domestic abuse, and sexual violence
- Trustee for the Alice Ruggles Trust—advancing national awareness around stalking and victim support
- Researching the legacy of Covid-19 in the education sector and its impact on vulnerable communities
- Assisted policing research on roads victimology and community behaviour interventions
- Champions creative research methodologies and ethical dissemination practices
Dr. Jack Whalley – Criminology & Forensic Psychology Lecturer
- Specialises in teaching across criminology and forensic psychology in FE and HE contexts
- Holds advanced qualifications in Criminology and Research Practice, with a completed doctoral thesis in the field
- Research supervision spans green criminology, terrorism, VAWG, and racism in community support
- Collaborator on police research around victimology, community policing, and road safety
- Advocates for inclusive education, social justice, and ethically driven criminological inquiry
Your Year 1 Modules at a Glance
Semester 1
CRU420 Media and Crime
Explore how crime and justice are portrayed across media platforms — from news to Netflix. Learn how media shapes public perceptions and policy.
- Assessment: Blog post
- Thursdays: 11am to 2pm
CRU421 Understanding the Criminal Justice System
Get to grips with how the UK justice system works — from policing to the courtroom. Includes real-world observation and guest speakers.
- Assessment: 15-minute presentation
- Fridays: 11am to 2pm
CRU407 Sociology of Crime
Dive into sociological theories of crime and deviance — from Marxism to labelling theory — and apply them to real-world case studies.
- Assessment: Essay
- Mondays: 3pm to 6pm
Semester 2
CRU422 Youth Offending and Justice
Examine why young people offend, how the youth justice system responds, and what works in helping them turn their lives around.
- Assessment: Youth justice panel intervention
- Wednesdays: 9am to 12pm
CRU423 Criminal Minds
Unpack the psychology behind criminal behaviour — from developmental influences to forensic mental health.
- Assessment: Essay
- Thursdays: 12pm to 3pm
CRU424 Criminological Research Methods
Learn how criminologists investigate the world — from interviews to digital methods — and explore careers in the field.
- Assessment: MCT and employability portfolio
- Tuesdays: 2pm to 5pm
HeadStart – Monday 1 to Friday 5 September 2025
Headstart is a programme aimed at introducing our new students to University life. We understand that our students come from all walks of life and have personal and individual aspirations for taking this important step in their journey.
This programme is an opportunity to:
- Talk to staff before starting university
- Meet other students
- Understand and navigate the campus
- Find out about the support available
- Start getting comfortable with university life
Welcome Week Services Fair – Your Chance to Meet the Teams!
As part of your induction to Birmingham Newman University, our Services Fair is your opportunity to meet the teams who will support you throughout your studies and explore the services available to help you succeed.
Dates & Times
- 1 September – 11am – 2pm
- 4 & 5 September – 11:30am to 1pm
- 15, 17, 18 & 19 September – 11am to 2pm
Note: The Students’ Union Welcome Fair will take place on 16 September – see their website for more details.
You’re welcome to drop in and take part on any of the fair dates — it doesn’t have to be the day of your induction.
- Chat with Careers about your future plans, grab some sweets and an employability bag, and register on My Career for a chance to win a £25 Amazon voucher.
- Make a badge with our Environmental Officer, download the OurNewman app to spin the wheel and win a prize, and join the Library for Q&A activities and their Prize Every Time Lucky Dip.
- Advice & Wellbeing will be offering stress tests, sound therapy, and an Affirmation Station, while E-Learning invites you to take their “Who You Gonna Call?” quiz for a prize draw entry.
- Try the Sport team’s exercise bike challenge and visit the Chaplaincy to choose the “word of the day” and share some positivity.
And that’s just the start — there’ll be many more services, activities, and opportunities to explore each day of the fair. Come along, get involved, and make the most of what’s on offer!
The Disability & Inclusion team and the Advice & Wellbeing team will be holding drop-in sessions on campus from 15–19 September.
- 15 September – 11am to 2pm: DW102 (Dimple – Disability & Inclusion)
- 16 September – 11am to 2pm: DW101 (Jas – Advice & Wellbeing)
- 17 September – 11am to 2pm: DW102 (Jas – Advice & Wellbeing)
- 18 September – 11am to 2pm: CH116 (Jas – Advice & Wellbeing)
- 19 September – 11am to 2pm: CH004 (Dimple – Disability & Inclusion)
No appointment needed – just drop in for advice, support, and guidance.
Key information
Induction
- Monday 15 September 2025
- Thursday 18 September 2025
Teaching starts
- Week beginning: 22 September 2025
Subject Leader
- Em Temple-Malt
Contact details
- E.Temple-Malt@staff.newman.ac.uk
Stay connected with OurNewman app
OurNewman is your go-to place for everything you need as a Birmingham Newman student. With the app, you can:
- Receive personalised notifications about your course, timetable, and deadlines
- Access to your files, emails, and course resources
- Find support services and keep up to date with campus events
Student Handbook

Birmingham Newman University Student Handbook – 2025-2026 (PDF – 4MB)