Course Overview

Criminology is concerned with what behaviour is defined as criminal and who has the power to define what constitutes crime. Criminology is commonly misconceived and confused with other subject areas like forensic science. Although criminology does, of course, explore crime, the focus is on the causes of crime and deviant behaviour, how this affects society and how the criminal justice system responds to this, rather than on crime scene analysis, forensics and criminal investigation.

Criminology is a research-led degree and develops students into analytical and critical thinkers. It explores crime as a social construct, asking important questions such as: What are the individual and societal causes of crime and deviant behaviour? Who in society is more likely to commit a crime? Does offender rehabilitation work? Who is likely to become a victim of crime? Why are some dangerous behaviours criminal and other aren't? And how does media attention and reporting impact crime and deviance? Criminologists are also interested in how to prevent crime, the purpose and effectiveness of punishment and how the criminal justice system can better respond to crime when it does take place.

This course uniquely combines criminology with counselling studies – two disciplines which are vital to the criminal justice system. Counselling has an important and expanding role in attending to the victims of crime, addressing some of the causes of offending, reducing re-offending, seeking restorative justice, and alleviating stress among criminal justice practitioners. The counselling element of the programme will broaden and deepen your understanding of counselling-related issues. You will develop your competence in working with the person-centred counselling approach, and you will develop a wide range of professional skills, including communication, reflective practice and self-awareness, research skills, mindfulness and cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT); all key skills to take forward with you into your chosen career.

This course received a 91% student satisfaction rate for learning opportunities in the most recent National Student Survey (NSS) (University of Salford analysis of unpublished NSS 2022 data).

You will:

• Develop strong analytical and critical thinking skills

• Gain the skills to carry out your own research, to apply a critical mind to contemporary social problems, and to adopt an empathetic and supportive stance to those suffering from harm

• Have the opportunity to do a placement in a subject-relevant area and to use the engagement with practitioners to reflect on, and develop, your career plans

• Graduate with a degree and the competency to practice counselling skills at certificate level

• Benefit from our strong links with criminal justice institutions and professionals working in the sector

• Be taught by research active staff who ensure that module content aligns with current social science happenings, controversies and debates

General Eligibility

GCSE

English Language and Maths at Grade 4/C or above (or equivalent). You must fulfil our GCSE entry requirements as well as one of the requirements listed below

UCAS tariff points

112 points

A level

112 points

Part Time Work Details

20 Hours of Work permit weekly for international students.

Language Requirement

• The IELTS score for international applicants is 6.0 (with no less than 5.0 in each component).