Programme summary for BA (Hons) Criminology & Criminal Justice by distance learning

About the programme

This degree will give you insights into the workings of the criminal justice system as it affects individuals and communities. You will enjoy this degree if you interested in issues such as rights and responsibilities, social exclusion, the psychology of crime and punishment and current affairs. This degree will help you to develop an understanding of the key concepts and theoretical perspectives in the study of crime and criminal justice. You will learn about the historical context of crime and punishment and gain an understanding of the relationship between argument and evidence in criminological debates. You will develop the ability to report and evaluate empirical research findings, undertake your own research and use legal concepts in practical situations.

Programme structure

To be awarded a Single Honours Degree in Criminology and Criminal Justice, you will have to complete 360 credits over three levels. This will comprise 120 credits at Level 1 or higher, plus 120 at Level 2 or higher, plus 120 at Level 3 or higher. All modules in Level 1 and 2 are compulsory. At Level 3 you must study two core modules and pick three further modules from a choice of seven.

It is also possible to study Criminology and Criminal Justice as part of a Combined Honours Degree, either as a Major/Minor or a Joint Honours.

Career opportunities

Whether you already work in the field, or want to pursue a career in this fascinating area, this degree will help to open doors. It could lead you into law enforcement, the security services, social or probation work, the prison service, or a number of other careers.

Support

On enrolment, you will be provided with an induction pack containing all the information you need to prepare you for your studies. UEL has a team of dedicated Distance Learning Student Advisors who will be the first point of contact for all non-academic support matters. The Distance Learning Student Advisors will:

welcome you by email, and provide advice on how to log to UEL Plus (the virtual learning environment) and Connecting UEL (the Resource & Community site)
work with you in conjunction with your academic tutor to agree a study programme, discuss your progress and remind you about deadlines
explain university procedures and policies
help you plan for assessments and exams and provide advice on time management
help you determine which university Award suits your career or personal needs
refer you to the best learning and support resources including dyslexia and disability support and career advice.

In addition all distance learning students receive academic support from course tutors. Tutors will communicate with you via UEL Plus (the virtual learning environment). Support is also available via the Learning Resource Centre where there are dedicated librarians and the ‘ask a librarian’ feature. Peer support is very important and you will find a broad range of opportunities to build networks and exchange ideas with other students via our online communities.

Admission

Entry to Level 1 or the Full Programme

To enrol on the first Level or the Full Programme you must normally hold 240 UCAS tariff points or equivalent.

Entry on a Modular Basis

If you do not hold the required tariff points for Level 1 or Full Programme entry, studies will be permitted on a modular basis, following a guidance interview with a student advisor.

In order to be able to complete this programme, a good level of English is required. Where English is not your first language, then IELTS 6.0 overall with 6.0 in Writing and Speaking and 5.5 Reaing and Listening (or equivalent) is required. International qualitifications will be checked for appropriate matriculation to UK Higher Education undergraduate programmes.

Overseas students should be aware that all exams MUST be taken in the UK at one of the six listed exam venues. Students should also be aware that they are expected to cover all costs in attending the exams.