BSc (Hons) Criminology and Criminal Justice (Distance Learning) Bachelor's degree at the University of Portsmouth

This module helps you transition to university study, building essential academic skills and confidence for success throughout your degree. It focuses on the development of essential skills including reading, writing, presenting, reflecting and critical thinking, all of which are vital for academic achievement and development.

Explore the historical development and structure of policing in England and Wales, the growth of private and international policing, and the development of investigative methods and tactics. This module examines policing structures in England and Wales, considers the growth of private policing and security, and offers international comparisons. It also introduces core investigation methodologies and tactics.

Explore how criminal justice works in England and Wales. Examine key processes, theories, and global perspectives to understand fairness, punishment, and legal principles. This module examines the functions of the police, courts and prisons, while introducing essential models like crime control and due process. You'll evaluate the core rationales for punishment, from retribution to rehabilitation and learn to critically analyse the concept of justice itself.

Unpack the evolution of criminology since the 18th century. You'll examine the social and historical contexts behind the emergence of key perspectives in criminology, taking into account psychological and sociological theories. You'll spend time comparing methodologies, aims and purposes to build a comprehensive understanding of criminology's pioneers and their lasting influence on the modern frameworks and assumptions we still use today.

Get to grips with the various criticisms and challenges made of criminology. You'll explore accounts from critical theorists questioning criminology's role in engineering social order. You'll identify key commentators and unpack perspectives on the state imposing control through social disciplines. By evaluating arguments around resistance and dissent, you'll develop your ability to creatively and independently assess criminology's assumptions and purpose from different critical angles.

Develop your skills in criminology research. You'll deepen your practical knowledge by planning and conducting research investigations, before practising how to communicate your findings in various different ways. You'll work on your research projects both independently and in groups, keeping in mind the ethical dimensions of criminological research and how to uphold integrity.

Get to grips with contemporary theoretical perspectives within criminology, exploring different theoretical perspectives and criminal justice issues relevant to society today. You'll examine how crime is controlled by non-state organisations according to modes of governance and delivery of security. You'll also challenge criminological perspectives to be more inclusive in a global world, especially in relation to understanding harm and criminality.

Analyse different approaches to offender rehabilitation within the criminal justice system. You'll examine the theoretical models that underpin diverse rehabilitation initiatives, from restorative justice to desistance promotion, and look at real-world case studies. You'll also consider how rehabilitation works for different kinds of offenders.

How are information and communication technologies used to support police investigations? You'll learn how intelligence analysis and data protection principles are applied to inform investigative work, evaluating new technologically-enhanced techniques. You'll discuss emerging challenges from digital evidence to community partnership approaches. You'll also examine examples of miscarriages of justice to spotlight critical failure points across the legal process.

Examine terrorism and the different ways countries and states around the world respond to it. You'll analyse how groups, from religious extremists to eco-activists, turn to violence, evaluating the psychological and social factors that lead to radicalisation. You'll look in-depth at the strategies created to address counterterror operations, building a nuanced understanding of challenges balancing security, rights and freedoms.

Examine cybercrime threats and security strategies, exploring both the intentional and unintentional digital crimes - from hacking to harassment - that endanger individuals and organisations today. You'll think critically about approaches for mitigating the risk of cybercrime, learning how best to respond to attacks and build resilience against constantly advancing threats.

Discover how the discipline of forensic psychology impacts upon criminal justice systems, from police investigations to the courtroom. You'll consider this from a historical and theoretical perspective, and weigh up the efficacy of new innovations in forensic psychology. You'll learn how forensic psychology practices and decision-making impact upon the public, and key players within the justice system.

Explore crime scene analysis and forensic science. You'll access crime scene simulations to learn practical forensic and crime science techniques, before learning how to assess the value of physical evidence in the context of criminal investigations. You'll develop your understanding of key forensic principles so you can appreciate the real-world impact of forensic science across the criminal justice system.

Take an in-depth look at the world of organised crime, from the mafia mobsters of yore to today's adaptable, globalised networks. You'll demystify concepts of organised crime while exploring the realities of gang culture through discussion, debate and case studies. You'll analyse international syndicates trafficking everything from wildlife to weapons.

Look at the development of victimology as a concept in criminology over time, how it has evolved to spotlight victims' experiences and rebalance criminal justice's traditional focus on offenders. You'll assess the reforms that aim to support victims in the criminal justice system. Analysing theoretical models, you'll also gain insight into the factors that make becoming a victim more likely.