BA (Hons) Criminology - Queen's University Belfast

Degree Overview

Overview:

The BA (Hons) in Criminology provides a unique vantage point to study crime and justice in a society transitioning from conflict. Criminologists are interested in how activities come to be defined as ‘criminal’, and why definitions and responses to crime vary over time and place. The subject includes a broad range of perspectives on understanding crime and criminal behaviour, as well as examining various methods in the prevention, policing and punishment of crime. The course also considers how and why people move away from crime, ways in which this might be facilitated and how people involved in offending can be reintegrated. Criminology at Queens is ranked 14th in the UK according to The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide in 2024.

Program learning outcomes:

Upon completion of this program students will be able to:

Critically evaluate the term ‘crime’ and the historical evolution of crime and our responses to it.
Critically apply criminological thinking to our understanding of crime and criminal justice processes.
Identify, find and evaluate a range of criminological sources especially (but not limited to) academic sources (books, journal articles) and official and other statistics on crime and criminality
Develop and communicate academic arguments supported by appropriate academic references
Explain how definitions of crime and responses to crime are socially constructed and related to power
Critically analyse the main social theories, debates and concepts relating to different forms of crime and social harm
Critically analyse the impacts of intersecting social identities and inequalities in crime, victimisation, criminalisation and social control

Course Structure:

120 credits per year, taken over three years
30 credits per module
A mixture of lectures, seminars, tutorials and independent study
A variety of assessment methods, including essays, presentations, exams and group work

Outline

Year One:

Introduction to Criminology
Explores the nature of crime, its causes and its social and political context.
Crime and Society
Examines the relationship between crime, social inequality, and social change.
Rethinking Society
Introduces students to sociological thinking, and the role that sociology can play in understanding crime.
Stage One Optional Modules
Students can choose from a range of optional modules, including: Visualising the social world, Themes and Issues in Social Policy, Introducing Social Policy, The Sociological Imagination, Comparative Politics, Issues in Contemporary Politics, Digital Society.

Year Two:

Criminological Theory
Examines the major theoretical perspectives on crime and crime causation.
Qualitative Research Skills
Equips students with the skills needed to conduct qualitative research.
Quantitative Research Skills
Equips students with the skills needed to conduct quantitative research.
Policing and Society
Examines the role and function of the police in society.
Stage Two Optional Modules
Students can choose from a range of optional modules, including: Justice and Conflict, Theory Counts, Exploring Harm and Victimisation, Crime and the Media.

Year Three:

Punishment, Penal Policy and Prison
Examines the nature and purpose of punishment, and the role of prisons in society.
Research Project and Dissertation
Students undertake a piece of independent research on a topic of their choice.
Stage Three Optional Modules
Students can choose from a range of optional modules, including: Youth, Crime and Criminal Justice, Psychological Perspectives on Crime, Social Identity: Differences and Inequalities, Reintegration After Prison, Modelling the social world, The Sociology of Protest and Revolution, The cultural politics of memory in a global perspective, Criminology Across Borders.

Assessment

Assessment methods:

Essays
Presentations
Exams
Group work
Portfolios
Dissertations

Assessment criteria:

Clarity of expression
Originality of thought
Critical analysis
Use of evidence
Referencing

Teaching

Teaching methods:

Lectures
Seminars
Tutorials
Independent study

Faculty:

The program is taught by a team of internationally-respected criminological researchers who specialize in areas, such as criminal justice policy, prisons, policing, desistance, youth justice and psychology.

Unique approaches:

The program is designed to provide students with a high level of student support, and to help them develop the critical and analytical skills they need to succeed in their careers. The program also offers students the opportunity to undertake a research project on a topic of their choice.

Careers

Career options:

Graduates of the program can pursue careers in a variety of fields, including:

Criminal justice
Social work
Probation
Policing
Research
Teaching
Public policy

Career development opportunities:

The program provides students with the opportunity to develop the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in their chosen career. The program also offers a number of career development opportunities, including:

Internships
Volunteering
Work placements
Mentoring

Other

The program is designed for students who are interested in a challenging and intellectually stimulating program that will prepare them for a successful career in the field of criminology. The program is also suitable for students who wish to pursue further study at the postgraduate level. The BA(Hons) incriminology is a challenging but rewarding program that can provide students with the knowledge, skills and experience needed to succeed in a variety of careers in the criminal justice system. The course is also suitable for students who wish to pursue further study.

Tuition Fees and Payment Information:

Northern Ireland (NI)

£4,750

Republic of Ireland (ROI)

£4,750

England, Scotland or Wales (GB)

£9,250

EU Other

£20,800

International

£20,800

Additional Course Costs

There are no specific additional course costs associated with this programme.

Payment Information

Students can pay their tuition fees in full or in installments.
Students can pay by bank transfer, credit/debit card, or online through the University's website.
Depending on the student's status, they may be eligible for financial assistance or scholarships.

Program start date	Application deadline
2025-09-01	-
2024-03-10	-
2024-08-20	-
2025-08-20	-