Course summary

Our curriculum is based upon the research and scholarship of the team. In this Politics and International Studies with Criminology degree we foster your interests, ignite your passions and challenge and question the political and criminological world. We encourage students to pursue their interests, become research literate and have a strong understanding and appreciation of the research carried out in these disciplines. Students are encouraged to delve deep into politics and international studies and into criminology: to question, challenge and discover. You will develop expertise in key political and criminological concepts, theoretical ideas and research approaches. Focusing on political and criminal justice systems, you will critically examine the context in which it operates. This Politics and International Studies with Criminology degree provides a detailed knowledge and understanding of contemporary political analysis, an excellent training in social research methods, the ability to apply theoretical perspectives and concepts to real-life problems, and an appreciation of the complexity and diversity of political problems in society. The degree equips graduates for employment in a range of careers in the statutory, voluntary and private sectors, locally and internationally. Our world leading research is used in the classroom to help develop the overall research literacy of the students. We give our students the opportunity to gain the skills and ability to carry out independent research, to assess the merits of competing theories and explanations, to work as part of a team, and to effectively engage in political debate with sensitivity to the views of others – all skills that are highly attractive to employers. Every student is encouraged to be an active member of the Politics and International Studies with Criminology team and pursue active learning in the academic study of the disciplines Criminology forms the Minor component of this course. The Criminology component offers a range of ideas and theories from several different disciplines including law, public policy, social policy and economics. Students will examine mainstream concepts of criminology and criminal justice such as crime, environment, victims, desistance, sentencing, policing and emergent ideas on equality and human rights. These, coupled with knowledge of institutions and structures, will provide students with a wider understanding of behaviour and activity within the criminal justice system.