Higher Education

Start Date: Level: Study mode: Course Location: Course Type:
September Level 6 Full-Time Bede Campus University Level Qualification Apply Enquire

What’s it all about?

Build your knowledge and confidence across key areas of crime and justice, with focused modules that explore everything from counter-terrorism to victimology. This course is designed for those with a relevant Level 5 qualification who want to develop specialist expertise and graduate with a full honours degree. You’ll explore the criminal justice system from multiple perspectives, including health and wellbeing, forensics, law, ethics, and social injustice.

Through a substantial independent dissertation and hands-on investigative modules, you’ll sharpen your research, critical thinking and analytical skills. Teaching is collaborative and practical, led by an experienced and supportive team. You'll work with peers on real-world problems, take part in group debates, and tackle digital projects. Industry connections with organisations like Northumbria Police and HM Prison and Probation Services help bridge theory and practice, preparing you for roles in policing, the prison system, youth justice, criminal justice charities and more. A strong next step for anyone passionate about justice and reform.

You will need to hold a pass or higher grade from related Level 5 qualification, such as the Foundation Degree in Crime and Criminal Justice (240 credits).

120 credits

Study level Cost Additional fees
HE Please enquire Course Fee: £6,355.00 *Please note that all fees are subject to change and will be confirmed upon enrolment.* Further information about financial support can be found on our page here: https://northumberland.ac.uk/experience/financial-support/higher-education-financial-support/

Teaching on modules is active and action-orientated; learning will be done in a safe and supportive classroom space, with clear intent and sequenced progression articulated by an experienced and charismatic teaching team. Students will get the chance to apply learning to their own interests and understanding of the world, whilst collaborating with peers on flipped research tasks and project work from an androgogical perspective. Group debates, problem-solving, interactive group presentations and collaborative research tasks all add to EPNE’s meaning of active and entrenched learning on the BA top up in Crime and Criminal Justice, and thus cater for an outstanding student experience.

As with the nature of the study area, assessments take a vastly diverse form depending on the area studied, from research-orientated writing tasks, to public-facing presentations and digital knowledge production.

We have a number of links to industry, including partnerships to provide an outstanding learning experience and ensure your are equipped with the skills and knowledge needed to progress to a career in industry.

These include Northumbria Police, HM Court and Tribunals Service, HM Prison Service and HM Probation Service.

Students will enhance their skills and competencies on this programme by undertaking a dissertation, and completing 4 other Crime and Criminal Justice modules.

There is an inclusive and supportive design which will allow learners to complete the programme effectively.

• Dissertation (40 credits) - This year-long module will support students through a piece of major independent research. Students will work with a dissertation supervisor, and will go through the research ethics process. The dissertation-theme can be decided by the student and should be Crime and Criminal Justice related.
• Health, Wellbeing and Social Injustice (20 credits) - There is a complex relationship between crime, deviance, well-being and public health, and this module aims to unpack this, providing a critical insight into the dichotomy between human rights, social injustice and crime and deviance.
• The War on Terror (20 credits) - This module explores counter terrorism in its criminological, sociological and legal application. It requires students to critically analyse the meaning of terrorism, facilitators and motivators, and also the criminal justice system response to it in the UK and internationally.
• Criminal Investigation (20 credits) - This module provides students with an understanding of the criminal investigation process, from forensics, investigatory practice and relevant legislation to police interviews, testimonies, surveillance and evidence. Students develop a critical awareness of how police investigate crime and how courts use evidence. Current issues pertaining to criminal investigation will be explores, including notorious miscarriages of justice.
• Victimology and Peace-making (20 credits) - This module seeks to explore Crime and Criminal Justice from the viewpoint of victims and challenge traditional responses to crime. Students will be exposed to an array of contexts whereby the notion of ‘restorative justice’ is challenged.

What’s next?

Graduates are well-prepared for careers in policing, probation, the prison service, youth justice, the Civil Service, and criminal justice charities. The course also supports progression into postgraduate study, such as a master’s in criminology, criminal justice, or related fields. With strong research skills, critical awareness, and sector knowledge, students are equipped to influence change, support communities, and shape fairer systems.

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93% of our students have progressed to employment, university or further study

(*Destination data, all students, 2023-24)

Why choose Sunderland College?

Rated Outstanding in all areas by Ofsted

Ofsted, 2024

94% Overall pass rate for T Levels

2022-23

Top performing college group in the North East for student achievement

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