BA (Honours) in Criminology Open University

Our honours degree programme in criminology focuses on cutting edge, topical and often controversial criminological issues. You'll learn to apply research tools and access and evaluate qualitative and quantitative data on crime, victimisation and the societal responses to them. With an appreciation of criminological theorising and evidence, you will develop the skills to comment on crime, victimisation, and responses to crime and deviance, including policy questions, at national, international and global levels.

Key features of the course

• Explore controversial issues of crime, harm and criminal justice.
• Evaluate claims made about crime, criminals, victims and criminal justice.
• Learn to critically evaluate evidence to better understand criminological problems.
• Examine the role of both theory and research in shaping knowledge about crime and justice.
• Explore criminological topics of your own interest in depth in the final year of study.

Accessibility

We make all our qualifications as accessible as possible and have a comprehensive range of services to support all our students. The BA (Honours) Criminology uses a variety of study materials and has the following elements:

• studying online – some modules have a mixture of printed and online material, and others are entirely online. Online learning resources may include websites, audio/video media clips, and interactive activities such as online quizzes
• online tutorials
• developing numeracy and academic writing skills
• working in a group or collaborating with other students
• finding external/third party material online
• using technology for research purposes involving access to catalogues and databases online
• continuous and end-of-module assessment in the form of essays, short answer questions, and in some cases an examination
• using feedback: continuous assessment involves receiving detailed feedback on your work from your tutor and using this feedback to improve your performance
• engagement with learning and assessment within a pre-determined schedule or timetable – time management will be needed during your studies and the University will help you to develop these skills throughout your degree.

This qualification develops your learning in four main areas:

• Knowledge and understanding
• Cognitive skills
• Practical and professional skills
• Key skills

The level and depth of your learning gradually increase as you work through the qualification. You’ll be supported throughout by the OU’s unique style of teaching and assessment – which includes a personal tutor to guide and comment on your work; top quality course texts; e-learning resources like podcasts, interactive media and online materials; tutorial groups and community forums.

Course details

This degree has three stages, each comprising 120 credits.

• At Stage 1 you’ll study two introductory modules – one with a focus on criminology and one with a focus on social science.
• Next, at Stage 2, you’ll study two modules exploring theories and research methods in criminology and criminal justice.
• Finally, at Stage 3, you’ll study the final two criminology modules. which will include completing a project on a criminological topic that interests you most.

Prepare for OU study with an Access module

We offer two starting points depending on how confident you are or how long it’s been since you last studied. Choose to dive straight in at Stage 1, or if you’d prefer some extra preparation, you can get started with an optional Access module.