BA (Honours) in Criminology and Law Open University

Crime, justice and the workings of the law are matters that affect us all and often dominate the news. This degree takes a critical and analytical view of the role and functions of the legal system and examines its relationship with crime, harm criminal justice. 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. You'll gain the ability to critically assess everyday understandings of crime, harm and criminal justice, the social, political, economic, historical and ethical dimensions of law, as well as gain knowledge of the key institutions which make up criminal justice and legal systems.

Key features of the course

• Explore the complex issues behind today’s crime, law and justice headlines.
• Understand, interpret and apply concepts about crime and law to 'real world' problems
• Develop transferable employability skills to support career progression.
• Identify where criminal justice and law is failing to provide social justice, fairness and equal opportunities in society.

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 and Law 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
• using and/or producing diagrams and/or screenshots
• practical work
• finding external/third party material online
• using technology for research purposes involving access to catalogues and databases online
• working with specialist reading material such as works of art and musical manuscripts
• 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 introductory modules in criminology and in law.
• Next, at Stage 2, you’ll explore public and evidence law, and criminology.
• Finally, at Stage 3, you’ll study crime, social harm trusts law, and complete your degree with a choice of law modules.

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.