BA (Honours) in Social Sciences (Criminology) Open University

This is one of several specialist routes available in our BA (Honours) Social Sciences (R23) degree. Half of your studies will be in interdisciplinary social science and sociology, giving you a firm grounding in the knowledge and ideas that are central to the social sciences. For the other half, you’ll learn how criminology helps us make sense of a range of issues related to crime, social conflict, criminal justice and criminalisation. On completion of your degree, you’ll be able to apply criminological and social theories, analyse a variety of evidence including statistical data, present arguments, write clearly and conduct your own research – opening up employment opportunities in private, public and voluntary sector organisations.

Key features of the course

• Specialise in criminology within a broad interdisciplinary social science degree.
• Explore real-world problems focusing on cutting edge, topical and often controversial criminological and social issues.
• Gain a degree directly relevant to careers within the criminal justice system and other organisations concerned with crime and social justice.
• Enhance your employability with valued skills, including analysing and evaluating evidence, communicating specialist ideas and information to different audiences.

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) Social Sciences uses a variety of study materials and has the following elements:

• studying a mixture of printed and online material – online learning resources may include websites, audio/video media clips, and interactive activities such as online quizzes
• face-to-face tutorials/day schools/workshops and/or online tutorials
• working in a group with other students
• finding external/third party material 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.

• You’ll start Stage 1 with an introductory social science module that explores the issues facing contemporary society before beginning your study of crime and criminalisation
• Next, at Stages 2 and 3, half your studies will be in sociology. For the other half, you’ll explore how criminologists seek to explain crime and how they understand the criminal justice system.

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.