4B068E - Introduction to Criminology 01 Sep 2027 - 31 Aug 2033 | Version 0
Associated Module Information
| Module Code: | 4B068E | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Module Title: | Introduction to Criminology | ||
| Faculty: | Faculty of Computing, Engineering and Science | ||
| Faculty Group: | Applied Science | ||
| Faculty Sub Group: | Forensic Science | ||
| Module Leader: | Hannah Seale | ||
| Module Team: | James McCormack | ||
| First Intended Intake: | SEP 2027 | Final Year of Intake: | 2032 |
| Date Closed: | |||
| Credit Value: | 30 | Credit Level: | 4 |
| Language: | English | ||
| Percentage of Module Taught in Welsh: | 0 | ||
| Equivalent Module: | |||
| HECOS codes: | 100388 - forensic science | 100483 - criminal justice | 100484 - criminology |
| HECOS Code Weighting: | 60 | 20 | 20 |
Document Version Information
| Version | 0 |
|---|---|
| Valid From | 01 Sep 2027 |
| Valid To | 31 Aug 2033 |
Module Aims
To introduce students to the major theoretical frameworks in criminology and develop their ability to apply these to the understanding of criminal behaviour in investigative contexts.
To develop foundational investigative reasoning skills through progressive, challenge-based application of criminological knowledge to a realistic case scenario.
To build professional communication skills in written and oral formats appropriate to criminal investigation, supporting progression to applied practice at higher levels.
Content Summary
This module introduces students to the major theoretical frameworks in criminology and develops their ability to apply these to the analysis of criminal behaviour in investigative contexts. Designed for students with no prior experience, it provides a foundation in criminological thinking while building the professional communication skills required to articulate that thinking in written and oral formats.
Students examine classical and contemporary criminological perspectives, exploring how social, cultural, and environmental factors shape patterns of crime and offending behaviour. Understanding why crimes happen and how offending is shaped by social, psychological, and environmental factors is fundamental to effective investigative practice — equipping students with the analytical lens needed to contextualise and interpret evidence throughout their careers.
Throughout the module, students progressively apply criminological knowledge to a realistic case scenario, developing foundational investigative reasoning through a challenge-based approach that mirrors the demands of professional practice.
The module complements the Level 4 Crime Scene Investigation and Criminal Investigation modules by providing the theoretical grounding needed to contextualise crime within the criminal justice system. By the end of the module, students will apply criminological theory to real cases, critically evaluate its usefulness and limitations, and communicate their analysis in formats appropriate to an investigative context.
Learning and Teaching Methods
| Activity Type | Hours |
|---|---|
| Scheduled Learning and Teaching (Workshops, Practical's and Seminars) | 56 |
| Guided Learning - Independent (Directed Reading, VLE Tasks) | 10.5 |
| Summative Assessment and Preparation | 60 |
| Formative Assessment | 12 |
| Independent Learning (Wider reading, Research, Reflection, Consollidation) | 161.5 |
| Total Hours Selected | 300 |
Learning Outcomes
| # | Learning Outcome |
|---|---|
| LO1 | Identify and apply the major theoretical frameworks in criminology to explain criminal behaviour and interpret crime in investigative contexts, demonstrating awareness of their strengths and limitations. |
| LO2 | Communicate criminological analysis in professional written and oral formats appropriate to a criminal investigative context, demonstrating awareness of the investigative implications of criminological knowledge. |
Module Requisites
N/A
Assessment Criteria
| Assessment Category | Assessment Type | Description | Duration | Word Count | Weight (%) | Best of? | Pass Mark |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Synchronous Onsite Oral Assessment | Group Presentation (Synchronous Onsite) | Requires students to collaboratively analyse a real case study, apply relevant criminological theories, and present their findings to an audience. The case study format grounds abstract theory in a realistic context, developing students' ability to interpret criminal behaviour using criminological thinking directly relevant to investigative and forensic practice. The group format is deliberate — collaborative working is a core professional competency in forensic and investigative contexts, and the presentation develops students' ability to coordinate analysis, negotiate interpretations, and communicate as a team. | 20 | N/A | 70 | No | 40 |
| Asynchronous Assessment | Self Reflective Assessment 1 | builds directly on the experience of A1. Students reflect on preparing and delivering the group presentation, considering what they learned about criminological theory through its application, how they contributed to the group, and how they would approach a similar task in the future. The sequenced design is intentional — A1 generates a meaningful experience of theoretical application and professional communication, and A2 uses that experience as the basis for reflection, creating a deliberate feedback loop consistent with the USW Assessment for Learning principles. | 0 | 1500 | 30 | No | 40 |
Assessment Matrix
| Assessment Type | Learning Outcomes | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| LO1 | LO2 | ||
| Group Presentation (Synchronous Onsite) | ✔ | ✔ | |
| Self Reflective Assessment 1 | ✔ | ✔ | |