Criminology - Swansea University

www.swansea.ac.uk/law/criminology/
Department of
Criminology
College of Law & Criminology
Contents
Welcome
Welcome to the Department of Criminology
at Swansea University! Studying Criminology
at Swansea means...
... you will have the opportunity to learn about
crime, the criminal justice system and cutting
edge themes in criminological debates from
leading experts in the field. We specialise in
the application of Criminological knowledge to
the workings of the Criminal Justice System and
this is strongly reflected in the exciting range of
diverse and cutting-edge modules on offer.
... you will gain the knowledge and skills
to prepare you for a wide range of careers
in the Criminal Justice System and related
organisations. The Department of Criminology
provides a student-centred learning environment
and our staff are accessible and focused on
delivering an engaging programme of study.
... you will be part of a dynamic and active
research community. The Department of Criminology
is home to the Centre for Criminal Justice and
Criminology, a dedicated and highly rated research
centre which specialises in applied criminological
research mainly in the fields of offender
rehabilitation, sex work, sex offenders and youth
justice. We are also a UK recognised centre for the
training of Doctoral students.
I look forward to welcoming you to the Department!
Associate Professor Tracey Sagar
Head of the Department of Criminology
Criminology at Swansea
3
Undergraduate Degree Programmes
4
Postgraduate Taught Courses
6
Research Degrees
7
Academic Staff
8
Careers and Employability
10
Work Experience
11
Student Life
12
Swansea
13
Frequently Asked Questions
14
Entry Requirements and Contact Details
15
100%
of students on the Criminal
Justice and Criminology degree
programme are satisfied with
the course (National Student
Survey 2015).
Criminology
Programmes
at Swansea
Why study Criminology at
Swansea University?
In 2012, the Department was awarded the British Society of
Criminology’s National Award for Teaching Excellence for its
undergraduate programme. In 2013, the programme was recognised
in the ‘Compendium of Effective Practice in Higher Education’ – the
only Criminology entry in the UK.
Why study at Swansea University?
Set in rolling, coastal parkland, Swansea University enjoys
a spectacular location just minutes away from the beach at
Swansea Bay. The University offers over 500 undergraduate
and 130 postgraduate courses in a wide range of subject areas,
from American Studies to Zoology, to Medicine and Law. A full
range of social, cultural and sporting amenities complements
the campus lifestyle and contributes to the strong sense of
community that the University embraces.
Recent surveys and league tables have consistently placed
Swansea among the top 20 Universities in the UK for teaching
quality and student satisfaction. The results reflect the University’s
aim to deliver an outstanding student experience alongside
teaching of the highest quality that produces graduates equipped
for exceptional personal and professional achievement.
What is Criminology?
Criminology covers every aspect of crime and society’s
understanding of and responses to it. Some of the central
questions dealt with are:
• How much crime is there?
• What do we know about the causes of crime?
• How can we prevent crime?
The Department offers:
• High quality teaching by experts who are international leaders
in research
• A wide choice of modules covering a range of criminological topics
• A wide variety of interactive and innovative teaching and learning
methods, including lectures, seminars, workshops, group work,
independent study, research projects and social media groups
• Varied, student-friendly and career-enhancing assessment
methods, including essay, exam, blog, CV, research project,
presentation and dissertation
• Excellent feedback on all assessed work; consistently rated as
insightful, detailed and constructive
• Expert training in research methods – design, fieldwork, data
analysis, report writing and presentations
• Skills development in information finding, written and oral
communication, problem-solving and time management
• A supportive learning environment with individual personal tutors
• Enhanced employment opportunities in the field of criminal justice
and criminology
• A broad range of work experience, placements and research
internships
• Superb library services and computing facilities
• How should we research crime?
• Do victims of crime get a fair deal?
• What are the Government’s objectives in dealing with crime?
• Does the criminal justice system discriminate against ethnic
minorities and women?
3
Undergraduate
Criminology Degree
Programmes
What our first
years say about
their course:
“Very interactive, a delight to learn.”
– Adam Fredrickson
“Friendly environment, great group
work and interaction in lectures.”
– Lucy Smale
You can study Criminology in Swansea as the core
subject of the Single Honours BSc (Hons) in Criminology
and Criminal Justice, or as a Joint Honours subject in
combination with Law, Social Policy or Psychology.
PROGRAMME STRUCTURE
LEVEL 1: Introducing Criminology
At Level 1, you are introduced to the subject
of Criminology and Criminal Justice. In
the core modules, An Introduction to
the Criminal Justice System and The
Criminological Imagination, you will study
the general concepts, theories, debates
and themes within each area, along with
the relationship between Criminology and
Criminal Justice. Study Skills in Criminology
will introduce you to the research and
essay writing skills required when studying
Criminology in Higher Education. For the
Criminology Project, you will work in small
groups to gather a wide range of information
from a variety of sources including the
media and criminology books on a project
reflecting current issues in Criminology and
Criminal Justice.
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The Criminology, Crime and Society
module deals with the nature and prevalence
of crime in Britain today, encouraging
students to look beyond popular perspectives
on crime and consider whether the images
presented in the media and political
discourse are accurate. It pays particular
attention to issues of equality and diversity.
Law, Criminal Justice and Human
Rights will introduce you to basic legal
concepts and provide an understanding
of the powers of the state, the UK legal
framework and law making process in
England and Wales. Finally, our careers
module, Careers for Criminologists offers
detailed guidance regarding employability,
transferable skills and the careers available
to Criminology students.
“I have really enjoyed my first year
at Swansea University studying
Criminology. As a mature student,
the thought of returning to University
was daunting but the lectures are
brilliant and the course is interesting,
giving an insight into a broad range
of subjects within Criminology. I am
looking forward to the next two years
of my degree.” – Hannah Morgan
“Becoming a mature student and
attending University was a big step
to take, but the best decision. I have
really enjoyed my first year studying
Criminology. The subjects are very
interesting and the lectures are kept
fun and keep you engaged. I look
forward to the rest of my time on this
degree.” – Sammy-Jo Moriarty
Coming to the end of my first
year studying Criminology I have
really enjoyed the experience.
The course provides a good range
of interesting and informative
modules which are taught in a
variety of different ways. I have
found the tutors and lecturers
to be helpful, supportive and
approachable and have definitely
helped make the experience easier
and more enjoyable.”
– Sally Thomas
Department of Criminology www.swansea.ac.uk/law/criminology/
Second year
students:
“Lecturers are very enthusiastic and
knowledgeable surrounding their
specialist topics.” – Chloe Alpine
LEVEL 2: Applying Criminology
LEVEL 2 MODULES:
Applied Criminal Justice
Applied Research Methods in Criminology
Crime, Drugs & Alcohol
Critical Criminology
Media, Crime and Criminal Justice
Penology and Punishment
At Level 2, you study a range of contemporary
issues, themes, debates and theories in
Criminology and Criminal Justice in a more
applied manner that builds upon your Level
one studies. Attention is given to applying
Level one concepts and themes to the
investigation and evaluation of criminological
theories, structures and processes. There is a
comprehensive focus on developing research
skills and applying them to the real world
investigation of criminological topics.
Research Methods in Criminology
Understanding Policing
LEVEL 3: Advancing Criminology
LEVEL 3 MODULES:
Criminalisation of Sex
Dissertation Proposal and Dissertation
(single honours students only)
Diversity, Crime and Criminal Justice
“The lecturers are very supportive
of students and always try and
help with any issues. Modules
are interesting and engaging
and encourage critical thinking.”
– Alex Dobbie
“This course has been everything I
expected and more. The teachers
are very enthusiastic and make the
topics interesting.” – Saffron Lee
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
At Level 3, you have the opportunity to explore
a range of specialist subjects within the
discipline of Criminology and Criminal Justice
in greater depth. Single honours students are
able to write a dissertation (with an optional
element of applied research) under the
supervision of an experienced staff member.
Sexual Crimes
Serious Crime and Social Harm
Terrorism: The Legal Response
Young Offenders & Youth Justice
Third year,
Criminology and Criminal Justice student:
“Studying Criminology at Swansea University has been an excellent experience;
students will make lasting friendships and will be exposed to many new
opportunities. Lecturers and tutors in the Criminology Department are very
helpful and will go out of their way to support students with any issues be it
personal or academic. The course itself is brilliant. With teaching techniques
such as lectures, seminars, presentations and workshops, the course gives
students a more varied learning experience. Students are given the opportunity
of choosing some of your own modules, meaning that you are able to choose
subjects that you’re interested in as well as being able to play to your strengths
in terms of exams, essays and presentations. I would highly recommend
anyone interested in studying Criminology to study at Swansea University.”
– James Warwick
Department of Criminology www.swansea.ac.uk/law/criminology/
Three good A2 Levels are expected; Access
and other qualifications are considered and
reflect the standard expected at A Level.
A-Levels: • LLB Law & Criminology: ABB • BSc Criminology & Criminal Justice: BBB
• BSc Criminology & Psychology: ABB – BBB
• BSc Criminology & Social Policy: BBB
Desirable subjects: English Language &/
or Literature; History; Law; Sociology;
Psychology; Geography; Philosophy.
Welsh Baccalaureate pass is considered
equivalent to grade A at A2 level.
We do not include A-level General Studies in
our offers.
BTEC Diploma:
In a related subject (eg Law; Uniformed
Public Services).
• Grades DDM (for all four degree schemes).
Access to Higher Education Diploma:
• LLB Law & Criminology & BSc Criminology
& Psychology: pass at level 3, to include
24 Distinctions, 15 Merits, & Merit in the
integrated project.
• BSc Criminology & Criminal Justice & BSc
Criminology & Social Policy: pass at level 3,
to include 18 Distinctions, 18 Merits, & Merit
in the integrated project.
CONTACT:
Sue Roberts, Admissions Tutor
Email: [email protected] Tel: +44(0)1792 513352
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Postgraduate
Taught Courses
Whether you are a practitioner working in the
criminal justice system, a researcher wishing to
gain a firm foundation for a research degree
in an ESRC recognised Doctoral Training
Centre, or an undergraduate aspiring to a
career in criminal justice, our Masters-level
degree in Applied Criminal Justice and
Criminology is for you! Taught over one year
full-time or two years part-time, it offers you:
• an up-to-date and high quality programme
which includes some of the most important
theory and research in criminal justice and
criminology;
• an opportunity to develop your ability to
apply criminal justice and criminological
knowledge to research and the operation
of the criminal justice system; and
• enhanced employability for those wishing
to pursue a career in the criminal justice
system and for those interested in an
academic or research career.
The course consists of Part One (120 credits)
and Part Two (60 credits). In Part One you
study a range of taught modules which are
assessed by a written assignment (usually
an essay of no more than 4000 words). In
addition to research modules in quantitative
and qualitative methods, the following list
gives you a flavour of the range of modules
on offer:
• Applied Criminal Justice
• Crime, Drugs and Alcohol
• Gender, Crime and Criminal Justice
• Sexual Abuse and Exploitation of Children
• Understanding Crime
• Understanding Policing
• Young People and Youth Justice
All modules are delivered by research-active
staff with particular expertise in the subject
area.
Part Two consists of a dissertation of not
more than 20,000 words. You will produce
your dissertation on a topic of your own
choice under the guidance of a personal
supervisor.
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What our
MA students
say:
“I chose the MA course because it
offered a wide range of modules.
Not coming from a criminology
background, I found the modules
were easy to understand, the
teaching was clear and the
course is well structured. Excellent
feedback and very supportive
learning environment. I would
highly recommend this course.”
– Ruth Allen
“I have greatly enjoyed the MA
course. The course has a variety of
different modules to choose from, all
of which have been very interesting. The lecturers are all enthusiastic
about what they teach and are
very helpful if you need advice on
coursework or essay plans. There
is also the opportunity to do a
research placement in reference to
the dissertation, which is completed
in the last semester of the course. Overall the MA course has been
my favourite and most stimulating
academic year at university and I’m
so glad I did it.” – Lauren Griffin
MAIN APPLIED CRIMIMINAL
JUSTICE AND CRIMINOLOGY
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
Admission requirements for the programme
are either first or upper second class honours
in a first degree, or a minimum of two years
relevant and responsible experience. Applicants
who have a lower second class degree may
also be considered and should contact the
admissions officer for more information.
Applicants without a degree will need to show
that they are capable of academic work at
Master’s level. Applicants whose first language is
neither English or Welsh are required to provide
evidence of English proficiency. The programme
requires a minimum IELTS score of 6.5 and we
will only consider a score below this in very
exceptional circumstances.
CONTACT:
Dr Pamela Ugwudike, Course Director
Email: [email protected]
Tel: +44(0)1792 606827
Department of Criminology www.swansea.ac.uk/law/criminology/
Research
Degrees
The Department of Criminology offers two
research degrees: the MPhil and the PhD.
Research students engage in a period of
supervised research leading to the production
of a thesis which is then presented for
examination. Some of the topics being studied
by our existing research students include:
• Policing and multi-agency approaches to
street sex work: examining policing and
applying social control theory within a
multi-agency partnership setting.
The entry requirements for research degrees
are set out on page 15 of this brochure.
The Department strives to provide an
environment in which academic and
intellectual development flourishes. As
well as providing strong support to
research students, the Department is also
committed to enhancing their employability.
Accordingly, we offer our research students
the opportunity to develop their teaching
• Peer mentoring and sex work: developing
a sustainable peer mentoring framework
in the context of street based sex work.
• The rights of women in Kuwait: exploring
the perceptions of Kuwait women of legal
rights and substantive rights.
• Evaluating the effectiveness of the Swansea
Bureau: a new system for diverting young
people from the formal youth justice system.
• Understanding offending by young
Muslim males.
• A longitudinal study of the frequency and
prevalence of substance use by young
people.
• Explaining the experiences of young
people who are LGBT and of strong faith.
• Evaluating the role of Youth Offending
Teams in pre-devolution Wales.
• The moral philosophy of youth justice
policy in England and Wales.
What a PhD student says:
“My time as a PhD student within the Criminology department has
been stimulating and highly enjoyable. In undertaking my research I have been
struck not only by the academic expertise demonstrated by staff, but also by
the pastoral concern that they exhibit towards postgraduate students. I have
found my supervisors as well as wider departmental staff to be approachable,
generous with their time and always ready to share their knowledge and
insights. I have also benefited hugely from the wide range of experiences
that are available at postgraduate level, including the planning and teaching
of seminars, as well as the various opportunities to attend and present at
conferences. Suffice to say I cannot recommend postgraduate study within the
Criminology department highly enough!” – Aaron Brown
Department of Criminology www.swansea.ac.uk/law/criminology/
skills by leading undergraduate seminars
and delivering guest lectures. Research
students who teach receive the following
training and support: attendance at two
bespoke staff development sessions;
mentoring from members of academic
staff; training on marking assessments;
and participation in the Department’s peer
review scheme.
ESRC WALES DOCTORAL
TRAINING CENTRE
Criminology at Swansea
University has won a coveted
place in the national network of
training centres accredited by
the ESRC as part of the Wales
Doctoral Training Centre (DTC).
The Wales DTC is a consortium of
leading universities which was
launched in February 2011 with a
multi-million pound award from
the Economic and Social Research
Council. The partner institutions
are Cardiff, Aberystwyth,
Bangor and Swansea. The DTC
was established to promote
excellence in postgraduate
training in Wales. It forms part
of a national network of 21
accredited Doctoral Training
Centres across the UK judged
by the ESRC to deliver truly
excellent postgraduate training
provision. A central feature of
the Wales DTC is the research
training provision offered to
students. In Criminology at
Swansea you will be offered a
mix of generic research training
(in, for example, qualitative
and quantitative methods)
and subject specific research
training where we focus on
applying research methods to
Criminological enquiry.
CONTACT:
Lella Nouri, PGR Admissions Tutor
Email: [email protected]
Tel: +44(0)1792 602268
7
Academic Staff
Staff in the Department are active in research across a broad range of interests.
DR ANTHONY CHARLES
Dr Anthony Charles is
a Lecturer in Criminology.
Anthony’s research
interests include: youth
justice; children’s
rights; young people’s
entitlements; children’s
participation in decision
making; youth crime
prevention; and young people’s use of substances.
He contributes to teaching at both undergraduate
and postgraduate levels and is also a postgraduate
research supervisor. Additionally, Anthony works
closely with the Department’s partner agencies
including local and national government to
undertake and use research to better understand
and create improvements in policy and practice.
@abertawecharles
JANE DONOGHUE
Professor Donoghue’s
research is multidisciplinary and spans
criminology, criminal
law, criminal justice
and socio-legal studies.
In particular, she has
specialised in the
empirical study of the
governance of anti-social behaviour; truancy
and the prosecution of parents; community
engagement and community justice; problemsolving courts; and reforms to the lay magistracy.
She has published her work in a range of top
international peer-reviewed journals including
the Modern Law Review, British Journal of
Criminology, and Sociology. Her work on antisocial behaviour was published as a monograph:
Anti-Social Behaviour Orders: A Culture of
Control? (Palgrave, 2010); and the findings of her
most recent empirical research, funded by the
Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC),
were published in her recent book, Transforming
Criminal Justice: Problem-Solving and Court
Specialisation (Routledge, 2014).
Professor Donoghue has previously worked at the
Universities of Oxford, Sussex and Lancaster. She
is currently researching and writing about reforms
to summary justice, including the use out of court
disposals.
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KEVIN HAINES
LELLA NOURI
Professor Kevin
Haines joined Swansea
University in 1993
from the Institute of
Criminology, University
of Cambridge. He is a
lecturer in Criminology
and former police
officer. His primary
research is focused on young people and
crime, including: risk assessment/ factors for
offending, participative research with young
people, how the ‘system’ works (or doesn’t),
‘Welsh’ youth justice, substance use (including a
major longitudinal study), youth crime prevention
and restorative approaches. Much of this work
has taken place in partnership with Swansea
Youth Offending Team. Kevin is also particularly
interested in research methodology, including
developing approaches such as Bayesian
analysis and data visualisation.
DEBBIE JONES
Debbie Jones is a
lecturer in criminology
and former police officer
with the Metropolitan
Police who specialised in
the investigation of major
crime. Debbie’s research
interests focus on the
complex phenomena
of sex work and Human Trafficking. She is currently
the Project Manager for The Student Sex Work
Project, the research officer for the Sex Work
Research Wales project and is in the final stages of
completing a PhD into the multi-agency regulation
of street sex work. Debbie is also a Teaching Fellow
with the Higher Education Academy. @TSSWP
Lella Nouri is a
Lecturer in Criminology
and member of the
Cyberterrorism Project.
Her research interests
include: terrorism,
radicalisation, terrorist
use of the internet and
cyberterrorism. Lella
teaches at both undergraduate and postgraduate
level focusing on criminological issues such as:
diversity, the role of the media and terrorism
related crimes. Her recent publications have
explored the constructivist nature of terrorism and
the scope for interdisciplinary research in this area.
@CTProject_Lella www.cyberterrorism-project.org
PETER RAYNOR
Professor Peter Raynor
is a former probation
officer and a former
Director of social work
education in Swansea,
with over 40 years’
experience in the field of
offender rehabilitation.
He has produced more
than two hundred publications, and has carried
out research on a variety of criminal justice topics,
including the effectiveness of community penalties
and the resettlement of released prisoners.
SUSAN ROBERTS
Susan Roberts is
a Senior Lecturer in
the Department of
Criminology. Her
teaching and research
interests focus on sexual
offending, in particular
sexual crimes against
children, and female
perpetrators. Most recently she has been involved
in research which examined the motivation and
strategies of imprisoned child sexual abusers.
Department of Criminology www.swansea.ac.uk/law/criminology/
Research Interests
TRACEY SAGAR
Dr Tracey Sagar is
an Associate Professor
in Criminology. Her
research mainly focuses
on sex work in Wales
and she is currently
Principal Investigator on
two substantial sex work
research projects which
are funded by the Big Lottery Fund; Sex Work
Research Wales (with Gibran UK) and Interactive
Health: Student Sex Workers Wales. Tracey is
academic advisor to the Cardiff Sex Work Forum,
and working with the forum has carried out several
pieces of funded empirical research towards
developing sex worker policy in Cardiff. @TSSWP
PAMELA UGWUDIKE
Dr Pamela Ugwudike
is a Senior Lecturer
in Criminology. Her
research interests include
exploring the dynamics
of compliance with legal
authorities. Pamela is
currently working on
two research projects
that are evaluating supervision skills in Jersey and
in the Swansea Youth Offending Service. The latter
project has been funded by the Welsh Assembly
Government. Her recent publications have explored
the nature of compliance with community orders
and the impact of supervision skills on the outcomes
of community orders. @PamelaUgwudike
ZOE BROOKS-GREEN
Zoe Brooks-Green
is the Admin Officer
for the Department
of Criminology. She
administers both the
undergraduate and MA
degree programmes.
In 2013, Zoe was the
first ever winner of
the Swansea University ‘Excellence in Student
Support’ Award.
For further information on our College of
Law & Criminology staff please visit:
www.swansea.ac.uk/law/
lawcriminologystaff/
Young people and youth justice:
There is a long tradition of youth justice research within the Centre
for Criminal Justice and Criminology (CCJC) at Swansea University.
Active youth justice researchers include: Professor Kevin Haines, Dr
Stephen Case, Dr Stuart Macdonald and Dr Anthony Charles. There
are also currently six doctoral research students engaged in a variety
of projects, including: substance use by young people, legitimacy
and crime prevention, effective practice and diversion of young
people from the youth justice system. The CCJC has a longstanding
research partnership with Swansea Youth Offending Service, which
has produced research on antisocial behaviour strategies, engaging
young people in research, practice and research-based critiques of the risk factor approach
and youth crime prevention and reduction. The Centre has promoted a vision of ‘children first,
offender second’ youth justice, particularly in the context of Welsh devolved youth justice.
Sex work:
Dr Tracey Sagar and Debbie Jones are carrying out
pioneering research in Wales examining both the on
street and off street sex markets. In recent years this
research has highlighted violence against street based
workers; community perceptions about sex workers and sex work, and the need to develop
services for sex workers who work independently and out of massage parlours. Working with
partners, Tracey and Debbie have also mapped sex work across Wales. Most recently Tracey
and Debbie have been funded by the Big Lottery Innovation Fund to carry out a three-year
research project into student sex work in Wales www.thestudentsexworkproject.co.uk. The
research is filling a knowledge gap with regard to sex work in Wales and providing a sound
evidential base from which policy can be developed.
Offender management:
Professor Peter Raynor, Dr Pamela Ugwudike and Susan Roberts are
continuing Swansea’s long-established programme of research on
offenders, offender management and rehabilitation. Current studies
include an assessment of probation officers’ individual supervision
practices by analysing videotaped interviews, together with research
on the progress of the offenders they supervise (Professor Peter Raynor
and Dr Pamela Ugwudike); a study of the quality of rehabilitative work
with offenders in youth offending teams and probation teams using
an innovative appraisal system derived from work in Canada (Peter
Raynor and Pamela Ugwudike); research on sexual offending against
children, and the thinking and behaviour of imprisoned child sexual abusers (Sue Roberts);
studies of corporate and white collar crime, and a historical study of probation work in rural
areas of Wales (John Minkes). Publications in progress also include books on community justice
in the Channel Islands and on offenders’ compliance with community penalties.
Department of Criminology www.swansea.ac.uk/law/criminology/
9
Careers and
Employability
Many students choose to study Criminology to enhance
their prospects of a career in the Criminal Justice System
- with the Police, the National Offender Management
Service or in crime prevention and community safety,
for example. Through studying in the Department of
Criminology, students can develop a range of key
employability skills, including written and verbal
communication, problem identification and evaluation,
time management, data collection, analysis and
presentation, team-work, and computer literacy, as well
as a sound knowledge of the statutory and voluntary
agencies which make up the Criminal Justice System.
Careers Advice in the
Department of Criminology
Level 1 Module Careers for
Criminologists
The Department seeks to enhance students’
employability through the provision of
relevant and practice-based learning and
through the development of the essential
skills. Employability is built into every
aspect of Criminology teaching and is
also promoted through work with personal
tutors and close links with the Swansea
Employability Academy. We also provide
all students with a detailed Employability
Handbook to guide their skills development,
CV-building and work experience through
their time with us.
This module for first year students combines
lectures on employability and employmentseeking skills with invited lecturers with inside
knowledge of ten potential careers for
criminologists. The first part of the module
provides insight into the work of the agencies
that many criminology graduates aspire
to work for, such as the National Offender
Management Service, Victim Support, Youth
Offending Services and the Police. The
second half aims to address such topics as
the job application process, what to put
in your application form or CV and how
to approach interviews and other forms of
selection such as Assessment Centres and
Psychometric Testing.
Careers and Employability
Advice in the University
The University Careers and Employability
Service provides students with high quality
advice on employability opportunities and
offers a wide range of services that are
designed to develop the key skills and
qualities needed to secure employment
after graduation. Students with Swansea
degrees are particularly well placed in the
job market. Recent statistics confirm that 85%
of Swansea criminology graduates secure
employment or are in further study within six
months of graduating (UNISTATS 2015).
10
What a
Criminology
Graduate says:
“This module provided me with
the knowledge of how the job
market works and what I could
do to be the best we can be;
for example with improving our
CVs, preparing for interviews etc.
Also by having talks directly from
Criminal Justice Agencies we learn
about the possible options for
careers once we finish our degree.
In my opinion this module has been
extremely beneficial and I feel
more confident about the whole
process of searching for a career.”
– Emma Hurren
Department of Criminology www.swansea.ac.uk/law/criminology/
What a Level 3
student says:
Work
Experience
“The internship programme that
I undertook this year, has really
benefited not only my studies but
my outlook on youth justice and
criminology. Working alongside
top professionals has given me a
previously unattainable experience
and knowledge that couldn’t be
accessed elsewhere, another
benefit of the programme is the
first hand research training I have
received.” – Joe Janes
Work Experience and Tasters
In conjunction with local criminal justice
agencies and the College of Law &
Criminology the Department of Criminology
offers a number of exciting opportunities for
Criminology students. These may include
short-term work placements in institutions
such as South Wales Police (in all areas), the
South Wales Police Commissioner’s Office,
Swansea Youth Offending Service, the Youth
Justice Board, Swansea Prison, all local
primary and secondary school, and Gwalia
Housing Association. In addition, Go Wales
arranges regular one-day work tasters at HM
Prison Swansea and is currently planning a
‘package’ of one day tasters in criminal justice
agencies.
What a Graduate
student says:
“Going on the Oklahoma trip was
the best decision I have ever made!
It really made me realise that I
want my future to lie in the areas
of crime. Every day was something
new and different all equally as
exciting, since coming back I have
looked at doing a masters in the
same university and if I could go
back and do the same trip year
after year I would! This was one
of the best experiences of my life
and I doubt that will ever change.”
– Louise Marr
Overseas Work Placement
Criminology students can join students
from the College of Law & Criminology on
a four week internship in Counter-terrorism
and Criminal Justice in Oklahoma. This
internship takes place during the summer
period and enables students to gain
experience observing courtroom trials,
visiting correctional facilities, Oklahoma
State Bureau of Investigation and forensic
facilities and working at the Memorial
Institute for the Prevention of Terrorism. It also
includes a variety of cultural activities with a
south-western US flavour including visits to a
Native American Pow Wow, Nature Reserves
and a rodeo.
Voluntary Work
All Criminology students should seek
to gain some experience in a voluntary
environment during the course of their studies
and the Department has close links with
voluntary and statutory agencies in and
around Swansea. Past and former students
have gained invaluable experience and
contributed to the community in Swansea
and their home areas as volunteers with
Victim Support or the Special Constabulary
and working with adult and young offenders
and their families.
What a Research Intern during the 2013-2014
academic session says:
“I would encourage all students on the course to apply for the internships
which have been provided through the Criminology Department, as they
really are invaluable. In such a competitive job market, students need to work
extra hard to ensure they stand out from the rest. These internships offer a
unique opportunity to develop desirable skills, such as project management
and strong communication, but it also puts you in good stead to produce
a dissertation which has the potential to change the lives of individuals,
and give you a good grade which could help push up your overall degree
classification. More broadly, you also get to network, see how professionals
work in the real world, appreciate what you learn in your degree can be
applied in practice, and understand the challenges that face agencies.
Through an internship, you also get to work closely with a dedicated
supervisor and professionals, so this is a guided process. In my case, it helped
me secure my first full-time job working closely with the United Kingdom
Government’s Department of Health, with a good proportion of my role
including research-related activities.” – Alex Reeve
Department of Criminology www.swansea.ac.uk/law/criminology/
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Student Life
The Criminology Society
The University Students’ Union
Accommodation
The Criminology Society is a wonderful
opportunity for students to get the most
out of their student experience and build
relationships with fellow students and staff
members. The Society already has a large
number of members, with all year groups
represented. As well as arranging social
events, the Society also organises guest
lectures and other activities such as trips to
prisons. The Society runs a 'Buddy Scheme'
where second and third year students act
as mentors to new students – offering them
academic and pastoral support to facilitate
their induction into University life and to
enhance their student experience – and
has a Facebook page “Swansea University
Criminology Society” – why not get in touch
to find out what it’s like to be a Criminology
student at Swansea!
The Students’ Union represents the interests
of students and provides a range of services,
support and opportunities for training
and development. The Union operates a
number of bars, clubs and shops on and off
campus and runs its own day nursery and
letting agency primarily for the benefit of
students. The Union offers a rich and diverse
programme of entertainment-based events
throughout the academic year, including film
nights, club nights, live music performances
and overseas trips. The Union supports over
70 student societies, which cater for a diverse
array of interests and hobbies.
Swansea University offers a wide-range of
quality, affordable accommodation to suit a
variety of needs. There are over 3,400 places
in University accommodation. Over 98% of
first year undergraduates are normally able
to live in university residence. Around 875
students are housed on the main Singleton
Campus. Just over 600 of these are in the
original Singleton Halls, which offer partcatered accommodation. The remainder are
in self-catering residences. The Singleton
Residences offer the convenience of being
close to both the academic and social life
of the campus, including JC’s Bar in Fulton
House and the facilities of the Students
Union. Most of the University’s Self-Catering
Accommodation is at Hendrefoelan Student
Village. While most residents are in their first
year at Swansea, the number of continuing
students who also live there makes for a lively
and varied social scene. There are also a
number of University Managed Properties
within walking distance of the campus which
offer a similar living environment to the Student
Village, as they consist of study-bedrooms with
shared kitchen and bathroom facilities.
@SUCriminologySociety
Swansea University Criminology Society
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The Students Union Advice and Support
centre provides free, impartial, independent
and confidential advice to students who
may need it on a wide range of matters
including personal problems, academic
issues, financial difficulties, housing
matters, welfare benefits, consumer affairs,
employment and criminal proceedings.
Department of Criminology www.swansea.ac.uk/law/criminology/
Swansea
The University stands in
parkland overlooking
Swansea Bay on the edge
of the Gower Peninsula,
Britain’s first ‘Area of
Outstanding Natural
Beauty’. London is 192 miles
away, under three hours
by train, and Cardiff, the
capital of Wales, is less
than an hour away.
And what a location! From the campus you can travel along the sea front to the
Marina and the city centre, or to the vibrant old fishing village of Mumbles. Situated
between the lively modern city of Swansea and the unspoiled beaches of the Gower
Peninsula the location is unparalleled. The Gower ends at the spectacular three mile
beach of Rhossili, which is a mecca for surfers. The south coast also attracts walkers,
wind surfers, rock climbers and hang-gliding enthusiasts. Alternatively, you can head
north to explore the countryside around the Towy Valley, where you will find the
dramatic ruins of Carreg Cennen Castle to the south east of Llandeilo, or make for the
Brecon Beacons National Park. The park’s mountain ranges and huge open spaces
provide the perfect setting for walking, caving and climbing.
Swansea hosts the acclaimed Marina and rejuvenated Wind Street which have
given the city a new cultural air, to be enjoyed by visitors both old and new. It is full
of surprises, with its pedestrianised shopping centre only a five-minute walk from a
promenade along the sweep of the bay.
Department of Criminology www.swansea.ac.uk/law/criminology/
13
Frequently
Asked Questions
Q. Does it matter that I haven’t
studied Criminology before?
A. Not at all! Criminology is not usually
studied at school, so the Level One modules
are designed to suit students who have no
prior knowledge of the subject.
Q. What are the methods of
Assessment?
A. On arrival you will be allocated a
personal tutor, who will oversee your studies
during your time at Swansea. Although
you are expected to be independent, your
personal tutor is there to provide advice,
encouragement and support when needed.
Q. Can I study part-time?
A. All the Criminology modules are currently
assessed by means of written coursework or
examinations, with a few also having partial
assessment by means of group-work and
presentations. You may also be asked to
submit formative assignments, designed to
help you and those who teach you to assess
how well you are progressing.
A. Single honours Criminology & Criminal
Justice, joint honours Criminology & Social
Policy, joint honours Law & Criminology and
Joint honours Criminology & Psychology are
only available full time.
None of the work you do at Level One counts
toward your final Degree grade; however,
you have to gain satisfactory marks in order
to progress to Level Two. Your final Degree
classification will be a weighted average of
your results at Levels Two and Three.
A. One of the attractive features of studying
at Swansea is that if you decide you would
like to change your initial choice of subjects,
you may well be able to do so at the end
of your first year. If, for example, you enrol
for Criminology, but take as an option and
enjoy a Level One Social Policy module so
much that you would like to continue with
this subject at Levels Two and Three, it will
normally be possible for you to change your
Degree scheme. (Please note that, however,
that some Degree schemes will not accept you
unless you have taken the required Level One
modules in the subject you wish to move into at
Levels Two and Three).
Q. How much work will I be expected
to do? How will I be taught?
A. You will study for 120 credits in each
academic year, made up of a combination
of modules. Most modules are 10 or 20
credits. 10 credit modules are usually taught
at the rate of one (two hour) lecture per
week for one semester; 20 credit modules
at two (one hour) lectures or one (three
hour) lecture per week. At Levels Two and
Three, 10 credit modules usually include
two seminars and 20 credit modules
include three. All 20 credit modules also
include a one-day workshop, which aims to
elaborate on, and enhance understanding
of, module content. In addition to these
teaching contact hours, students spend
time reading around the subject of each
module, preparing for seminars, producing
formative assignments and the essays
that are assessed in relation to their final
Degree classification. Overall, students are
expected to do around 100 hours’ work for
each 10 points worth of credits.
Seminars offer you opportunities for actively
participating in learning with other students
in a variety of ways. A seminar might involve
students presenting a short paper on a topic
covered in a recent lecture or debating
broader issues of theory and ethics.
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Q. What is a personal tutor?
Q. What happens if I change my mind
about what I want to study?
Q. I am not coming straight from School
or 6th Form College, will I fit in?
A. Certainly! We have long experience
of teaching those who are not entering
university straight from school, coming
instead from many previous walks of life,
and we welcome the variety of experiences
they are able to bring to their studies.
We particularly welcome students with
professional experience and those who
have completed (or are about to complete)
relevant Access courses. Such students
comprise a significant portion of our intake
every year - you will not be alone!
Students are encouraged to attend seminars,
in which postgraduates and staff from
Swansea and other Universities, present
papers and discuss their Research.
Q. How will my Degree help me in the
world of work?
A. The Degree schemes in Criminology
have been specifically designed to interest
students who wish to pursue a career in
the fields of criminal justice, victim support,
community safety and crime prevention. Our
intention is to offer you a solid grounding
in Criminology, complemented with the
opportunity to study other relevant subjects
which will give you a clear understanding
of the social and legal context in which the
Criminal Justice System operates.
In addition, a Degree which draws on social
science disciplines will enable you to think
in an informed and constructive way about
the social world. It will also provide you with
a general training in how to think rigorously
about problems and respond critically to
ideas - skills which prospective employers
value highly.
The combination of critical ability and
a sound understanding of crime and its
context will open up a wide range of
opportunities to you. Though few people
can say that in the jobs they do they are
directly employed as criminologists, they
nonetheless use what they have learned
through their Degree work. If you have
studied these disciplines you are likely to
do well in your career, not only because
you will be used to thinking rigorously and
practically but also because success in most
occupations requires an understanding
of how social organisations, social
relationships, social groups, and cultures
operate. This is precisely the understanding
you will gain from this Degree scheme.
Q. Will the Staff who teach me be
Researchers as well as Lecturers?
A. Yes. All the staff who lecture in
Criminology are actively engaged in a wide
variety of Research work, which often feeds
back to enrich their teaching.
Department of Criminology www.swansea.ac.uk/law/criminology/
Entry Requirements
and Contact Details
Entry Requirements
UNDERGRADUATE DEGREES:
A-Levels:
• LLB Law & Criminology: grades ABB
• BSc Criminology & Criminal Justice: grades BBB
• BSc Criminology & Psychology: grades ABB/BBB
• BSc Criminology & Social Policy: grades BBB
Desirable subjects: English Language &/or Literature; History; Law; Sociology; Psychology;
Geography; Philosophy.
We do not include A2 General Studies in our offers.
Welsh Baccalaureate pass is considered equivalent to grade A at A2 level
BTEC Diploma:
- in a related subject (eg Law; Uniformed Public Services).
Grades DDM (for all four degree schemes).
Access to Higher Education Diploma:
• LLB Law & Criminology and BSc Criminology & Psychology: pass at level 3, to include 24
Distinctions, 15 Merits, & Merit in the integrated project.
• BSc Criminology & Criminal Justice & BSc Criminology & Social Policy: pass at level 3, to
include 18 Distinctions, 18 Merits, & Merit in the integrated project.
CONTACT:
Sue Roberts, Admissions Tutor
Email: [email protected] Tel: +44 (0)1792 513352
POSTGRADUATE TAUGHT COURSE:
Admission requirements for the programme are either first or upper second class honours in a
first degree, or a minimum of two years relevant and responsible experience. Applicants who
have a lower second class degree may also be considered and should contact the course
director for more information.
Applicants without a degree will need to show that they are capable of academic work at
Master’s level. Applicants whose first language is neither English nor Welsh are required to
provide evidence of English proficiency. The programme requires a minimum IELTS score of 6.5
and will only consider a score below this in very exceptional circumstances.
CONTACT: Informal inquiries about the programme and admissions may be made to:
Dr Pamela Ugwudike, Course Director
Email: [email protected]
Tel: +44 (0)1792 606827
Picture Acknowledgements:
Front Cover: Brian A Jackson/shutterstock.com
Africa Studio/shutterstock.com
pixinoo/shutterstock.com
Rommel Canlas/shutterstock.com
Page 6: wavebreakmedia/shutterstock.com
Page 7: Robert Kneschke/shutterstock.com
Page 10: EmiliaUngur/shutterstock.com
corgarashu/shutterstock.com
Page 13: Mike Charles/shutterstock.com
RESEARCH DEGREES:
Candidates are normally required to have an exceptional Masters degree in Criminology.
CONTACT:
Lella Nouri, PGR Admissions Tutor
Email: [email protected]
Tel: +44 (0)1792 602268
Department of Criminology www.swansea.ac.uk/law/criminology/
This information contained in this brochure
is accurate as of September 2015. You are
advised to check our web site regularly for
any change that might occur.
15
Our University community
thrives on exploration and
discovery, and offers the
right balance of excellent
teaching and research,
matched by an enviable
quality of life.
College of Law & Criminology
Swansea University
Singleton Park
Swansea, SA2 8PP
Wales, UK
www.swansea.ac.uk/law/criminology/
[email protected]
www.facebook.com/criminologyswansea
@CriminologySwan