Social Sciences (Criminology) (R23-CRIM)

Here's what Open University says about its Social Sciences (Criminology) (R23-CRIM) course.

This is one of several specialist routes available in our BA (Honours) Social Sciences. You'll study interdisciplinary social science and sociology modules, giving you a firm grounding in ideas central to the social sciences. This will be combined with learning how criminology helps us make sense of a range of issues related to crime, social conflict, criminal justice and criminalisation. On completion, 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 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 contentious 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.

• Offers the option to complete a dissertation in the final stage

This degree has three stages. At Stage 1, you will start with a broad introductory module exploring key concepts, evidence and sources of knowledge in the social sciences, examining topics from criminology, development, economics, geography, politics, philosophy, religious studies, and sociology. In your second module, you'll be introduced to core ideas and theoretical approaches to the study of crime, criminal justice, harm and victimisation.

At Stage 2, you'll explore how the social world is being transformed by the internet and digital technology. You'll then choose between two routes. The standard route offers the choice between looking at how criminology explains problems of crime and understands the role of criminal justice and experiences of victimisation, or looking at the social research process, exploring what social research is, how it’s conducted, and why it’s important. This study of social research is compulsory in the dissertation route.

At Stage 3 you’ll choose from a range of social science modules. Depending on whether you are following the standard or dissertation route will determine which criminology module you'll complete your degree with.