Primary purpose:
Secondary purpose:
1.
External subject quality review & internal programme management and quality assurance
Detailed information for students (particularly current students), staff, and employers
Awarding Institution or Body 1 2. Teaching Institution
University of Portsmouth University of Portsmouth
3. Programme Accreditation
None
5. Programme Name (Title)
CRIMINOLOGY is currently offered in combination with:
 Law (Separate Law and Criminology Programme Specification)
 Criminology with Psychology as a minor route (start 2009/10)
 Sociology
7. QAA Benchmark Group(s)
Criminology
4. Final Award
BSc (Hons)
6. UCAS Code and HEMIS Codes
Criminology with Psychology – C2181
Sociology & Criminology – LM39, C0979
8b. Effective Session
2009/10
8d. Faculty
Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences
8a. Document Control Information
Version 11, April 2009
8c. Author
Dr Jacqueline Tapley
8e. Department or School
Institute of Criminal Justice Studies
9. Educational Aims a. the Combined Honours Degree Programme:
 To provide a challenging and stimulating study environment
 To provide a framework allowing students to follow a flexible coherent programme of study
 To enable students to study two subject areas and develop specialist interests and knowledge
 To provide an opportunity for students to create links between two different subject areas
 To provide students with the opportunity to study up to a maximum of 30 credits worth of elective units
 To provide students with the opportunity to develop key skills
 To equip graduates with the necessary transferable skills for lifelong learning and flexibility in the context of changing labour markets
 To provide students with the skills and knowledge required to maximise career and postgraduate study opportunities, b. the Criminology route of the Combined Honours Degree Programme:
 To give students a wide-ranging, specialist knowledge of criminology and criminal justice
 To build on the subject specialisms of the staff group to develop a base in criminology which will enable detailed examination of some of the key, contemporary issues in the field
 To encourage students to develop a critical appreciation of material and an ability to reflect rationally on complex and at times emotive issues
 To integrate theory with the more applied aspects of the discipline, c. Criminology is currently offered in the Combined Honours Degree Programme with:
Psychology - The link between criminology and psychology is one of long standing. This combination will enable students to explore human behaviour and its relationship to crime and criminology. Only when these interrelationships are understood will society be able to attempt to reduce crime and criminality.
Sociology This combination offers students the opportunity to study the close relationship between the social organization of society, its associated social problems, and crime, criminal behaviour and the criminal justice system. It provides a lively multidisciplinary programme combining core material with a variety of options which allows students to maintain a balance between the sociology and criminology components or allows students to concentrate more on one of the subjects depending on their particular interests.
1
DISCLAIMER: The University of Portsmouth has checked the information given in this Programme Specification and believes it to be correct. We will endeavour to deliver the programme(s) in keeping with this Programme Specification but reserve the right to change the content, timetabling and administration of the programme(s) whilst maintaining equivalent academic standards and quality.
Programme Specification - Criminology Combined Honours Page 1 of 8

10.1 Programme Learning Outcomes - Reference Points: Subject Benchmark Statements and Other Reference Elements a. the Combined Honours Degree Programme:
Generic Learning Outcomes of the Programme (independent of route of study):
Students will be able to demonstrate an ability to:
 Understand the key aspects of two subject areas
 Apply appropriate techniques of analysis to two subject areas
 Research topics and devise and sustain arguments related to two specific subject areas
 Discuss current research and scholarship related to two subject areas
 Discuss the current limits of knowledge in specific subject areas
 Take responsibility for their own learning in a Combined Honours degree programme
 Carry out an extended piece of independent enquiry into one or more subject areas
 Communicate information in a manner appropriate to the subject and the intended audience
 Show initiative and be able to make and justify decisions. b. the Criminology route of the Combined Honours Degree Programme:
The programme and outcomes have been developed taking account of:
 The Subject Benchmark Statement for Criminology
 The University of Portsmouth Curricula Framework Document (October 2008)
 The scholarship and research expertise of academic members of staff
 QAA Code of Practice for the Assurance of Academic Quality and Standards in Higher Education
 Framework for Higher Education Qualifications (FHEQ)
 National Qualifications Framework.
10.2 Programme Learning Outcomes - Details of the learning that students should be able to demonstrate
A. Subject Knowledge and Understanding, linked to the Criminology Benchmark Statements:
1.
Key theoretical approaches to the study of criminology and criminal justice (SB1; SB3; SB5; SB9; SB10; SB11; SB17; SB22)
2.
The agencies of criminal justice, their powers and inter-relationships (SB2; SB4; SB12; SB20; SB23)
3.
A number of key, contemporary specialist areas within criminology and criminal justice reflecting the broad discipline base of teaching staff (SB7; SB13; SB15; SB19; SB21)
4.
The role of crime and criminology within the wider policy context (SB10; SB12; SB14; SB16; SB17)
5.
Examination of International, comparative research into policy and practice issues as they affect Criminal Justice in the UK (SB2;
SB4; SB8; SB10; SB12; SB23).
Teaching and Learning Strategies and Methods:
The principal means of conveying information about the subject area is via a lecture/group discussion combination. This will be supplemented by interactive whole group teaching, and use of other media such as film, video and guest speaker programmes.
The greatest amount of staff-student contact occurs at Level 1 with seminar groups following on from lectures on a weekly basis. There is some continuation of seminar groups at Level 2 but less so at Level 3 (although choice of options could result in a naturally small group). The decreasing level of contact is aimed at matching and increasing ability on the part of the student to become an independent learner. This process culminates in the students’ independent (supervised) study towards a dissertation at Level 3.
At Level 1, study skills are primarily delivered through small groups but are also built into large subject-based lectures during the induction process. Study Skills are delivered by the Home Department, but CH students are invited to attend the Study Skills lectures offered by ICJS, in particular with regards to the development of referencing skills. Small groups continue at Level 2 with a focus on personal and career development as well as research skills. At Level 3 tutorial support is linked with dissertation supervision.
Assessment:
Level 1 work is assessed primarily through short essays, in-class tests, examinations (open and closed), small group work and presentations, longer projects and individual presentations. At Level 2, students undertake a group presentation focusing on a contemporary debate and the essays are longer, but the variety of assessment instruments is maintained and includes a dissertation proposal. Level 3 work is assessed through the same broad range of media as well as a long, independently researched dissertation.
The principal aim will be to seek to develop knowledge of Criminal Justice systems and structures, to encourage and enable debate and discussion and the processing of increasingly complex information and data; to develop an understanding in areas of professional competence and skills and to enable, improve and enhance critical analysis and advanced writing skills, such that core processes and academic understanding are transferable to others.
B. Cognitive (Intellectual or Thinking) Skills, able to:
1.
Evaluate and use a variety of theoretical approaches to the study of criminology and criminal justice (SB1;SB3;SB5; SB9; SB11;
SB12; SB17)
2.
Analyse the formation of criminal justice policy and evaluate its implementation (SB1; SB2; SB3; SB4; SB5; SB10; SB11;SB12;
Programme Specification - Criminology Combined Honours Page 2 of 8

SB14; SB20; SB21; SB23)
3.
Obtain, evaluate, interpret and synthesise information from a variety of sources and apply to specific problems and areas of inquiry
(SB7; SB8; SB9; SB10; SB13; SB14; SB15; SB19)
4.
Assess and compare competing theoretical explanations of crime causation and evaluate within the context of criminal justice (SB1;
SB2; SB4; SB6;SB9; SB11; SB12; SB16; SB20; SB23; SB22)
5.
Identify and research in depth a self-selected area and pursue a programme of independent, guided study resulting in the presentation of a dissertation (SB7; SB8;SB9; SB10; SB13; SB14; SB15; SB16; SB17; SB18; SB19; SB20; SB21; SB22; SB23).
Teaching and Learning Strategies and Methods:
Students will be exposed to argument and debate about key issues in the Criminal Justice system and in academic criminology.
Assessment:
Students will be assessed on the basis of a wide range of methods. However, the core cognitive element will be to encourage students adequately to process and manage academic argumentation and debate and to be able efficiently to present those in writing, discussion and debate. Exposure to small group discussion.
C. Practical, Professional or Subject Specific Skills, able to:
1.
Examine the various professions in the criminal justice system, including but not limited to police, probation, prisons, and lawyers
(SB2; SB3; SB4; SB5; SB6; SB8; SB12; SB20; SB23)
2.
Develop analytical and critical thinking skills (SB11;SB12; SB13; SB14; SB15; SB16, SB18; SB20; SB22)
3.
Be aware of the social, political, economic and cultural processes informing critical evaluation and judgement. (SB1; SB2; SB3; SB4;
SB5; SB6; SB9; SB10; SB12; SB17; SB20; SB22; SB23)
4.
Use bibliographical skills appropriate to the discipline, including accurate and consistent use of scholarly conventions of presentation
(SB16; SB17; SB22).
Teaching and Learning Strategies and Methods:
Students will be assessed on the basis of a wide range of methods. However, the core cognitive element will be to encourage students adequately to process and manage academic argument and debate and to be able efficiently to present those in writing, discussion and debate.
Assessment:
Students will be assessed on the basis of a wide range of methods. However, the core practical element will be to encourage students adequately to process and understand the regulation and practice issues relating to a wide range of professional bodies involved in criminal justice.
D. Transferable (Graduate & Employability Skills), able to:
1.
Produce well crafted and constructed, accurate output in written form in a variety of styles (essays, reports, dissertation) (SB22)
2.
Contribute to group discussions on set topics based on earlier preparation and, when asked, present topics to staff and student group (SB1;SB2; SB3; SB7; SB8; SB9; SB10; SB11;SB12; SB13; SB15; SB16; SB17)
3.
Where appropriate, work as part of a small team on a given task and thereby learn and apply group work skills
4.
Demonstrate self-awareness in relation to own abilities and having objectives by making use of written and oral feedback from tutors and peers
5.
Apply IT skills in both the searching for and communication of information (SB15; SB17; SB18; SB20)
6.
Demonstrate time-management and organisational skills, including the ability to plan and work to clear goals and objectives.(SB22)
7.
In planning for future career progression, utilise subject knowledge, cognitive and key skills as well as careers advice provided by specialist and subject based staff.
Teaching and Learning Strategies and Methods:
Study skills and writing tuition. Supervisor support for Dissertation. Small team work and group work.
Assessment:
Assessment will be by way of written documentation assessed against University standards.
11. Programme Structure, Progression and Award Requirements:
11.1 Overview
One credit is equivalent to 10 hours of learning. Each level comprises of a minimum of 120 credits. Units are offered as 10 and 20 credits, with the final year dissertation being 40 credits. Criminology is offered as a Single (not included here) and a Combined Honours pathway.
It is offered in full time (3 year) mode.
The exit award will be “BSc Sociology and Criminology” or ‘BSc Criminology with Psychology’ regardless of option choice. At stage 1, students study an equal number of credits for Sociology and Criminology, and 70 credits core Criminology and 40 credits core for
Psychology, plus 10 credits of study skills. At the end of Stage 2, students must submit a dissertation proposal in either Criminology or
Sociol ogy. The exit award will be the original title of the course on which the student is registered. In the case of BSc Sociology and
Criminology, the transcript will record the major subject based on the choice of dissertation.
Elective units totalling 30 credits are offered in level 2 and level 3 and provide an opportunity for students to study a variety of topics
(including languages and/or key skills) outside of their two main subject areas.
Careers guidance is formally included in a Level 2 core unit - Careers and Research Management.
Programme Specification - Criminology Combined Honours Page 3 of 8

11.2
Employability Statement
Personal Development Planning (PDP) is delivered by the Personal Tutorial System, which is provided by the Home department at all three levels.
Career Management Skills are delivered through the Careers and Research Management Unit at Level 2 provided by the Home department. The unit is prepared and delivered by the course teaching teams in conjunction with the University Careers Service and contains reflective elements, task-based elements and on-line exercises.
Accredited Institution-Wide Electives – Criminology students are encouraged to consider undertaking a Learning from Experience
(LIFE) unit, work-based units and particular ”employability units” that form part of the programme. These include units that focus specifically on the roles of particular criminal justice agencies and the relevant policies that dictate the responsibilities of those agencies and the legislative frameworks within which they operate.
At Level 2 students are able to identify and choose an area of their own interest in order to develop a research proposal, and at Level 3 to undertake an independent piece of research in this area towards the completion of a dissertation.
The Institute of Criminal Justice Studies has both formal and informal links with employers, through the provision of professional training programmes, accrediting professional training programmes and through research undertaken by academics in their own specialist areas.
Code Title
U12300  Penology
U13131  Hate Crime
U06564E  Dangerous Offenders & Criminal Justice
U12301  Drugs, Clubs & Regulation
U09966  Crime Prevention & Community Safety (Soc)
U15056  Cultural Criminology`
U15785
U16829


Contemporary Issues in Critical Criminology
Police, Law and Community II (Crim)
U11346
U08761B


Contemporary Criminological Perspectives (Soc)
Cyber Crime
U08559C  Prisons: Inside and Out
U15028  The Economics of Crime (Soc)
U15899
U15241
U03576B
U15900




The Treatment & Rehabilitation of Offenders
Organised Crime
Forensic Psychology
Crime, Exclusion & Mental Health
40 credits from:
U05058  Dissertation
Sem
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1 & 2
Type
SCO
SCO
SCO
SCO
SCO
SCO
SCO
SCO
C/SCO
SCO
SCO
SCO
SCO
SCO
SCO
SCO
SCO
Cred
10
10
10
10
10
10
10
10
20/10
10
10
10
10
10
10
10
40
Ex/Cw
0/100
0/100
0/100
50/50
0/100
0/100
0/100
0/100
%
50/50
0/100
0/100
0/100
0/100
0/100
0/100
0/100
0/100
Programme Specification - Criminology Combined Honours Page 4 of 8

Code Title
U05054C  Issues in Criminal Justice
Up to 20 credits from the following with Sociology & Psychology:
U12311  Policing & Society
U08556B  Gender, Crime & Criminal Justice
U16827  Criminal Justice and the Victim
U12297B  Investigation, Psychology & Law
U12298  Substance Use & Misuse
U12299  Geography & Crime
U06566B  Policy & Politics in Criminal Justice (Soc)
U15898  Police Law & Community I
U15064  Crime, Punishment & Community Justice
U05037  Issues in Criminology
 Career and Research Management
U05056C  Researching Crime & Criminal Justice II
U10411  Youth Crime, Youth Justice
U11442B  Miscarriages of Justice
U16826  Policing Diversity
U15057  Understanding Crime & Culture
U12306  Analysing Deviants: Practical Data Analysis for Criminologists
(Soc)
U10323B  Terrorism and Counter Terrorism
U13385
U16774
 White Collar Crime
 Crime and Social Policy
Any other optional L2 Criminology Unit
(3 x 10 credit slots, timetabling permitting)
Code
Elective (language or other unit) (2 x 10 credit units in Year 2)
Title
U05035B
U05858B
U16776
U10555C
U05036
U16775
U11440
 Intro to Criminal Justice
 Intro to Psychology (Core with Soc)
 Crime in Context (Core with Psy)
 Criminology Study Group (Core with Psy)
 Intro to Criminology
Social Control & Regulation (Core with Psy)
 Researching Crime and Criminal Justice 1 (Core with Psy)
C = Compulsory unit
O = Optional unit
Sem
1
1 & 2
Sem
1
1
1
1
2
2
2
1 & 2
2
1 & 2
2
2
2
2
2
2
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
2
2
2
Type
C
E
Type
C
C
C
C
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
C
C
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
C
C/O
SCO
Cred
20
10
Cred
20
10
10
10
10
10
10
10
20
10
10
10
10
10
10
10
10
10
10
10
10
10
10
10
20
10
10
Ex/Cw
30/70
40/ 60
20/80
0/100
0/100
0/100
0/100
0/100
0/100
100/0
0/100
Ex/Cw
50/50
0/100
0/100
0/100
100/0
0/100
0/100
0/100
50/50
0/100
0/100
0/100
0/100
50/50
0/100
0/100
E = Elective unit
B = Both Semester
SCO = Subject Core Option
12. Support for Student Learning
S = Spanning Semesters
N = Not Semesterised
1 = Semester 1 etc
 The Course is managed by a Course Leader and Deputy Course Leader
 Extensive induction programme introduces the student to the University and their course. Each student has a personal or duty tutor, responsible for pastoral support and guidance
 University support services include – study skills, careers, financial advice, housing, counselling etc
 A new Student Centre incorporating Students Union and Student Services
 Excellent library facilities
 The University of Portsmouth has consistently been awarded an excellent rating for student support and guidance in a number of
Quality Assurance Agency inspection
 Student course and unit handbooks provide information about the University (regulations, facilities, etc) and the course (structure, local regulations etc)
 Student profiling and personal development planning
Programme Specification - Criminology Combined Honours Page 5 of 8

 Key Skills opportunities are incorporated into all units.
 Written feedback is provided for all assessments
 Personal Development Planning (PDP) for all awards.
13. Admission Criteria a. Academic Admissions Criteria
 Students are recruited with a variety of different qualifications, the exact requirements for Criminology as a Joint or Major pathway will depend upon what subject is taken with it.
General guidance:
 A-levels: should include 2 x 6 units
 GNVQ: students must have achieved at least a C grade for a single 12-unit GNVQ in a relevant area.
 Students may also offer more varied GNVQ and A/AS combinations, including 6-unit and 3-unit GNVQ awards.


Professional qualifications and experience: considered positively
Access courses: 60% overall
 Other qualifications: Yes
 Mature and international students are welcomed. b. Disability
The University makes no distinction in its admissions policy with regard to disability and will endeavour to make all reasonable adjustments in order to make it possible for students to study at Portsmouth on a course of their choice.
14. Evaluation and Enhancement of Quality and Standards in Learning and Teaching
a. Mechanisms for review and evaluation
 Head of Department’s Annual Standards and Quality Evaluative Review to Pro Vice-Chancellor (Academic) and Faculty Executive
 Unit and Course Level student feedback considered at Board of Studies
 Unit Assessment Board consideration of student performance for each programme
 Combined Honours Management Board considers overall student and staff experience
 Annual Standards and Quality Reports to Board of Studies, including consideration of Subject and Award External Examiner Reports
 Head of Academic Development’s Annual Report to QAC on Combined Honours Degree Programme
 Annual Staff Appraisal
 Peer Teaching Observation
 Faculty Learning and Teaching Committee. b. Responsibilities for monitoring and evaluation
 Unit Co-ordinators for unit content and delivery
 Course Leader, Deputy Course Leader for day-to-day running of course
 Board of Studies with overall responsibilities for operation and content of course
 Student Representatives and Staff Student Consultative Committees
 Combined Honours Degree Programme Management Board
 Heads of the Departments
 Associate Dean (Academic)
 Associate Dean (Students)
 Quality Assurance Committee
 Unit, Award and Progression Board of Examiners. c. Mechanisms for gaining student feedback
 Student Representation on Board of Studies


Student Staff Consultative Committees
Combined Honours Student Staff Consultative Committee
 Unit and Course level student questionnaires. d. Staff Development Priorities
 Academic staff undertake activities related to research, scholarship, teaching and learning and student support and guidance
 Annual staff appraisals match development to needs
 Managers undertake a variety of management development programmes
 New academic staff required to undertake PgCert Teaching and Learning in Higher Education
 All academic staff encouraged to seek Institute Higher Education Academy membership
 Academic Staff new to teaching required to undertake Initial Professional Development Programme (iPROF).
 Support Staff are encouraged to attend short courses in areas such as minute taking, and specific IT packages.
15. Assessment
15.1 Assessment Strategy
Assessment on Criminology units is primarily coursework-based, although some of the core units also involve a written exam.
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Level 1 assessments primarily test students’ ability to describe, understand and reflect. These include in-class tests and exercises to test knowledge of referencing and writing a bibliography, and an understanding of the key processes in the criminal justice system. Students are required to write reflective reports, as well as an oral presentation, to assess their ability to speak publicly. Examinations are used to test knowledge and understanding of the core units.
Level 2 assessments primarily test students’ ability to develop a greater knowledge and understanding of criminological theories and key issues in contemporary criminal justice. Students are required to present a chosen debate of their own as part of a small group. Written coursework requires students to demonstrate their ability to use a variety of sources of information and databases to research particular topics and examinations are used to test knowledge and understanding of core units. Optional units provide a range of assessment opportunities and allow students to develop and demonstrate skills in report writing and critical thinking relating to specific specialist areas.
Level 3 assessments continue to develop students’ ability to critically analyse by using a range of sources of information, drawing upon the relevant theoretical perspectives and core concepts within criminology and criminal justice. Optional units provide a range of assessment opportunities, including the use of online and elearning assessment tools. The further development of critical thinking is encouraged relating to specific specialist areas and the students’ undertaking of an independent piece of research as part of their dissertation.
15.2 Assessment Regulations a. Assessment and Classification Rules
Standard university rules apply, in summary the main points relating to assessment are as follows but the regulations as stated in
University handbook AR.1.10 must be consulted for a full description:
 Unit overall pass mark is 40%.
 Referral is allowed for a student (in all or some assessment components) who has failed a unit or units at the first attempt to limits prescribed in the regulations with unit overall marks capped at 40%.
 Repeat assessment is allowed to students who fail a unit or units after referral. Such students must attempt all the assessment components specified in the assessment schedule and are usually expected to attend all class sessions. On passing the unit the unit marks will be capped unless the student chooses to repeat the entire stage.
 At the final stage units, to limits prescribed in the regulations, failed at the first attempt may be compensated at the discretion of the
Award/Progression Board.
 Special provision may be made in approved Extenuating Circumstances cases, usually by allowing the affected assessment to be undertaken again, as if for the first time. b. Interpretation of Marks in Classification
Standard university rules apply, in summary the main points relating to classification are as follows but the regulations as stated in
University handbook AR.1.10 must be consulted for a full description:
 Degree classification bands:
 40-49 third
 50-59 lower second
 60-69 upper second
 70+ first
 Final degree classification is based on a multi-criteria approach using the highest classification achieved from:
 Average of weighted Level 2 and Level 3 marks in the ratio 40:60.
 Average of weighted Level 3 marks.
Dominant grade from Level 2 and Level 3 - attainment of 50% or more credits at or above the degree classification awarded with the requirement that 60 credits in the degree classification should be at Level 3. c. Role of Externals
 Subject External Examiners – oversee unit assessment and:
 approve unit assessment strategy
 sample assessment artefacts
 present report to Unit Assessment Boards
 Award External Examiners – a Subject External Examiner who will oversee and attend award/progression Boards.
16. Indicators of Quality and Standards a. Professional Accreditation/Recognition
Not Applicable b. Previous Subject Review (or equivalent) Outcomes
Not Applicable c. Periodic Review
Programme Specification - Criminology Combined Honours Page 7 of 8

May 2008 – ‘broad confidence’
Quality Assurance Agency
QAA Institutional Audit, April 2004, ‘broad confidence’.
e. Others
Not Applicable
 Course Approval Document
 Student Handbook
 University of Portsmouth Undergraduate Prospectus


Assessment Regulations
Quality Assurance Agency Reports
 University of Portsmouth ( http://www.port.ac.uk/ ) and ( http://www.port.ac.uk/departments/academic/icjs/ ) websites.
Programme Specification - Criminology Combined Honours Page 8 of 8