UNIVERSITY OF BRADFORD
School of Social and International Studies
Division of Social Science and Criminal Justice Studies
BA (Hons) Applied Criminal Justice Studies
Awarding and teaching
institution:
University of Bradford
Final award:
BA (Honours)
[Framework for Higher Education Qualifications
level 6]
Programme title:
Applied Criminal Justice Studies
Duration:
3 years full-time
UCAS code:
M211
Subject benchmark
statement:
Criminology, Social Policy and Administration,
Law
Date produced:
2002/3
Last updated :
May 2012
Introduction
The main aim of this degree is to provide you with the relevant theoretical and
empirical knowledge and the ability to understand how these relate to the practice of
criminal justice policy in contemporary society. To this end, we seek to ensure the
development of skills and knowledge across a range of related disciplines;
criminology and criminal justice, forensic science, psychology, law, and social policy.
A distinctive feature of the Applied Criminal Justice Studies degree is that it provides
you with experiences of a number of different disciplines related to the criminal
justice field. You are introduced to different methodologies, different learning styles
and different learning practices (for example the vastly different learning and
teaching styles, knowledge base and practices in the areas of law, forensic science,
psychology and social policy). A large number of the modules are geared towards
work-relevant knowledge (e.g. psychological profiling, which is taught by a
practitioner). The compulsory work placement in year three is a substantial
opportunity to enhance and develop this interdisciplinary knowledge base in a work
setting.
The degree also aims to prepare you for career paths in a range of careers related to
criminal justice. These include work in the police force, probation service, youth
justice area, prison service, legal system, victim support, immigration service, and
related professions. Some of these professions, e.g. law, probation and psychology,
would require further postgraduate qualification. However, for all such careers you
would have been provided with a strong background through the range of disciplines
already covered and through the vocational or practice orientation of much of your
studies (for example, work placement, forensic science, criminal law, and
psychological profiling modules).
© University of Bradford
1
Programme Aims
The programme is intended to:
A1. provide you with the relevant theoretical and empirical knowledge and
the ability to understand how these relate to the practice of criminal justice
policy in contemporary society;
A2. ensure the development of skills and knowledge across a range of
related disciplines;
A3. prepare you for career paths in a range of careers related to criminal
justice;
A4. provide a supportive, structured environment in which you acquire
independent learning skills;
A5. confer subject knowledge and understanding, together with discipline
skills to enable you to pursue further programmes of study or careers
where Social Science and Humanities’ skills are advantageous; and
A6. develop personal transferable skills to enable you to pursue further
programmes of study or careers in non-cognate fields.
Programme Learning Outcomes
When you have completed the programme you will be able to:
LO1. understand and discuss the fundamental features of the UK legal
system and of UK criminal law,
LO2. examine the principles and core practices of forensic science, models
and theories of psychology,
LO3. critically appraise the main parameters of UK society and social policy,
and of the central features of the history, practice and social context of UK
criminal justice policy.
LO4. apply practice and knowledge gained on the course when working in a
criminal justice setting;
LO5. think critically and knowledgeably about issues in the criminal justice
field; to reflect critically on social phenomena and public debates.
LO6. read widely across a range of different subject areas; to articulate
viewpoints and carry out analysis across the range of disciplines covered
by the degree programme, both orally and in writing
Curriculum
Stage 1
Stage 1 provides a general introduction to the main subjects of the degree and some
of the central issues and areas of knowledge in social science. It also provides you
with relevant study skills and information technology skills. The modules you study in
this stage of your course will provide you with a background in social science areas
that are relevant to the study of criminal justice.
Module
Code
Module Title
© University of Bradford
Type
Credits
Level
Study
period
2
SJ-4002D
Learning Strategies
CORE
20
1
SEM 1
CT-1012D
Introduction to Forensic and Crime
Scene Investigation
CORE
20
1
SEM 1
SJ-4007L
Introduction to Crime and Criminal
Justice
CORE
20
1
SEM 1
and 2
SJ-4004L
Global Society: Local Experiences
CORE
20
1
SEM 1
and 2
SJ-4005D
State and Society
CORE
20
1
SEM 2
SJ-4006D
Introduction to Sociology
CORE
20
1
SEM 2
Stage 2
In Stage 2, both the general social science and specific subject skills and knowledge
bases are built upon. Modules such as Psychological Profiling and Crime and Law
build upon the more focussed criminal justice knowledge and understanding already
acquired.
Module
Code
Module Title
Type
Credits
Level
Study
period
SJ-5010D
Psychological Profiling
CORE
20
1
SEM 1
SJ-5011K
Research and Evaluation
CORE
40
1
SEM 1
and 2
SJ-5009D
Crime and Law
CORE
20
1
SEM 2
SJ-5004D
Policing and the Penal Services
CORE
20
1
SEM 2
SJ-5007D
Youth and Crime
OPTION
20
1
SEM 1
SJ-5003D
Crime and the Media
OPTION
20
1
SEM 1
Stage 3
Finally, in Stage 3, the course seeks to both integrate and deepen your
understanding of the core disciplines. Modules in this stage of your course aim to
complete your understanding of the core features of these disciplines. The Work
Placement module is a substantial and core element of the third year and is
designed to encourage and enable you to integrate your academic studies with
practical experience and skills. Your dissertation will give you the opportunity to
choose a subject in which you can research in depth some feature of criminal justice
that you are particularly interested in.
Module
Code
Module Title
Type
Credits
Level
Study
period
SJ-6008K
Work Placement
CORE
40
1
SEM 1
and 2
SJ-6009K
Dissertation (Applied Criminal
Justice Studies)
CORE
40
1
SEM 1
and 2
SJ-6003D
Contemporary Criminal Justice
CORE
20
1
SEM 1
SJ-6005D
International Perspectives on Crime
OPTION
20
1
SEM 2
SJ-6007D
Politics of Narcotic Drugs
OPTION
20
1
SEM 2
The curriculum may change, subject to the University's course approval, monitoring
and review procedures.
© University of Bradford
3
Teaching and Assessment Strategies
The teaching and learning strategy takes into consideration the learning outcomes,
progression through the levels of study, the nature of the subject, and the need for
you to take greater responsibility for your own learning as you progress through the
course.
Assessment is varied and includes formal closed book examinations, essays, report
writing, presentations and the writing of a dissertation and placement report that will
account for more than 50% of your final year work.
Assessment Regulations
This Programme conforms to the standard University Assessment Regulations which
are available at the following link:
http://www.bradford.ac.uk/academic-quality-unit/ordinances-and-regulations-fortaught-courses/
Admission Requirements
The University welcomes applications from all potential students regardless of their
previous academic experience; offers are made following detailed consideration of
each individual application. Most important in the decision to offer a place is our
assessment of a candidate’s potential to benefit from their studies and of their ability
to succeed on this particular programme. Entrance requirements for each
programme will vary but consideration of your application will be based on a
combination of your formal academic qualifications and other relevant experience.
If you have prior certificated learning or professional experience which may be
equivalent to parts of this programme, the University has procedures to evaluate this
learning in order to provide you with exemptions from specified modules contained
within the curriculum. Please talk to us if you do not fit the standard pattern of entry
qualifications.
The University of Bradford has always welcomed applications from disabled
students, and these will be considered on the same academic grounds as are
applied to all applicants. If you have some form of disability you may wish to contact
the programme leader before you apply.
A typical offer to someone seeking entry through the UCAS scheme would be 240
points to include 2 full GCE A levels or equivalent qualification, or an Access to HE
Diploma to include a minimum of 9 credits at Distinction and 9 at Merit. Applications
are welcome from mature students (those over 21 years of age on entry) and
candidates with non-standard qualifications or who, lacking academic qualifications,
have significant relevant experience. On completion of a UCAS form you will be
invited to the School for an Open Day when you will have the opportunity to meet
staff, view the facilities and discuss “the Bradford experience” with current students.
Learning Resources
The JB Priestley Library on the city campus and our specialist library in the School of
Management provide a wide range of printed and electronic resources to support
your studies. We offer quiet study space if you want to work on your own, and group
study areas for the times when you need to discuss work with fellow students.
Subject librarians for each School provide training sessions and individual guidance
© University of Bradford
4
in finding the information you need for your assignment, and will help you organise
your references properly.
Student PC clusters can be found in all our libraries and elsewhere on the campus.
Many of these are open 24/7. You can also use the University's wireless network to
access the internet from your own laptop. Most of our online journals are available
on the internet (both on and off campus), and you can also access your University
email account, personal information and course-related materials this way.
Staff are on hand during the daytime to help you if you get stuck, and there is a 24/7
IT helpline available.
Student Support and Guidance
Course Team
Support for you personally and in your course of study, will be provided both by the
University and the Course Team. You will be allocated a personal tutor who is
someone with whom you will be able to talk about any academic or personal
concerns. The School will ensure that there is someone available with whom you
feel comfortable to help and support you. You will be provided with a comprehensive
series of handbooks that you can consult on a range of learning issues and your
course tutors will be available to consult on subject specific queries.
Students’ Union
We value the feedback provided by students and collaborate with the Students’
Union, through a system of course representatives and formal staff student liaison
committees, so that any issues you wish to raise are addressed rapidly.
The Students’ Union and the University of Bradford work in partnership to provide
confidential counselling and welfare services where you can get help with any aspect
of your personal or academic life. Student Financial and Information Services
(based in the Hub) will provide you with information about a diverse range of issues
such as council tax, personal safety and tourist information. International Students
can access a range of additional advice and support services through the Student’s
Union.
Careers and Employability
The University is committed to helping students develop and enhance employability
and this is an integral part of many programmes. Specialist support is available
throughout the course from Career Development Services including help to find part
time work while studying, placements, vacation work and graduate vacancies.
Students are encouraged to access this support at an early stage and to use the
extensive resources on the web site www.careers.brad.ac.uk.
Discussing options with specialist advisers helps to clarify plans through exploring
options and refining skills of job-hunting. In most of programmes there is direct input
by Career Development Advisers into the curriculum or through specially arranged
workshops. These may take place as early as year 1, or may be achieved through a
customised Career and Personal Development module in year 2 or 3 which is
developed in close cooperation with the academic department. An annual First
Destination Survey leads to compilation of a report on the outcomes of all
programmes and to the development of an annually updated Traffic Light Analysis of
Employability which is used as a performance indicator.
© University of Bradford
5
Learner Development Unit (LDU)
The Learner Development Unit provides support in all aspects of academic, maths,
numeracy and interpersonal skills. A programme of interactive workshops is
delivered during both semesters which complements individual support available
from Advisers and the wide range of interactive online materials available from the
LDU website.
Disability
Disabled students will find a supportive environment at Bradford where we are
committed to ensuring that all aspects of student life are accessible to
everyone. The Disability Service can help by providing equipment and advice to
help you get the most out of your time at Bradford and is a place where you can
discuss any concerns you may have about adjustments that you may need, whether
these relate to study, personal care or other issues. For more information contact
the Disability Service by phoning: 01274 233739 or via email:
disabilities@bradford.ac.uk
University policies and initiatives
Ecoversity:
Ecoversity is a strategic project of the University which aims to embed the principles
of sustainable development into our decision-making, learning and teaching,
research activities campus operations and lives of our staff and students. We do not
claim to be a beacon for sustainable development but we aspire to become a leading
University in this area. The facilities we create for teaching and learning, including
teaching spaces, laboratories, IT labs and social spaces, will increasingly reflect our
commitments to sustainable development. Staff and student participation in this
initiative is crucial to its success and its inclusion in the programme specification is a
clear signal that it is at the forefront of our thinking in programme development,
delivery, monitoring and review. For more details see www.bradford.ac.uk/ecoversity
Further Information:
For further information, please check the University prospectus or contact
Admissions.
The Admissions Office
School of Social and International Studies
The University of Bradford
The University of Bradford
Richmond Road
Richmond Road
Bradford, BD7 1DP
Bradford, BD7 1DP
UK
UK
+44 (0)1274 233054
http://www.brad.ac.uk/ssis/social-sciences
http://www.brad.ac.uk/courses/
The contents of this programme specification may change, subject to the University's
regulations and course approval, monitoring and review procedures.
© University of Bradford
6