If your idea of a perfect evening is pre-empting the next twist in the plot of an Agatha Christie novel, or you’re always enthralled by the latest crime documentaries on Netflix, you would no doubt find the study of criminology completely fascinating.
People commit crimes for many reasons. Hollywood often portrays crimes of passion and greed in glamourous movies of intricate love stories and action-packed bank robberies. However, the causes of crime day to day are usually far more complex.
Anything from parental neglect to low self-esteem, poverty and other circumstantial elements can lead a person to commit a crime. In many cases, someone can be in the wrong place at the wrong time and get caught up in a messy situation.
If you’re keen to know more about what makes criminals tick, you could study criminology courses that enable you to delve into the minds of those who partake in illegal activities. This would also help you achieve qualifications that open the door to many careers that help fight crime.
What is Criminology?
First things first, if you’re unfamiliar with criminology, you need to make sure it’s something you definitely want to study.
Criminology is a branch of sociology – the social science that focuses on human behaviour in society – that draws on various fields of study to explain what causes criminal behaviour and what can prevent it.
It does so by exploring the many topics that are related to crime, in addition to the social roots and impacts of criminal behaviour. The overall aim being to identify the root causes of criminal behaviour so that effective and humane prevention methods can be established.
As a criminologist, you examine each aspect of deviant behaviour, from the frequency and the location of crimes to the different types of crimes and the social, individual and governmental reactions and consequences of crime.
Research in these areas has produced different schools of thought as to what leads to criminal behaviour and how best to approach the related issues.
These are:
- Classical theories – criminal behaviour is a conscious choice
- Biological theories – criminal behaviour is partly due to inherited biological traits
- Psychological theories – criminal behaviour is the consequence of factors like upbringing and childhood experiences
- Sociological theories – criminal behaviour is influenced by community factors like systemic oppression and informal social controls
So, if you’re wondering ‘is criminology a good course?’, the fact it explores deviant behaviour in such detail attests to the quality of the topics covered.
What Criminology Courses are Available?
You can study criminology courses in a range of capacities, whether you’re studying to upskill, indulge an interest or requalifying for a new career.
You can study:
Beginners Courses in Criminology
Stonebridge Associated Colleges offer online criminology for beginners course that is designed for those who wish either to study criminology for fun or to sample a taster for further study and accreditation. You will learn the basics behind Forensics, Autopsies, Types of Criminals, Processing a Scene of Crime and Profiling Methods. You will also examine past cases and policing methods as well as Crime and Punishment.
Mid Level Criminology Courses
Perfect for those who want to work in crime prevention or study criminology at a higher level. In mid-level criminology courses, you will explore criminological theories and understand how the criminal justice system works in the UK. You will then go on to explore the nature, range and scope of crimes related to drugs, violence and property in the UK. You will also gain an insight into forensic psychology and crime prevention.
Criminology Accredited Courses
If you want to study a criminology degree, there are psychology with criminology courses that provide you with an accredited qualification that is the equivalent of three A Levels. An Access to Higher Education (Social Science) – Psychology and Criminology Pathway combines the two social sciences to prepare you for a number of career paths, including working within the criminal justice system. With this qualification, you can apply to university to get qualified and make your crime-fighting career a reality!
What Does a Criminology Course Involve?
By studying criminology and psychology courses, like the Access to Higher Education (Social Science) – Psychology and Criminology Pathway, you will study criminology related modules that will prepare you for your future career.
The course covers:
- Health and Wellbeing
- Introduction to Psychology
- Understanding Crime and Deviance
- The Origins of The Welfare State
- Introduction to Cognitive Psychology
- Sociology of Mass Media
- The Criminology of Prisons
- Foundations of Social Policy
You will progress to the following topics:
- Measurements of Crime
- The Brain & Nervous System (Psychology)
- Criminal Justice & Social Policy
- Abnormal Psychology
- Sociology of Education
- Criminal Law & Procedures
- Psychobiology of Stress
- Contemporary Issues in Social Policy
- Sociology of The Family
Rather than study exams, you will complete end of unit assignments to test your knowledge. Once each assignment is completed, you will submit your work to your tutor for assessment and receive constructive feedback that will help you progress. At the end of your course, you will have the equivalent of 3 A Level qualifications, which will allow you to study criminology and forensic science university courses.
How Hard is it to Get into Criminology Courses, UK Learners?
If you’re wondering ‘what courses do I need to study criminology?’, you will be pleased to know the entry requirements for criminology degree courses are quite flexible.
There are no specific A Levels required, though understandably Sociology or Psychology A Levels would likely give you a head start in your learning. Each university would like to see students with good A Level grades, though they will equally be interested in students who display a keen interest in social studies and the criminal justice system.
In terms of GCSEs, you’ll need to have a minimum of five GCSEs at grade C/4 or higher. Most universities require English and Mathematics, as English helps with the detailed level of reading and writing the degree requires. Whereas a Maths GCSE will help with the statistics side of the degree.
If you don’t have A Levels, you can study an Access to HE Diploma instead. If you don’t have the relevant GCSEs, there are also Functional Skills courses that provide alternative qualifications.
How to Study Criminology Courses
You can study criminology in various ways depending on your availability to study, the best way and time of day you like to learn.
There are many colleges that have criminology courses, giving you the option to study full and part-time criminology courses. You will complete your studies in a classroom setting, and each class will be set in line with a fixed timetable.
If you don’t have the free time to attend college, you can study criminology courses online. This removes the restrictions of set classes and timetables, so you can study when you have the time. You won’t be in a classroom with other students or a teacher, but you will be supported by a dedicated tutor.
The best criminology courses, UK, for you, completely depends on which of the above suits your lifestyle.
How Long is a Criminology Course?
The length of criminology courses again depends on if you decide to study at college or online. Criminology courses college when studied full-time can be completed over the course of one or two years. If you decide to study part-time, these will run for longer to get through all the classes.
Courses in criminology online can be completed within a year, such as an Access to Higher Education (Social Science) – Psychology and Criminology Pathway, though you will have to submit assignments in line with your Individual Learning Plan.
Get Started Now
If you’re ready to embark on studies that lead to a fascinating crime-related career, Stonebridge Associated Colleges can help you take the next step.
Our Access to Higher Education (Social Science) – Psychology and Criminology Pathway gives you the foundation skills and knowledge you need to study a criminology degree. With these qualifications under your belt, you can pursue many exciting careers, potentially becoming a Crime Scene Investigator, Detective, Police or Prison Officer.
Find out more by calling our Course Executives now to discuss the modules of the course and the jobs it can lead you into. Our team can also explain the flexible ways you can pay for your course, as well as how to enrol and get started with your studies.
Call them on 0121 392 8288 or contact them for more information online.
