This module guides learners to a develop a knowledge and understanding of competing perspectives and theoretical framings of issues of crime, criminality and deviance. It introduces a range of key criminological theories and concepts through examination of the classic criminological studies, followed by an overview of theoretical development in Criminology over the course of the 19th and 20th centuries.

What is Crime?
The Origins of Criminology
Locating crime within the Individual: Biological Approaches
Psychological Approaches
Classic Sociological Criminology
Contemporary Criminology
Crime Statistics and Crime Data
Youth and Crime
Gender and Crime
Race, Hate, Sectarianism and Crime
Penology – Origins to Present
Victimology

Video TED Talk - Students deliver a recorded video which includes an introduction to the topic, its link to criminological theory and their personal conclusions, as well as presenting content supported by bibliographic sources. Students choose a crime which must have occurred during the previous 3 years (with a resolution in the criminal courts) and make the video where they will evaluate this case using theories learned on the module and skills developed such as oral communication.

All sessions are taught in person through interactive lectures and workshops. Students are required to undertake brief preparation for each session pre-session, and short scaffold overview teaching then prepares learners for educational that moves beyond direct content delivery (like lectures via videos) so classroom time can be used for interactive, higher-order activities like, discussions, tasks and collaborative projects with facilitated academic guidance. This approach maximises face-to-face time for deeper application and analysis. Students will get the opportunity to prepare for their summative assessment through activities in class, such as pitch presentations, where students outline their idea/ case and rationale; students providing 1–2 minutes of their script or a key section for peer and tutor feedback; and Micro-TED Talk (Rehearsal Recording).

1. Show knowledge and understanding of criminological theories.

Knowledge and understanding

2. Explain how the strengths and weaknesses of criminological theories are demonstrated in the real world working of Criminal Justice Processes and Practices.

Critical reasoning & collaboration

3. Apply knowledge of and discuss criminological theories in relation to real world case studies.

Application and problem solving

4. Articulate understanding of core criminology principles and theories verbally through using digital technology.

Communication; Digital literacy

Burke, R.H. (2018) An introduction to criminological theory. 5th ed. London: Routledge.
Jones, S. (2001) Criminology. 7th ed. London: Oxford University Press.
Liebling, A., Maruna, S. and McAra, L. (2023) The Oxford handbook of criminology. Seventh edition. Oxford: Oxford University Press. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1093/he/9780198860914.001.0001.
Lord, S.S. (2025) Introduction to Criminology. 1st ed. Burlington: Toronto Academic Press.

How do we explain crime? Why do people rape, steal and kill? Is crime caused by nature, nurture, or both?

In this module you will follow and learn the core history of criminological theories from how people's criminal behaviour has been tied to bodies, tattooing, genetics, family upbringing, free-will, age, race, gender, social class, thinking patterns and physical environment. In covering the pioneering criminological theorists and their core works, the module will equip you with a key understanding of the core ideas and perspectives that you will use throughout your studies, and into and in professional careers in Criminal Justice. It also will also aid you in developing the critical thinking and applied transferable skills and confidence that is needed to work successfully in criminal justice practice or wider graduate careers. The module familiarises you with the different assumptions, explanations and proposed solutions embedded within these theories and sensitises you to the importance of the social contexts in which theories are produced. In your learning about 'crime' you learn that they are not fixed and settled entities but complex and shifting processes whose different characteristics are revealed (and concealed) when viewed through the lenses of different theories and perspectives.