This core module is designed to develop discipline-specific abilities and the competent use of criminological theories and concepts, which will help students to better understand crime and criminal behaviour, victimisation and responses to crime and harm. The module aims to provide students with a comprehensive grounding in a range of criminological perspectives while introducing different assumptions, explanations and proposed solutions linked to these theories. It is also intended to sensitise students to the importance of the social contexts in which theories are produced.

The module will examine:
- Foundations of Criminological Theory
- Classicism
- Positivism
- Interactionist Criminology
- The Chicago School
- Anomie & Strain Theory
- Learning Theories
- Control Theories
- Subcultural Theories
- Right Realism
- Left Realism
- Zemiology/Social Harm Approach

Students will write an essay or produce a presentation (15minutes plus 5minutes questions) in which they select two theoretical perspectives from the taught content and apply to the offending behaviour that occurred in a real-life crime case of their choice.

In their response, students will need to demonstrate an understanding of the context of the chosen case and the theoretical interpretation while highlighting the strengths and weaknesses of criminological theories. The assignment must be referenced using the Harvard referencing system.

Scheduled learning and teaching will include lectures, workshop activities, discussions, groupwork, and drop-in support sessions prior to assessments. Formative work and case examples will assist students to complete assessments. In addition to traditional classroom-based teaching, the module supports learning through the use of innovative and interactive IT based solutions such as Padlet and other interactive learning solutions. As part of supportive student assessment, during tutorial sessions, the module leader will help you understand different theories and strengths and weaknesses through group tasks and discussions. You will also be given the opportunity to submit part of your summative assignment for feedback to improve the quality of your final submission.

1. Identify strengths and weaknesses of criminological theories in explaining criminal behaviour, supporting your arguments with literature.

Research Skills

2. Apply Criminological theory to real world instances of crime.

Application & Problem Solving

3. Explain the social contexts in which different criminological theories and crimes appear.

Knowledge & Understanding

4. Analyse how power dynamics, social inequalities, and social harms relating to a diverse range of people shape the development and use of criminological theories.

Critical Reasoning & Collaboration

Brisman, A., Carrabine, E., & South, N. (eds.) (2017) The Routledge Companion to Criminological Theory and Concepts. Routledge.

Carrabine, E. et al. (2020) Criminology: A Sociological Introduction. Taylor & Francis Group.

Jones, S. (2021) ‘Prospects’, in Criminology. 7th edn. Oxford University Press.

Liebling, A., Maruna, S. & McAra, L. (2023) The Oxford Handbook of Criminology. 7th edn. Oxford University Press.

Peterson, J. R. et al. (2025) Introduction to Criminology: An Equity Lens. Open Oregon Educational Resources.

Are you interested in explaining and analysing offending behaviour and obtaining knowledge of a range of different theories in criminology? This module will certainly deliver on your expectations - it will allow you to develop your knowledge of and interests in a range of academic theories, while providing an opportunity for practical application to real-life crimes. The aim is to highlight that theory and practice are linked and mutually support each other.