This module is designed to provide students with an introduction to Criminal Law, Criminology and the Criminal Justice System. The module requires the demonstration of the necessary skills to apply the law to a range of case studies, regularly using the principles of practice and problem based learning. Students learn about the rules and statutes that define conduct prohibited by the government because it threatens and harms public safety. The students reflect on the potential causes for deviant behaviour.

The learning strategy for this module is based around students committing a total of 300 hours of activities, split between 72 hours of direct contact with a tutor and 228 hours of directed and independent study, together with preparation for and completion of assessment tasks.

WHOLE GROUP SESSIONS
In these sessions, students are introduced to the general concepts underlying the subject, and provided with an outline of the relevant legal principles and cases. Teaching materials, including the use of the VLE platform, supplement the sessions. These sessions guide students towards consolidating their knowledge and understanding

SMALLER GROUP SESSIONS
These are preceded by a period of independent learning. The module materials contain indicative reading for each session, together with subjects for discussion and case studies. The purpose of the smaller group sessions is to help students assess their understanding of a topic, to develop analytical skills, and to learn how to apply legal principles to factual situations. For all smaller group sessions, there are questions to help guide reading and preparation. The sessions encourage active participation and interaction among students and between students and tutors. A variety of teaching methods is adopted in order to encourage the development of essential skills such as intellectual rigour, communication, problem solving, research, teamwork, negotiation, presentation, referencing, judgement and the appropriate use of IT

DIRECTED AND INDEPENDENT STUDY (228 hours)
Independent study includes research and preparation for the work to be undertaken in the smaller group sessions and consolidation of understanding afterwards. Directed study opportunities, such as online tests, are provided to enable students to revise key topics at important stages in the module. Directed and independent study aims to develop a deeper understanding of issues within the area of crime and deviancy. Students are provided with guidance in their module materials, including via Blackboard. Completion of the tasks encourages students to assess their progress, identify strengths and weaknesses and manage their time more effectively.
Pre-seen guidance to support research for the assessment is provided.

1. Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of aspects of the Criminal Law, Criminology and Criminal Justice
Learning
Enquiry
Analysis
Knowledge and understanding

2. Demonstrate knowledge and understanding gained by applying the law to a variety of problems and tasks, using case law and statutory interpretation
Analysis
Problem solving

3. Present written arguments in a logical and coherent way and communication of relevant material in a clear and effective manner
Communication

4. Demonstrate some critical awareness of the way in which the Criminal justice System operates and apply criminological theories to examine current key themes in society.
Analysis
Application
Reflection

5. Demonstrate effective verbal presentation skills based on a knowledge of criminal law and criminological principles
Communication
Key skills

Coursework - 1 x Poster and 10 minute Presentation weighted at 50%. Coursework - Electronic
Electronic Multiple Choice Test 1.5 hours weighted at 50%.

All of the Learning Outcomes will be assessed by :

Teaching Block 1:
1 x Poster and 10 minute Presentation (weighted at 50%)

Teaching Block 2:
1 x Electronic Multiple Choice Test 1.5 hours (weighted at 50%)

To pass the module, students must obtain an average mark of at least 40% .


Additional Assessment Details

Working towards the assessment tasks will be a key element of the learning, and tutors will be available to guide students through the process. Face to face contact sessions focussed on assessment activities will be scheduled into the timetable.
contact sessions focussed on assessment activities will be scheduled into the timetable.

Monaghan, N. (2018) Criminal Law Directions, (5th Edition, OUP).

Module Study Guide

Access to appropriate primary and secondary legal resources

Computing facilities to access material available via Microsoft Teams, and the Web.

Specialist software / databases (Lexis-Nexis, Westlaw)

This module is designed to provide students with an introduction to Criminal Law, Criminology and the Criminal Justice System. The module requires the demonstration of the necessary skills to apply the law to a range of case studies, regularly using the principles of practice and problem based learning. Students learn about the rules and statutes that define conduct prohibited by the government because it threatens and harms public safety. The students reflect on the potential causes for deviant behaviour.