Criminology with Foundation Year

Please check the Sheffield Hallam University website for the latest information.

This course is moving into one of our new buildings at City campus. Teaching will mainly be delivered at our Collegiate campus until December 2024 while we get our new facilities ready. From January 2025 you will study in brand new facilities at City campus.

Course summary

• Experience award-winning teaching recognised by the British Society of Criminology.

• Gain experience at the Helena Kennedy Centre for International Justice.

• Develop expertise in social justice, global human rights and criminal justice.

• Engage in ethical and social justice issues, driving positive social change and inclusivity.

Study theoretical, conceptual and practical applications of criminology in the real world, including how climate change relates to criminal behaviour and social justice. Engage in pioneering research in topics like prison reform and green criminology, exploring key debates around how to define, explain and respond to criminality – all preparing you for criminal and social justice roles.

If you don't meet the entry requirements for this course, or you’d like extra preparation before starting degree-level study, we recommend you join the foundation year.

How you learn
Our courses are designed around a set of key principles based on engaging you with the world, collaborating with others, challenging you to think in new ways, and providing you with a supportive environment in which you can thrive.

Many of our criminology experts come from professional practice, including prisons, probation and the police. Others are actively involved in current criminological research, providing you with contemporary research-led teaching and delivering real-world impact.

You’ll also engage with external partners and practitioners, gaining the contemporary knowledge, skills and attributes you’ll need for a professional career in the criminal justice or social justice sector. Our goal is to prepare you for further professional training or equivalent pursuits.

You’ll focus on key foundational areas such as the criminal justice system, human rights and values, and social science research methods. Through these you’ll build specialist knowledge of the causes and consequences of crime and deviance within a social, political and international context.

Our course is closely linked to the Helena Kennedy Centre for International Justice. Our teaching directly addresses ethical and social justice issues concerning the inclusion and exclusion of various vulnerable groups – with an emphasis on promoting access to community resources.

Our curriculum integrates various opportunities for applied learning, drawing upon real-world sector contexts. You'll participate in an applied project to enhance your practical skills. These include student placement modules and activities with criminal justice and third sector agencies – as well as project work with external agencies, simulation modules, and voluntary work through our employability fair.

Applied learning
Your course has been designed to embrace real-world challenges and provide you with the practical skills and knowledge to be successful within your chosen sector.

Work Placements
You’ll have the opportunity to arrange a year-long work placement in between your second and third years. This gives you valuable work experience to prepare you for your future career – and allows you to graduate with an Applied Professional Diploma to add to your CV.

Previous students have completed placements for companies and organisations such as the Community Rehabilitation Company, HMP Doncaster, Independent Domestic Abuse Service and Victim Support.

International Opportunities
As our curriculum incorporates international perspectives throughout your degree, you'll develop into a globally aware and engaged practitioner.

Module and assessment information for future years is displayed as currently validated and may be liable to change. When selecting electives, your choices will be subject to the core requirements of the course. As a result, selections may be limited to a choice between one of two or more specified electives in some instances.

You will be able to complete a placement year as part of this course. See the modules table below for further information.

Year 1

Compulsory modules

The Exploration Of Law, Crime, Justice And Society

Elective modules

Social Justice In Action
The Practice Of Law And Policing

Year 2

Compulsory modules

Contemporary Criminological Foundations
Contemporary Criminological Practice

Year 3

Compulsory modules

Understanding And Researching Crime And Social Harm

Elective modules

Professional Practice On Placement
Real World Practice

Year 4

Optional modules

Placement Year

Final year

Elective modules

21St Century Security Threats: Crime, Crisis Or Tragedy
Comparative Criminal Justice
Controversies Of Policing
Crime, Harm And Social Justice
Gender, Power And The State
Pathways To Change
Punishment And Practice In Context
Real World Project
Real World Research
Sex, Gender And Violence

Coursework, Practical