The programme is delivered through a combination of lectures (both pre-recorded and in-person), seminars, tutorials, computer laboratory workshops, and self-directed study. The focus is on providing essential knowledge before moving on to discussing and applying key ideas and concepts. Contact (teaching) time is between 8-10 hours per week
For the purposes of designing the delivery of the BA (Hons) Criminology, the following definitions were adopted:
Lectures: Large-group, academic-led session focused on directed input of knowledge. Where a module is focused on theory, students will attend in person to enable direct engagement with the academic delivering content. This enables a dynamic interaction for students to explore theoretical concepts and develop their understanding.
Seminars: Small to medium sized group learning activities. Academics lead these sessions to provide a framework for guiding discussions exploring key theories and issues. Commonly students will be asked to engage in pre-session preparation, such as reading key sources, or finding examples of issues that align with their specific interests in criminology.
Workshops: Medium sized group learning activities focused on developing practical skills, such as practicing the application of research methods, learning about IT packages, or developing projects.
Tutorials: Individual or small group sessions where students set the agenda by identifying aspects of their learning that they feel they need support to develop. The focus is as much on peer-to-peer learning as it is on academic-led interventions.
Throughout the course, contact time is supplemented by extra-curricular lectures, employability events, group meetings, meetings with tutors, optional trips and other activities. As a full-time student, you will be expected to devote a considerable amount of time to independent study, voluntary placements and extra-curricular activities. In the final year, the research project will include 1:1 supervision.
Assessment
Over the whole programme, there is a varied mix of assessment that incorporates diverse learning styles including: group presentations, case study analysis, reflective essays, essays, multiple choice exams, individual presentations, posters. There will also be a range of formative assessments including weekly knowledge checks through quizzes and similar variations. Moreover, to help students prepare their skills for future assessments in upcoming blocks, teaching activities will include those that connect to future assessments.