Introduction to Criminology

Understand the growing discipline of criminology

In our globalised world, international organised crime, such as online fraud and trafficking, has expanded exponentially. Crime also appears to be constantly in the public gaze – from media attention to politics, leading to an intensification of public fears.

However, even with this increased attention, knowledge and understanding of crime and victimisation remains limited.

On this three-week course, you’ll delve into the growing discipline of criminology. You’ll discover how it embraces sociology, psychology, law, and forensics as you explore the areas of study in contemporary undergraduate criminology.

Go behind-the-scenes of working in criminal justice

The course will help you further your awareness and understanding of crime and the complex operation of criminal justice in society.

It provides a window into the often challenging, but equally rewarding nature of the day-to-day work of criminal justice professionals – those who interface with those who commit a crime, but also with the victims of crime.

This will help you understand how and why criminal justice approaches are developed and put into practice.

Learn from the experts at the University of Hull

You’ll learn from the specialists at the University of Hull, one of the institutions that pioneered the exciting study of criminology more than 40 years ago.

This expert insight will help you understand the role of a criminologist – from identifying definitions and patterns of crime to becoming aware of the academic approaches that have contributed to our understanding of murder.

This course is designed as an introduction to the first year of a BA degree course in Criminology.

It will be of particular interest to those wanting to study a Criminology undergraduate degree and pursue a career in criminal justice.

• Introduction to Criminology
• Introduction
• Topic 1: What is crime?
• Topic 2: Why do people commit crime?
• Topic 3: Theories of victimisation
• Reflection: Three Practitioner's Perspectives
• Exploring Murder
• Topic 1: What is Murder?
• Topic 2: Legal definitions of murder
• Topic 3: Motivations and theories of murder
• Policing in Action
• Topic 1: What are the challenges from 'county lines' crime?
• Topic 2: Identification, containment and rolling back the threat
• Topic 3: Consequences and the duality of victims and perpetrators
• Topic 4: Drugs
• Reflection: how will this area develop in the future?
• Assessment