A dynamic subject essential to understanding people, power and policies in a changing world.
Our curriculum is based upon the research and scholarship of the team. In this Politics and International Studies with Criminology degree we foster your interests, ignite your passions and challenge and question the political and criminological world. We encourage students to pursue their interests, become research literate and have a strong understanding and appreciation of the research carried out in these disciplines. Students are encouraged to delve deep into politics and international studies and into criminology: to question, challenge and discover. You will develop expertise in key political and criminological concepts, theoretical ideas and research approaches. Focusing on political and criminal justice systems, you will critically examine the context in which it operates. This Politics and International Studies with Criminology degree provides a detailed knowledge and understanding of contemporary political analysis, an excellent training in social research methods, the ability to apply theoretical perspectives and concepts to real-life problems, and an appreciation of the complexity and diversity of political problems in society.
The degree equips graduates for employment in a range of careers in the statutory, voluntary and private sectors, locally and internationally. Our world leading research is used in the classroom to help develop the overall research literacy of the students. We give our students the opportunity to gain the skills and ability to carry out independent research, to assess the merits of competing theories and explanations, to work as part of a team, and to effectively engage in political debate with sensitivity to the views of others – all skills that are highly attractive to employers. Every student is encouraged to be an active member of the Politics and International Studies with Criminology team and pursue active learning in the academic study of the disciplines
Criminology forms the Minor component of this course. The Criminology component offers a range of ideas and theories from several different disciplines including law, public policy, social policy and economics. Students will examine mainstream concepts of criminology and criminal justice such as crime, environment, victims, desistance, sentencing, policing and emergent ideas on equality and human rights. These, coupled with knowledge of institutions and structures, will provide students with a wider understanding of behaviour and activity within the criminal justice system.
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In this section
Our Politics and International Studies with Criminology course covers all the core areas of the discipline and offers a range of options focusing on theories and ideologies and the study of the politics of international nations and organisations. It also includes the study of politics and political issues at the international level, as well as the study of themes such as the growing importance of 'identities' to political action. We have reviewed and revised the Course, introducing new modules including Populism, African Politics, Work Based Learning and Politics and the Politics of Deeply Divided Societies. Students will have an opportunity to cover the key areas of the discipline, including: the nature of power; the meaning and relevance of political ideologies; the interrelationships between domestic and international politics; the challenges posed by new social movements and global developments; the meaning and application of political theories. The course has been commended in internal and external review for its well-structured and relevant curriculum, which is underpinned by the original research and scholarship undertaken by staff teaching on the course. Our research has a well-established record of impressive achievements through:- first, the authorship of books and articles of acknowledged international excellence, second, demonstrable practical impacts on the policy-making process, and, third, winning against strong competition the support of prestigious sources of external funding including the Economic and Social Research Council, the Leverhulme Trust and the British Academy. Our research influences our teaching through the content of the curriculum, and through developing research awareness and literacy among our students. This is crucial since it helps students understand that research and scholarship is the basis of their university experience – other people’s research and their own research collectively make up the scholarship which defines a university. Additionally, our students gain the skills and ability to carry out independent research, to assess the merits of competing theories and explanations, to work as part of a team, and to effectively engage in policy debate with sensitivity to the views of others – all skills that are highly attractive to employers. Members of the team are actively engaged in research and scholarship, and in addition have collaborated with colleagues in the UK and Irish Political Studies Association to develop appropriate and innovative methodologies for developing students' independent learning capacities.
Diploma in Professional Practice DPP
Diploma in International Academic Studies DIAS
Full time programme. Each module usually involves a two hour lecture plus a one hour seminar each week. In addition, students are required to undertake substantial directed independent learning.
Instruction will take place in the form of two hour lectures and one hour seminars, or a combined three hour lecture/seminar, given on a weekly basis. Full attendance is essential. A module outline is provided at the start of the semester indicating the topics and readings for each session. More detailed lesson plans are made available via our online learning environment, Blackboard, well in advance of each teaching day. Students must consult Blackboard on a regular basis to ensure that they have the most recent information on readings and tasks that they need to complete before the upcoming session. All our modules require a significant commitment from students who are expected to be familiar with required readings when coming to class. Lectures will address complex substantive, conceptual and technical details required to fulfil the module aims. Students are expected to actively engage in dialogue with lecturers about the issues under discussion by asking and answering questions throughout lecture presentations. Seminars will build on instruction and facilitate dialogue and critical examination. Student group work in seminars and participation in debates and role playing /practical exercises will be features of seminars. Students will be directed to read steadily and extensively throughout the period between teaching sessions in order to keep up with the course requirements and fully benefit from participation in the teaching sessions. Students will be expected to participate in, and contribute effectively to, group tasks during the semester. Independent learning forms a core feature of the Politics and International Studies with Criminology programme. It is reflected in the requirement that students undertake a significant amount of external research to fulfil their assignments. Academic staff will be available to support and encourage that endeavour throughout. The structure assumes that academic staff will encourage students in ascertaining students' preferred area of research; give general and specific guidance in the location of relevant research materials; support the development of ideas and research plans; and guide students to governmental and non-governmental sources of materials and information that are relevant to their assignment. Students will be encouraged to develop retrieval skills in relation to academic and governmental sources. All our modules are offered by blended learning. The aim of all assessments is to give students the opportunity to review, consolidate and reflect on their learning and to demonstrate the extent to which they have acquired knowledge, understanding and skills. Hence, several modes of assessment are employed in Politics modules. Formative assessment involves course-based assessment work and ordinarily, though not always, accounts for 50% of the total marks available. It will give staff and students an early indication of their performance while providing a foundation for the summative assessment that accounts for the remaining 50%. Assessment activities are diverse and can include case studies, presentations, online quizes, policy briefs, crime/conflict/country analyses, essays and examinations.
The content for each course is summarised on the relevant course page, along with an overview of the modules that make up the course.
Each course is approved by the University and meets the expectations of:
As part of your course induction, you will be provided with details of the organisation and management of the course, including attendance and assessment requirements - usually in the form of a timetable. For full-time courses, the precise timetable for each semester is not confirmed until close to the start date and may be subject to some change in the early weeks as all courses settle into their planned patterns. For part-time courses which require attendance on particular days and times, an expectation of the days and periods of attendance will be included in the letter of offer. A course handbook is also made available.
Courses comprise modules for which the notional effort involved is indicated by its credit rating. Each credit point represents 10 hours of student effort. Undergraduate courses typically contain 10, 20, or 40 credit modules (more usually 20) and postgraduate courses typically 15 or 30 credit modules.
The normal study load expectation for an undergraduate full-time course of study in the standard academic year is 120 credit points. This amounts to around 36-42 hours of expected teaching and learning per week, inclusive of attendance requirements for lectures, seminars, tutorials, practical work, fieldwork or other scheduled classes, private study, and assessment. Teaching and learning activities will be in-person and/or online depending on the nature of the course. Part-time study load is the same as full-time pro-rata, with each credit point representing 10 hours of student effort.
Postgraduate Master’s courses typically comprise 180 credits, taken in three semesters when studied full-time. A Postgraduate Certificate (PGCert) comprises 60 credits and can usually be completed on a part-time basis in one year. A 120-credit Postgraduate Diploma (PGDip) can usually be completed on a part-time basis in two years.
Class contact times vary by course and type of module. Typically, for a module predominantly delivered through lectures you can expect at least 3 contact hours per week (lectures/seminars/tutorials). Laboratory classes often require a greater intensity of attendance in blocks. Some modules may combine lecture and laboratory. The precise model will depend on the course you apply for and may be subject to change from year to year for quality or enhancement reasons. Prospective students will be consulted about any significant changes.
Assessment methods vary and are defined explicitly in each module. Assessment can be a combination of examination and coursework but may also be only one of these methods. Assessment is designed to assess your achievement of the module’s stated learning outcomes. You can expect to receive timely feedback on all coursework assessments. This feedback may be issued individually and/or issued to the group and you will be encouraged to act on this feedback for your own development.
Coursework can take many forms, for example: essay, report, seminar paper, test, presentation, dissertation, design, artefacts, portfolio, journal, group work. The precise form and combination of assessment will depend on the course you apply for and the module. Details will be made available in advance through induction, the course handbook, the module specification, the assessment timetable and the assessment brief. The details are subject to change from year to year for quality or enhancement reasons. You will be consulted about any significant changes.
Normally, a module will have 4 learning outcomes, and no more than 2 items of assessment. An item of assessment can comprise more than one task. The notional workload and the equivalence across types of assessment is standardised. The module pass mark for undergraduate courses is 40%. The module pass mark for postgraduate courses is 50%.
The class of Honours awarded in Bachelor’s degrees is usually determined by calculation of an aggregate mark based on performance across the modules at Levels 5 and 6, (which correspond to the second and third year of full-time attendance).
Level 6 modules contribute 70% of the aggregate mark and Level 5 contributes 30% to the calculation of the class of the award. Classification of integrated Master’s degrees with Honours include a Level 7 component. The calculation in this case is: 50% Level 7, 30% Level 6, 20% Level 5. At least half the Level 5 modules must be studied at the University for Level 5 to be included in the calculation of the class.
All other qualifications have an overall grade determined by results in modules from the final level of study.
In Masters degrees of more than 200 credit points the final 120 points usually determine the overall grading.
Figures from the academic year 2022-2023.
The University employs over 1,000 suitably qualified and experienced academic staff - 60% have PhDs in their subject field and many have professional body recognition.
Courses are taught by staff who are Professors (19%), Readers, Senior Lecturers (22%) or Lecturers (57%).
We require most academic staff to be qualified to teach in higher education: 82% hold either Postgraduate Certificates in Higher Education Practice or higher. Most academic and learning support staff (85%) are recognised as fellows of the Higher Education Academy (HEA) by Advance HE - the university sector professional body for teaching and learning. Many academic and technical staff hold other professional body designations related to their subject or scholarly practice.
The profiles of many academic staff can be found on the University’s departmental websites and give a detailed insight into the range of staffing and expertise. The precise staffing for a course will depend on the department(s) involved and the availability and management of staff. This is subject to change annually and is confirmed in the timetable issued at the start of the course.
Occasionally, teaching may be supplemented by suitably qualified part-time staff (usually qualified researchers) and specialist guest lecturers. In these cases, all staff are inducted, mostly through our staff development programme ‘First Steps to Teaching’. In some cases, usually for provision in one of our out-centres, Recognised University Teachers are involved, supported by the University in suitable professional development for teaching.
Figures from the academic year 2022-2023.
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Here is a guide to the subjects studied on this course.
Courses are continually reviewed to take advantage of new teaching approaches and developments in research, industry and the professions. Please be aware that modules may change for your year of entry. The exact modules available and their order may vary depending on course updates, staff availability, timetabling and student demand. Please contact the course team for the most up to date module list.
In this section
Year: 1
Status: C
This module begins by assessing the meaning of politics, the relationship between politics and the State, and the role of government. Then, it describes the organisation of the State and its division of powers. Finally, an analysis is undertaken of the role of public administration in the formulation, implementation and evaluation of public policy.
Year: 1
Status: C
This module introduces students to the study of political thought in its ideological forms. Political ideologies have been implicated in all major political developments over the last two centuries and demand special attention. This module clarifies the principles of these major systems and identifies their implications for political practice.
Year: 1
Status: C
This module introduces the student to the study of politics through the exploration of core concepts, structures and practices within the discipline of politics. It looks at the links between national and international politics and encourages students to think critically about social, political and economic trends. It provides the foundation for the critical analytical skills required in the study of politics, as well as the introducing the core academic skills required for their academic studies.
Year: 1
Status: C
Crime and deviance are rarely out of the news with frequent media warnings, for example of rises in `anti-social behaviour'. This module encourages students to look beneath the headlines and examine social constructions of crime. Ideas about `crime' and `deviance' vary over time and place and the module explores popular discourses on these themes. Methods of measuring crime are critically assessed and the fear of crime is explored. The module introduces students to criminology as a discipline and to key theoretical traditions. Students are supported in developing the critical skills needed to evaluate competing perspectives. The module provides a foundation of knowledge and skills for the criminology and criminal justice, and criminology minor degree programmes.
Year: 1
Status: C
This module will explore crime and its control through an analysis of specific crime problems and the response of the criminal justice system to these problems, drawing upon an array of national and international research evidence, and current developments. Students will be introduced to major offending patterns in Northern Ireland and the United Kingdom. Consideration will also be given to the agencies, and policy frameworks, around which crime control is organised.
Status: O
Year: 1
This module is optional
The module is designed to provoke thought and stimulate questions about the nature of politics and government within the UK. Thus, it considers the key aspects of British politics including political culture, the function and structure of political parties and pressure groups, sub national forms of government and the role of the mass media. In doing so, it examines the dispersal of power within the United Kingdom discusses the changing responsibilities of government, and the nature of political power in a modern state.
Status: O
Year: 1
This module is optional
International Relations introduces the student to the study of international relations and to the main theories and debates relevant to understanding politics in an international context.
The module provides all politics students with an introduction to the building blocks of international relations as well as an introduction to theoretical concepts, institutional design and comparative elements of global affairs. This provides students with an opportunity to demonstrate team work and individual study as well as encouraging students to develop their capacity to read, write and think in an academic environment, preparing them for modules at degree level in future years.
Year: 2
Status: C
This module considers the philosophical contributions of the major philosophers that have influenced political thought since the early enlightement period and relates those contributions to the historical contexts in which they were written.
Year: 2
Status: C
This module looks at some of the most pertinent issues driving British politics in the 21st century - 'race', class, identity, media control, imperial legacies. It covers the "long durée" of the Empire and its aftermath into the contemporary era. Students are asked to engage with the ways in which British politics have been and continue to be shaped by such legacies as 'race' and class politics.
Year: 2
Status: C
This module is designed to provide a placement opportunity for students and gives students the opportunity to apply political scholarship to practical situations and link academic studies to the world outside the university. The placement not only encourages students to reflect on the applicability of their scholarship but also allows them the opportunity to draw on and enhance research skills. By practicing specific skills for employment - including the writing of CVs, giving presentations and critically reflecting on experience, the module also aims to prepare students for the world of work beyond university.
Year: 2
Status: C
This module examines the relationship between sentencing theory, principle, policy, and practice. Consideration is given to how sentences are constructed, and the range of sentencing technologies available to the courts. Additionally, a variety of theoretical approaches are utilised to explore the broader social impact sentencing and punishment has on communities at a regional, national, and international level.
Status: O
Year: 2
This module is optional
This module is designed to explore the law and institutions involved in policing and to set policing in a legal context. Thus it will consider the role and powers of the office of constable and the legal framework within which a policing service is delivered including the constraints and obligations on police officers and a police service. It will allow for discussion and challenge in regard to ideas about how policing is and ought to be conducted.
Status: O
Year: 2
This module is optional
The module provides a survey of the political history of the two states which were born out of the partition settlement in 1921. It examines the constitutional frameworks, political institutions along with Anglo-Irish and North-South relations up to the troubles and the peace process.
Status: O
Year: 2
This module is optional
This module seeks to explore political developments in Europe since 1945 and their significance for political thinking. It aims to develop a critical understanding of the development of the state and society and the social contract as it has changed over the last decades in a critical geographical region. It will introduce students to important issues in European affairs, to aspects of international relations including European integration and to comparative analysis.
European Politics have recently come to impact very directly on the lives of students in Ulster. Creating an environment where students can engage in an informed, intelligent and critical manner on the basis of evidence and rigorous debate is a critical contribution to student knowledge, the development of key skills and an important element in Politics education. By adopting a historical, institutional and comparative approach students are encouraged to examine many aspects of European Politics and to enquire openly about political development. By engaging through a variety of methods, including lecture, research, project writing and independent study, students are encouraged to develop a variety of core skills which contribute directly to their degree in year 3.
Status: O
Year: 2
This module is optional
This course is about how, and why, a regime becomes either a democracy or a dictatorship. Can democracy survive in an agrarian society or a 'divided' society? Was Barrington-Moore correct when he made the observation 'no bourgeois, no democracy'? Is oil inevitably a curse (for democrats) and a blessing (for dictators)? How can a democratic government manage its 'praetorian problem': the risk of military coup? This course examines theories of regimes origin and survival in a range of case studies from across world regions.
Status: O
Year: 2
This module is optional
This module begins by assessing the meaning of populism, the relationship between people and the state. Then, it analyses concepts and theories of populism. Finally, an analysis is undertaken of the politics of populism in 21st century global society.
Status: O
Year: 2
This module is optional
This module seeks to explore the definition and nature of state crime in criminological and political discourse. It aims to develop a critical understanding of the nature of the state and the scale and type of crimes committed by state agents and agencies. A range of state crimes will be explored in both the domestic and international spheres. The module will explore forms of state crime as techniques of 'coercive governance' and will use examples from both democratic and authoritarian regimes.
Status: O
Year: 2
This module is optional
This module provides students, who are new to restorative justice with an understanding of key theories. The module addresses principles of restorative practice. It also considers the community, policy and legal frameworks in which restorative justice may be located.
Status: O
Year: 2
This module is optional
This module further develops analytical skills in criminology and criminal justice. It evaluates, in the national and international context, the experiences, and the actual and potential role of victims of crime within the criminal justice system and explores whether they should be afforded a greater role.
Status: O
Year: 2
This module is optional
This module explores the characteristics, dynamics and underpinning factors that exist between policing and society. Historically, policing has been the subject of much debate both nationally and internationally, with the delivery of policing services, and, how they are perceived by the community focal points for discussion. Through the policing institutions in Northern Ireland and England and Wales this module will examine how various social, cultural and political forces impact upon the police and the community they serve. It is also important to consider the role of the community in the context of `policing' and examine the various techniques employed by civil society to address issues pertaining to community safety and the fear of crime. The module will also consider the emergence of new crimes in the form of `internet and organised crime' and determine the implications on the relationship between society and the police.
Status: O
Year: 2
This module is optional
This module provides an overview of the history and development of the modern youth justice system in GB and NI. It explores sociological and criminological concepts relating to 'childhood' 'adolescence' and 'juvenile delinquency'. The module explores crime committed by young people, its causes, consequences and treatment and the victimisation of young people. It critically analyses current debates and issues regarding youth crime and youth justice within a children's rights framework.
Status: O
Year: 2
This module is optional
Crime and media explores the nature of media influence on crime, the criminal justice
system and the role that the media plays in influencing the public's perception of crime and
criminality. Specifically this module develops analytical and critical skills in exploring and
understanding the conflicting and at times ambiguous relationship between crime and the
media in the twenty first century.
Status: O
Year: 2
This module is optional
This module is intended:
• To introduce students to the principles of environmental protection and governance.
• To engage students with critical debates from green criminology that challenge the conventional notions of crime, deviance and justice.
• To promote student awareness and understanding of issues relating to environmental harm and justice.
• To foster the development of applied knowledge of environmental protection, regulation and governance.
Status: O
Year: 2
This module is optional
Since the late 1960s, acts of terrorism have become more numerous and wide-ranging. The attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon in September 2001 and the following incidents elsewhere, notably in Madrid and London, have given impetus to the study of terrorism and political violence, not in only in academic circles but also amongst policymakers. Furthermore, there is a more heightened awareness in the general public about the 'war against terrorism'. The module involves consideration of the debate over the definition of terrorism and political violence; psychological, sociological and other social science theories of terrorism and political violence; the symbiotic relationship between terrorists, terrorism and the mass media; the character of state terrorism; trans-national and international terrorism including past trends and future prospects and single-issue terrorism. The module also examines and assesses counter-terrorism (police, intelligence and legal) measures/responses by the state, both for their effectiveness and for their implications for civil liberty in liberal-democracies.
Status: O
Year: 3
This module is optional
This module will be a compulsory module for those Politics students who have been accepted by a partner institution to undertake an intercalary study abroad year. Students will benefit from the opportunity to experience a broader Politics curriculum and to gain direct experience of politics in practice in a new and unfamiliar political culture and system. Students will also develop important employability skills including international experience and enhanced confidence, independence and resilience.
Status: O
Year: 3
This module is optional
This module provides undergraduate students with an opportunity to gain structured and professional work experience, in a work-based learning environment, as part of their planned programme of study. This experience allows students to develop, refine and reflect on their key personal and professional skills. The placement should significantly support the development of the student's employability skills, preparation for final year and enhance their employability journey.
Year: 4
Status: C
Research Methods is specifically geared towards developing the skills and methodologies needed to complete undergraduate political science dissertations. Theoretical lectures are complemented with practical seminar activities and assessments are designed to promote progress towards the design and execution of the students' individual dissertations.
Year: 4
Status: C
This module requires students to work independently, with appropriate guidance and supervision, on their chosen topic. Students are required to submit a substantial written (word processed) dissertation, that focuses on their chosen topic and sets out evidence and arguments in a structured and coherent fashion.
Year: 4
Status: C
The state has traditionally been viewed as being responsible for managing crime and policing in society. However, this is much more complex and varied than would initially seem obvious. This module will explore and evaluate public and community security from a number of perspectives, providing students with a wider appreciation of how policing is undertaken outside that of traditional state and police perspectives. This will involve an examination of the many configurations which contribute to broader conceptions of policing and security within modern society. Furthermore, the module will provide an understanding of the fact that the state police are but one of many auspices and agencies who contribute to the governance of security as part of common and diverse public demands for policing provision.
Year: 4
Status: C
This module includes an overview of the history of imprisonment as a form of punishment; the development of the prison system in the UK; discussion of key debates and current issues regarding imprisonment nationally and internationally. The module also covers the history, development of and current issues regarding imprisonment in Northern Ireland.
Status: O
Year: 4
This module is optional
This module explores and evaluates the legal framework within which surveillance operates in the United Kingdom. Considering the role of surveillance in society, the relationship between surveillance, privacy rights and fair trial rights is evaluated with specific reference to data protection, interception of communications, directed and intrusive surveillance, official secrecy, the security and intelligence services and recent developments in relation to identity and identity theft. Plus the role and impact of social media and the digital footprint we all leave behind.
Status: O
Year: 4
This module is optional
Nationalist, ethnic, and minority issues remain a driving force behind political dynamics, societal and institutional changes across the globe. 'Memory and the Nation' is an optional module that explores the underlying concepts and theories behind, and the main theoretical approaches to, the study of nationalism in transitional (post conflict or post authoritiarian societies) in the twentieth century.
Status: O
Year: 4
This module is optional
This module focuses on how conflicts develop and escalate into violence, with a emphasis on deeply divided societies, post-colonial contexts and/or where there is political violence. The module will explore dynamics of conflict at the individual, inter and intra-group level. The module will critically reflect on types of conflict interventions applying these to real world examples such as combating violent extremism,and preventing reoccurrence through truth commissions.
Status: O
Year: 4
This module is optional
The politics of deeply divided societies, riven by ethnic conflict and political violence, are frequently seen as the most complex and difficult to resolve of modern political problems. Though complicated and unique, divided societies share commonalities. Most particularly, in terms of the importance of identity, sovereignty and territory, questions relating to communal access to power, and the legacy of past violence. This module applies a broad comparative lens to the study of deeply divided societies, and examines several societies divided by conflict: Sri Lanka, the former Yugoslavia, Cyprus, Lebanon and Israel -Palestine.
Status: O
Year: 4
This module is optional
This module focuses on the philosophical and empirical study of political groups that organise around a particular identity. It examines some of the major theoretical frameworks in contemporary political theory and applies these to concrete examples of identity group politics.
Status: O
Year: 4
This module is optional
Crime and media explores the nature of media influence on crime, the criminal justice system and the role that the media plays in influencing the public's perception of crime and criminality. Specifically this module develops analytical and critical skills in exploring and understanding the conflicting and at times ambiguous relationship between crime and the media in the twenty first century.
Status: O
Year: 4
This module is optional
Since the late 1960s, acts of terrorism have become more numerous and wide-ranging. The attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon in September 2001 and the following incidents elsewhere, notably in Madrid and London, have given impetus to the study of terrorism and political violence, not in only in academic circles but also amongst policy-makers. Furthermore, there is a more heightened awareness in the general public about the `war against terrorism'. The module involves consideration of the debate over the definition of terrorism and political violence; psychological, sociological and other social science theories of terrorism and political violence; the symbiotic relationship between terrorists, terrorism and the mass media; the character of state terrorism; trans-national and international terrorism including past trends and future prospects and single-issue terrorism. The module also examines and assesses counter-terrorism (police, intelligence and legal) measures/responses by the state, both for their effectiveness and for their implications for civil liberty in liberal-democracies.
Status: O
Year: 4
This module is optional
Crime and criminal justice as well as issues of law and order remain topical in contemporary society. This module will provide students a unique opportunity to investigate the workings of the criminal mind and what motivates an individual to commit crime. This module aims to introduce students to the principal theories and applications of psychology within the field of criminology. It enables students to develop a critical understanding of how psychological theory is applied to various criminological settings, which include youth crime; weapon carrying; arson and sexual crimes; psychopaths and serial killers, and criminal profiling.
Status: O
Year: 4
This module is optional
This module offers students the opportunity to study contemporary issues in criminology, with particular reference to green criminology, environmental crime and justice. It provides the opportunity to understand the nature of how crime is defined and considered outside of academia. It looks at real world issues and discusses the various, and at times, conflicting approaches undertaken by criminologists. Students are encouraged to critically evaluate criminological evidence and to make links with criminological theory and issues raised.
Status: O
Year: 4
This module is optional
This module will assist students to develop skills in understanding how different theories, concepts, methodological tools and data influence the ways in which we respond to gender and crime. The establishment of a more victim centred approach, and changes to offender management, will form the key elements of the module. Case studies will show how practitioners and policy makers are responding to the extensive reforms within the criminal justice and prison system.
Status: O
Year: 4
This module is optional
Increasing connectivity to the Internet has resulted in a growing amount of crime and deviance taking place in cyberspace. This cybercrime module examines a series of cyber enabled and cyber dependent crimes, the motivations of online offenders and how such crimes may be investigated and subsequently prevented. It examines the complex nature of cyber legislation in Europe and explores the difficulties of policing cyber activity on the surface and dark web. By the end of the module students will be able to evaluate the uncertainties, ambiguities and limits currently encountered in trying to regulate the Internet and digital technology.
Status: O
Year: 4
This module is optional
This module examines the various criminal dimensions of contemporary globalisation, their
global extent and significance and the roles they play in shaping the socio-economic
conditions and development trajectories of key global regions. It also considers various responses to global crime and evaluates their success as well as exploring the relationship between global crime and
popular culture. Students will understand issues relating to a) Spatial and temporal patterns of global crime; b) the link between different forms of organised crime and globalisation; and c) the key critiques of crime control measures.
Status: O
Year: 4
This module is optional
This module offers students the opportunity to study contemporary issues in criminology, with particular reference to drugs use; its consumption, regulation and criminalisation. It provides the opportunity to understand the nature of how drug use and crime are defined and considered inside and outside of academia. It looks at real world issues and discusses the various, and at times, conflicting approaches undertaken by criminologists. Students are encouraged to critically evaluate criminological evidence and to make links with criminological theory and issues raised.
Status: O
Year: 4
This module is optional
Rehabilitation and Desistance from Crime will introduce students to some of the key concepts and debates in the field of desistance studies. The module will encourage an appraisal of the relationships between rehabilitation, risk and resettlement in penal philosophy, policy and practice. Students will engage with debates on 'what works' in rehabilitative practice, and examine how desistance from crime can be supported, or stymied, by criminal justice processes.
Status: O
Year: 4
This module is optional
Corporate crime is a multi-trillion dollar global racket that represents a significant threat to markets, democracy, development, human rights and the environment. Crimes committed by corporations have been identified by the UK and US governments as one of the most pressing challenges for law makers today. This module will critically explore the drivers of corporate crime in a number of thematic areas including serious fraud, financial crime, corruption, environment, and human rights. Students will take a hands-on approach, investigating some of the most significant corporate crimes of the last two decades, using specially curated real-world materials such as indictments and deferred prosecution agreements. This case driven approach will open-up the inner workings of corporate crime and help students theorise some of the key drivers of illicit corporate activity. The module's applied focus will help prepare students for a potential career in the control of corporate crime, which is a fast growing and dynamic industry for criminology graduates.
Status: O
Year: 4
This module is optional
This module introduces students to a range of debates related to migration, racism and ethnicity with a focus on the United Kingdom and Ireland. Historical developments are reviewed but the focus is in current policy debates and perspectives. This includes international and national governance of migration flows and citizenship processes. Key policy areas covered include: immigration, refugee and asylum processes, equality and human rights.
We recognise a range of qualifications for admission to our courses. In addition to the specific entry conditions for this course you must also meet the University’s General Entrance Requirements.
In this section
The A Level requirement for this course is BCC*.
* Applicants can satisfy the requirement for the third A Level by substituting a combination of alternative qualifications recognised by the University.
RQF Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma
Award profile of DMM.
You may also meet the course entry requirements with combinations of different qualifications to the same standard. Examples of qualifications include;
Smaller BTEC/OCR qualifications (i.e. Diploma or Extended Certificate/Introductory Diploma / Subsidiary Diploma) in combination with A Levels or other acceptable level 3 qualifications.
Note: BTEC Level 3 RQF Foundation Diploma, Diploma and Extended Diplomas in Children's Play, Learning and Development are not accepted.
BTEC Level 3 RQF National Extended Certificate in Children's Play, Learning and Development is accepted
To find out if the qualification you are applying with is a qualification we accept for entry, please check our Qualification Checker - our Equivalence Entry Checker.
We will also continue to accept QCF versions of these qualifications although grades asked for may differ. Check what grades you will be asked for by comparing the requirements above with the information under QCF in the Applied General and Tech Level Qualifications section of our Entry Requirements - View our Undergraduate Entry Requirements
104 UCAS tariff points to include a minimum of five subjects (four of which must be at Higher Level) to include English at H6 if studied at Higher Level or 04 if studied at Ordinary Level. .
The Scottish Highers requirement for this course is grades BCCCC.
The Scottish Advanced Highers requirement for this course is grades CDD.
Overall International Baccalaureate profile minimum of 24 points (12 at higher level). Grade 4 in Higher or Subsidiary Level English Language is also required.
Pass Access Diploma NI (120 Credits) with an overall mark of 60%.
Pass Access to HE Diploma (GB) with 12 Distinctions, 30 Merits and 3 Passes.
You must satisfy the General Entrance Requirements for admission to a first degree course and hold a GCSE pass in English Language at grade C/4 or above (or equivalent). The Faculty of Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences will accept Essential Skills Level 2 Communication as equivalent to GCSE English Language.
English language requirements for international applicants
The minimum requirement for this course is Academic IELTS 6.0 with no band score less than 5.5. Trinity ISE: Pass at level III also meets this requirement for Tier 4 visa purposes.
Ulster recognises a number of other English language tests and comparable IELTS equivalent scores.
We offer applicants who have achieved credits on courses with a Politics or International Relations content at Higher Education institutions the opportunity to apply for entry and to be exempted for modules already completed successfully.
Students may enter the course with advanced standing at level 5 and level 6; however, we may require students to complete core modules before entry.
Students may also apply for transfer to other courses within the Faculty of Social Sciences; this may require them to undertake additional study.
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Graduates from this course are now working for:
With this degree you could become:
Enhancing your career:
Ulster University has an excellent Careers Department: seminars and workshops focused on careers are timetabled within the course at all three levels.
Undergraduate fees are subject to annual review, 2025/26 fees will be announced in due course.
See our tuition fees page for the current fees for 2024/25 entry.
Politics students can be considered for the School of Applied Social and Policy Sciences Global Studies Award for the best dissertation with an international focus. Additionally, Politics students are encouraged to submit their final year work to The Undergraduate Awards, an international awards programme which recognises creativity, excellence and innovative thinking within student coursework. We have had a number of entries which have been highly commended.
It is important to remember that costs associated with accommodation, travel (including car parking charges) and normal living will need to be covered in addition to tuition fees.
Where a course has additional mandatory expenses (in addition to tuition fees) we make every effort to highlight them above. We aim to provide students with the learning materials needed to support their studies. Our libraries are a valuable resource with an extensive collection of books and journals, as well as first-class facilities and IT equipment. Computer suites and free Wi-Fi are also available on each of the campuses.
There are additional fees for graduation ceremonies, examination resits and library fines.
Students choosing a period of paid work placement or study abroad as a part of their course should be aware that there may be additional travel and living costs, as well as tuition fees.
See the tuition fees on our student guide for most up to date costs.
We know that choosing to study at university is a big decision, and you may not always be able to find the information you need online.
Please contact Ulster University with any queries or questions you might have about:
For any queries regarding getting help with your application, please select Admissions in the drop down below.
For queries related to course content, including modules and placements, please select Course specific information.
We look forward to hearing from you.
“I greatly enjoyed both the topics studied throughout the course and the way in which they were taught. All of my lecturers have been excellent in that regard.”
“Staff are welcoming and very willing to assist with any academic queries or requests for help in work.”
“A really interesting topic exploring a lot of previously unknown ideas. Topics that were quite complex were presented and taught at just the right pace needed to grasp them.”
“I enjoyed the challenge of doing my degree…. it was a big accomplishment and something I am really proud of. The teaching staff instilled a great work ethic which stood by me in attaining the classification that I obtained.”
Ulster continues to develop and support sustainability initiatives with our staff, students, and external partners across various aspects of teaching, research, professional services operations, and governance.
At Ulster every person, course, research project, and professional service area on every campus either does or can contribute in some way towards the global sustainability and climate change agenda.
We are guided by both our University Strategy People, Place and Partnerships: Delivering Sustainable Futures for All and the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
Our work in this area is already being recognised globally. Most recently by the 2024 Times Higher Education Impact rating where we were recognised as Joint 5th Globally for Outreach Activities and Joint Top 20 Globally for Sustainable Development Goal 17: Partnership for the Goals.
Visit our Sustainability at Ulster destination to learn more about how the University strategy and the activities of Ulster University support each of the Sustainable Development Goals.
