Vision
Criminology provides a student-centred curriculum that enables students to think critically about the causes and consequences of crime and criminal behaviour. Using a multidisciplinary approach students learn and apply classical and contemporary theories of crime and the law, evaluate the major components of the criminal justice system, and develop the research skills relevant to practice in the field.
By combining components of both Criminology and Criminal Justice students study and learn about both the causes and consequences of crime and criminal behaviour and the systems designed to control crime.
We aim to provide students with the ability to think analytically about the causes and consequences of crime, and the nature of the criminal justice system. Students of the applied diploma in criminology develop many transferable skills through the varied methods of assessment, in particular skills of organisation, research, note taking and the planning and designing of campaigns. As a vocational qualification, practical skills and links to careers are at the heart of teaching and learning.
Students of criminology are:
- Interested in the human side of criminal behaviour, with a motivation to tackle difficult issues and drive change.
- Independent workers, who are able to tackle complex tasks by planning and working through the components.
- Able to consider different points of view, and apply these to various issues in policy making and the criminal justice system.
The specific program objectives are to:
- Provide students with an understanding of the major theoretical explanations of crime and criminal behaviour.
- Analyse the major institutions and processes of the criminal justice system.
- Teach students the analytical skills necessary to understand and interpret statistical data, research questions related to crime and the criminal justice system, and test criminological theories.
- Prepare students for the range of careers related to criminology and criminal justice and higher education study in criminology, law, or related social science disciplines.
We believe that learning should be placed within a dynamic framework of discussion and debate and should involve a high level of independent learning from the pupils. In addition, we believe that by sharing our enthusiasm for the subject and modelling the importance of reading and life-long learning we will inspire pupils to undertake their own research. This will, in turn, foster an environment for pupils to develop self-mastery and engagement in self-regulated learning.