Criminology and LawBA (Hons)

Administrative Law

Administrative Law provides a contextual introduction to some of the central areas of UK Public Law. It provides a detailed examination of the principles of administrative law with particular emphasis on the procedure and substantive grounds for judicial review in English law.

The aims of this module are to provide students with a working knowledge and
understanding of administrative law, and to develop several key transferable skills in this
context, including:

1. A critical understanding of the extent and efficiency of control on governmental
bodies;

2. An ability to apply legal principles to theoretical examples in order to draw
conclusions and give advice to the citizen;

3. To engage in independent research, analysis and academic writing, using both primary and secondary sources of law.

Becoming a Criminologist

This module will serve as an introduction to university life and has the dual purpose of developing the literacies, discourses and competences needed to become a successful criminologist, while introducing students to the idea of conducting academic criminological research. It will do this by helping you develop your academic skills - such as speed reading, note taking, referencing, paraphrasing and searching for sources. This will be accomplished utilising readings and materials centred on academic research methods.

The module aims to:

1. Introduce you to the discipline and discourses of criminology and what it means to be a criminologist.

2. Build and develop the core academic literacies central to becoming a successful academic and criminologist.

3. Introduce the idea of conducting research into crime and deviance.

4. Introduce different ways in which criminological research can be conducted.

5. Help you settle and adapt to university life, preparing you for your academic studies.

Constitutional Law

Constitutional Law provides a contextual introduction to some of the central areas of UK Public Law. It provides a detailed examination of the principles of constitutional law with particular emphasis on constitutional principles; the rule of law; the sovereignty of Parliament; human rights; and the UK state.

The aims of this module are to provide students with a working knowledge and
understanding of constitutional law, and to develop several key transferable skills in this
context, including:

1. An understanding of the extent and efficiency of control on governmental
bodies;

2. An ability to apply legal principles to theoretical examples in order to draw
conclusions and give advice to the citizen;

3. To engage in independent research, basic analysis and academic writing, using both primary and secondary sources of law.

Criminal Law I

Criminal Law I is a core module for the LL.B. courses and the BA in Law, which introduces students to the key principles of Criminal Law, one of the foundation subjects of English Law, as identified by the professional legal bodies, the Solicitors Regulation Authority and the Bar Standards Board.

The module provides an academic introduction to the fundamental rules of criminal law, including the key principles of a number of criminal offences involving homicide. Criminal law affects many aspects of human behaviour and interaction but has complex definitions.

The aims of this module are as follows:

1. To help students to understand the changing landscape of criminal law as well as some of the major debates in the subject.

2. To teach and assess key skills of analysis, academic writing and legal research in the context of criminal law. It does this by emphasising the use of primary and secondary sources of criminal law, including court judgments, Acts of Parliament, Parliamentary Papers and academic journal articles.

Legal Method

Legal Method is a core module for the LL.B. courses and the BA in Law, which introduces students to methods of legal research, analysis and logic; to a practical knowledge of the legal profession and careers; and to issues of judicial ethics.

Students learn about legal method, in particular about legal practice, legal scholarship and legal research methods. They also explore issues around legal reasoning and analysis. These skills are be applied in the context of primary legal materials used in their other modules.

The aims of the module are as follows:

1. To introduce students to reflective thinking in the context of contemporary issues of legal method.

2. To enable students to continue to acquire the fundamental academic and professional skills necessary for the undergraduate study of law;

3. To provide a solid support both for the other Level 4 modules, and also for the remainder of the degree course and beyond into professional practice;

4. To begin to develop employability skills specific to work within the legal sector and related professions.

The Criminal Justice Framework

This module introduces you to the framework and functions of the Criminal Justice System (CJS) of England and Wales. It provides a foundation of the aims and roles of the agencies of the CJS which you can build into a more detailed knowledge of issues in criminal justice, criminal justice policy, legislation and social justice outcomes at levels 5 and 6.

The module aims to:

1. Provide a solid grounding of the context of the criminal justice system within the constitution of the United Kingdom.

2. Identify the theoretical models of criminal justice which will help inform an understanding of the social function of criminal justice systems.

3. Review the historical development, structures and roles of key agencies responsible for the execution of criminal justice in England and Wales upon which you will be equipped to build a grasp of issues relating to criminal justice.

4. Identify significant examples of policy and legislative changes and evaluate how these have altered the functions and inter-agency cooperation of key agencies of the CJS and the wider impact some of these changes have had on social justice.

5. Provide an understanding of the potential future career opportunities available in the criminal justice sector.

The Development of Criminological Thought

Building on the ideas covered in traditional theories and concepts, you will examine how the discipline of criminology developed. You will explore how criminologists have continued to critique and apply traditional theories in their own explanations of crime. You will explore modern debates about how crime can be understood, and what should be done to address it. You will also explore perspectives which have critiqued the subject of criminology.

Traditional Criminological Theories and Concepts

In the module you will be introduced to origins of criminological thinking, through an exploration of some of the key thinkers who shaped the discipline’s development and created theories to explain and understand crime. You will develop an understanding of the social context in which relevant theories emerged, be able to recognise their limitations, and some of their biases. You will also be able to recognise the policy implications of the theories you explore, as well as their enduring influence on policy and criminological research.

Becoming a Criminal Justice Professional

The aim of this module is to encourage professional development. The module is delivered via small group workshops which focus on the development and/or strengthening of your professional profile in preparation for future job applications. You will also develop/strengthen your knowledge and understanding of potential roles within the criminal justice sector and consider how to match some of the skills/qualifications required by employers with those you have developed during your degree and previous work/study experience. The knowledge, skills and understanding gained via this module will be useful for those who intend to seek employment within the criminal justice sector.

Via the workshops, reading and discussions:

1. You will develop an understanding of key roles within the criminal justice sector.
2. You will be encouraged to develop your professional profile (CV, LinkedIn, cover letters, interview performance etc).
3. You will consider how to match your skills to criminal justice employers’ requirements.
4. You will be encouraged to consider your career aspirations and to develop the skills and confidence to pursue them.

Criminal Law II

Criminal Law II is a core module for the LL.B. courses and the B.A. Law, which builds on the knowledge and skills acquired in the study of the LL4057, Criminal Law I. Students study further key principles of criminal law, which is one of the foundation subjects of English law, as identified by the professional legal bodies, the Solicitors Regulation Authority and the Bar Standards Board.

The aims of the module are as follows:

1. Students will acquire knowledge of the basic principles of defences; violent offences; and property offences in criminal law.

2. Students will develop several key transferable skills, including independent research, critical analysis and cogent academic writing in the context of criminal law, emphasising the use of primary and secondary sources.

3. Students will enhance their employability by the development both of these skills, and by the practice of written communication activities (including summative) and oral communication activities (formative only).

Criminological Research in Context

The aim of this module is to encourage the development of knowledge, skills and understanding for criminological research and the types of methods which are adopted within the field. Via small group workshops you will focus on the development and/or strengthening of your knowledge in relation to key social science research methods/ theory which might be applicable to UG/PG study in the field of criminology and associated subject areas. You will be encouraged to consider how research methods, theory, and the specific studies explored within the module, might be relevant to your own ideas/plans for your final year criminology research project. The knowledge, skills and understanding gained via this module will be useful for those who are interested in conducting criminological research.

Via the workshops, reading and discussions:

a. You will develop an understanding of a range of key social science research methods/theory.

b. You will develop your knowledge and understanding of a range of criminological research/studies and consider the significance of research findings in terms of the contribution to knowledge and/or the impact that research findings can have upon policy/practice within the criminal justice sector.

c. You will develop the skills to critically review criminological research/articles. As you do this you will also be encouraged to reflect upon your own ideas for your final year research project and the method/s you might adopt to study a criminological topic of your own choosing in the final year.

Criminological Research in Practice

This module will provide you with the practical skills required to conduct your own social research projects professionally and ethically. You will gain experience in the exciting and intriguing process of collecting your own data, analysing and interpreting research findings and writing up research results. Throughout this hands-on journey, you will practice a range of data gathering methods such as: conducting interviews, creating compelling surveys, leading insightful focus groups and engaging in cutting-edge online research methods. All of this will develop your data analysis and critical skills enhancing your future employability.

You will analyse both qualitative and quantitative data and develop skills in writing reports to present your findings.

Through the workshops, reading and discussions:

1. You will gain experience in a range of research practices that set the investigation and analysis of social scientists apart from other types of research
2. You will develop your ability to design a research project to answer particular research questions, selecting appropriate methodologies for social problems and topics that interest you
3. You will develop your professional demeanour according to the nature of the method selected and the varying stages of the research project (e.g., organisational skills, observational skills, conversational skills)
4. You will develop analytical skills to critically assess your chosen data set, allowing you to gain experience in evaluating information in light of existent knowledge to then synthesise your findings in a written report.

Drugs and Drug Policy

The aim of this module is to provide you with a critical understanding of drug use, the drugs trade and drug policy from legal, cultural, criminological, public health and human rights perspectives. You will acquire an understanding of drugs theories and concepts and learn to apply them to a range of social and cultural contexts. The module will enable you to develop an understanding of the social, cultural and economic factors that influence substance use and drug related offending. It will also provide you with a critical understanding of the historical, political, social and economic factors shaping the drug-crime nexus, the drugs trade and enforcement strategies. In an analysis of the origins and history of drug policy and through its development you will also gain knowledge of the ways in which drug control and regulation is conducted along racial, gendered and class lines, and the social costs and ‘collateral damage’ of the drugs’ war.

You will be provided with the critical tools to formulate and defend, orally and in writing, evidence-based arguments on key issues in the drugs field on topics such as the legal-illegal divide, the impact of the global prohibition regime, drug harms, treatment and welfare, drug functions and freedoms and questions of identity, consumption, and risk. You will be given the opportunity and critical tools to evaluate a contemporary drug policy. You will also be given the opportunity to critically appraise the assumptions underpinning discourses on drugs and drug policy and criminal justice and treatment responses. You will gain knowledge of drug laws, criminal justice as well as treatment policies and practices, providing you with the knowledge and understanding for working competently with substance users and drug offenders in criminal justice, health and social care, and advocacy roles.

Law of Evidence

The Law of Evidence is a core module for the LL.B. Criminal Law (Hons). It is an optional module for the other LL.B. courses; the B.A. Criminology and Law;
and the B.A. in Law.

The Law of Evidence concerns the information which it is permitted to use to enable the claimant or prosecution to establish their case against a defendant, or to enable the defendant to refute the allegations made against him.

It is not every supposed fact that may be brought in evidence in a trial, as the court has limited time and resources to hear everything – however trivial – that the parties might wish to throw into the debate, and there are a host of issues relating to such matters as unfairness or undue prejudice (especially to the defendant in a criminal case), mistakes, unreliability of witnesses, human rights and public policy which might impact on the propriety of permitting certain statements or documents to be admitted as evidence.

This module examines the rules and ethics of the law of evidence, which have arisen both at common law and under statute, and invites to students critically to analyse these principles both in a theoretical context, and by practical application to realistic case-studies.

The aims of the module are as follows:

1. Students will acquire knowledge of the rules and ethics of the law of evidence, which have arisen both at common law and under statute.

2. Students will develop several key transferable skills, including independent research, critical analysis and cogent academic writing in the context of land law, emphasising the use of primary and secondary sources;

3. Students will enhance their employability by the development both of these skills, and by the practice of written communication activities (including summative) and oral communication activities (formative only).

Consumer Rights Law

Consumer Rights Law is a 15-credit module providing students with a thorough understanding of modern consumer rights in relation to the acquisition of goods and services. As well as studying the traditional requirements of a sale of goods contract, students will also examine the law on statutory liability for dangerous and defective products, the law regarding the unfair trading practices and the principles and responsibility for regulation of the consumer market.

The module will be of interest to all students who wish to develop a comprehensive understanding of modern consumer rights and responsibilities in relation to goods, services and digital content. The module is relevant to a range of careers in law, retailing and consumer advice and marketing of goods and services.

There will be a formative in-class assessment which will test the students’ basic understanding of key legal principles and concepts. This will be designed to ensure that their knowledge is adequate for the summative assessments to follow.

The aims of the module are as follows:

1. To provide detailed, critical and evaluative knowledge of laws which regulate modern commerce.

2. To enable students to appreciate the regulation of the consumer market.

3. To create an awareness of consumer advice roles.

Crime in Context

In this module you will explore concerns about crime and criminals within their historical and social context, and consider how these change over time. In doing so you will explore how social reactions to crime can be understood using a constructionist approach, involving the construction of ‘others’.

The central themes revolve around why some behaviours and some groups of people are ‘constructed’ as the focus of concern and special treatment. Equally, it considers why some crimes, such as corporate crime, or state crime, usually receive less attention. This exploration encourages reflection on how and why certain behaviours are defined and constructed as ‘crime’, and ‘social problems’.

Crime, Media and Technology

This module looks at the media impact on public perceptions of crime and justice. It also looks at the way contemporary media and technologies influence criminal behaviour and influence the operations of the criminal justice system.

The module aims to:

1. Consider the various relationships between media, technology and crime.
2. Develop an understanding of the role of the media in shaping perceptions of crime and criminal justice, with a particular emphasis on marginalised groups.
3. Develop a critical awareness of how different groups are represented in the media with regard to crime, criminality and deviance.
4. Provide an overview of the way technologies interact with crime and the criminal justice system.
6. Develop summarising and analytical skills.

Crimes of the Powerful

The aim of this module is to explore the range of crimes committed by the powerful, such as white-collar, state, corporate and environmental crime, and the level of harm they cause to societies and economies. Traditionally, criminal justice systems and criminology as a discipline, have focused on the crimes committed by the most disadvantaged and powerless members of society. Crimes committed by powerful individuals or organisations have not faced the same level of attention and scrutiny. This is despite the fact these crimes are often very serious and contribute to more injuries, deaths, financial loss and social harm than ‘conventional’ crimes.

In this module you will gain a critical understanding of the key concepts, theories, and issues, past and present, in relation to crimes committed by the powerful. You will be encouraged to actively participate in discussion and debates linked to key themes and given opportunities for reflective learning. You will develop the skills to investigate, critically examine, and present detailed analysis of current case studies of crimes committed by states, corporations and powerful individuals. In this module, you will also gain an understanding of the difficulties experienced when trying to regulate, investigate and research these crimes. As part of your assessment, you will be required to create a ‘campaign for social change’ file related to crime committed by powerful entities. You will develop transferable skills in oral and written analysis, independent learning, reflective learning and group-work which will help in future professional practice or postgraduate study.

Criminology Today

In this module you will build on the themes explored in crime in context by examining contemporary themes in criminology. This will involve an introductory examination of different categories of crime which have become the focus of attention and concern. You will critique perspectives on different categories of crime by exploring and evaluating the evidence gathered by criminologists. You will also explore different theoretical understandings of specific categories of crime and consider their policy implications.

Law of Advocacy and Mooting

Advocacy is a key skill for lawyers, diplomats and anyone else in a management position where powers of persuasion – especially of contentious issues – are fundamental to success.

Mooting is the time-honoured method of teaching practical advocacy to lawyers who hope to make a career out of representing clients in the appellate courts.

Even lawyers who do not engage in the dramatics of court-work need to be able to use their advocacy skills in conferences with clients and their opponents, which is why advocacy training is key to most vocational law courses.

This module analyses the traditional tenets of Aristotelian teaching on advocacy, and then applies them to realistic case-study situations where the students are placed in the position of the counsel in various appeal cases, and must demonstrate both their written and oral skills of persuasion to convince the judge of the merits of their case.

Through a series of practical and group exercises, the module aims to teach and develop several key transferable skills including independent research, critical analysis, synthesis of legal material, legal drafting, oral communication and group teamwork.

Students will learn to present oral submissions in the style of a barrister in the appellate court, with the ability to act in accordance with their client’s specific instructions; to distinguish and debate opposing views; and to respond in a professional manner to judicial intervention.

The aims of the module are as follows:

1. Students will acquire knowledge of the basic tenets of successful advocacy.

2. Students will develop several key transferable skills, including independent research; critical analysis; and oral and written contentious debate and presentation, in the context of various areas of law, emphasising the use of primary sources.

3. Student employability will be enhanced by the development of these skills, especially in relation to students who wish to pursue a career involving contentious litigation, court advocacy or diplomacy.

Law of the European Union I

Law of the European Union I is a core LL.B. module which provides a detailed understanding of the underlying concepts of European Union Law and its topical relationship to domestic law of Member States.

It considers the law-making powers of the EU institutions; the constitutional principles of the EU; the direct effect of EU law; indirect effect and the principle of State Liability; and the key role of the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) in relation to preliminary references from domestic courts, enforcement actions against Member States, judicial review of EU law and its development of human rights.

The module provides a sound understanding of the key features of the EU legal order, its main institutions, the law-making processes and the legal control of administrative powers in the EU and within EU Member States.

It will provide a sound understanding of the relationship between history, politics, law and economics in the development of the EU.

The aims of the module are as follows:

1. Students will acquire knowledge of the institutions of the European Union; the constitutional principles of the EU; the direct and indirect effect of EU law; principle of State Liability; and the key role of the Court of Justice of the European Union.

2. Students will develop several key transferable skills, including independent research, critical analysis and cogent academic writing in the context of EU law, emphasising the use of primary and secondary sources.

3. Students will enhance their employability by the development both of these skills, and by the practice of written communication activities (including summative) and oral communication activities (formative only).

Working with Offenders

This module offers you the chance to understand the current debates and practices around working with offenders. The module will cover working with children involved in offending behaviour as well as adults and is ideal if you are considering working within youth justice, probation or voluntary sector organisations working with those with offending backgrounds. You will explore debates around enforcement, risk management and public health approaches within the criminal justice sector. A key focus of the module will also be on your understanding how discrimination (including individual prejudice) affects people's experience of the criminal justice system and how to work in an anti-oppressive way.

The module aims are as follows:

● Understand the role of the youth justice system, probation service and voluntary sector organisations when working with offenders.
● Discuss and evaluate the effectiveness of enforcement, public health and risk managements approaches to offender management and crime prevention and desistance.
● Support you to understand risk factors associated with offending.
● Explore the importance of trauma informed practice within the criminal justice system.
● Assess the impact of discrimination on disproportionality and the role of anti-oppressive practice.
● Understand the role of assessment and reporting when working with those involved in offending.

Civil Liberties and Human Rights

Civil Liberties and Human Rights gives a clear, coherent and up to date account of the law of human rights and civil liberties, concentrating on the position of civil liberties and human rights protection in the light of the Human Rights Act 1998 and the standards of human rights protection laid down in the European Convention on Human Rights

It introduces and builds up critical understanding of the legal concepts which govern individual and collective rights and responsibilities, including the constraints the state may place on the citizen’s exercise of his or her human rights.

The module aims to develop several key transferable skills including independent research, critical analysis, legal drafting and academic writing in the context of the law of civil liberties and human rights, emphasising the use of primary and secondary sources of law. It will encourage and enable students to develop a sophisticated understanding of the relationship that exists - in terms of specific individual rights and freedoms - between the State and the citizen in the UK today and how the legal, social and political conflicts and tensions which are intrinsic to that relationship influence policy, decision-making and legislation.

Student employability will be enhanced by the development both of these skills and by
the practising of written and oral communication skills and group participation skills.

Criminal Litigation

Criminal Litigation provides students with an understanding of criminal litigation in a legal practice context. The course introduces students to the criminal litigation process, including the role and powers of the police in relation to stop and search and arrest, the role of the CPS in charging and prosecuting an offender and the structure and jurisdiction of the criminal courts. The module also introduces students to professional conduct rules in a legal practice context.

The module aims to develop several key transferable skills including independent research, critical analysis and written and oral presentation skills in the context of a practical legal subject. It also aims to give students an insight into the practical aspects of law which is particularly valuable if they are contemplating a career in legal practice.

Student employability will be enhanced by the development both of these skills and also by gaining expertise in answering situational judgment, multiple-choice questions, such as are typical in professional legal assessments such as the Solicitors Qualifying Examination and some Bar Practice courses.

Criminology Project

The overall aim of this module is to equip you with the knowledge and skills to design and conduct an independent criminological research project, and to produce a written research report. This gives you the opportunity to demonstrate your knowledge and understanding of criminological theory and its application, of the quality and significance of criminological research evidence, and the relevance of your research to contemporary issues and debates in criminology and criminal justice fields.

The module aims to:

1. Give you the opportunity to reflect upon your learning, your experience, and the skills you have acquired to date, to independently define and research a criminological topic which is of interest to you.
2. Further develop your research skills, encouraging you to formulate feasible criminological research questions, to select appropriate quantitative/qualitative methods, and to reflect upon ethical issues which arise in research.
3. Give you the opportunity to produce a written research report which demonstrates your knowledge, understanding and skills for conducting criminological research, recognising the relationship between criminology and related fields as well as the limits of knowledge.

Penal Policy

This module provides an introduction to theories of punishment from a criminological and sociological standpoint. It also deals with aspects of sentencing practice and procedure and allows students to participate in sentencing simulation exercises and debates. Certain categories of offender (e.g. young offenders, women) are considered in depth. Finally, the issue of penal reform, including restorative justice, is addressed in the light of the most recent initiatives in the field.

The course includes:

• an introduction to theories of punishment and their historical roots with an emphasis upon critical discussion of the conceptual positions that underscore the system.

• an introduction to the range of sentencing options available to the courts and an awareness of the considerations that confront sentencers in making sentencing decisions.

• techniques for the presentation of arguments relating to sentencing

• a discussion of the institutional experiences of different categories of offenders in a range of penal institutions

a general discussion of the possibilities for reform of the penal system

Punishment and Prison

The module will focus on critical consideration of the principles of punishment and the role of imprisonment in the criminal justice system and wider society. Looking at prisons within a ‘real world’ context, issues with penal policy and practice will be considered. The needs of specific minority and vulnerable groups of offenders (including women, young people, ethnic minority and mentally disordered offenders) will be considered. Comparative penal perspectives will be explored by considering a number of international perspectives, including the American/Scandinavian examples.

Via the workshops, reading and discussions you will:

1. Develop an understanding of the aims and principles of punishment and prisons via an exploration of the operation of prisons and the role of imprisonment within the criminal justice system and wider society.
2. Explore comparative penal perspectives and develop understanding of diversity within penal policy and practice.
3. Enhance analytic skills and critical awareness through consideration of both official rhetoric and evidence together with the limitations of penal policies and practice in a 'real world' context.
4. Develop your ability to research, analyse, and communicate arguments relating to punishment, penal policy and practice.

Criminology Work-Based Learning

This module provides an opportunity for you to develop your previously learned work-based skills and gain valuable experience of a working environment either in the
criminal justice sector or in a private, statutory or voluntary organisation related to criminal justice and criminology. From this experience, the objective is for you to reflect and develop new capacities and skills in the context of your future goals. This objective also applies if you are currently in the workplace, whether in a paid or voluntary capacity.

The module aims to:

1. develop key skills and knowledge for you to understand your abilities in relation to your career values and goals
2. practically apply the knowledge gained through the course programme to a work environment
3. give you an in-depth insight of a work environment
4. provide an opportunity for you to reflect on the culture and structure of a working environment, your activity within it and to demonstrate inclusive workplace practice
5. 5. give you the ability to recognise your personal and professional development learning to apply to your future goals.

Please note:

• You will be contacted prior to the semester to provide support in securing a work based placement in good time.
• You are responsible for applying for opportunities and to engage with the Module Leader/Work Based Learning teams to assist you.
• The suitability of any opportunities will be assessed by the Module Leader and all placements must meet Health and Safety requirements for Higher Education Work Placements.
• If you are studying on a Student Visa, you will only be able to complete a work placement if it meets UKVI monitoring requirements including: approval of the placement dates and hours by the Placement Officer prior to starting the placement, submission of weekly timesheets for the hours undertaken, signed by your line manager/supervisor and continued engagement with the Placement Officer as well as the International Student Support and Compliance Team.

Environmental Justice

You will explore and examine key issues in Environmental and Green Criminology.

Key topics to be covered may include wildlife crime, policing and punishing environmental crime, climate related conflct and conservation and its impacts. Topics will focus on issues across the globe and will be regularly reviewed and adapted as required to reflect current concerns and specific student interest.

Environmental Law

Environmental Law covers a wide range of concepts. It includes a consideration of the protection of natural resources through the traditional aspects of law but also through a range of principles and policy considerations.

Increasingly, the effectiveness of environmental protection requires a consideration of the impact of business, not only as part of the problem of environmental degradation, but also as part of the solution to the future protection of exhaustible natural resources.

Students will be able to explore a range of selected contemporary environmental issues including climate change and renewable energy. Issues of sustainable development are underpinned by aspects of environmental justice and will be considered from domestic and global perspectives.

Overall, the module will aim to contextualise environmental law within the wider constructs of socio-economic and ethical considerations.

This module aims to facilitate a critical approach to an understanding of environmental regulation and the policy through the exploration of contemporary issues at all levels of law and policy making (including the domestic, European and international).
There are many career opportunities within the environmental field including work as an environmental lawyer (public or private practice), public policy advisor, working within government agencies e.g. DEFRA or the Environmental Agency or for NGO’s such as Friends of the Earth.

Gender and Crime

The module investigates the relationship between gender and crime, and unpacks the debate on the individual as criminal or victim (sometimes both). You will examine the relationships between gender and crime, looking at a range of topics including gendered violence, female offending, masculinities and crime, sex crimes, sex work and sex trafficking, women drugs and drug trafficking, and media and crime. You will also consider key issues in current criminal justice policy and practice related specifically to women both as both victims and offenders drawing on feminist theories of crime.

The module aims:

● To critically examine the gendered nature of crime
● To understand the theories of gender and crime
● To explore key issues in current criminal justice policy and practice related specifically to women both as both victims and offenders
● To assess the differential impact of violence on and potential of crime prevention.

Law of Evidence

The Law of Evidence is a core module for the LL.B. Criminal Law (Hons). It is an optional module for the other LL.B. courses; the B.A. Criminology and Law;
and the B.A. in Law.

The Law of Evidence concerns the information which it is permitted to use to enable the claimant or prosecution to establish their case against a defendant, or to enable the defendant to refute the allegations made against him.

It is not every supposed fact that may be brought in evidence in a trial, as the court has limited time and resources to hear everything – however trivial – that the parties might wish to throw into the debate, and there are a host of issues relating to such matters as unfairness or undue prejudice (especially to the defendant in a criminal case), mistakes, unreliability of witnesses, human rights and public policy which might impact on the propriety of permitting certain statements or documents to be admitted as evidence.

This module examines the rules and ethics of the law of evidence, which have arisen both at common law and under statute, and invites to students critically to analyse these principles both in a theoretical context, and by practical application to realistic case-studies.

The aims of the module are as follows:

1. Students will acquire knowledge of the rules and ethics of the law of evidence, which have arisen both at common law and under statute.

2. Students will develop several key transferable skills, including independent research, critical analysis and cogent academic writing in the context of land law, emphasising the use of primary and secondary sources;

3. Students will enhance their employability by the development both of these skills, and by the practice of written communication activities (including summative) and oral communication activities (formative only).

Migration, Borders and Control

The aim of this module is to investigate the complex relationship between migration, crime, borders and the criminal justice system. In this module, you will discuss the management of migration, focusing on the control of borders and the processing of migrants. You will examine the relationships between migration, borders and crime, looking at a range of topics such as forced migration, migrant smuggling, policing migration and borders, imprisoning foreign nationals, immigration detention, deportation and human rights, drawing on theoretical work and empirical research in a range of disciplines.

The module aims to:

• Critically examine the complex relationship between migration, borders and crime
• Understand and explain key concepts such as national sovereignty, citizenship, globalisation and migration
• Understand some of the theories emerging from recent research on migration, borders and crime.
• Explore diverse forms of border policing and crime control.
• Assess the differential impacts of migration control on particular groups (e.g. gender/nationality/race/ethnicity, class)

Organised Crime

This module explores the social, economic and political issues associated with the emergence and illicit activities of organised crime. It will delve into the different definitions and types of organised crime, such as mafia, cartels, syndicates and gangs.

The module will also provide a brief overview of the historical context and the main theories and research in the field. At the same time, it will explore the practical implications of policing organised crime, especially when it comes to its increasingly transnational nature.

This module also looks at the criminal activities of organised crime, including human/drugs/arms trafficking, cybercrime, and the push and pull factors that influence the mobility of organised crime groups across territories.

The module aims:

1. To analyse prominent research and theoretical underpinnings in the field of organised crime

2. To critically explore the main facets of organised crime groups and illicit activities

3. To outline the key challenges encountered by those who investigate organised crime, i.e. academics and practitioners

Terrorism and Counter-Terrorism

The aim of the module is to examine the debate over of the origin of a variety of forms of ideological, nationalist and religiously motivated violence in the form of 'terrorism'. You will examine the contemporary range of counter terrorist agencies and policies in the national and international context. You will develop a deep critical understanding of the ways in which meanings are constructed and how these impact on social life.

Victims and Crime

The aim of this module is to encourage you to develop a meaningful understanding of the experiences of victims of crime within the criminal justice system and beyond. The module is delivered via workshops which begin by exploring the notion of victimhood and critiquing the ways of understanding the impact and extent of victimisation for a diverse range of crime victims. You will consider the ways in which we identify and respond to victims of crime. You will study the development of victimology as an academic discipline and the key theoretical concepts within the field. More broadly, you will explore the social, political and cultural contexts which influence our understanding of and responses to victims of crime. Via workshops, readings and discussions you will also
critically explore and analyse the development of victim-centred policy and practice
within the criminal justice system and beyond. This knowledge and understanding will be useful for those seeking to work with and/or advocating for victims of crime.

Via the workshops, reading and discussions:
a. You will develop an understanding of the key theoretical concepts within victimology.
b. You will identify some of the social and political factors that placed victims at the forefront of academic and professional discourses.
c. You will explore the nature and extent of victimisation and critically appraise criminal justice responses to victims of crime.
d. You will develop your ability to research, analyse, and communicate thoughts relating to victimisation, victim policy and practice.