Politics and International Studies with Criminology

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

We aim to 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 policy debate with sensitivity to the views of others – all skills that are highly attractive to employers. This Politics and International Studies with Criminology degree provides detailed knowledge and understanding of contemporary political analysis, 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.

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 behavior and activity within the criminal justice system.