University of Essex Online has announced the launch of a new undergraduate degree in criminology and criminal justice which will be available to study part-time, entirely online, through a virtual learning platform.

BA (Hons) Criminology and Criminal Justice has been designed to combine aspects of psychology with criminology, ensuring students gain a full awareness of how contemporary criminological problems are investigated and the approaches and strategies employed by different agencies to address them.

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Students will be expected to build up their understanding of the complex problems policy-makers and criminal justice practitioners face and develop the practical skills needed to critically reflect on outcomes, process and experience. Optional modules to the course include credits in criminal investigation, youth crime and justice, prisons and penology and community justice; allowing students to specialise in areas of specific interest.

Devinder Curry, Criminal Justice Programme Leader for University of Essex Online, said: “Crime and victimisation are two of the most important topics in current political and social debate. I am delighted that we are able to offer students a flexible undergraduate qualification that will develop their knowledge of the social and personal aspects of crime and equip them with a thorough understanding of the operations of the criminal justice system.

“Our online teaching environment, which includes regular discussion posts and interactive lectures, should provide a challenging and stimulating atmosphere and students will be encouraged to become independent thinkers and learners as they develop a range of skills suited to careers in areas such community development, custodial services, policing, probation or social work.”

University of Essex Online degrees are delivered by experienced online higher education provider Kaplan Open Learning. Students who complete their course receive a degree validated by the University of Essex and are invited to attend a graduation ceremony at the University’s campus in Colchester.

For details of all the University of Essex Online courses available to study online, including BA (Hons) Criminology and Criminal Justice, visit http://online.essex.ac.uk/online-degrees

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For more information please contact the University of Essex Online Marketing Office on 0113 388 8893.

Contact the University of Essex Communications Office on 01206 874377 or e-mail: comms@essex.ac.uk.