(BA) Bachelor of Arts
Politics with Criminology (Including Year Abroad)
Current
University of Essex
University of Essex
Government
Colchester Campus
Honours Degree
Full-time
Politics and International Relations
Criminology
BA L622
10/05/2023
Details
Professional accreditation
None
Admission criteria
A-levels: ABB
BTEC: DDD, depending on subject studied - advice on acceptability can be provided.
IB: 32 points or three Higher Level certificates with 655
We are also happy to consider a combination of separate IB Diploma Programme Courses (formerly certificates) at both Higher and Standard Level. Exact offer levels will vary depending on the range of subjects being taken at higher and standard level, and the course applied for.
We can also consider combinations with BTECs or other qualifications in the Career-related programme – the acceptability of BTECs and other qualifications depends on the subject studied, advice on acceptability can be provided. Please contact the Undergraduate Admissions Office for more information.
Access to HE Diploma:15 Level 3 credits at Distinction and 30 level 3 credits at Merit, depending on subject studied - advice on acceptability can be provided.
T-levels: Distinction, depending on subject studied - advice on acceptability can be provided.
What if I don’t achieve the grades I hoped?
If your final grades are not as high as you had hoped, the good news is you may still be able to secure a place with us on a course which includes a foundation year. Visit our undergraduate application information page for more details.
What if I have a non-traditional academic background?
Don’t worry. To gain a deeper knowledge of your course suitability, we will look at your educational and employment history, together with your personal statement and reference.
You may be considered for entry into Year 1 of your chosen course. Alternatively, some UK and EU applicants may be considered for Essex Pathways, an additional year of study (known as a foundation year/year 0) helping students gain the necessary skills and knowledge in order to succeed on their chosen course. You can find a list of Essex Pathways courses and entry requirements here
If you are a mature student, further information is here
IELTS (International English Language Testing System) code
English language requirements for applicants whose first language is not English: IELTS 6.0 overall. Different requirements apply for second year entry, and specified component grades are also required for applicants who require a visa to study in the UK.
Other English language qualifications may be acceptable so please contact us for further details. If we accept the English component of an international qualification then it will be included in the information given about the academic levels listed above. Please note that date restrictions may apply to some English language qualifications
If you are an international student requiring a visa to study in the UK please see our immigration webpages for the latest Home Office guidance on English language qualifications.
If you do not meet our IELTS requirements then you may be able to complete a pre-sessional English pathway that enables you to start your course without retaking IELTS.
Additional Notes
If you’re an international student, but do not meet the English language or academic requirements for direct admission to this degree, you could prepare and gain entry through a pathway course. Find out more about opportunities available to you at the University of Essex International College here.
Course qualifiers
A course qualifier is a bracketed addition to your course title to denote a specialisation or pathway that you have achieved via the completion of specific modules during your course. The
specific module requirements for each qualifier title are noted below. Eligibility for any selected qualifier will be determined by the department and confirmed by the final year Board of
Examiners. If the required modules are not successfully completed, your course title will remain as described above without any bracketed addition. Selection of a course qualifier is
optional and student can register preferences or opt-out via Online Module Enrolment (eNROL).
None
Rules of assessment
Rules of assessment are the rules, principles and frameworks which the University uses to calculate your course progression and final results.
Additional notes
None
External examiners
Dr Max Gallop
Senior Lecturer
University of Strathclyde
External Examiners provide an independent overview of our courses, offering their expertise and help towards our continual improvement of course content, teaching, learning, and assessment.
External Examiners are normally academics from other higher education institutions, but may be from the industry, business or the profession as appropriate for the course.
They comment on how well courses align with national standards, and on how well the teaching, learning and assessment methods allow students to develop and demonstrate the relevant knowledge and skills needed to achieve their awards.
External Examiners who are responsible for awards are key members of Boards of Examiners. These boards make decisions about student progression within their course and about whether students can receive their final award.
Programme aims
The course aims to enable students to analyse political phenomena in comparative politics, international relations, conflict processes, and other major areas of political science, with a special emphasis of how these areas affect and in turn are affected by issues of crime and control. It will endow students with the theoretical, conceptual, and methodological skills to identify, analyse, and evaluate processes that give rise to political behaviour ranging from the individual level, state behaviour, to the international level of analysis. In addition, students will learn about theory and practices of crime and control, as well as structural issues related to gender, ethnicity, and global justice aspects of crime and control. They will also acquire knowledge of the British criminal justice system.
Learning outcomes and learning, teaching and assessment methods
On successful completion of the programme a graduate should demonstrate knowledge and skills as follows:
A: Knowledge and understanding
A1: Knowledge of different conceptual, theoretical and normative perspectives within political science such as democracy, justice, liberalism and rights, and of methodological issues
A2: Knowledge of the main findings of existing political science research about political systems (e.g. Britain, Europe, other areas and the international system), political behaviour (e.g. voting behaviour, public opinion and political parties).
A3: Knowledge of developments, issues and debates in the specialist subjects they choose to study.
A4: Knowledge of sources of information and statistical methods appropriate for political studies.
A5: Knowledge of political and social processes of victimisation and criminalisation in light of criminological theories
A101: Understanding how key concepts within Politics and Criminology are understood in a different academic and national context
Learning methods
A1-A4 are addressed in lectures, participation in seminars and classes and written comments on essays.
A3 is additionally addressed in optional choices in years 2 and 3 and/or in projects.
A5 is acquired in Criminology modules.
For all learning outcomes, instructors will pay attention to sensitivities regarding gender, race, cultural heritage and religion and other possible signifiers of group identity. Delivery methods will be adjusted for students with special learning difficulties based on individual needs. Robust feedback mechanisms through personal contact between module supervisors and students as well as module representatives will ensure inclusivity needs will be dynamically identified as they develop.
A101 is acquired during the Year Abroad
Assessment methods
The assessment of most full-year modules is normally based equally on course work and on a written examination, each counting for 50 per cent of the final mark.
An average course work load consists of three essays per modules or equivalent.
Class tests are used to assess A4.
A5 is assessed in Criminology modules.
For all assessment methods, instructors will pay attention to sensitivities regarding gender, race, cultural heritage and religion and other possible signifiers of group identity. Assessment methods will be adjusted for students with special learning difficulties based on individual needs. Robust feedback mechanisms through personal contact between module supervisors and students as well as module representatives will ensure inclusivity needs will be dynamically identified as they develop.
B: Intellectual and cognitive skills
B1: To question received thinking.
B2: To develop their own thinking
B3: Advanced knowledge of different modes of explanation and theoretical perspectives in political science and political theory at an appropriate level.
B4: To analyse and evaluate evidence.
B5: To reason critically.
B6: To argue coherently and persuasively.
B7: To present ideas in a structured form in writing.
Learning methods
These skills are developed in:-
(a) Seminars and classes
(b) class presentations
(c) written comments on essays.
Individual guidance is available for the writing of essays and the construction of presentations.
For all learning outcomes, instructors will pay attention to sensitivities regarding gender, race, cultural heritage and religion and other possible signifiers of group identity. Delivery methods will be adjusted for students with special learning difficulties based on individual needs. Robust feedback mechanisms through personal contact between module supervisors and students as well as module representatives will ensure inclusivity needs will be dynamically identified as they develop.
Assessment methods
All intellectual/cognitive skills are assessed in continuous course work in all years and through end of year examinations.
For all assessment methods, instructors will pay attention to sensitivities regarding gender, race, cultural heritage and religion and other possible signifiers of group identity. Assessment methods will be adjusted for students with special learning difficulties based on individual needs. Robust feedback mechanisms through personal contact between module supervisors and students as well as module representatives will ensure inclusivity needs will be dynamically identified as they develop
C: Practical skills
C1: Organise and structure an extended argument, advancing clear critical positions.
C2: Compile systematic bibliographies.
C3: Provide references according to accepted conventions.
C4: Use quantitative methods, abstract and synthesise relevant information.
C5: Evaluate strengths and weaknesses in the use of comparison in relation to crime, harm, deviance and victimisation
Learning methods
The range of practical skills C1-C4 is taught in seminars and developed through tutors’ comments on essays, and in supervision of written work. C5 is acquired in Criminology modules.
For all learning outcomes, instructors will pay attention to sensitivities regarding gender, race, cultural heritage and religion and other possible signifiers of group identity. Delivery methods will be adjusted for students with special learning difficulties based on individual needs. Robust feedback mechanisms through personal contact between module supervisors and students as well as module representatives will ensure inclusivity needs will be dynamically identified as they develop.
Assessment methods
Assessment of practical skills is through the submission of essays and assignments, and written examinations.
For all assessment methods, instructors will pay attention to sensitivities regarding gender, race, cultural heritage and religion and other possible signifiers of group identity. Assessment methods will be adjusted for students with special learning difficulties based on individual needs. Robust feedback mechanisms through personal contact between module supervisors and students as well as module representatives will ensure inclusivity needs will be dynamically identified as they develop.
D: Key skills
D1: Clear, focused, relevant and effective expression and communication.
D2: To use electronic information sources.
D3: Understand the use of quantitative evidence
D4: To manage projects and timetables. To find, understand and organise information. To work with ideas.
D5: Develop skills in collaborative learning and research - and gain experience in group presentations of research results.
D6: To be receptive to feedback; to manage time and resources and to be self-critical.
Learning methods
The five relevant key skills are implicit throughout the degree.
1, 2 and 4 are employed in essays.
1, 5 and 6 are employed in seminars, classes and discussions with class teachers.
For all learning outcomes, instructors will pay attention to sensitivities regarding gender, race, cultural heritage and religion and other possible signifiers of group identity. Delivery methods will be adjusted for students with special learning difficulties based on individual needs. Robust feedback mechanisms through personal contact between module supervisors and students as well as module representatives will ensure inclusivity needs will be dynamically identified as they develop.
Assessment methods
Essays and projects are assessed for qualities that implicitly incorporate all these skills.
For all assessment methods, instructors will pay attention to sensitivities regarding gender, race, cultural heritage and religion and other possible signifiers of group identity. Assessment methods will be adjusted for students with special learning difficulties based on individual needs. Robust feedback mechanisms through personal contact between module supervisors and students as well as module representatives will ensure inclusivity needs will be dynamically identified as they develop.