PROGRAMME SPECIFICATION Bachelor of Arts with Honours in Criminology and Sociology Awarding institution Teaching institution UCAS Code JACS Code Programme Duration Language of Programme Liverpool John Moores University LIVERPOOL JOHN MOORES UNIVERSITY ML23 L300, L311 Full-Time: 3 Years Subject benchmark statement Sociology (2007) Criminology (2007) Programme accredited by Description of accreditation Validated target and alternative exit awards All LJMU programmes are delivered and assessed in English Bachelor of Arts with Honours in Criminology and Sociology Bachelor of Arts in Criminology and Sociology Diploma of Higher Education in Criminology and Sociology Certificate of Higher Education in Criminology and Sociology Programme Leader David Chalcraft Educational aims of the programme To provide a coherent programme of study which draws upon two core areas of study: Criminology and Sociology. To provide a dynamic and contemporary programme which stimulates critical awareness of both criminological and sociological issues, theories and perspectives. To provide a programme that is both interdisciplinary and has a critical focus, that is, that challenges 'taken for granted' notions. To provide graduates with the appropriate subject knowledge and transferable skills, and the ability to take responsibility for their own learning, to pursue a career related to the programme of study, in general employment, or further study. To provide an environment which facilitates and supports student-centred learning; that is inclusive and accessible to all students; that encourages students to take responsibility for their own learning and personal development, as they progress through the programme. Encourage students to fully engage with the World of Work programme, including the World of Work Skills Certificate and, as a first step towards this, to complete Bronze (Self Awareness) Statement. Alternative Exit/ Interim Award Learning Outcomes - Certificate of Higher Education A student who is eligible for this award will be able to: Be able to identify and explain key issues, themes and substantive areas in Criminology and Sociology. Have developed key study skills for further study in Higher Education generally, Criminology and Sociology in particular. Be familiar with Social Science research methods; identify and explain methodological techniques. Have understood and begun PDP. Alternative Exit/ Interim Award Learning Outcomes - Diploma of Higher Education
A student who is eligible for this award will be able to: Have developed an understanding of core areas of Criminological and Sociological theory. Be competent in the theory and practice of Social Science research methods. Have acquired critical skills. Have developed transferable skills. Experienced WRL and career-based opportunities. Target award Learning Outcomes - Bachelor of Arts with Honours A student successfully completing the programme of study will have acquired the following subject knowledge and understanding as well as skills and other attributes. A student who is eligible for this award will be able to: 1. Have a systematic understanding of key concepts, theories and methods informing the study of criminology and sociology. After acquiring familiarity with these at level four, students will develop their subject knowledge in core areas and be able to engage with academic literature, and support critical and normative evaluations. 2. Having achieved an understanding of the key traditions of major theories, students will be able to apply a critical perspective on their relevance to the study of important fields of criminology and sociology, examining the varieties of criminal and other socially harmful activities and including issues of power, gender, race and social policy. 3. Possess the conceptual understanding that enables them to develop a 'sociological imagination' and the interdisciplinary theories and methods used in criminology. 4. Have developed a reflexive awareness of the nature of the knowledge of the social world. 5. Be able to demonstrate knowledge of research strategies and methods as appropriate to evidence based disciplines. The ability to investigate, using these skills, is developed in both core and optional modules 6. Formulate and investigate problems/issues (Sociology Benchmarks, 2007, 4.3[1]). 7. Analyse, interpret and apply major theories and concepts in the study of society generally and criminal and other harmful activities in particular. 8. Independently engage with subject literature, questioning received thinking, and to support critical and normative judgements on issues and theories with relevant evidence and structured argument. 9. Analyse, synthesize, evaluate and communicate empirical information relating to their studies. 10. Identify a range of research strategies and methods and assess their relative merits. 11. Utilise abstraction, analysis and deduction in the formulation and solving of problems, both individually and collectively. 12. Analyse, interpret and apply major theories and concepts in the study of Sociology and Criminology 13. Independently engage with subject literature, questioning received thinking, and to support critical and normative judgements on sociological issues and theories with relevant evidence and structured argument 14. Analyse, synthesize, evaluate and communicate empirical information relating to their studies. 15. Verbally communicate ideas effectively and fluently. 16. Communicate ideas coherently in written form, utilising appropriate referencing and bibliographies. 17. Demonstrate understanding of numeracy and statistical information. 18. Use ICT and traditional methods for the retrieval and presentation of information (Word processing, spreadsheets etc). 19. Work independently, demonstrating skills of self-organisation, time management, the ability for self-reflection and self-improvement. 20. Collaborate with others to achieve collective goals. 21. Develop 'life-skills' (e.g. the exercise of initiative, personal responsibility, decision-making, problem-solving and the ability to pursue further training) necessary for future employment (QAA Framework Annexe 1). The opportunities to achieve these outcomes are available (in various contexts) in core and option modules to ensure their achievement by students on the Criminology & Sociology programme. Teaching, Learning and Assessment The methods used to enable outcomes to be achieved and demonstrated are as follows:
The programme incorporates staff-led and student-centred strategies with a progressive emphasis on the latter as students develop as independent learners. The former includes both formal and interactive lectures, and seminars, which provide opportunities to present ideas, discuss and reflect. The latter involve small group activities, tutorials, workshops and enquiry-based learning. These are designed to: Foster student progression. Stimulate interest and encourage participation. Provide equal opportunities to develop learning skills at all levels. Encourage critical analysis and the application of theory. Utilise ICT and Blackboard. The Assessment strategy is guided by School, University and QAA guidelines and ensures that: Assessment, as part of the learning process, involves feedback (diagnostic, formative or summative) that is timely and constuctive. Criteria of attainment are given in handbooks and module assignments. Assessment across the programme is planned, and designed to be coherent, balanced and to facilitate the achievement of learning outcomes. Assessment meets the criteria (QAA and School) of validity, reliability and consistency. Assessment takes account of students with particular needs (SENDA compliant). The programme utilises a wide range of assessments including Essays, Exams, reports, portfolios, projects, self-reflective diaries, biography, leaflet, book reviews, enquiry-based learning, presentations (written and oral) and, at level 6, an optional dissertation for 24 or 36 credits. Placement learning experience will be delivered and reviewed and/or assessed. Assessment methods comply with the University's guidelines on assessment methods or Erasmus Learning or Training Agreement. QAA Chapters B3 (Learning and Teaching) and B10 (Managing Higher Education Provision with Others) of the UK Quality Code for Higher Education: Indicator 8 `Degree-awarding bodies take responsibility for ensuring that they retain proper control of Placement Learning Code of Practice. World of Work Careers Centre DP 1.8.14 amended 22.9.14. Page 6 'the academic standards of awards where learning opportunities are delivered with others'. Indicators 18 `Degree awarding bodies ensure that they have effective control over the accuracy of all public information, publicity and promotional activity which leads to their awards. Information is produced for prospective and current students, which is fit for purpose, accessible and trustworthy. Delivery organisations or support providers are provided with all information necessary for the effective delivery of the learning or support'. Lectures provide information on B1-B5, and seminars/workshops provide an opportunity for students to develop their own understanding, B3. Projects/workshops facilitate B3-B4, and additional student-centred strategies develop B1-B5. Coursework in various forms (Essays, projects, presentations) assess all of these skills in different contexts. Exams are used to assess B2, B3 and B4. N/A N/A These skills are introduced in the Sociology Tutorial module, at level four. Thereafter, core and option modules at levels 5 and 6 involve a combination of student-centred learning in both collective (seminars/workshops, group project work etc) and individual contexts ( independent learning, tutorials, dissertations). Teaching is block time-tabled into 2 hour sessions. The variety of learning experiences and assessment tasks is designed to stimulate interest and encourage participation, and to provide opportunities for students with differing capabilities and aptitudes to develop transferable skills. Presentations, group projects, Essays, portfolios etc. assess D1-D6. Examinations assess D2. D1-D5 and D7 are additionally assessed via WBL; on-line tests and assessments and reports. Programme structure - programme rules and modules The programme is offered on both a full-time (3 years) and a part-time day (5 years) basis. Entry to the programme is normally at level 4. The programme is organised in three levels (each corresponding to one year's full-time attendance). 120 credits are required for the completion of each level and 360 credits for the completion
of the full Honours programme. The programme is taught within the Academic Framework. Modules are of two types: core and option. Modules are 24 credits as specified, although within university defined limits (ie a student may only study a maximum of one 12 credit module at each level). A range of choice is offered in response to student opinion in favour of a choice being available which was strongly expressed through the programme review process and to enable focus on Criminological, Sociological/Methodological or generic work-based options. These modules may not all run every year. International Fieldwork is offered in module 6015SOCIO. The School of Humanities and Social Science also offers students the opportunity to study abroad for a semester under the ERASMUS Exchange scheme. Students are encouraged to consider spending some time studying abroad through this method. Personal Development Planning (PDP) is integral to the programme and will be considered in personal tutorials. Students will be allocated a personal tutor who will tutor them at Level 4 and 5. All Level 6 personal tutors will be allocated in line with the studies module with independent study element where appropriate. Personal Tutors will invite tutees to meet with them at least once per term to discuss academic progress, personal development planning and other issues raised by the tutee. Personal Tutors and other academic staff will be available outside of these meetings by appointment, during their Office Hours, or by phone or e-mail. All modules at level 4 are core and must be taken. Across levels 5 and 6 students are required to take 120 credits from Criminology and 120 credits from Sociology in order to provide a balanced programme. In line with LJMUs World of Work agenda students are required to study the Social Research Methods module where the work-related learning is housed. Students must then take 24 credits of theory, in the form of Criminological Perspectives. Students are then able to choose another 24 credits of either Sociology or Criminology modules and, depending on their choice, 48 credits of either Criminology or Sociology. In order to undertake a Dissertation students must submit a satisfactory proposal at the end of Level 5. At level 6 there are no core modules but students must ensure that they have 120 credits in both Criminology and Sociology over levels 5 and 6. Thus those students who have taken a 72:48 split Criminology:Sociology at L5 will be required to take a 48:72 split Criminology:Sociology at L6 and vice versa. 6015SOCIO Can count towards Sociology or Criminology to balance programme. Students successfully completing the single honours programme will achieve all the programme outcomes. Level 6 Potential Awards on completion Bachelor of Arts with Honours Core Option Award Requirements 6000SOCIO DISSERTATION IN SOCIOLOGY (24 6001CRIM Exclusion, Marginalisation and Mobilisation (24 6002SS Professional Studies: Work based learning (24 6006SOCIO Ethnic and Racial Politics: Power, Conflict and Participation (24 6011CRIM Case Study in Critical Criminology (24 6014SOCIO BODY POLITICS: GENDER, SEXUALITY AND THE BODY (24 6015SOCIO International Fieldwork in Sociology (24 6018CRIM Human Rights (24 6018SOCIO Disability Studies (24 6019SOCIO PROTEST, RESISTANCE AND CHANGE: ALTERNATIVES TO URBAN CAPITALISM (24 6020CRIM Green Criminology (24 6020SOCIO The Sociology of Health and Illness (24 6021CRIM Criminalisation, Punishment and the State (24 6022CRIM Power, Policing and Social Order (24 0 core credits at level 6 120 option credits at level 6
Level 5 6023CRIM Victims and Justice (12 Potential Awards on completion Core Option Award Requirements 5001SOCIO SOCIAL RESEARCH METHODS (24 5002CRIM Criminological Perspectives (24 Level 4 5008SOCIO CRITICAL SOCIAL AND GREEN POLICY (24 5010SOCIO Myth, Magic, Religion and Belief (24 5011SOCIO LIFE COURSE: A SOCIOLOGICAL JOURNEY (24 5012SOCIO SPORT, CRIME AND SOCIETY: CRITICAL SOCIOLOGICAL ANALYSES (24 5015CRIM Youth Justice (24 5020CRIM DRUGS, CRIME AND CRIMINALISATION (24 Potential Awards on completion 48 core credits at level 5 72 option credits at level 5 Core Option Award Requirements 4000CRIM Inside The Criminal Justice System (24 4000SOCIO STUDYING SOCIETY (24 4005SOCIO SOCIOLOGICAL PERSPECTIVES (24 4006SOCIO IDENTITIES, POWER & INEQUALITIES (24 4009CRIM An Introduction to Criminological Theory (24 120 core credits at level 4 0 option credits at level 4 Information about assessment regulations All programmes leading to LJMU awards operate within the University's Academic Framework. https://www.ljmu.ac.uk/about-us/public-information/academic-quality-and-regulations/academic-framework Opportunities for work-related learning ( location and nature of activities) Work related learning is embedded in the Criminology & Sociology programme in line with LJMUs World of Work agenda through all modules but specifically in Studying society at level 4 and Methods of Social Investigation at level 5 which are compulsory on this programme. At level 6, alongside a number of independent study activities students can opt to take Professional Studies: Work based Learning for 24 credits. Personal Development Planning (PDP) is embedded in the tutorial support students will receive in levels 4, 5 and 6 of the programme. Opportunities to develop world of work skills are embedded across all levels of the programme wich prepare students for submitting the world of work skills statements, providing students with the opportunity to achieve accreditation for this. Criteria for admission A/AS Level 260 UCAS Tariff points preferably including a Humanities and Social Science subject. BTEC National Diploma 260 UCAS Tariff points from a relevant subject Irish Leaving Certificate 260 UCAS tariff points from a t least 5 Highers including a Humanities and Social Science subject. Scottish Higher
260 UCAS tariff points International Baccalaureate 27 points from the IB Diploma Access Pass Access in a relevant subject Other Five GCSEs (Grade C or above) required, including English and Mathematics. Equivalent qualifications may be accepted Mature entry Applications are welcomed from those who are returning to education. These students should demonstrate potential and motivation and/or have relevant experience and may be required to submit an essay and/or attend an interview. Overseas qualifications Qualifications will be considered in line with normal entry requirements. Any applicant whose first language is not English will be required to have IELTS 6.0 (minimum 5.5 in each component). External Quality Benchmarks All programmes leading to LJMU awards have been designed and approved in accordance with the UK Quality Code for Higher Education, including the Framework for Higher Education Qualifications in the UK (FHEQ) and subject benchmark statements where applicable. The University is subject to periodic review of its quality and standards by the Quality Assurance Agency (QAA) Published review reports are available on the QAA website at www.qaa.ac.uk Programmes which are professionally accredited are reviewed by professional, statutory and regulatory bodies (PSRBs) and such programmes must meet the competencies/standards of those PSRBs. Support for students and their learning The University aims to provide students with access to appropriate and timely information, support and guidance to ensure that they are able to benefit fully from their time at LJMU. All students are assigned a Personal Tutor to provide academic support and when necessary signpost students to the appropriate University support services. Students are able to access a range of professional services including: Advice on practical aspects of study and how to use these opportunities to support and enhance their personal and academic development. This includes support for placements and careers guidance. Student Advice and Wellbeing Services provide students with advice, support and information, particularly in the areas of: student funding and financial matters, disability, advice and support to international students, study support, accommodation, health, wellbeing and counselling. Students studying for an LJMU award at a partner organisation will have access to local support services Methods for evaluating and improving the quality and standards of teaching and learning Student Feedback and Evaluation The University uses the results of student feedback from internal and external student surveys (such as module evaluations, the NSS and PTES), module evaluation questionnaires and meetings with student representatives to improve the quality of programmes. Staff development The quality of teaching is assured through staff review and staff development in learning, teaching and assessment. Internal Review All programmes are reviewed annually and periodically, informed by a range of data and feedback, to ensure quality and standards of programmes and to make improvements to programmes. External Examining External examiners are appointed to programmes to assess whether:
the University is maintaining the threshold academic standards set for awards in accordance with the FHEQ and applicable subject benchmark statements the assessment process measures student achievement rigorously and fairly against the intended outcomes of the programme(s) and is conducted in line with University policies and regulations the academic standards are comparable with those in other UK higher education institutions of which external examiners have experience the achievement of students are comparable with those in other UK higher education institutions of which the external examiners have experience and to provide informative comment and recommendations on: good practice and innovation relating to learning, teaching and assessment observed by external examiners opportunities to enhance the quality of the learning opportunities provided to students Please note: This specification provides a concise summary of the main features of the programme and the learning outcomes that a typical student might reasonably be expected to achieve and demonstrate if he/she takes full advantage of the learning opportunities that are provided. More detailed information on the learning outcomes, content, teaching, learning and assessment methods of each module can be found in module and programme guides.