Undergraduate Module Descriptor

SOC3121: Policy Analysis in Criminology

This module descriptor refers to the 2024/5 academic year.

Module Aims

This module aims to give participants first-hand experience of developing and delivering a policy brief on a contemporary issue in criminology, with a particular focus on the police, prisons and detention and the justice system.  In so doing, it will give them the opportunity to explore theoretical debates about policy change, to discuss substantive policy issues in social and criminal justice and to develop practical employability skills, including oral, written and presentational skills.

Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)

This module's assessment will evaluate your achievement of the ILOs listed here – you will see reference to these ILO numbers in the details of the assessment for this module.

On successfully completing the programme you will be able to:
Module-Specific Skills1. Demonstrate detailed and sophisticated knowledge of a contemporary policy issue in criminology;
2. Generate and justify recommendations around a contemporary policy issue in criminology;
3. Understand and critically apply theories of policy change;
Discipline-Specific Skills4. Analyse contemporary policy issues in criminology;
5. Understand and critically assess theory pertaining to criminology policy;
Personal and Key Skills6. Plan, develop and deliver a clear, concise and well timed poster presentation;
7. Demonstrate the design and / or PowerPoint skills necessary to produce a visually pleasing, understandable poster;
8. Plan, develop and deliver a policy briefing with an Executive Summary.