
Diploma of Higher Education in Criminology and Sociology
Online United Kingdom
DURATION
2 up to 4 Years
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time, Part time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
05 Sep 2024
EARLIEST START DATE
Oct 2024
TUITION FEES
GBP 14,544 *
STUDY FORMAT
Distance Learning
* total cost; part-time at a rate of 60 credits is £3,636 per year
Introduction
This diploma offers you the chance to study topical, and at times controversial, criminological and sociological subject matter. You'll be introduced to the social research process, exploring what social research is, how it's conducted, and why it's important so you'll become curious, inspired, and empowered to think critically about the process of producing knowledge about the social world.
You'll also have the choice between considering the impact of digital technology on individuals and society or looking at the many ways criminologists seek to explain crime, victims of crime and the role of criminal justice.
Key features
- Explore topical issues about contemporary social life and crime, harm and criminal justice
- Learn to evaluate evidence critically and better understand criminological and sociological problems
- Examine the role of both theory and research in shaping knowledge about crime, justice and the wider social world
- Learn about social research methods
- Builds on the OU's reputation for cutting-edge criminological and sociological teaching and research.
Accessibility
Our qualifications are as accessible as possible, and we have a comprehensive range of support services. Our Diploma of Higher Education in Criminology and Sociology uses a variety of study materials and includes the following elements:
- Online study - most modules are online; some have a mix of printed and online material. Online learning resources could include websites, audio/video, and interactive activities
- Pre-determined schedules - we'll help you to develop your time-management skills
- Assessment in the form of short-answer questions, essays, and examinations
- Feedback - continuous assessment includes feedback from your tutor and using this to improve your performance
- Finding external/third-party material online
- Group-work
How long it takes
- Part-time study - 4 years
- Full-time study - 2 years
- Time limit - 12 years
Program Outcome
Knowledge and understanding
When you complete your studies for this qualification, you will have knowledge and understanding of the following:
- Key concepts and theoretical approaches in criminology and sociology
- Main methods of sociological and criminological research, including the ethical issues they raise, and the ability to assess their appropriate uses
- Major processes and phenomena that characterize social worlds, including social diversity and divisions; inequalities, power and stratification; the relationship between social action and structure; the processes that bring about social change, conflict and stability; and those that shape individuals, groups, practices, institutions and structures
- Complex ways in which institutions, policies and practices relevant to ‘crime’ and ‘justice’ interact, and a critical awareness of how social interests, positions and values impact policies and practices in criminal justice and law-making.
Cognitive skills
On completion of this qualification, you will have developed the ability to:
- Identify and select evidence relevant to sociological and criminological concerns, and interpret, analyse, and critically evaluate this evidence
- Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of established techniques of sociological and criminological analysis and enquiry
- Deploy a conceptual understanding of criminology and sociology to explore a range of complex social problems and to devise and sustain arguments
- Interpret, analyse and evaluate sociological and criminological ideas, concepts and arguments and demonstrate an ability to extend knowledge and understanding of these.
Practical and professional skills
On completion of this qualification, you will have developed the ability to:
- Recognise and critically evaluate personal viewpoints and engage respectfully with the views of others
- Identify and describe the value of sociological and criminological inquiry to social, public and civic policy and debate
- Learn from feedback and reflect on the process of learning to evaluate personal strengths and weaknesses
- Regularly review current and future goals for personal, academic and career development, and develop strategies to achieve these goals where necessary.
Key skills
On completion of this qualification, you will have developed the ability to:
- Accurately and effectively communicate criminologically- and sociologically- relevant information, in a variety of ways suitable for a range of audiences, both formally and informally
- Select, access and exploit a wide range of digital literacy practices to find, use, reference and share data and information relevant to the study of criminology and sociology
- Demonstrate skills necessary for planning, conducting and presenting criminological and sociological investigations, including the collation, analysis and interpretation of secondary data
- Work collectively with other learners in group situations to achieve joint outcomes.
Curriculum
This qualification has two stages, each comprising 120 credits.
- You’ll start Stage 1 with a compulsory module in inter-disciplinary social science, followed by a compulsory module in criminology.
- Next, in Stage 2, you'll choose between modules in sociology and criminology before studying a compulsory social research module.
Stage 1 (120 credits)
You'll study the following:
- Introducing the social sciences (DD102)
- Introduction to criminology (DD105)
Stage 2 (120 credits)
You’ll choose one from:
- Understanding Criminology (DD212)
- Understanding digital societies (DD218)
You'll then study the following:
- Social research: crime, justice and society (DD215)
Assessment
Our assessments are all designed to reinforce your learning and help you show your understanding of the topics. The mix of assessment methods will vary between modules.
Computer-Marked Assignments
- Usually, a series of online, multiple-choice questions.
Tutor-Marked Assignments
- You’ll have a number of these throughout each module, each with a submission deadline.
- They can be made up of essays, questions, experiments or something else to test your understanding of what you have learned.
- Your tutor will mark and return them to you with detailed feedback.
End-of-Module Assessments
- The final, marked piece of work on most modules.
- Modules with an end-of-module assessment won’t usually have an exam.
Exams
- Some modules end with an exam. You’ll be given time to revise and prepare.
- You’ll be given your exam date at least 5 months in advance.
- Most exams take place remotely, and you will complete them at home or an alternative location.
- If a module requires you to take a face-to-face exam, this will be made clear in the module description, and you will be required to take your exam in person at one of our exam centres.
Admissions
Program Tuition Fee
Career Opportunities
Skills for career development
This diploma will enable you to formulate and investigate sociological and criminological questions; build arguments; assess the methods used to generate evidence and research; and analyse, interpret and evaluate a wide range of information. You'll also learn how to communicate effectively with different audiences (e.g. through reports, policy briefs, blogs, and presentations); and work cooperatively with others. You will develop substantial skills in time management, self-reflection and self-motivation, and the ability to work independently.
Career relevance
A qualification in criminology and sociology can lead to employment across the public, private and voluntary sectors. Businesses, public sector organisations and educational institutions increasingly have to deal with social issues and value the skills that criminology and sociology graduates can provide. Consequently, your diploma will be relevant to a wide range of professions, some of which are listed below. You can also use your diploma to pursue further study.
Please note, that this diploma does not guarantee entry to the careers listed, which may require a degree and/or other specialist qualifications. However, it may help you gain those qualifications and enhance your prospects for progression once you are employed.
Program delivery
With our unique approach to distance learning, you can study from home, work or on the move.
You’ll have some assessment deadlines to meet, but otherwise, you’ll be free to study at the times that suit you, fitting your learning around work, family, and social life.
For each of your modules, you’ll use either just online resources or a mix of online and printed materials.
Each module you study will have a module website with
- A week-by-week study planner, giving you a step-by-step guide through your studies
- Course materials such as reading, videos, recordings, and self-assessed activities
- Module forums for discussions and collaborative activities with other students
- Details of each assignment and their due dates
- A tutorial booking system, online tutorial rooms, and your tutor’s contact details
- Online versions of some printed module materials and resources.