Diploma of Higher Education in Criminology and Sociology

This diploma offers you the chance to study topical and at times controversial, criminological and sociological subject matter. As you’re investigating questions of crime, criminalisation and social harm, you’ll look at society’s responses to these questions to determine if they are appropriate and adequate. You’ll explore how social worlds are made and how we are shaped by the societies in which we live. You'll also consider the impact of digital technology on individuals and society, power and inequality and, people and things, drawing on your own experience of the interactions you have with technology in your daily life.

Key features of the course

• Explore topical issues about contemporary social life and about 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.

A nationally recognised qualification in its own right, this diploma of higher education is also equivalent to the first two-thirds of the BA (Honours) Criminology and Sociology (R46).

Accessibility

We make all our qualifications as accessible as possible and have a comprehensive range of services to support all our students. The Diploma of Higher Education in Criminology and Sociology uses a variety of study materials and has the following elements:

• studying a mixture of printed and online material – online learning resources may include websites, audio/video media clips, and interactive activities such as online quizzes
• finding external/third party material online
• working in a group with other students
• working with specialist reading material
• continuous and end-of-module assessment in the form of essays, short answer questions, and in some cases an examination
• using feedback: continuous assessment involves receiving detailed feedback on your work from your tutor and using this feedback to improve your performance
• engagement with learning and assessment within a pre-determined schedule or timetable – time management will be needed during your studies and the University will help you to develop these skills throughout your diploma.

This qualification develops your learning in four main areas:

• Knowledge and understanding
• Cognitive skills
• Practical and professional skills
• Key skills

The level and depth of your learning gradually increase as you work through the qualification. You’ll be supported throughout by the OU’s unique style of teaching and assessment – which includes a personal tutor to guide and comment on your work; top quality course texts; e-learning resources like podcasts, interactive media and online materials; tutorial groups and community forums.

Course details

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 study a compulsory sociology module, followed by a choice from two criminology modules.

Prepare for OU study with an Access module

We offer two starting points depending on how confident you are or how long it’s been since you last studied. Choose to dive straight in at Stage 1, or if you’d prefer some extra preparation, you can get started with an optional Access module.