Open University

Diploma of Higher Education in Criminology

Knowledge and understanding

On completion of this diploma, you will have:

• An awareness of key concepts and theoretical approaches in relation to crime, criminal justice, harm and victimisation
• Some knowledge of the complex ways in which the institutions, policies and practices relevant to ‘crime’ and ‘justice’ interact
• Some understanding of research methods, including ethical issues, and their appropriate use in criminology
• An awareness of the ways in which social interests, positions and values may impact policies and practices in criminal justice and law-making.

Cognitive skills

On completion of this diploma, you will be able to:

• Identify evidence from a variety of sources, interpret and evaluate evidence of crime, victimisation and criminalisation
• Demonstrate some knowledge and understanding of key criminological theories, concepts and principles
• Deploy a conceptual understanding of criminology in order to explore a range of social problems and devise arguments
• Identify appropriate methods and techniques to review knowledge and understanding of crime, criminalisation and legal frameworks.

Practical and/or professional skills

On completion of this diploma, you will be able to:

• Recognise and evaluate personal viewpoints and engage the views of others with
• Respect demonstrate some of the skills associated with independent learning
• Learn from feedback and reflect on the process of learning to evaluate personal strengths and weaknesses
• Identify and work toward goals for personal, academic and career development.

Key skills

On completion of this diploma, you will be able to:

• Accurately and effectively communicate information about crime, criminalisation and criminal justice
• Select and access a range of digital literacy practices to find, use, and reference data and information relevant to crime, victimisation and criminal justice
• Collate, analyse and interpret information and data from secondary sources
• Connect and work with other learners in group situations to achieve joint outcomes.

This qualification has two stages, each comprising 120 credits.

• At Stage 1 you’ll study two 60-credit introductory modules – one with a focus on criminology and one covering social sciences more broadly.
• Next, at Stage 2, you’ll study two further 60-credit modules exploring theories and research methods in criminology and criminal justice.

Stage 1 (120 credits)

You'll study both of the following:

• Introducing the social sciences (DD102)
• Introduction to criminology (DD105)

Stage 2 (120 credits)

You'll study both of the following:

• Understanding Criminology (DD212)
• 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.

Skills for career development

The Diploma of Higher Education in Criminology will enable you to formulate and examine criminological questions, summarise and explain information and research findings and assess the methods used to address topical questions on crime and justice. You will learn how to apply basic research tools, and access data on crime, victimisation and justice. Overall, the qualification will aim to equip you with the skills to discuss criminological topics with an appreciation of theory and evidence and to comment on the value of criminological work in understanding crime, victimisation, and responses to crime.

Career relevance

This diploma is relevant to a range of career paths, some of which are listed below. Some relate directly to criminology, others draw upon the skills which you will acquire. Successful graduates may also progress to degree-level study. This diploma does not guarantee entry to the career fields listed, but it may improve access, increase your employability, and enhance your prospects of career progression.

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.