What will I learn on this module?
On this cutting-edge module, you will explore the important relationship between crime and media. The module explores the content, context and consequences of mediated representations of crime, policing and punishment. It draws on academic debates in criminology and beyond and is interested in both factual and fictional forms of media, from television news to crime drama, social media to newspapers. The module pays close attention to film. Scrutinising classic and contemporary films, it considers their production techniques, themes, symbols, characterisation and their messages about crime and justice.
How will I learn on this module?
On this module you will engage in classroom learning through lectures and seminars. Lecturers will facilitate your learning by outlying the key concepts, theories and debates on the subject. The seminars bring the lectures and film screenings together by allowing you the opportunity to discuss, debate and even critique the academic literature and theories on the topic as well as representations of crime in the media and film.
How will I be supported academically on this module?
On the module you will be academically supported in many ways. First, the teaching team (which includes the module leader as well as other lecturers) will be available in person at the lectures and seminars to guide you through the module and answer any questions. Second, you will be able to email the teaching team and meet them during set office hours to ask questions. Third, the module has an online electronic learning portal website that guides you through many frequently asked questions.
What will I be expected to read on this module?
All modules at Northumbria include a range of reading materials that students are expected to engage with. Online reading lists (provided after enrolment) give you access to your reading material for your modules. The Library works in partnership with your module tutors to ensure you have access to the material that you need.
What will I be expected to achieve?
Knowledge & Understanding:
1. To explore the ways in which crime news is produced, distributed and consumed;
2. To explore how crime and crime control is represented in fictional accounts (e.g. films, television shows, novels and comics);
3. To be able to critically evaluate the ability of criminological theory to understand factual and fictional accounts of crime in the media.
Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:
4. To develop and use techniques for interpreting a variety of media sources.
Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA):
5. To develop an awareness of the people and organisations involved in the film and media industries in different parts of the world.
How will I be assessed?
The seminar programme will support the formative assessment for this module, allowing for the discussion of the ways in which crime is produced, distributed and consumed (MLO 1); how crime is represented in the media (MLO 2); and the value of criminological theory in understanding the media (MLO 3). It will also enable you to test your abilities to interpret media sources (MLO 4) and consider the people and places in the film and media industries (MLO 5).
You will be summatively assessed through two essays. The first essay will speak primarily to MLO 1 and the second essay will focus in particular on MLO 2. However, both essays will relate to all of the MLOs. Comprehensive feedback for both essays separately. It will be sent to you electronically within 20 working days of submission.
Pre-requisite(s)
N/A
Co-requisite(s)
N/A
Module abstract
N/A
Course info
UCAS Code M900
Credits 20
Level of Study Undergraduate
Mode of Study 3 years Full Time or 4 years with a placement (sandwich)/study abroad
Department Social Sciences
Location City Campus, Northumbria University
City Newcastle
Start September 2025
All information is accurate at the time of sharing.
Full time Courses are primarily delivered via on-campus face to face learning but could include elements of online learning. Most courses run as planned and as promoted on our website and via our marketing materials, but if there are any substantial changes (as determined by the Competition and Markets Authority) to a course or there is the potential that course may be withdrawn, we will notify all affected applicants as soon as possible with advice and guidance regarding their options. It is also important to be aware that optional modules listed on course pages may be subject to change depending on uptake numbers each year.
Contact time is subject to increase or decrease in line with possible restrictions imposed by the government or the University in the interest of maintaining the health and safety and wellbeing of students, staff, and visitors if this is deemed necessary in future.
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