What will I learn on this module?
You will learn how scientific strategies associated with crimes and challenges facing the police and criminal justice system are complemented by criminological theory. You will discover the impact these advancements have upon both society and upon forensic science. By understanding crime, contemporary policing, prisons and imprisonment within the criminal justice system, crime prevention strategies will be evaluated for their effectiveness for particular crime types. For example, you will explore current research and innovation strategies that combine innovative science and technological advances with criminological research in response to existing, new and emerging crimes and challenges. You will address key themes such as:
• Crime/policing – e.g. the prevention and detection of drugs in society, volume crime, human trafficking
• Security and counter terrorism – e.g. prevention and detection of terrorism activities (domestic versus international), radicalisation and
• Policing/identity management – e.g. surveillance in society, crime mapping and the role of biometric identification
How will I learn on this module?
You will learn through a series of lectures, (e-) group seminars and e-tutorials (using electronic journals). The lectures will introduce you to appropriate criminological theories associated with the key themes (crime and policing; security and counter terrorism; policing/identity management) and how the scientific concepts and principles of existing and new innovative technologies are employed in the investigative or reductive solutions of crime. The seminars allow small group discussion of key concepts and the electronic journals allow a continuous one-to-one electronic discussion specifically relating to the topic you will have chosen for your assessment.
How will I be supported academically on this module?
Support will include feedback from tutors during the seminars and e-tutorials. Module content will be made available using the virtual learning platform, Blackboard and your learning experience will be enhanced by using module group discussions and electronic discussion boards facilitated by the module tutor as well as using other electronic communication mechanisms (e.g. journals/email) for response to individual questions. You will also be supported with the inclusion of a digital reading list, but you will also receive guidance and direction given the contemporary nature of the module and the diversity associated with the autonomy of topic choice that you independently research.
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:
• You will demonstrate an ability to discuss and interpret scientific and technological concepts as applied within the criminal justice system
Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:
• You will demonstrate an ability to research and extract appropriate information from relevant resources
How will I be assessed?
Your learning and student experience will benefit from undertaking formative e-tutorials and in class discussions prior to your summative assessment.
There are two summative assessments in this module:
Science communication piece e.g. article in popular science magazine, court primer, podcast, website entry etc… (50% weighting, K4, I3)
Poster and defence (50% weighting, P1)
Pre-requisite(s)
N/A
Co-requisite(s)
N/A
Module abstract
This module spans both the scientific principles applied to commonly encountered crime types within the criminal justice system as well as an understanding of criminological theories to explain crime. Key themes will be discussed, centring on crime and policing, terrorism and identity management. Explanations of crime will be discussed and how science and technology have advanced in the criminal investigation of these crime types. You will have the opportunity to participate in group and one-to-one discussions with the module team. The assessment is electronically managed through the blackboard site. Key skills that you will gain include ability to research and formulate solutions that can be applied to crime detection and prevention strategies and be able to communicate, defend and justify your opinions.
Course info
UCAS Code F410
Credits 20
Level of Study Undergraduate
Mode of Study 3 years Full Time or 4 years with a placement (sandwich)/study abroad
Department Applied 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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