What will I learn on this module?
• In this module you will develop a critical understanding of both the theoretical and practical elements of sentencing. You will acquire the knowledge and understanding of the following:
• Theories of punishment – different rationales for punishment such as retribution, deterrence and rehabilitation.
• Custodial sentences – including the legal framework, current practice and the realities of prison life.
• Non-custodial sentences – including the legal framework for fines and community sentences
• A careful examination of the structure and rationale of sentencing guidelines
• assessing the seriousness of an offence
• mitigating and aggravating factors
• Youth justice
You will also be expected to acquire and exercise the following skills during the course of this module:
• The ability to identify and analyse relevant legal issues in practical and complicated scenarios
• The ability to undertake in-depth research
• The ability to undertake detailed study of relevant sources of information, including journal articles, cases and other research materials
No prior knowledge of sentencing theory or law is required. An awareness of criminal procedure is useful but not essential. This module complements other subjects in the first year of your programme, and will also provide you with a thorough understanding of the theoretical and practical issues surrounding this area of law.
How will I learn on this module?
The module will utilise lectures and seminars to develop your practical thinking on the areas mentioned above. The lectures will cover the basic theoretical and legal frameworks of the topics outlined above. Seminars will provide an opportunity to discuss sentencing and punishment in the context of real-life cases and hypothetical scenarios, as well as issues faced by practitioners, thereby consolidating your understanding and emphasising the practical implications of the law. You will be assessed by a written piece of coursework (100% of the final mark), which will take place in the Semester 2 assessment period.
The members of staff who teach on this module have significant research and practice experience in this area. As such, they will provide academic support where necessary. All lectures will be recorded and made available to students to aid in learning and understanding.
The module will make use of the eLearning Portal where lecture materials, podcasts, recordings, and other learning support will be made available. The module site will also direct you to supplementary resources which you are encouraged to explore in addition to the material covered in lectures.
The module will make use of an online reading list. The reading list will provide you with links to key texts and information on their availability in the university library.
How will I be supported academically on this module?
The members of staff who teach on this module have significant research and practice experience in this area. As such, they will provide academic support where necessary. All lectures will be recorded and made available to students to aid in learning and understanding.
The module will make use of the eLearning Portal where lecture materials, podcasts, recordings, and other learning support will be made available. The module site will also direct you to supplementary resources which you are encouraged to explore in addition to the material covered in lectures.
The module will make use of an online reading list. The reading list will provide you with links to key texts and information on their availability in the university library.
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:
• Students will develop knowledge of the theories of punishment and the practice of sentencing.
Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:
• Students will develop an understanding of theories of punishment and the practical elements of sentencing and be able to apply them in a specific factual context.
• Students will be able to demonstrate thorough understanding of sentencing legislation and procedure and apply this to a given factual scenario.
Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA):
• Students will demonstrate a critical awareness of how sentencing operates in the criminal courts in England and Wales.
• Students will increase their global/cultural awareness through exploring alternative approaches to sentencing in other jurisdictions.
How will I be assessed?
Formative Assessment
Students will be given regular feedback throughout the module in seminars. Formative assessment will be achieved via group discussion, informal peer assessment and assessed and non-assessed work.
Summative Assessment
Students will be assessed by means of a 2,500-word piece of written coursework critically evaluating sentencing law issues. This will constitute 100% of the marks for this module. The assignment aims to encourage a deep and critical approach to learning, developing an ability to think widely about the issues presented within the module and to explore these in line with directed and independent learning. Students will be provided with appropriate written or oral feedback (as appropriate), and, as part of reflective development, such feedback can be utilized in the preparation of subsequent module assessments on the programme.
Pre-requisite(s)
None
Co-requisite(s)
None
Module abstract
This module will provide a thorough structural analysis of the law of sentencing in England and Wales, and explore a range of issues relating to theories of punishment and sentencing practice. You will explore different rationales for punishment, such as retribution, deterrence and rehabilitation, to consider why we punish. The current legal framework (mainly: the Sentencing Act 2020) will be explored and systematically studied, including custodial sentences, fines and community penalties..
Research underpins the module and the assessment process. The teaching team are research active in this area and will therefore structure teaching around their research. This will ensure that the module is research led. The module’s blend of theory and practice will enhance critical thinking and analytical skills, alongside development of an in-depth understanding of a complex area of law. These are skills which are highly desirable to employers.
Course info
UCAS Code M102
Credits 20
Level of Study Undergraduate
Mode of Study 3 years Full Time or 4 years with a placement (sandwich)/study abroad
Department Northumbria Law School
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.
Useful Links
Find out about our distinctive approach at
www.northumbria.ac.uk/exp
Admissions Terms and Conditions
northumbria.ac.uk/terms
Fees and Funding
northumbria.ac.uk/fees
Admissions Policy
northumbria.ac.uk/adpolicy
Admissions Complaints Policy
northumbria.ac.uk/complaints
