CR4005 - Introduction to Criminology and Policing

What will I learn on this module?

You will examine the role and responsibilities of the police constable, the structure and organisation of the wider police service. With a focus on the delivery of a professional service, you will be introduced to key concepts and principles including 'policing by consent', community engagement, public protection and crime prevention. Unpacking key concepts and theories in criminology you will study the relationship between crime, offending, 'vulnerability’, ‘harm’ and ‘risk’, all in the context of operational policing. The module moves on to develop your knowledge and understanding of a number of contemporary themes in criminology and policing including counter-terrorism policing; the response policing role; the role and function of community policing and partnership working; and the importance of information and intelligence to key areas of policing.

CoP pre-join curriculum learning outcomes: CoP February 2026 v3.0
Core National Learning
The police constable role and professional standards 1.1–1.6; 2.1; 3.1; 4.1; 5.1; 6.1
Culture and inclusion 1.1–1.4
Protecting the public 2.1–2.3
Suspect/offender management 1.1
Criminal justice system 6.1–6.3
Neighbourhood, community and partnership working 1.2; 1.1–1.6; 1.1a–1.5a; 2.1, 2.2, 2.5; 2.1; 3.0–3.1; 3.1–3.2; 3a1–3a3; 3a.1–3a.4; 3b.1; 3b.2; 3c.1; 5.1; 6.1–6.3; 7.1; 11.1–11.3; 11a1–11a3; 12.1

Core National Supporting Information
Supporting/Supplementary Material
The Police Constable role and professional standards
Communication skills
Prevention and problem solving (incorporating evidence-based policing)
Suspect/offender management
Community policing and partnership working
Response policing


Legislation/Reference Material
The Police Constable role and professional standards

How will I learn on this module?

You will learn through a series of different delivery styles which will include traditional taught lectures to cover theoretical aspects, supplemented with seminar and workshop sessions, where you will be a more active learning, applying the theory into practice.

How will I be supported academically on this module?

You will be supported through active participation and discussion during seminars and workshops. These offer a unique opportunity to fully understand the criminological theory underpinning the role and responsibilities of the police constable, the wider police organisation and criminal justice system, and the delivery of a professional police service in local communities. All lecture, seminar and workshop material will be available on the University’s eLearning Portal, supplemented with guidance on further reading relevant to the subjects. Written assessment feedback will also be provided to allow you to understand how you performed and how you can build on this performance in subsequent assessments within your programme.

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?

You will be supported through active participation and discussion during seminars and workshops. These offer a unique opportunity to fully understand the criminological theory underpinning the role and responsibilities of the police constable, the wider police organisation and criminal justice system, and the delivery of a professional police service in local communities. All lecture, seminar and workshop material will be available on the University’s eLearning Portal, supplemented with guidance on further reading relevant to the subjects. Written assessment feedback will also be provided to allow you to understand how you performed and how you can build on this performance in subsequent assessments within your programme.

How will I be assessed?

Formative Assessments will include group exercises, a group presentation and writing exercises to prepare you for the summative assessment


Summative Assessment A 2000-word essay drawn from a series of questions designed to illustrate knowledge of the relationship between criminology and contemporary issues in policing, (K&U 1; IPS 3; PVA 4)

Pre-requisite(s)

N/A

Co-requisite(s)

N/A

Module abstract

This module introduces you to the major concepts, debates and theories within the discipline of criminology, paying particular attention to those relating to the role and function of policing in contemporary society. You will develop knowledge and understanding of crime, offending and policing. Unpacking the structure and dynamics of the police organisation and their work with key stakeholders’ you explore the role of the police constable and important concepts including consent, legitimacy, and profession standards. Through an introduction to partnership working and community policing you consider the significance of community engagement; the relationship between the police and local communities; the police role in protecting the public, including vulnerable people and those most at risk of harm; and the need to work with other agencies to prevent crime and tackle anti-social behaviour. Contemporary issues in policing including response policing, counter-terrorism policing, and intelligence led policing also feature throughout the module.

Course info

UCAS Code LL44

Credits 20

Level of Study Undergraduate

Mode of Study 3 years Full Time

School Humanities and Social Sciences

Location City Campus, Northumbria University

City Newcastle

Start September 2027

Fee Information

Module Information

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The course content, entry requirements and fees sections of this page, together with the Programme Specification, set out what this course includes. Our facilities are updated over time and may change during your studies. 

 

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