Year Two Criminology

About Criminology:

Students enrolled in Criminology at NTU will delve into questions, values, and perceptions — from their emotional responses to big news stories to their feelings walking home alone. They will explore what does and doesn’t work in our criminal justice system, the possibilities of rehabilitation, and the influences of nature versus nurture. They will engage with a sprinkling of morality, a dash of philosophy, and a lot of self-reflection to examine the ‘why’ — and not just the ‘what’ — of crime.

Alongside our fun and friendly teaching team, students will learn first-hand from the victims and perpetrators, the politicians and rule-makers, and even the detectives who’ve hunted down serial killers. Together, they will explore the past, present, and future of crime — from cities to cyberspace, and everywhere in between.

Project Details:

Each year, our students engage in a dynamic Criminology Live Project, collaborating with practitioners, academics, and community members to address real-world issues. Through action research, students explore potential solutions to pressing criminological challenges. This hands-on approach emphasises reflective practice, aiming to align the practical application of criminology with key concepts such as active citizenship, identity, human rights, and justice.

If you are interested in participating as a community member, you will work with a team of (approx.) 10 students. You will provide a project brief outlining the issues you wish to be adressed by Year 2 Criminology address. Periodic meetings, which can be arranged online at your convenience, will help guide the students in developing their solutions, ensuring that their work is both impactful and relevant to your needs.

Examples of previous projects:

In 2024, Clifton NG11 Foodbank asked our students to explore awareness of the foodbank and the services it provides and raise awareness in the Clifton area at the same time.

A team of 5 developed a questionnaire to administer at the local market and to local community groups asking about their awareness of what the foodbank can offer and how the referral process works, as well as participants’ own experiences of food insecurity. The second team researched how best to develop an awareness campaign on this issue for this community and developed some pilot materials and strategies.

At the end of March 2024, both student teams presented their findings and recommendations at the foodbank to an audience of volunteers, community members and regional Trussell Trust staff. The findings from both teams have already influenced the way the NG11 foodbank communicates with the community and made them aware of which groups they need to target, for example, young people were most likely to be both food insecure and unaware of what the foodbank could offer them.