Bachelor of Arts (Honours) - Media and Criminology

This degree delves into key sociological questions surrounding human behavior, societal structures, and their representation in the media. Students will explore complex topics such as the effectiveness of the justice and penal systems, with a focus on whether prison serves as an effective deterrent or rehabilitation tool. The course also compares global justice and penal systems, providing insight into how different countries approach crime and punishment.

The degree goes beyond crime and punishment to examine how social divisions—such as disability, class, ethnicity, gender, religion, nationality, and sexuality—impact both access to media and the ways these groups are represented in media texts. This includes an in-depth exploration of the role media plays in shaping and understanding personal and collective identities.

Additionally, students will gain a deeper understanding of the economic forces that influence media, culture, and creative industries, analyzing their role in shaping contemporary political and cultural life. By studying these themes, students will not only engage with critical sociological issues but also develop the skills to critically assess media representations and their impact on society.

Students in this program will benefit from a wide range of real-world learning opportunities, thanks to the strong connections with both local and national media organizations and employers. This collaborative approach enables students to engage in projects such as multiplatform advertising, content production, film festivals, public relations campaigns, promotional events, and media research. The course equips students with essential skills for various media platforms, including journalism, PR writing, and digital media platforms such as blogging, web content writing, and social media.

In addition to developing technical writing skills, students will have the chance to foster their creativity through the planning, design, and execution of media projects. They will gain hands-on experience in scriptwriting, treatment writing, digital video production, and editing, all of which are vital skills for a successful career in the media industry.

For those interested in criminology, the program also offers an academically rigorous curriculum that integrates criminological theory with practical knowledge. The Criminology team, consisting of experts with backgrounds in probation, policing, law, youth justice, and mental health, collaborates closely with local courts, prisons, and youth offender training centers. This connection to real-world practice ensures that students receive a dynamic and relevant education in criminology. The team’s research activity, along with their publications in academic journals and textbooks, contributes to a continually evolving and innovative curriculum.

The Media team, made up of experienced academics and industry professionals, brings both academic expertise and practical industry knowledge to the classroom, providing students with an exciting and comprehensive learning experience. Through this combination of academic rigor and hands-on experience, students are well-prepared to excel in their chosen fields of criminology and media.