Modules

Core Module Information
Module title: Introduction to the Criminal Justice System in the UK
SCQF level: 08:
SCQF credit value: 20.00
ECTS credit value: 10
Module code: SSC08104
Module leader: Francesca Soliman
School School of Applied Sciences
Subject area group: Social Science
Prerequisites

Requisites: AND Pre-requisite: Level 7 Criminology Module AND Pre-requisite: [Module SSC07104] Introduction to Criminology
Description of module content:

In this module you will learn about the following topics: a brief history of criminal justice and its role within society; outline of criminal justice systems in the UK and their developments within the four nations; the nature of crime, social harm, and crime prevention; the role(s) of the police; gatekeeping, prosecution, and diversion; courts, sentencing, and punishment; imprisonment; community sanctions and offender management; victims and restorative justice; gender, ethnicity, socio-economic status and the criminal justice system.
Learning Outcomes for module:

Upon completion of this module you will be able to

LO1: Identify the development of criminal justice systems in the UK.

LO2: Describe the role of agencies within criminal justice systems and identify relationships between the different parts of the process.

LO3: Discuss a variety of different aims which these systems may have.

LO4: Review the effectiveness of criminal justice systems in the UK in addressing social harms.

LO5: Explain contradictions, tensions and inequalities in criminal justice systems in the UK.
Full Details of Teaching and Assessment
2025/6, Trimester 1, In Person,
VIEW FULL DETAILS
Occurrence: 001
Primary mode of delivery: In Person
Location of delivery: SIGHTHILL
Partner:
Member of staff responsible for delivering module: Francesca Soliman
Module Organiser:


Student Activity (Notional Equivalent Study Hours (NESH))
Mode of activityLearning & Teaching ActivityNESH (Study Hours)NESH Description
Face To Face Lecture 20 Lectures on this module are delivered by different members of staff depending on their area of expertise; this ensures that the module content is informed by the most current research.
Face To Face Tutorial 10 The weekly tutorials are designed to facilitate student-led discussion and advance critical understanding of the course material. Each tutorial is designed around a set reading, and may include group work, problem-based learning, workshops, class discussions, presentations, etc.
Online Guided independent study 170 You are expected to engage in reading, online learning activities, and preparing for assessments. You will be provided with a reading list to guide your learning, but you will also search for further sources independently.
Total Study Hours200
Expected Total Study Hours for Module200


Assessment
Type of Assessment Weighting % LOs covered Week due Length in Hours/Words Description
Portfolio 30 1~2~3 Week 6 , WORDS= 300 words For this assignment you will choose one of the vignettes provided in the assessment brief and create an infographic showing the case’s possible outcomes, from potential police responses to prosecutorial decisions. Your submission should include up to 300 words and at least 3 references.
Oral Assessment 70 1~2~3~4~5 Week 12 HOURS= 1000w + 15mins For this assessment you will write a report picking up where your infographic left off: using the same vignette, you will examine how the case may progress from court through the whole criminal justice process, considering the various possible sentences/disposal options, the different criminal justice agencies involved and their aims, and reflecting on the possible impact of each outcome. This part of your submission should be 1,000 words and include at least 5 references.You will then participate in a 15-minute face to face oral dialogue during which you will discuss your report and demonstrate your critical engagement with the module material. You will also be asked to reflect on how the case study you examined during your component 1 and 2 assessments illuminates the contradictions, inequalities, and historical development of UK criminal justice systems.
Component 1 subtotal: 30
Component 2 subtotal: 70
Module subtotal: 100

Indicative References and Reading List - URL:
SSC08104 Introduction to Criminal Justice Systems in the UK
 

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