Modules

Core Module Information
Module title: Understanding Cybercrime
SCQF level: 09:
SCQF credit value: 20.00
ECTS credit value: 10
Module code: SSC09119
Module leader: Shane Horgan
School School of Applied Sciences
Subject area group: Social Science
Prerequisites

Requisites: AND Pre-requisite: Students should have an understanding of core introductory criminological theories and concepts (e.g. Anomie, Control Theory, Strain Theory, Labelling theory, Radical Criminologies, and Governmentality), and experience of applying them critically to make sense of real-world contexts and phenomena (e.g. essays, literature reviews, briefing reports). AND Pre-requisite: [Module SSC07104] Introduction to Criminology
Description of module content:

This research-led module will introduce you to the sociological and criminological study of cybercrime and cybersecurity. After exploring the internet?s transformation of society and crime, you will learn about different categories of cybercrime (computer targeted crime, computer-enabled crime, and computer content crime). You will then examine online safety and cybersecurity, the transformation of victimization, cybercrime and gender, and policing cybercrime. Each week you will critically consider how useful different criminological theories and research methods are for understanding cybercrime. You will also be introduced the ‘rapid evidence review' as a form of assessment. In doing so, you will learn about one of the ways policy is informed, as well as the limits of that approach. It is important to note that this course is not technical in nature and no knowledge of computing or cybercrime is required. Don't be put off if you are not 'techy'. On the contrary, this module could be perfect for you.
Learning Outcomes for module:

Upon completion of this module you will be able to

LO1: Describe and critically evaluate how the internet has reshaped existing crimes and enabled the emergence of new ones.

LO2: Identify and examine different categories and features of 'cyber-enabled' and 'cyber-dependent' crime.

LO3: Critically analyse contemporary approaches to internet policing, cybercrime prevention and cybersecurity.

LO4: Examine and critically evaluate the usefulness of classical and contemporary criminological theories for explaining cybercrime, internet policing ,and online victimization.

LO5: Operationalize the rapid evidence review methodology and apply it to a cybercrime context.
Full Details of Teaching and Assessment
2025/6, Trimester 1, In Person, Edinburgh Napier University
VIEW FULL DETAILS
Occurrence: 001
Primary mode of delivery: In Person
Location of delivery: SIGHTHILL
Partner: Edinburgh Napier University
Member of staff responsible for delivering module: Shane Horgan
Module Organiser:


Student Activity (Notional Equivalent Study Hours (NESH))
Mode of activityLearning & Teaching ActivityNESH (Study Hours)NESH Description
Face To Face Lecture 20 Lectures will provide the backbone of the module where you will be provided with both conventional lecture context as well as individual and group based discussion exercises. Each week will cover a new topic, and support your engagement with the reading list, introduce necessary skills for the assessment and provide an space for you to both give and receive feedback on your learning.
Face To Face Tutorial 10 Tutorials will involve student-led discussion and practice exercises which will allow you to explore topics covered in lectures and reading in more depth. In the latter stages of the module, tutorials will also serve as a place to work on and get oral feedback on the summative assessment. You will be able to share your challenges and questions with other students, and get feedback from your lecturer in class.
Online GROUPIND_STUDY 5 Design and development of the formative groupwork assessment
Online Guided independent study 165 Guided independent study including reading, tutorial preparation, assessment preparation and revision.
Total Study Hours200
Expected Total Study Hours for Module200


Assessment
Type of Assessment Weighting % LOs covered Week due Length in Hours/Words Description
Oral Assessment 100 1~2~3~4~5 Exam Period HOURS= 15 mins This assessment asks you to employ a systematic approach to evidence gathering, analysis, and presentation to complete a rapid evidence review on how to tackle a contemporary cybercrime problem. This will test your understanding and ability to put into practice the subject matter knowledge, methodological knowledge, and skills gained across the module. You will submit a written report (3000 words) which will serve as the basis for questions during your 15 minute oral dialogue. Your mark will be based on your demonstration of understanding of the issues discussed in your report during the 15 minute oral dialogue. During the dialogue you will explain your methods, key findings, conclusions and answer questions. You will also receive feedback on your report. You will become practiced in speaking about issues during tutorial discussions and exercises. You will also receive a list of example dialogue questions, and will be offered one-to-one support with the dialogue in the final tutorials of the module.
Component 1 subtotal: 100
Component 2 subtotal: 0
Module subtotal: 100

Indicative References and Reading List - URL:
SSC09119 Understanding Cybercrime
 

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