School of Applied Social Sciences
Begin@Beds
My name is Jaya Ghosh and I am the course coordinator for the Criminology Degree. We always look forward to having a new intake and helping you learn more about the degree during induction week.
Studying for the Criminology Degree allows you time to develop your criminology knowledge and academic skills. We have a team of lecturers with wide-ranging experience and research Interests, which hugely benefit our students.
Jaya Ghosh Course Coordinator
Course Coordinator
Jaya Ghosh
jaya.ghosh@beds.ac.uk
Your personal academic tutor is Email
Student Information Desk (SiD)
beds.ac.uk/sid sid@beds.ac.uk
Treehouse Community & Faith Centre
Mental Health Services
beds.ac.uk/student-support/mentalwell mentalhealth@beds.ac.uk
BedsSU (student union) help@bedssu.co.uk
During induction week you will get to meet all of your Criminology lecturers and Criminology students from other year groups.
The following is a typical Welcome Week schedule:
am Introduction and Icebreaker
Day 1
Day 2
pm Support and help at university.
am Learning about your course, assessments and Breo.
pm Discussions and workshops taster sessions.
ESSENTIAL LINKS
For more information on joining your course, visit Begin BSc Criminology @Beds where you will find updated info, tips and dates of your course induction week etc.
YEAR 1 STUDENTS WILL BE STUDYING
Anti-racism: movements and campaigns
Introducing academic skills
Introduction to Criminology
Law, society and controversy
Career planning for social scientists
Introduction to research and social enquiry
How to find your Timetable
Information about your learning with BREO
Get support with your learning and assignments
Study Hub
Visit the Library
Begin@Beds Start your student journey
Thrive@Beds My Beds Life
Succeed@Beds Careers and Employability Service
Here at the School of Applied Social Sciences (SASS), we design assessments to embrace Social Justice Pedagogy (MacArthur 2015). Social Justice Pedagogy aims to educate and enable students to become active citizens, understanding social inequalities and be able to challenge such injustices in wider society.
Your assessments are also designed to develop your employability skills and are ‘applied’ in the sense that they reflect the real world of work that you might enter when you leave. For us it is crucial to ensure we have ‘Assessments for Learning’ as well as ‘Assessments of Learning’
The assessment strategy for the Criminology Degree aims to develop both knowledge and skills relating to criminology and proposed channels of employment. We try to offer a range of assessments including:
Multiple choice tests
Essays
Presentations
Recorded media presentations
Case Studies
Reflective journal
Poster presentations
Interview analysis
• Abbie https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wWNfWYvREu8
• William https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hA82A4B_tKU
• Fiorentin https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TzPSVhtE-lU
• The core handbook is The Oxford Textbook on Criminology.
• Eating and drinking on-campus – University of Bedfordshire
• Luton
Your degree is taught over two semesters – September to January and February to May. You will be provided with a range of learning resources and activities to keep you on top of your studies.
Semester One
Anti-racism: movements and campaigns
Introducing academic skills
Introduction to Criminology
Law, society and controversy
Semester Two
Career planning for social scientists
Introduction to research and social enquiry
How can I get the best grades during my time at university?
Attend as many of your lectures and seminars as possible by managing your multiple responsibilities and the time available for your studies. Ask for support if there is something you don’t understand or are struggling with; we will help you get the support you need.
Is there someone who can help me with my assessments?
Details are in your assessment handbook, so check out the guidance there. Your course team are always available to guide you with curriculum content and you might want to book a 1:1 tutorial with your Unit Lead.
If you need more time to complete an assignment, please contact Student Engagement and Mitigation (SEAM) who deal with extensions for assessments. Their email is mitigation@beds.ac.uk
Is there somewhere for me to get support if I have a learning difference such as Dyslexia?
Yes! There is plenty of help available and some students may be eligible for a Learning and Teaching Agreement, stating any reasonable adjustments needed for classroom learning and examinations.
What happens if I miss class due to being unwell or having difficulties with childcare or travel?
We understand that everyone will face some difficulties now and again and we aim to be flexible and supportive. You are encouraged to discuss ongoing issues with your Personal Academic Tutor or Unit Lead.
What can I do to supplement my degree to help me in the future?
Take up the opportunities offered by the Careers and Employability Service, careers@beds.ac.uk Beds Student Union, beds.su@beds.ac.uk etc. and other organisations within the university to develop your networks and gain skills relevant for your future graduate destination and personal development.
Are there student societies and activities I can get involved with?
Yes! Here in SASS we run a number of #SASS Change Maker events and Student Inclusivity Network Groups (SING) and also have our own Social Learning Space up on the fourth floor that you can book for extra curricular activities with your classmates. The Student Union also have information about the sporting clubs and events etc. available for all students beds.su@beds.ac.uk
What if I’m struggling with my mental health at university?
We will support you and have a range of services who can offer specialist help. mentalhealth@beds.ac.uk for new or on-going mental health support and counselling@beds.ac.uk for access to counselling support.
Can I talk to someone about my money worries?
Yes, we recognise the cost of living crisis is impacting significantly on students. Our financial advisors can help you. Contact studentmoney@beds.ac.uk
There is a lot to take in when you begin studying on a professional course like this one. The teaching team have been working within Criminology for many years and here are our top 10 reasons to ‘love this job’!
You will develop an in-depth knowledge and understanding of the criminal mind, criminal justice system, the modern criminological environment and principles around the rehabilitation of the offender.
You will develop a broad knowledge base and attain the skills to produce individual tasks or manage large projects with other team members.
Criminology opens up avenues into numerous work environments and provides you with the skills to manage and succeed in your chosen profession.
You’ll have the opportunity to get involved in our #SASS Change Maker events and other extra curricular activities, meet other students, increase your knowledge and develop new skills.
We value everyone, respect your lived experience and recognise how it contributes to our vibrant, inclusive, academic community.
We’ll make sure you feel that you belong to your academic community and are confident about your ability to succeed; everyone is helpful and wants you to do well.
We’ll take care of you; mental health is important for all of us, students and staff alike.
You’ll focus on your employability skills right from the start of your studies, so you can plan for your dream graduate destination.
We’ll listen to you and will respond to your ideas about teaching, learning and the wider aspects of your student experience, by co-creating solutions with you.
We’ll help you think about the difference you can make in the world by promoting social justice; you’ll become one of our #SASS Change Makers.