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Updated in [May 25th, 2023]

This course provides an introduction to the criminal justice system in England and Wales. It covers the key stages of the criminal justice process, from the investigation of a crime to the sentencing of an offender. It also examines the role of key institutions such as the police, the courts, and the Crown Prosecution Service. The course also looks at the criminal law, including the elements of a crime, defences, and sentencing.


The course is divided into four modules. The first module introduces the criminal justice system and its key institutions. The second module looks at the criminal law, including the elements of a crime, defences, and sentencing. The third module examines the investigation of a crime, from the initial report to the police to the gathering of evidence. The fourth module looks at the prosecution and adjudication of a crime, including the roles of the Crown Prosecution Service and the courts.


Throughout the course, you will be encouraged to think critically about the criminal justice system and its processes. You will also be encouraged to consider the ethical and moral implications of the criminal justice system. By the end of the course, you will have a good understanding of the criminal justice system in England and Wales and the role of key institutions within it.

[Applications]
Upon completion of this course, students can apply their knowledge of criminal justice to a variety of contexts. They can use their understanding of the criminal justice system to inform their own research, or to gain a better understanding of the criminal justice system in their own country. Additionally, students can use their knowledge to become more informed citizens, and to better understand the implications of criminal justice policies.

[Career Paths]
1. Criminal Justice Lawyer: A criminal justice lawyer is a professional who specializes in the legal aspects of criminal justice. They provide legal advice and representation to individuals and organizations involved in criminal proceedings. This career path is growing in demand due to the increasing complexity of criminal law and the need for specialized legal expertise.

2. Criminal Justice Researcher: Criminal justice researchers are responsible for conducting research on criminal justice topics such as crime prevention, criminal justice policy, and the effectiveness of criminal justice systems. This career path is growing in demand due to the need for evidence-based research to inform criminal justice policy and practice.

3. Criminal Justice Educator: Criminal justice educators are responsible for teaching and training students in the field of criminal justice. This career path is growing in demand due to the need for qualified professionals to teach and train the next generation of criminal justice professionals.

4. Criminal Justice Administrator: Criminal justice administrators are responsible for managing and overseeing the operations of criminal justice organizations. This career path is growing in demand due to the need for qualified professionals to manage and oversee the operations of criminal justice organizations.

[Education Paths]
1. Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice: This degree path provides students with a comprehensive understanding of the criminal justice system, including the legal system, law enforcement, corrections, and juvenile justice. Students will learn about the history and development of the criminal justice system, as well as the ethical and legal issues that arise in the field. This degree path is becoming increasingly popular as more people become interested in the criminal justice system and its implications.

2. Master of Science in Criminology: This degree path focuses on the study of crime and its causes, as well as the social and psychological aspects of criminal behavior. Students will learn about the theories and research methods used to study crime, as well as the legal and ethical issues related to criminal justice. This degree path is becoming increasingly popular as more people become interested in the causes and effects of crime.

3. Doctor of Philosophy in Criminal Justice: This degree path provides students with an in-depth understanding of the criminal justice system, including the legal system, law enforcement, corrections, and juvenile justice. Students will learn about the history and development of the criminal justice system, as well as the ethical and legal issues that arise in the field. This degree path is becoming increasingly popular as more people become interested in the criminal justice system and its implications.

4. Master of Laws in Criminal Justice: This degree path provides students with an in-depth understanding of the legal aspects of criminal justice, including criminal law, criminal procedure, and evidence. Students will learn about the history and development of the criminal justice system, as well as the ethical and legal issues that arise in the field. This degree path is becoming increasingly popular as more people become interested in the legal aspects of criminal justice.

Course Syllabus

The idea of 'crime'

Investigation and prosecution

The trial

Sentencing and post-conviction