FdSc Social Justice, Crime and Society
Step into a degree that looks beyond headlines and explores how crime, harm and inequality affect people, families and communities in real life. The FdSc Social Justice, Crime and Society is an applied social science and criminology programme designed for students who want to understand crime and justice as lived social issues; shaped by inequality, social policy, mental health, safeguarding, youth marginalisation and community harm. Rather than treating crime as a purely legal topic, this course places criminology within a wider social justice and community practice framework, reflecting how crime and vulnerability are encountered in professional settings across Cornwall and the UK.
Top Course highlights
- Dedicated work placement module
- Small-group teaching
- Academic and pastoral support
- Coursework, projects and professional portfolios
WHY CHOOSE THIS COURSE?
If you are interested in crime, justice and social issues and you want to make a real difference in people’s lives – this course is designed for you.
You will study crime and justice in the way they are experienced by people and communities. Throughout the course you will explore how inequality, poverty, mental health, safeguarding, victimisation and youth marginalisation shape crime and harm, and how professionals respond in real services and settings.
This course is ideal if you want to work with people rather than in purely legal or enforcement roles. You will develop the knowledge and confidence needed to work across youth services, community organisations, social care, wellbeing services and justice-related settings.
You will also benefit from a highly supportive learning environment, small class sizes and teaching that is closely linked to professional practice. Work-based learning and placement are built into the course, giving you the opportunity to gain experience, build professional networks and strengthen your CV before you graduate.
This programme is particularly well suited to students who want a practical, applied degree that combines criminology with social justice, community work and professional skills, and provides a clear route into employment or further study.
WHAT WILL I LEARN?
On completion of the programme you will be able to:
- analyse how crime, victimisation and social harm are shaped by social, economic and cultural factors
- evaluate criminological and penal theories and their relevance to professional practice
- understand how social policy, welfare and justice systems respond to inequality and vulnerability
- work ethically and reflectively with individuals and communities affected by crime, trauma and disadvantage
- apply research and evidence to real community and justice-related issues
- communicate and work effectively within multi-agency and partnership settings
Modules
Level 4
- Understanding Communities and Society
- Working in Partnership to Support the Foundations of Mental Health
- Introducing Issues in Social Policy
- Developmental Perspectives and Youth
- Criminology and Crime Problems
- Restorative Justice and Victims of Crime
Level 5
- Applied Research Practice in the Community
- Developing Wellbeing in the Community
- Leadership in Youth, Social and Community Organisations
- Critical Professional Practice (Work Placement)
- Criminological and Penal Theory
- Youth Justice
Methods of Study
You will learn through a combination of:
- lectures and seminars
- applied workshops and case-based learning
- community and practice-focused projects
- visiting speakers and practitioner input
- supervised placement and professional reflectio
- independent study and applied research
Teaching is informed by current research and professional practice in criminology, youth and community work, wellbeing and social policy.
Employability and professional practice are embedded throughout the programme.
The course includes:
- applied assessments linked to professional practice
- community-based projects and research
- professional development and reflective portfolios
- a dedicated work placement module
Students develop the professional behaviours, ethical awareness and practical skills required for work in multi-agency and public service environments.
WHERE WILL IT TAKE ME?
Graduates of the FdSc Social Justice, Crime and Society are prepared for roles in:
- youth justice and youth services
- community safety and safeguarding
- victim support and restorative justice
- social care and family support
- mental health and wellbeing services
- education and inclusion services
- local authority and public sector teams
- voluntary and third-sector organisations
Typical progression routes are:
- BSc (Hons) Applied Social Science
- BA (Hons) Human Behavioural Studies
- BA (Hons) Education and Training
- BSc (Hons) Sociology at the University of Plymouth
48 UCAS points from relevant Level 3 qualifications – and English and Maths GCSE at Grade C and above.
UCAS Institution: Truro and Penwith College
UCAS Institution Code: T85
UCAS Course Code: SO10
UCAS Course Title: FdScSocJCS
