Criminology (BA Hons) - Birmingham Newman University

Criminology BA (Hons)

Welcome

Welcome to Criminology at Birmingham Newman University!

Are you fascinated by the mysteries of human behaviour, the workings of justice, and the forces that shape our society? Then you’re in the right place!

At Birmingham Newman, our Criminology programme is more than just lectures and textbooks — it’s a dynamic, real-world journey into the heart of crime and justice. You’ll explore everything from cybercrime and youth offending to criminal psychology and justice reform, all while developing the critical thinking and analytical skills that employers value.

What makes us different?

Passionate lecturers who bring real-world experience into the classroom.
A supportive, close-knit community where you’re known by name.
Hands-on learning through guest speakers, court visits, and networking events.
A timetable designed to give you three focused days on campus, leaving time for independent study and reflection.

Timetable

Pre-induction activities – Thursday 4 September 2025

Introduction to the Criminology team (15 minutes) – 10am to 10:15am
Why Criminology (activity) (30 minutes) – 10:15am to 10:45am
Crime through the ages: time-line puzzle (30 minutes) – 10:45am to 11:15am
Fake News (20 minutes) – 11:15am to 11:35am
Criminal Sketch Artist (25 minutes) – 11:35am to close (time permitting)

Lunch – 12pm to 1pm

Coaching and Personal Development session (Careers) – 1pm to 3pm

Pre-arrival activities

Get a head start before you arrive:

Engage critically with the news — notice how stories are told, what’s emphasised, and what’s left out.
Watch and listen to programmes like Newsnight, Channel 4 News, and BBC Radio 4 Today.
Explore your interests through podcasts, documentaries, and docu-dramas.
Reflect on what drew you to Criminology — what issues matter to you? Start reading around them now to prepare for your research journey.

Optional Pre-Arrival Task:

Watch episode 1 of The Gold series 1(BBC iPlayer) — a gripping drama based on the 1983 Brink’s-Mat robbery.

Make notes on the following:

The main characters involved in the robbery.
The planning and execution of the crime.
Any other criminal activities that emerge (e.g., money laundering, corruption, violence).

Thinking time:

What types of crimes are shown in the episode? (e.g., armed robbery, conspiracy, handling stolen goods)
What motivates the characters to commit these crimes?
How do the crimes affect others (victims, families, society)?

Now complete the table:

Type of Crime
Character(s) Involved
Motivation
Consequences

Armed Robbery
Money Laundering
Corruption
Conspiracy to Commit Crime

Team Overview: Criminology

A dynamic and interdisciplinary team of educators, researchers, and practitioners shaping the future of criminology across Higher Education, public engagement, and community-led change.

Dr. Em Temple-Malt – Programme Lead, Criminology

Leads both Undergraduate and Postgraduate Criminology programmes
Core research focus: life course theory and relationships between self and society
Explores LGBTQ+ histories and the impact of societal attitudes on identity
Advocates for mental health through equine therapy; passionate about horse-human relationships
Co-Director of the SU-VAWG Hub, fostering cross-sector collaboration to address violence against women and girls
Experienced PhD supervisor with specialisms in gender, social harm, and crimes of the powerful

Dr. Tammia O’Callaghan – Prison Education & Restorative Justice Expert

Over a decade of teaching experience in prison education including HMP Birmingham & HMP Oakwood
Specialist in penology, restorative justice, crime and media, and punishment strategies
Well-connected across prisons, probation services, and charities supporting reintegration and rehabilitation
Offers insights into alternative approaches to incarceration and systemic change within the criminal justice system
Nature enthusiast and dedicated mother; brings deep empathy and grounded perspective to her teaching

Dr. Tiffany Cater – Victimology & Gender-Based Violence Researcher

Expert in stalking, coercive control, domestic abuse, and sexual violence
Trustee for the Alice Ruggles Trust—advancing national awareness around stalking and victim support
Researching the legacy of Covid-19 in the education sector and its impact on vulnerable communities
Assisted policing research on roads victimology and community behaviour interventions
Champions creative research methodologies and ethical dissemination practices

Dr. Jack Whalley – Criminology & Forensic Psychology Lecturer

Specialises in teaching across criminology and forensic psychology in FE and HE contexts
Holds advanced qualifications in Criminology and Research Practice, with a completed doctoral thesis in the field
Research supervision spans green criminology, terrorism, VAWG, and racism in community support
Collaborator on police research around victimology, community policing, and road safety
Advocates for inclusive education, social justice, and ethically driven criminological inquiry

Module delivery

Paying your student fees

Online enrolment

HeadStart – Monday 1 to Friday 5 September 2025

Headstart is a programme aimed at introducing our new students to University life. We understand that our students come from all walks of life and have personal and individual aspirations for taking this important step in their journey.

This programme is an opportunity to:

Talk to staff before starting university
Meet other students
Understand and navigate the campus
Find out about the support available
Start getting comfortable with university life

HEADSTART

Access services and support throughout your degree

At Birmingham Newman, you’re never alone.

We’re here to support you at every stage, whether it’s academic guidance, wellbeing support, or career advice.

Here are some of the ways we can help:

Academic support – Help with assignments and study skills
WellBeing services – Mental health support, counselling, and wellbeing resources
Career services – CV advice, placements, and future career planning
Disability support – Tailored support and adjustments for your needs
E-Learning Support – Help with E-Learning systems and submitting online assignments
Finance advice – Guidance on tuition fees, funding, and budgeting
International support – Help with visas and cultural adjustments

If you’re unsure where to start or what support you need, just ask – we’re happy to help.