BA/BSc (Hons) Sociology
BA/BSc (Hons) Criminology
BA/BSc (Hons) Criminology & Sociology
Level 5
2025/2026
DEPARTMENT OF SOCIOLOGY & CRIMINOLOGY
Options Selection Booklet
Booklet
01 02 Introduction Option Selection Process 03 04
ents
05 06
Using this handbook
BA/BSc (Hons) Sociology
BA/BSc (Hons) Criminology
BA/BSc (Hons) Criminology & Sociology
Semester 1 Options
Illegal Drugs
Intimate Relationships and Personal Life
Policing in Perspective
Global Turning Points
07
Semester 2 Options
Exploring Violence
Youth Justice
Trial by Media
Race, Racism and Society
Introduction
Welcome to the 2025/26 Options Selection process.
This Handbook is for Year 1 (Level 4) students moving into Year 2 in September 2025. The handbook will help you understand the structure of Year 2 of your course and support you to make informed choices in the selection of option units.
Each year of your course, you study 120 credits of units. Your second year is a mix of Core (compulsory) and Option units. You need to consider the different option units available and make your selection.
Option Selection Process
Read this section to understand the process for making your option selection:
Step 1: Read the Handbook
This handbook details the structure of your second year, identifies the academic guidance available to support you to make your choices, and provides an overview of each Option unit available with contact details of Unit Leaders.
Step 2: Attend your Options Talk
YOUR OPTIONS TALK:
Attend in person on Wednesday 5th February 2025, 1-2PM (see timetable for rooms)
or online via this link: Join the session now A recording will be made available.
Step 3: Make your Selection
Option selection is an online process. You will receive information by email about the process and how to access the online form. Please keep an eye on your Manchester Met email account.
MAKE YOUR SELECTION:
Monday 10th February to Friday 14th February 2025.
If you do not make the selections during the timeframe, you will be auto allocated an option based on available spaces.
Support For Making Your Options Choice
•Options Unit Leaders can discuss the content of their units with you in more detail to help you make informed choices.
•Your Personal Tutor can offer a perspective on what might be ‘good’ combinations of units for you and your degree route.
Additional Support:
Role Name Email
Deputy Programme Lead
Heads of Year 1
Heads of Year 2
Ben Hall
Lynn De Santis
B.Hall@mmu.ac.uk
L.DeSantis@mmu.ac.uk
Anna Norton A.Norton@mmu.ac.uk
Katie Hunter K.Hunter@mmu.ac.uk
Dave Calvey D.Calvey@mmu.ac.uk
PLEASE NOTE: If you experience technical difficulties with the Option Selection platform, seek advice from IT Help.
IT helpline number: 0161 247 4646
Sensitivity Disclaimer
!
When choosing your options, please read the unit descriptions carefully. Several units either focus on or include sensitive topics that may trigger an emotional or psychological response. You are encouraged to consider each unit’s topical content carefully in making your choices.
Please note that not all unit descriptions give an explicit sensitivity warning.
Using this Handbook
Please review the structure of your degree programme (below) to find out the specific mix of Core and Option units you will take in your second year. This will allow you to identify the semester(s) you have option unit choices to make.
•Read the Option Descriptions for each of the units offered.
•Contact Unit Leaders to discuss any questions you have regarding the content of units or their assessment.
•Book an appointment with your Personal Tutor if you’d like another perspective on your choices.
•If you have questions about your course structure or about your second year, please contact relevant Heads of Year or the Deputy Programme Leader.
Year 2 Course Structure
BA/BSc (Hons) Sociology
Year 2 (Level 5) on the BA and BSc (Hons) Sociology course consists of an even mix of 60 credits of Core and 60 credits of Option units. You will study 30 credits of Core and 30 credits of Option units each semester.
Semester 1
CORE units (30 credits)
•Quantitative Data Analysis (15 credits)
•Creative Research Methods (15 credits)
OPTIONS: Choose ONE from the list below:
1. Illegal Drugs
2. Policing in Perspective
3. Intimate Relationships and Personal Life
4. Global Turning Points
*OPTION units are all 30 credits
Year 2 Course Structure
Semester 2
CORE units (30 credits)
•Contesting Social Theory (15 credits)
•Social (In)Justice (15 credits)
OPTIONS: Choose ONE from the list below:
1. Youth Justice
2. Exploring Violence
3. Trial by Media
4. Race, Racism and Society
BA/BSc (Hons) Criminology
Year 2 (Level 5) on the BA and BSc (Hons) Criminology course consists of an even mix of 60 credits of Core and 60 credits of Option units. You will study 30 credits of Core and 30 credits of Option units each semester.
Semester 1
CORE units (30 credits)
•Quantitative Data Analysis (15 credits)
•Creative Research Methods (15 credits)
OPTIONS: Choose ONE from the list below
1. Illegal Drugs
2. Policing in Perspective
3. Intimate Relationships and Personal Life
4. Global Turning Points
*OPTION units are all 30 credits
Semester 2
CORE units (30 credits)
•Crime, Deviance & Control (30 credits)
OPTIONS: Choose ONE from the list below
1. Youth Justice
2. Exploring Violence
3. Trial by Media
4. Race, Racism and Society
Year 2 Course Structure
BA/BSc
(Hons)
Criminology & Sociology
Year 2 (Level 5) on the BA and BSc (Hons) Criminology and Sociology course consists of a mix of 90 credits of Core and 30 credits of Option units. You will study 30 credits of Core and 30 credits of Option units in semester 1, and 60 credits of Core units in Semester 2.
Semester 1
CORE units (30 credits)
•Quantitative Data Analysis (15 credits)
•Creative Research Methods (15 credits)
OPTIONS: Choose ONE from the list below
1. Illegal Drugs
2. Policing in Perspective
3. Intimate Relationships and Personal Life
4. Global Turning Points
*OPTION units are all 30 credits
Semester 2
CORE units (60 credits)
•Contesting Social Theory (15 credits)
•Social (In)Justice (15 credits)
•Crime, Deviance & Control (30 credits)
Semester 1 Option Descriptions
On the following pages, you’ll find descriptions of the indicative content and focus of each of the Options offered in Semester 1.
1. Illegal Drugs
2. Policing in Perspective
3. Intimate Relationships and Personal Life
4. Global Turning Points
Semester 1 Option Illegal Drugs
Unit Leads
Content
Rebecca Askew r.askew@mmu.ac.uk
Mike Salinas m.salinas@mmu.ac.uk
This module explores drug use, drug markets, and drug policy in the UK and on a global scale, with a particular focus on countries including the USA, Canada, Colombia, Afghanistan, the Netherlands, Switzerland, and Portugal.
It examines criminal justice and public health policy responses, trends in drug use at local, national, and international levels, the development of illegal drug economies, and harm reduction strategies. By studying this module, you will develop comprehensive understanding of key issues related to psychoactive substances, the markets that supply them, and measures aimed at limiting the associated harms.
Assessment
Assessment 1 (25%) Presentation (Audio Screencast)
Assessment 2 (75%) Critical Commentary
Semester 1 Option Policing in Perspective
Unit Leads Adam Westall a.westall@mmu.ac.uk
Lynn De Santis l.desantis@mmu.ac.uk
Content Policing in Perspective seeks to demonstrate a critical insight into policing and society. It provides an overview of some of the key concepts and issues in social control and the delivery of justice and will encourage you to think about the police and policing from different perspectives. Key issues confronting contemporary policing are explored together with an enhanced theoretical awareness of the historical context within which contemporary policing has developed.
Debates about policing are situated within wider discourses of social control, governance, accountability and legitimacy, and the impact on policing of organisational culture and social inequalities is considered. You are encouraged to think critically about the role and function of the state in the regulation of behaviour and protection of citizens and of the role and function of citizens, and others in maintaining social order.
Assessment
Delivery Method
Guest Speakers
Assessment 1 (20%)
Group Work (Auto Narrated Poster)
The unit will be delivered throu workshops where students wil challenges connected to the po
will include delivery from sever to availability.
Police practitioners and those who work with the police.
Assessment 2 (80%)
Journal-Style Academic Article
gh weekly lectures and then l work around problems and lice and policing. The sessions
al guest speakers subject
Semester 1 Option
Intimate Relationships & Personal Life
Unit Lead
Content
Assessment
Alicia Denby a.denby@mmu.ac.uk
This unit examines what sociology can tell us about our personal lives and intimate relationships. The unit questions why researchers have started to focus on personal relationships, what the study of intimacy includes and what the key debates are in this area.
We examine the shift from traditional ‘Sociology of the Family’ to ‘Personal Life’, which explores the diverse relationships and encounters that make up our intimate connections. We also critically examine the claims made by late modern social theorists about the detraditionalization of intimate relationships. The impact of technology and consumption on our personal relationships is also critically explored. In particular, we look at couples, friendships, families, singlehood, and digital intimacy.
Assessment 1 (30%)
Annotated Bibliography
Delivery Method Weekly lecture/Workshops
Assessment 2 (70%) 2000 word essay
Global Turning Points: Climate Crisis
Unit Lead Chris Porter C.Porter@mmu.ac.uk
Jac Eke J.Eke@mmu.ac.uk
Content How do we understand concepts of race, racism, and This module explores the global challenge of climate change, examining the nexus of economic, political, social, and environmental forces shaping human experience and outcomes.
You will use theoretical frameworks, concepts, empirical research, and case studies, to investigate the material causes and consequences of climate change, including the little-known ways the contemporary social world is entwined with the natural world that raise issues of social and environmental justice, inequality and criminality.
Through guests and practitioners, you will develop an applied understanding of the relevance of social science, and yourself as actor, in addressing the many challenges faced by the global community, including local, national and international governance and policy, public and media discourse, cultural production, and activism.
You will assess the impact of this global challenge on individuals, communities, and societies in a range of contexts, choose relevant theoretical frameworks to interpret real world case studies of local, national and international global challenge, critique governance structures, policy interventions, political/politicised discourses, and vested interests, and relate conceptual knowledge of contemporary global challenges to practices of global citizenship.
Assessment Assessment 1 (25%)
Report Review
Research an organisation, group or issue, and select and assemble key information in a 500-word, one-page briefing.
Assessment 2 (75%)
Independent Project
Undertake an investigation into a key global challenge and how it is being addressed in a local or national context. Present findings in an appropriate written, audio or visual format. Word count of 2000 words or 5-minuite individual presentation.
Semester 2 Option Descriptions
On the following pages, you’ll find descriptions of the indicative content and focus of each of the Options offered in Semester 2.
1. Youth Justice
2. Exploring Violence
3. Trial By Media
4. Race, Racism and Society
Semester 2 Option Youth Justice
Unit Leads
Daniel Marshall d.marshall@mmu.ac.uk
Jodie Hodgson j.hodgson@mmu.ac.uk
Content This module critically engages with the issues and challenges that face children and young people when they find themselves entangled within the youth justice system.
The module will start by recognising that the terms ‘childhood’, ‘young people’ and ‘crime’ are all social constructs. By this we mean that the terms do not exist in a vacuum; each term is subject to individual and societal emphases and interpretations.
The module will move on to explore the direct experiences of those within the justice system, with a particular focus on contemporary issues and interventions such as gender, ethnicity, class, restorative justice and youth custody. The module will go on to critique the agencies of the state charged with managing children and young people, including the police, youth courts, youth offending services and custodial establishments.
The module is taught by internationally recognised scholars in the field of youth justice. All the lecturers are members of the award-winning Manchester Centre for Youth Studies (MCYS) and the module is informed by the Centre’s research. Drawing on external specialists, the module will also support you with practical, transferrable skills that will be applicable to careers working with and supporting children and young people.
Assessment
Assessment 1 (30%)
Multiple-Choice -Test (Online)
Delivery Method Weekly lectures and workshops
Guest Speakers Yes
Assessment 2 (70%) Group Presentation
Exploring Violence
Unit Leads Lynn De Santis l.desantis@mmu.ac.uk
Content
Chris Waugh c.waugh@mmu.ac.uk
The most basic definition of ‘violence’ is that it is behaviour intended to cause physical or psychological injury. Most of us might like to believe we would be neither willing nor capable of deliberately harming our fellow human beings. However, an uncomfortable fact is that violence runs inescapably throughout our history; war, personal conflict, aggression and violent crime have remained constant features of the human condition. Does this show we have an innate tendency for violence and, if we do, why are some people more violent than others?
This unit explores these issues and reviews some of the identified ‘root causes’, risk factors and predictors of aggressive behaviour, along with typologies and violent crime data. Theoretical perspectives are examined, including biosocial, criminological, and sociological explanations for violence. We consider topics such as violence through history, gender-based violence, interpersonal and collective violence, and the effect of violence portrayed in the media.
Whilst the unit can only offer an introduction to the complexities of violent behaviour, you will achieve a better understanding of why some of us are able to commit unspeakable acts of brutality whilst others are prevented from being aggressive by what are known as the “better angels of our nature.”
Warning: This unit explores sensitive and emotive subjects using transcripts, imagery, audio, and video, that may trigger distress. Please consider this when making your selection.
Semester 2 Option
Trial by Media: The Politics of Representation
Unit Leads
Content
Assessment
Delivery Method
Anneke Meyer a.meyer@mmu.ac.uk
Chris Porter c.porter@mmu.ac.uk
This unit explores high-profile transgressions – acts of crime, deviance, shaming, and scandals – which are subject to huge media interest, scrutiny and outrage. It delves into the complex webs of power that drive definitions of guilt and innocence, fame and shame, and considers what notions of ‘truth’ and ‘justice’ mean in the context of a digital society, online culture wars and transgressions being tried in the courts of media spectacle and public opinion.
The unit examines means of representation – such as images and language – used in the media to drive public outrage and defame certain individuals and social groups. While shaming and abuse have become common-place in recent decades, some groups are more vulnerable to be targeted than others – for example, minority groups but also celebrities.
We investigate the power of representations, the power of people and the power of social structures to make sense of why some transgression turn into scandals while others are quickly forgotten, how some individuals manage to hide their scandalous behaviour, why celebrities are both powerful and vulnerable, and why online culture has become so marked by vitriol and hate.
Assessment 1 (30%)
Independent Project
(Students to engage with a mini project which outlines an act of transgression and analyse the media’s response)
Assessment 2 (70%)
Essay (Students to complete a written essay; one question can be chosen from a list of questions relating to the unit content)
A mix of interactive lectures and seminars – frequency and exact nature depends on the timetable and cannot be predicted.
Race, Racism and Society
Unit Lead Shafqat Nasir s.j.nasir@mmu.ac.uk
Content
Jac Eke J.Eke@mmu.ac.uk
How do we understand concepts of race, racism, and racialisation? We will explore internalised, interpersonal, cultural, structural, and systemic racisms. This will be underpinned by an analysis of socio-historic, economic, and political factors.
This unit will take a student-centered approach to explore sociological and criminological issues and concerns. Key areas that can be studied include racialised identity, media representation, discrimination (including institutional racism in the police force and higher education).
There will be film/ video viewings followed by discussion and debate. There will also be opportunities for student-led activities.
Assessment
Assessment 1 (30%)
Report Review
Assessment 2 (70%) Essay