Criminology with Counselling Skills BSc (Hons)

Discover a unique educational journey at the University of Chester with our undergraduate course in Criminology with Counselling Skills. This dynamic course is designed for those passionate about understanding the complexities of crime and harm and eager to learn how to support individuals within and outside the criminal justice system through counselling and advocacy. 

Our course offers an in-depth exploration of criminology, delving into the causes of crime, the impact of crime on society, and the various aspects of the criminal justice system. Alongside this, students develop a robust set of counselling skills, learning how to provide emotional support and guidance to those affected by trauma, abuse, crime, loss, and harm - whether they are victims, offenders, or members of the community more broadly. 

The curriculum is carefully crafted to blend theoretical knowledge with practical application. You will engage in stimulating coursework that covers topics like forensic psychology, rehabilitation, ethical issues in counselling, and effective communication techniques. This combination ensures a well-rounded education that is academically rigorous and highly relevant to real-world scenarios. 

At the University of Chester, we pride ourselves on our supportive learning environment. Our experienced academic team is made up of experts and practitioners in their fields and is dedicated to guiding you through your academic and professional development. You will have access to a range of learning resources and opportunities for practical experience, including placements and projects with local organisations. 

Graduates of this course are uniquely equipped to pursue careers in advocacy in areas such as victim support services, rehabilitation programmes, youth offending teams, and various roles within the criminal justice system and organisations that focus on social justice issues. By combining criminology with counselling skills, this course opens doors to a fulfilling career where you can significantly impact individuals and communities. 

Join us at the University of Chester and embark on a path that blends criminological understanding with the power of counselling skills and advocacy, creating a future where you can make a real difference. 

You will gain foundational knowledge in both fields in Year 1. You will explore basic criminological theories, the structure of the criminal justice system, and fundamental counselling skills techniques. This introductory phase sets the stage for a deeper and more specialised approach delivered for Year 2

In Year 2, you will deepen your understanding of criminological theories and delve into core counselling practices. This year focuses on developing practical skills in interpersonal communication and emotional support, while exploring complex issues such as rehabilitation, victimology, and ethical considerations in both fields.

In Year 3, you will engage in advanced studies, focusing on specialised topics. You’ll undertake a significant research project, demonstrating their integrated understanding and skills in both fields, preparing them for impactful careers going forward.

The information listed in this section is an overview of the academic content of the course that will take the form of either core or option modules and should be used as a guide. We review the content of our courses regularly, making changes where necessary to improve your experience and graduate prospects. If during a review process, course content is significantly changed, we will contact you to notify you of these changes if you receive an offer from us.

This course is delivered in three terms of ten weeks each. In each term, you will study 40 credits comprised of either one or two modules. Scheduled contact hours range between approximately six and ten hours per week depending upon level of study and the complexity of the material being taught. This course is delivered through a mix of in-person and online learning. You can expect to take part in lectures, workshops and peer-led seminars.

You should expect to spend an average of 30 – 34 hours per week on independent study which might include following asynchronous learning material, tutorial time with staff, using the University’s library, working with peers and preparing work for assessment. Teaching will be delivered by experience academics and practitioners in the subject. This will be supplemented by occasional guest lecturers and speakers.

There will be a broad range of assessment methods so that you are exposed to the different types of tasks that you might encounter in the workplace. These will include coursework in the form of essays (long and short form), reports, presentations, and recordings of counselling skills practice. Assessment support is provided throughout the modules. We continuously review the assessment methods used in order that they adequately prepare students for graduate level employment.

All teaching is delivered by experienced academics and practitioners, with the fundamental principles of the Chester Future Skills Curriculum at its core - building your subject competence, confidence, and key transferable skills to shape you into a world-ready Chester graduate.

This course shares a common first year with students on the Crimniology pathway.

This means that you’ll learn alongside students studying a similar discipline, helping to broaden your knowledge and exposure to other concepts, perspectives and professions in the first year of your degree.

As you learn and collaborate with students from other courses, you'll not only widen your social and professional network but also learn new skills that will set you up for success in your industry.

In your second and third years, you will progress to studying more specialist modules within Crimniology, developing your skills to become a World Ready graduate.

Job Prospects

Graduates will have knowledge and understanding of crime, its background and consequences, and an understanding of theories about criminality. Further, they will become experts in principles of advocacy and support through the application of counselling skills. Capacities for imaginative, rigorous, and critical thinking will be developed through the course of study. Subject-specific skills, such as the knowledge of the social process of crime and the criminal justice system and the ability to understand a variety of types of evidence, are complemented by skills of broad applicability beyond the degree, including IT skills, research and problem-solving, communication, and working as part of a team. 

Below are some potential career paths and roles for Criminology with Counselling Skills graduates:

• Victim Advocate: Offer support and resources to crime victims, acting as a bridge between them and the legal system.
• Offender Counsellor: Provide counselling to incarcerated individuals, preparing them for release and ensuring they have the tools and resources to avoid reoffending.
• Youth Offender Counsellor: Specialise in working with young individuals who have committed crimes, focusing on rehabilitation and social reintegration.
• Restorative Justice Coordinator: Facilitate communication between victims and offenders, aiming for reconciliation and mutual understanding.
• Substance Abuse Counsellor: Help individuals overcome addiction, particularly those who have entered the system due to drug-related offences.
• Crisis Intervention Specialist: Respond to individuals in crisis, often immediately after traumatic events, providing counselling and resources.
• Therapist/Counsellor in Private Practice: Utilise counselling skills to provide therapy to individuals, potentially specialising in areas like crime-related trauma.

Further certifications, experience, or advanced degrees may be required for the above roles.

Graduates will find the subject a valuable grounding for entry to a range of careers where the understanding and contextualisation of crime are regarded as valuable. Some graduates use the study of criminology as a stepping stone to undertake formal legal training and education. Others may choose alternative career pathways based on the organisational and communication skills and analytical abilities acquired through the study of criminology.  

Progression options

• Policing, Law Enforcement and Security MSc
• Careers and Employability
• Psychological Trauma (Online Delivery) PGCert

Careers service

The University has an award-winning Policing, Law Enforcement and Security MSc service which provides a variety of employability-enhancing experiences; through the curriculum, through employer contact, tailored group sessions, individual information, advice and guidance.

Careers and Employability aims to deliver a service which is inclusive, impartial, welcoming, informed and tailored to your personal goals and aspirations, to enable you to develop as an individual and contribute to the business and community in which you will live and work.

We are here to help you plan your future, make the most of your time at University and to enhance your employability. We provide access to part-time jobs, extra-curricular employability-enhancing workshops and offer practical one-to-one help with career planning, including help with CVs, applications and mock interviews. We also deliver group sessions on career planning within each course and we have a wide range of extensive information covering graduate jobs and Clinical Counselling MA.