Artificial Intelligence in Criminology

On this course, you will consider the ethics, opportunities and threats presented by artificial intelligence (AI). You will review how machine learning and automated technologies will impact our future world. Scientists are looking at how AI can be used to predict patterns of reoffending, how we track crimes and criminals around the globe, and how AI can be used for safer and more reliable sentencing of criminals. You could be at the forefront of this new field.

You can tackle ethical dilemmas such as who is legally responsible for artificial intelligence and what happens when there is an AI crime, such as a collision with a driverless car.  We will consider this in the real world and in the virtual environment and consider what these developments mean about the nature of crime.

This course will position you at the cutting edge of this graduate job market. You may graduate with the skills, knowledge and expertise to maximise the opportunities that this new technology will provide and learn how to use it ethically.

The use of artificial intelligence in criminology is a contemporary issue. It is used to help analyse crime and criminal data and make informed decisions on strategy and policy. It can also improve processes in the Criminal Justice System.

At the forefront of new technology

Artificial Intelligence and criminology are both fascinating subject areas that can lead to a wide range of careers. The knowledge you will develop will allow you to tackle real-world challenges in the justice and penal system, as well as in the advancing field of artificial intelligence and how it can support these issues.

Bringing together the mathematical foundations of AI and the understating of AI systems and models, along with a mixture of disciplines such as sociology, law, psychology and philosophy, our BSc (Hons) Artificial Intelligence and Criminology course encourages you to think creatively, challenge established beliefs and develop your own research interests.

During the course, you will have opportunities to:

• Develop strong skills in the areas of investigation, management and communication with activities such as interviewing, negotiation, decision-making and research being at the heart of how you will learn
• Build a sound knowledge and understanding of the concepts and core debates surrounding principled policing and critically assess the theoretical perspectives of victimology and evaluate the range of responses made by the criminal justice system to the victim
• Critically explore existing criminological research and theory to explain deviance, criminality and victimisation in cybercrime underpinned by suitable theories
• Gain an understanding of the use of criminal intelligence analysis to detect, prevent, control, and respond to all forms of crime and security issues locally and internationally

Expert staff

You will learn from our expert academic staff which includes leading scientists in their field and an award-winning teaching team of mathematicians, computer scientists, criminal psychologists, sociologists, experienced police officers and lawyers. You can also take advantage of our connections with employers on work placements and projects including the HM Prison Service, Youth Justice Board, Rolls-Royce and Toyota. In our modern specialist facilities, you will be supported to develop a range of skills and knowledge that will prepare you for a career after graduation.

Not only will you learn from our enthusiastic academics, you can also join presentations and focus sessions led by policing units and other suitable employers.

The course is inspired by current developments, so research and recent advances will be present in all aspects as will a strong link to employability and the world of work.

Please note that our modules are subject to change - we review the content of our courses regularly, making changes where necessary to improve your experience and graduate prospects.

The programme takes an embedded approach to work-based learning. You have the option to take a placement year between years two and three. This will give you substantial experience as well as insight into the careers available to you once you graduate. This is also a great way to enhance your CV.

Our teaching methods consist of:

• lectures
• seminars
• practical sessions
• group working
• case studies, briefs, projects or scenarios from real workplaces

How you will be assessed

Modules are normally assessed through a mixture of:

• assignments
• examinations
• workshops
• class tests
• practical labs
• coursework
• portfolios
• assignments
• case studies
• oral and graphic presentations
• teamwork projects
• computer testing
• examinations

The Individual Project module encourages students to use and apply research and innovation tools and approaches in a practical context. Sustainability thinking is integral to several modules.

We are aware of the rapid pace of change in the dynamic AI and criminology field and are committed to helping you develop a valuable set of skills which are attractive to a wide range of employers nationally and internationally.

Graduates from the programme will be able to enter a job market in roles that bridge between the application subject areas and the technical domains underpinning AI and Data Science. You can become equipped advise companies about AI and how they can embed it in their processes and help them to understand and embrace this opportunity for development.

The curriculum has embedded employability skills such as practical skills, problem solving, awareness of current and developing technical and strategic issues, together with transferrable skills, such as presentation skills, teamwork and technical/management writing. These skills meet those specified by professional bodies, which in turn reflect the needs of employers.

Our Criminology graduates have gone on to diverse roles in the police, Crown Prosecution Service, courts, probation and prison services, youth offending teams and other law enforcement agencies.

Contextual offers may apply to students who meet certain criteria.

Further information about our fees and support you may be entitled to

Additional costs and optional extras

Additional information about your studies

Teaching hours

Like most universities, we operate extended teaching hours at the University of Derby, so contact time with your lecturers and tutors could be anytime between 9am and 9pm. Your timetable will usually be available on the website 24 hours after enrolment on to your course.

Course updates

The information provided on this page is correct at the time of publication but course content, costs and other individual course details do change from time to time and are updated as often as possible, so please do check these pages again when making your final decision to apply for a course. Any updated course details will also be confirmed to you at application, enrolment and in your offer letter.

If you are thinking about transferring onto this course (into the second year for example), you should contact the programme leader for the relevant course information as modules may vary from those shown on this page.