BSc (Hons) Psychosocial Analysis of Offending Behaviour

To help you feel prepared for your university studies, we’ve gathered together a range of course related activities including suggested reading, useful websites and some great things to do right now. Open the links below to find out more:

Suggested texts

This section relates to reading specifically for your programme. For suggested reading and other materials to read or watch now, please view the other sections on this page.

You will be provided with a comprehensive reading/book list for each module that you study. Please don’t forget, before you purchase your texts, we have an excellent library here at Edge Hill. However, you may wish to consider reading some introductory texts in criminology and psychology over the summer. Some suggestions include,

Case, S (2021) Youth Justice: A Critical Introduction, London. Routledge.
Hall, S. and Winlow, S. (2012) (eds). New Directions in Criminological Theory. Routledge.
Howitt, D (2015) Introduction to Forensic and Criminal Psychology ( 5thEdition). Harlow: Pearson.
Muncie, J (2009) Youth & Crime (3rdEdition) London: Sage.
Taylor, P. Morley, S. and Powell, J. (eds) (2020) Mental Health and Punishments: Critical Perspectives in Theory and Practice. Abingdon: Routledge.
Trebilcock J and Weston S (2020) Mental Health and Offending. Care, Coercion and control. London: Routledge

These books are chosen to be accessible, but please don’t worry if you find some of the language or ideas challenging, they should be! A dictionary can be an invaluable friend. Keep reading and you will develop your knowledge and vocabulary. Jot down the bits that you find the most challenging and/or interesting and your tutors will be delighted to talk with you about them when you arrive.

Useful websites to visit

Try looking at:

Things to do now

There are a range of ways in which you can prepare for your modules over the summer months and anything which stimulates your thinking about how we in the UK respond to crime would be useful. Keeping up to date with current news is vital throughout your studies and professional life.

Reading

Reading is at the core of doing a degree programme, however, this does not mean exclusively academic reading. Creative writing, biographies etc. can also provide useful insights to supplement your academic reading.

Films and Documentaries

Film and documentaries can also be a rich source of information, however, be critical in your viewing, just because it appears on a channel purporting to focus on the ‘facts’ regarding crime doesn’t mean it does! Much of it should be seen for what it is, entertainment.

Volunteering

Volunteering is a valuable way, not only to achieve personal development, but also to build the transferable and specific skills sought by employers.

The University values your contribution as a volunteer and through the Volunteer Award, Edge Hill Works seeks to reward your community involvement.

The award has been designed to allow you to log and reflect on the hours you spend volunteering. For further information on how you can achieve this award upon commencement of your course, please visit the Careers Centre web page.

Other ways to prepare

To help you develop the skills you need to start your degree programme with confidence we have rounded up some fantastic online resources. Use the boxes below to find out how to build upon your academic skills and uni know-how and develop the tools you need for optimum mental health and well being.