Licence en Études Africaines - Justice Pénale

Black Studies is ground-breaking because it puts the experiences, perspectives and contributions of Africans and the African diaspora at the very heart of university education. The aim of this degree is to provide you with the context to understand the issues as well as the tools and experience to work to remedy major social problems.

More importantly, the aim of the subject is to break down traditional barriers and apply the work we do on campus to improve the conditions facing those who live off campus.

In creating the BA (Hons) Black Studies in Criminal Justice degree we have taken the strengths of the Black Studies programme and directly applied them to one of the most significant problems facing Black communities.

You will take Black Studies modules which explore the history, politics and experience of Black communities as well as examine the issues in society that produce such stark inequalities. Alongside these modules, you will take Criminology-specific modules that explore the basis of, and issues with, the criminal justice system. You will gain experience in the criminal justice system in the second year and be expected to use your learning and experience to create a final-year project that is applied to the real world.

For those interested in working in criminal justice the issue of race and racism is one of the most important given the inequalities in the system. The aim is for this degree to provide essential learning that can be applied to future careers in the sector.

Professional Placement Year

This course offers a professional placement year. This allows you to spend a whole year with an employer, between the second and third years of your degree and is a great way to find out more about your chosen career. Some students even return to the same employers after completing their studies.

The University will draw on its extensive network of local, regional and national employers to support you in finding a suitable placement to complement your chosen area of study. If you do not find a suitable placement, you will be automatically transferred back to the standard, non-placement version of the course.

Please note that fees are payable during your placement year, equivalent to 20% of the total full-time course fee for that year (£1,850 for UK students).

Why choose us?

You have the opportunity to embark on a year-long professional placement as part of your degree course, ensuring you have the experience you need to make an impact in your chosen career. Our Black Studies team have links with some of the most respected academics in the field, including Patricia Hill Collins, Kimberlé Crenshaw, Gus John, Hazel Garby, Barnor Hesse and Joan Anim-Addo. Professor Kehinde Andrews was named one of the 100 Great Black Britons in 2020 You will have the opportunity to connect to local, national and international connections that the department has to those working for racial justice in the sector. We work alongside many important social organisations, who help shape our course. These include the Black Studies Association, the Race and Ethnicity Group, and Unmuted. Don't meet the entry criteria? Our Foundation Year programmes offer a route to a full undergraduate degree at a lower entry tariff.

With around 29,000 students from 100 countries, (HESA Student Record 2020/21 © Higher Education Statistics Agency Limited) Birmingham City University is a large and diverse place to study. We put students at the heart of everything we do, giving them the best opportunities for future success.

The University for Birmingham

We put £270 million into the regional economy and support thousands of jobs in the area. We're investing £340 million in our estate, including a major expansion of our city-centre campus at Eastside, providing students with an enviable range of facilities.

Social responsibility

At Birmingham City University we are committed to transforming students’ lives and enhancing opportunity through education and advancement. We play a key role in supporting the economy and public sector in Birmingham and the West Midlands, as the University for the city of Birmingham.

Whether developing research to enable people to lead healthier lives, decrease bullying in schools or help talented children in South Africa reach their musical potential, Birmingham City University undertakes a wide variety of work to ensure that we operate as a socially responsible University.

On Monday 17 September 2018, we announced that staff had voted for Acorn’s Children’s Hospice and Birmingham and Solihull Women’s Aid to be the University’s Chosen Charities.