Pre-recorded and delivered by the UK's leading public criminologist, Emeritus Professor David Wilson

Exclusive access to behind the scenes content to consolidate your learning and encourage reflexivity

The UK's former most prolific bank robber and now best-selling author - an opportunity to apply criminological theory to a real-life case study

Featuring discussions between Professor David Wilson and two of his former PhD students, Dr Dan Rusu and Dr Liam Brolan

Provides additional information, learning objectives and further timestamped resources and reading

Designed to test your knowledge and help you develop your understanding of criminology

Engage in discussion with students across the world who are studying An Introduction to Criminology

This lecture provides an overview of criminology, examining the evolving nature of crime, different theoretical perspectives, and dispelling misconceptions about the field. It emphasises the multidisciplinary approach and societal impact of criminology

This lecture explores the first of the two main theoretical paradigms of criminology, Classicism. It discusses Classicism's emphasis on free will, individual responsibility, and deterrence, questioning its validity in modern times and considering the impact of individual circumstances on decision making

This lecture explores the second of the two main theoretical paradigms of criminology, Positivism. It shifts the focus from individual free will to the various forces that may influence individuals to commit crime. It considers biology, psychology and society as factors influencing criminal behaviour, thus emphasising determinism

In this two-hour extended lecture, Professor David Wilson interviews Noel 'Razor' Smith, Britain's former most prolific bank robber and now Sunday Times best selling author. Conducted at the Exchange Birmingham (former municipal bank), the interview provides an insight into Noel's upbringing, his journey into crime, his time in prison and his desistance since being released. This lecture provides an opportunity for students to apply criminological theory to a real-life case study

This lecture unveils the complexities of the criminal justice system and its main agencies. It delves into the contrasting models of 'Due Process' and 'Crime Control', exploring the impact of each approach on victims, defendants and society. It also highlights the ongoing debates surrounding privatisation and rehabilitation

This lecture addresses the ongoing question: is crime increasing or decreasing? It draws attention to the issues associated with crime statistics whilst highlighting the existence of the 'Dark Figure of Crime'

Filmed in Shepton Mallet Prison, this lecture explores the principal criminological justifications of punishment: incapacitation, deterrence, rehabilitation and retribution. It aims to challenge common perceptions about the prison system and its effectiveness and raises important questions about how society should respond to those who commit crime

This lecture addresses the influence of media on public crime perception. It explores the portrayal of offenders, victims and introduces the criminological concepts of the 'ideal victim' and 'newsworthiness'. It examines the commodification of crime for entertainment purposes

This concluding lecture provides a concise summary of the course, highlights key learning points and invites students to reflect on the subject of criminology

With additional content from Professor David Wilson to guide and
enhance your learning

Join a pre-recorded virtual seminar discussion between Professor David Wilson and two of his former PhD students, Dr Dan Rusu and Dr Liam Brolan

This Deep Dive podcast provides a comprehensive discussion of Classicism in criminology and its role in contemporary society. Drawing from up-to-date research, this podcast explores the role of free will in committing crime and potential crime prevention strategies

This Deep Dive podcast provides a more comprehensive discussion of Positivism in criminology. Drawing from up-to-date research, this podcast explores the influence of biology, psychology and society on criminal behaviour

The course has been designed to cater for individuals at different stages of their journey into criminology and for those with an interest in true crime. The video content is presented in an accessible and entertaining way making the course suitable for people who are new to the subject. The accompanying digital workbook acts as a valuable tool for reinforcing knowledge and opens up new avenues for further study. In addition to the above current and prospective criminology students as well as Criminal Justice Practitioners will find value in the comprehensive deep-dives and the up-to-date research presented in the course workbook

This course is accredited by the CPD Standards Office. Upon completion of the course, you will receive a digital certificate that signifies your achievement and you will be awarded 31 CPD credits.  These credits can be used towards your Continuous Professional Development Portfolio for your Professional Body or Employer. Completing this course also qualifies you for free membership to the Institute of CPD.  Learn more about the CPD Standards Office here.

All lectures are pre-recorded, rather than live for your convenience, allowing you to access them at your own pace. After enrolment you will be notified of any upcoming webinars with Professor David Wilson. All course related enquires should be directed to contact@ecademi.co.uk

The 10 lectures, combined with the six behind the scenes episodes and two deep dive podcasts total approximately five hours in length. We recommend making use of the time-stamped resources which are found in the accompanying digital workbook to expand and consolidate your learning as your progress through the visual and audio content at your own pace. We also encourage you to engage with the Ecademi online community after you have completed each lecture

You can access the course on multiple devices including desktops, laptops and mobile/tablet devices. You can only access the course on one device at a time. For the best experience, we recommend using a desktop or laptop

Lifetime access means that you can access the course materials and resources indefinitely. Whether you need to review criminological theory, gather ideas for an essay or explore recommended reading, you can always refer back to the course at any time in the future

Yes. All of the video content included within the course feature subtitles in English. More languages will be added

You can either pay the full price of enrolment upfront or you can take advantage of our interest-free payment plan, which splits the cost of enrolment into three smaller monthly payments. Regardless of whether you pay upfront or in instalments, you will be able to access the entire course immediately.

If you have a course related question or a general enquiry, you can contact us using the following email address: contact@ecademi.co.uk