BSc. Criminology and Security Studies - Miva Open University

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SCHOOL OF MANAGEMENT AND SOCIAL SCIENCES

BSc. Criminology and Security Studies

Society is increasingly concerned with issues of security and criminal justice, the study of Criminology and Security Studies plays a crucial role in understanding and addressing these challenges. Our B.Sc. Criminology and Security Studies programme prepares you to analyze and respond to complex security and criminal justice issues, equipping you with the necessary skills and knowledge to make a difference in this field.

Admission Options

Tuition Per Session

$560

Tuition Per Semester

$315

Introduction to BSc. Criminology and Security Studies

Start Your Bachelor’s Degree in Criminology and Security Studies

Our BSc. Criminology and Security Studies programme is meticulously crafted to equip you with the knowledge and skills necessary for a successful career in the field. With a strong emphasis on theoretical foundations and practical applications, this programme prepares you to tackle the complex challenges of criminology and security in today’s ever-evolving society. Throughout your studies, you will explore essential concepts in criminology, security management strategies, crime prevention, and criminal justice.

Upon graduation, you will be well-prepared to pursue various career paths in criminology, security management, law enforcement, and related fields, making a positive impact on society.

Why you should apply :

Our programme is led by dedicated and experienced faculty members who bring real-world expertise and passion for the field, providing invaluable insights and mentorship throughout your studies.
Designed to meet the demands of the industry, our curriculum equips you with the necessary skills and knowledge needed for a successful career in criminology and security.
Enjoy the flexibility of online learning, allowing you to study at your own pace and convenience using our accessible and intuitive learning management system.
A degree in Criminology and Security Studies opens up diverse career opportunities in law enforcement, security agencies, forensic analysis, and more, with promising prospects for career advancement and specialisation.

Study Level

BSc. Criminology and Security Studies

Study Duration

8 Semesters

Mode of study

Blended Learning

Tuition Per Session

$560

Tuition Per Semester

$315

Applications for May 2026 admission is ongoing.

Apply before 31st May 2026, to secure your place.

Curriculum

Programme Outline

The Criminology and Security Studies programme investigates the basis of social order by drawing on and integrating theories and methods for explaining human behaviours in several social science disciplines such as sociology, psychology, political science, economics, and philosophy.

100 Level

1st Semester

Units

Communication in English I

2

At the end of this course, students should be able to:

Identify possible sound patterns in English.
List notable language skills.
Classify word formation processes.
Construct simple and fairly complex sentences in English.
Apply logical and critical reasoning skills for meaningful presentations.
Demonstrate an appreciable level of the art of public speaking and listening.
Write simple and technical reports.

Introduction to Criminology and Security Studies

3

At the end of this course, students should be able to:

Discuss the culture, values, and norms as the foundation of society and social order.
Describe the problem posed to social order by deviance, crime, and conflict.
Identify traditional and informal mechanisms for preventing, controlling, and resolving deviance and conflict.
Identify the evolution of the discipline.
Discuss the philosophical foundations of positivism and subjectivist approaches.
Analyse basic concepts and perspectives in the discipline.
Compare the programme with others in the social sciences.

Deviant Behaviours and Social Control

3

At the end of this course, students should be able to:

Explain the nature, concept, and sources of deviance.
Discuss various theories of deviance and social control.
Identify the relationships between power, deviance, and social control.
Link the interconnections between crime, deviance, social control, and security.

Introduction to Sociology I

3

At the end of this course, students should be able to:

Connect between the two revolutions of the 18th century.
Discuss the founding fathers and the emergence of sociology as a discipline.
Explain the basic analysis and description of the social structure and dynamics of human society.
Identify the relationships between sociology and other social sciences.
Define the basic terms and concepts of sociology, culture, and the process of socialisation.
Define key concepts in sociological discourse.

Introduction to Nigerian Criminal Law

2

At the end of this course, students should be able to:

Understand the meaning of crime.
Describe the various elements of an offence.
Understand how to handle criminal matters by cooperating with law enforcement agencies and the court.
Understand and appreciate the domain of criminal law in Nigeria.

Sociology of Law

2

At the end of this course, students should be able to:

Understand the basic concepts of law and sociology.
Discuss the theoretical perspectives and the nature of law and jurisprudence.
Relate law to morality, customs, force, justice, freedom, and the rule of law.
Examine the Nigerian legal system in both the colonial and pre-colonial era.
Explain key issues in the development of the Nigerian legal system and emerging legal structures.
Assess the impact of colonial experience and political independence on Nigeria’s legal system.
Discuss the influence of modern global trends, problems, and prospects.

Introduction to Political Science (Elective)

2

At the end of this course, students should be able to:

Discuss key conceptions in political science such as politics, power, authority, influence, state, and nation.
Appreciate the nature, form, and character of politics.
Identify the contributions of the founding and leading scholars of political science.
Differentiate between political science as a field of study and politics as an art or practice.
Explain the relationship among major concepts in political science.
Explain the relationship between political science and other fields of study, including the humanities, natural sciences, and other social sciences.

Introduction to Psychology (Elective)

2

At the end of this course, students should be able to:

Discuss the basic theoretical orientation of the discipline and subject matter.
Explain basic theoretical orientations and how psychology relates to other social science disciplines.
Discuss and use basic research methods in psychology.

2nd Semester

Units

Communication in English II

2

At the end of this course, students should be able to:

Have a deepened understanding of communication skills in spoken and written English.
Demonstrate proficiency in public speaking, listening, and effective communication.

Nigerian People and Culture

2

At the end of this course, students should be able to:

Analyse the historical foundation of Nigerian culture and arts in pre-colonial times.
List and identify the major linguistic groups in Nigeria.
Explain the gradual evolution of Nigeria as a political unit.
Analyse trade, economic, and self-reliance status towards national development.
Enumerate the challenges of the Nigerian state towards nation building.
Analyse the role of the judiciary in upholding people’s fundamental rights.
Identify acceptable norms and values of major ethnic groups in Nigeria.
Suggest solutions to identifiable Nigerian environmental, moral, and value problems.

Introduction to Criminal Justice System

3

At the end of this course, students should be able to:

Discuss the normative foundation of society in culture, values, norms, and laws.
Identify the key agencies of the criminal justice system.
Explain the roles and functions of criminal justice agencies.
Discuss responses to crime through criminal law and process.
Explain theoretical and policy perspectives on the criminal justice system.

Social Sciences and Human Behaviours

3

At the end of this course, students should be able to:

Differentiate between scientific and non-scientific sources of knowledge.
Explain differences between scientific and non-scientific knowledge on human behaviours.
Trace the evolution of social science disciplines.
Identify major assumptions about determinants of human behaviour across social science programmes.

Introduction to Sociology II

3

At the end of this course, students should be able to:

Explain basic concepts and major concerns of sociology.
Discuss the relationship between culture, personality, and society.
Identify the nature and characteristics of social processes.

Introduction to Law Enforcement

2

At the end of this course, students should be able to:

Explain the philosophical and historical background of law enforcement in Nigeria.
Trace the history of law enforcement from the pre-colonial era to the 2000s.
Describe the police force, command structure, and methods of operation.
Explain the relevance of various police activities.
Critically examine the history and core functions of modern law enforcement agencies.
Explain the chronology of policing and law enforcement in Nigeria.

Theories of Crime

2

At the end of this course, students should be able to:

Discuss the major theories of crime.
Review theories of crime control.
Describe consequences of crime and delinquency.
Explain sociological perspectives on punishment.
Critique causal theories and private and official responses to crime.
Explain policy implications and contemporary issues in crime prevention.

Nigerian Legal System (Elective)

2

At the end of this course, students should be able to:

Examine the nature of legal administration in Nigeria.
Discuss the need for judicial processes.
Explain the sources of Nigerian laws.
Describe the powers and hierarchical arrangements of courts in Nigeria.
Explain differences in the administration of justice between autocratic and democratic governments.

Determinants of Behaviour (Elective)

2

At the end of this course, students should be able to:

Identify the factors that determine human behaviour.
Discuss controversies in behaviour formation.
Assess how learning, emotions, motivation, social change, stress, communication, technology, and other factors shape behaviour.
Critically evaluate the impact of information and communication technology on human behaviour.
Discuss coping mechanisms, including adaptive and non-adaptive responses to frustration, conflict, and stress.

200 Level

1st Semester

Units

Entrepreneurship and Innovation

2

At the end of this course, students should be able to:

Explain the concepts, characteristics, and theories of entrepreneurship, intrapreneurship, opportunity seeking, new value creation, and risk-taking.
Analyse the importance of micro and small businesses in wealth creation, employment, and financial independence.
Engage in entrepreneurial thinking.
Identify key elements in innovation and describe the stages in enterprise formation, partnership, and networking, including business planning.
State the basic principles of e-commerce.

Nigerian Law Enforcement and Security System

2

At the end of this course, students should be able to:

Explain the normative foundation of society.
Define the concepts underpinning social order.
Examine the source of Nigerian law.
Identify the major law enforcement and security agencies in Nigeria.
Discuss the development, functions, powers, and oversight of law enforcement and security agencies globally and in Nigeria.
Discuss the performance, capabilities, constraints, and prospects of law enforcement and security agencies.

Comparative Police and Policing Systems

2

At the end of this course, students should be able to:

Discuss the structure, organisation, types, and functions of police and policing in different countries.
Analyse the different philosophies and styles of policing.
Discuss the factors that affect police effectiveness, legitimacy, and deviance.
Explain the significance of police reform, oversight, and accountability.

Human Rights and Criminal Justice System

2

At the end of this course, students should be able to:

Evaluate the concepts of human rights and criminal justice administration.
Identify the provisions of international and national instruments on human rights in the criminal justice administration process.
Discuss the tension between human rights and operations of criminal justice agencies and systems.
Explain the functions and limitations of human rights oversight bodies in protecting the rights of victims of crime, criminal suspects, and convicted offenders.
Identify the human rights provisions in Nigerian constitutions and government human rights organisations in Nigeria.

Prisons and Correctional Services

2

At the end of this course, students should be able to:

Explain the concepts, evolution, and functions of prisons and correctional services.
Identify the philosophy, reasons, and goals of prisons and correctional services.
Discuss the evolution of punishment and correction agencies in Nigeria, and the organisation and function of remand homes, approved schools, borstal training institutions, and prisons.
Assess the effectiveness and limitations of prisons and correctional services.

Sociology of Crime and Juvenile Delinquency

3

At the end of this course, students should be able to:

Understand the sociological theory of criminal behaviour.
Conduct a psycho-analysis of crime.
Explain the motives for violating laws.
Discuss reinforcement theory of criminal behaviour.
Understand the nexus between epidemiology and individual conduct.
Trace the nexus between law, social change, and the evolving Nigerian legal structure.
Understand the nexus between crime and delinquency.
Discuss the Nigerian legal system.

Cybercrime, Law, and Countermeasures for Criminology

2

At the end of this course, students should be able to:

Define cybercrime and explain the types and causes.
Trace the nexus between cybercrime, law, and countermeasures.
Understand the various strategies of cybercrime perpetration.
Explain the effects of cybercrime on society and the economy in general.
Discuss the legal implications of cybercrime and the legal strategies for curbing cybercrime.
Explain the countermeasures against cybercrime, including agencies of law, the banking sector, and the national security architecture.
Understand the global perspectives and challenges of cybercrime countermeasures.

2nd Semester

Units

Philosophy, Logic and Human Existence

2

At the end of this course, students should be able to:

Know the basic features of philosophy as an academic discipline.
Identify the main branches of philosophy and the centrality of logic in philosophical discourse.
Know the elementary rules of reasoning.
Distinguish between valid and invalid arguments.
Think critically and assess arguments in texts, conversations, and day-to-day discussions.
Critically assess the rationality or otherwise of human conduct under different existential conditions.
Develop the capacity to extrapolate and deploy expertise in logic to other areas of knowledge.
Guide actions using the knowledge and expertise acquired in philosophy and logic.

Introduction to Computer and its Application

3

At the end of this course, students should be able to:

Explain the history of computing sciences.
Discuss in detail the different computing programmes and their characteristics.
Evaluate different computer applications.
Apply search engines to source online resources.

Nigerian Criminal Procedure and Evidence

2

At the end of this course, students should be able to:

Explain the goals and structure of the Nigerian criminal justice system, fundamental human rights, and principles of law enforcement and criminal justice administration.
Identify the basic principles of Nigerian criminal procedure and evidence.
Discuss the nature and stages of criminal procedure.
Explain the purposes and elements of criminal procedure and the significance of evidence in criminal justice administration.
Demonstrate knowledge of procedure and evidence in selected criminal proceedings such as homicide, theft, fraud, and rape.

Applied Statistical Methods in Criminology and Security Studies

2

At the end of this course, students should be able to:

Discuss the logic of statistical analysis in criminology and security studies.
Explain the computation of descriptive and central tendency statistics.
Identify the statistical analysis most appropriate for different levels of measurement.
Compute central tendency and descriptive statistics.
Demonstrate understanding of hypothesis testing, tests of association, correlation, and covariation.
Interpret research reports where descriptive statistics and measures of association, correlation, and covariation are applied.
Undertake statistical analysis using statistical software.

Conflict Resolution and Peace Building

3

At the end of this course, students should be able to:

Discuss concepts of conflict, conflict analysis, peacekeeping, peace enforcement, peace-building, arbitration, and mediation.
Examine elements, nature, and causes of conflict, and conflict resolution objectives and processes.
Explain the impact of governance and development on conflict, conflict resolution, and peacekeeping.
Identify mechanisms of peacekeeping and peacebuilding in post-conflict settings.
Analyse conflicts and identify parties and their interests.
Appreciate theoretical perspectives on conflict, conflict resolution, and peacebuilding.
Discuss the roles of conflict and their effects on conflict resolution and peacekeeping.
Explain relationships among conflict resolution, peacebuilding, security, and development.
Discuss principles and ethics in mediation, conflict resolution, and peacebuilding.

Crime, Harm and the State

3

At the end of this course, students should be able to:

Discuss the concept of social harm.
Explain the difference between social harm and crime.
Explain how social practices can normalise harm in society.
Discuss the role of class and social inequalities in social harms and crimes.

300 Level

1st Semester

Units

Innovation in the Social Sciences

2

At the end of this course, students should be able to:

Enumerate innovative ideas that border on societal problems.
Apply social science knowledge to research in public and private sectors.
Design techniques for proposal writing.
Appreciate social and human welfare services.
Analyze models for establishing family and community development.

Theories of Crime, Criminal Behaviour and Punishment

3

At the end of this course, students should be able to:

Appreciate the development of criminology and its sub-disciplines.
Discuss the theoretical and methodological perspectives in criminology.
Analyze the philosophy and methods of punishment and corrections, including victim and restorative justice.
Demonstrate skill in evaluating and applying criminological theories to crime problems in Nigeria.
Evaluate the functions, performance, challenges, and prospects of criminal justice administration in Nigeria.

Research Methods in Criminology and Security Studies

3

At the end of this course, students should be able to:

Identify the principles of scientific methods.
Discuss research methods in criminology and security studies.
Explain dominant social research methods in criminology and security studies, including qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods.
Discuss appropriate methods and instruments of data collection and analysis.
Conduct and assess small-scale research in criminology and security studies.

Forensic Science

2

At the end of this course, students should be able to:

Explain the meaning, evolution, theories, and methods of forensic science.
Discuss methods applied and evidence obtained through forensic science.
Analyze the significance of forensic science in criminal intelligence, investigation, and prosecution.
Appreciate the significance of forensic science in law enforcement and criminal justice administration.
Assess the application of forensic science in the Nigerian criminal justice and security systems.

Victimology

3

At the end of this course, students should be able to:

Explain the roles and characteristics of crime victims and social injustice.
Discuss victim-offender relationship and the psychological impact of victimization and societal reaction to victimization.
Discuss the treatment of victims in the justice system.
Discuss the relationship between criminal victimization, human rights violations, and principles of social justice.
Understand contemporary developments in policy and services to address the fundamental rights and societal needs of victims.
Understand international trends in victimology.

Corrupt Practices, Economic and Financial Crimes

2

At the end of this course, students should be able to:

Explain corrupt practices and economic and financial crimes such as “419”.
Explain the concept of white-collar crimes.
Describe the laws enacted to handle corruption and economic and financial crimes.
Assess and evaluate the public institutions established to statutorily deal with corrupt practices and economic and financial crimes.

Security, Road Safety and Traffic Control (Elective)

2

At the end of this course, students should be able to:

Explain the security and road safety rules.
Understand the relevance of security patrols on highways.
Understand traffic rules, offences, and punishments.
Study the organizations statutorily empowered to enforce traffic and road safety rules and regulations.

Security and Civil Defence Procedure (Elective)

2

At the end of this course, students should be able to:

Understand the meaning of civil defence and civil protection.
Discuss the historical evolution and the constitutional roles of the NSCDC.
Explain the security responsibilities of the NSCDC.
Understand the key powers and roles of the NSCDC.
Explain the roles of the NSCDC in crime control.
Assess the performance of the NSCDC in the fight against illegal oil refining and oil theft in Nigeria.
Understand the roles of the NSCDC in internal security management in Nigeria.
Highlight the challenges facing the NSCDC in Nigeria.

2nd Semester

Units

Peace and Conflict Resolution

2

At the end of this course, students should be able to:

Analyze the concepts of peace, conflict, and security.
List major forms, types, and root causes of conflict and violence.
Differentiate between conflict and terrorism.
Enumerate security and peace building strategies.
Describe the roles of international organizations, media, and traditional institutions in peace building.

Venture Creation

2

At the end of this course, students should be able to:

Describe the key steps in venture creation.
Spot opportunities in problems and high potential sectors regardless of geographical location.
State how original products, ideas, and concepts are developed.
Develop business concepts for further incubation or pitching for funding.
Identify key sources of entrepreneurial finance.
Implement the requirements for establishing and managing micro and small enterprises.
Conduct entrepreneurial marketing and e-commerce.
Apply a wide variety of emerging technological solutions to entrepreneurship.
Appreciate why ventures fail due to a lack of planning and poor implementation.

Research Methods I

2

At the end of this course, students should be able to:

Explain the concept and scope of research methods.
Discuss in detail procedures for conducting research.
Analyze the principles guiding research.
Discuss types of research, including experimental, non-experimental, and quasi-experimental research.

Theoretical Perspectives on Security

2

At the end of this course, students should be able to:

Analyze various definitions of security.
Discuss theoretical perspectives on security and the security sector.
Identify the agencies in the security sector.
Explain the functions of security agencies.
Discuss the structure and functions of security agencies in Nigeria.
Apply theoretical perspectives of security to explaining and managing contemporary security challenges in Nigeria.

Intelligence & Investigation Management

3

At the end of this course, students should be able to:

Compare and distinguish between criminal intelligence and investigation.
Identify the nature and purpose of criminal investigation.
Discuss the process (cycle) of intelligence production and management.
Describe the process of criminal investigation.
Appreciate the value of investigation in the criminal justice system.
Grasp the significance of intelligence in security management.

Internship/Organizational visits

2

At the end of this course, students should be able to:

Acquire practical experience of the functions, operational procedures, performance, and challenges of an institution or agency where the internship experience was served.
Prepare and present an analytical report of the operations, performance, challenges, and prospects of a law enforcement and security organization.

Contemporary Theories in Criminology and Security Studies

2

At the end of this course, students should be able to:

Assess the core theories and fundamental concepts in contemporary criminology and security.
Analyze contemporary theories of crime.
Familiarize with the core schools of thought in contemporary criminology and security studies.
Understand the basic concepts, methodologies, and terminology used by contemporary criminologists.
Familiarize with current criminological and security issues and concerns.
Understand the influence of race, gender, and social class on the process of defining criminality and labelling criminals.
Employ sociological theories of crime to contemporary criminology problems.

Border Security and International Migration

2

At the end of this course, students should be able to:

Understand the nexus between border security and international migration governance.
Explain the connection between international migration and border management challenges.
Discuss cross-border movements and border security.
Discuss how to protect migrants’ rights.
Understand the link between sovereignty and international migration systems.
Understand the nexus between anti-trafficking and anti-smuggling interventions.

Corporate and White-Collar Crimes

2

At the end of this course, students should be able to:

Understand the meaning of corporate and white-collar crimes.
Understand the economic, political, and social impact of corporate and white-collar crimes.
Analyze actions that amount to white-collar crime and learn about white-collar court proceedings.
Distinguish between white-collar crimes and conventional crimes.
Understand the dominant theories that explain white-collar crimes.
Analyze examples of white-collar crimes to explore themes around victimization, social damages, and criminal justice.
Describe crimes against consumers, unsafe products, environmental crime, institutional corruption, securities fraud, corporate fraud, fiduciary fraud, crimes by the government, and medical crime.
Understand the actors and their roles in corporate and white-collar crimes, including perpetrators, victims, law enforcement, the courts, and correctional services.
Analyze the costs and effects of white-collar crimes, including environmental, human, economic, and social costs.
Understand how to prevent white-collar crime.

400 Level

1st Semester

Units

Research Methods II

2

At the end of this course, students should be able to:

Prepare and present a research proposal.
Collect and organise meaningful data.
Conduct a pilot study and write a research report.
Apply appropriate statistics in data analysis.

Research Project

4

At the end of this course, students should be able to:

Carry out research successfully.
Write a research report.

Contemporary Development in Criminology and Security Studies

3

At the end of this course, students should be able to:

Discuss the assumptions of emerging theoretical and methodological approaches in criminology and security studies.
Identify national global trends and patterns of crime and insecurity.
Discuss new approaches to the prevention and control of crime and insecurity.
Identify trends in the roles of international organisations and professional law enforcement associations.
Assess the roles of regional economic communities and the African Union in promoting security, democracy, peace and development.
Link the nexus between globalisation, transnational crimes and policing.
Discuss trends in criminology and security studies in Africa.

National and Transnational Organised Crimes

3

At the end of this course, students should be able to:

Discuss concepts of crime, organised crimes, transnational organised crimes (TOC), organisational and white-collar crimes.
Evaluate the complex nature of organised crimes (both local and transnational).
Explain the structures, dynamics and types of local and transnational organised crimes.
Identify goods and services provided by local and transnational organised criminals.
Discuss the impact of organised crime on political and economic systems.
Assess the effectiveness of regional, local and international preventive measures in controlling organised crime.

Terrorism, Counter-Terrorism and Insurgency

3

At the end of this course, students should be able to:

Understand the meaning and scope of terrorism, counter-terrorism and insurgency.
Critically and systematically understand how insurgent movements and terrorist organizations operate in Africa.
Describe violent terrorist and counter-terrorist practices, and causes of terrorism and counter-terrorism in the Nigerian and African contexts.
Understand state policies that instigate intra-state conflicts in African states, as well as policies and strategies used by anti-government forces.
Describe country-specific counterterrorism responses and the human security impacts of insecurity on citizens in Africa.
Understand how terrorist organizations such as Al Shabaab, Al Qaeda, Boko Haram, and ISIS operate.
Explain counter-terrorism strategies deployed in African nations, the African Union, and the USA.
Analyse states as co-conspirators in terrorism-induced insecurity in Africa.
Discuss terrorism and the strategies of non-state actors to end insecurity and promote inclusive governance in Africa.

Globalisation, Crime and Justice (Elective)

2

At the end of this course, students should be able to:

Understand globalisation and its effects on crime and control.
Understand how to form a global judicial order.
Understand the nexus between globalisation, the legal sphere and the judiciary.
Understand the globalisation of legal professions, law and order, and of criminal networks.
Understand the implications of criminal justice at the national and global levels.

Women, Gendered Confinement and Criminalisation (Elective)

2

At the end of this course, students should be able to:

Describe feminist theories.
Examine how women are governed in Nigeria.
Understand the context of female criminality.
Discuss the gendered pathways to crime.
Understand the link between criminality and gender in Nigeria.
Explore women’s various experiences of confinement and criminalisation.
Understand the roles of women in criminal justice in Nigeria.

2nd Semester

Units

Democracy and Governance of Security Sector

3

At the end of this course, students should be able to:

Apprise the concepts of security sector, security sector governance and security sector reform and transformation.
Identify the major security sector agencies and their roles.
Explain the essence and determinants of security sector reform.
Discuss the relationship between democratic governance of society and security sector governance.
Identify challenges of security sector governance and reform in Nigeria.

Humanitarian Emergency and Disaster Management

3

At the end of this course, students should be able to:

Discuss the concepts of humanitarianism, humanitarian and complex emergencies and disasters.
Explain humanitarian principles, code of conduct and accountability in humanitarian and disaster response management.
Identify disaster management approaches.
Discuss political, economic and socio-cultural factors in disaster response and humanitarian response.
Identify emergency management framework, disaster reduction and risk management agencies in Nigeria.

Comparative National Security Policy and Strategy

2

At the end of this course, students should be able to:

Define and differentiate between national security policy, national security strategy and national defence policy.
Identify the key elements of national security policy and strategies.
Establish the relationship between national security policy and national development planning.
Discuss the national security policy formulation process.
Compare national security policies across selected countries for effective implementation in Nigeria.

Criminological Theory and Social Policy

3

At the end of this course, students should be able to:

Discuss the core and advanced criminological theories such as the Prehistoric (demonological theory), the classical school of thought, the positive school, and the social disorganisation theory, and so on.
Understand the role of theory and concepts in criminological analysis.
Explain the nexus between crimes and social welfare policy.
Discuss how social welfare provision reduces the problem of crime.

Digital Forensics, Investigation and Criminal Intelligence

2

At the end of this course, students should be able to:

Understand the meaning and scope of digital forensics, forensic investigation and forensic psychology.
Understand the meaning of criminal intelligence.
Understand the link between digital forensics, forensic investigation and criminal intelligence.
Understand the art of identification of incidence, interrogations and confessions using psychological skills, and interviewing techniques.
Describe crime and delinquency.
Understand psychopathic behaviors and the society.
Trace the relationship between juvenile offenders and the law.
Understand the mental status of the offender, social psychological implications of legal judgments, crime culture and prevention, and mental health legislation.

Political Crime and Treasury Looting

2

At the end of this course, students should be able to:

Understand the concept of political crime and treasury looting in its various forms.
Understand the nature and extent of political crime at the local government, state and national levels.
Understand the harmful acts and public wrongs in the political space.
Understand the concept of “crimes of the powerful,” including causes, potentials, costs, remedies, and its various forms.
Understand institutional manifestations of crimes of the powerful, and abuse of power at all levels.

Racialization, Criminalization and Criminal Justice System (Elective)

2

At the end of this course, students should be able to:

Understand the meaning and scope of racialization, racism, criminalization and the criminal justice system.
Explore the relationship between racialization and criminalization through critical anti-racist and anti-colonial perspectives of social, economic, political and legal conceptions of “crime” and “justice”.
Analyze the connections between racialization, racism and the criminal justice system throughout Nigerian history.

Crime Victims and Human Rights Violation (Elective)

2

At the end of this course, students should be able to:

Explain the features and roles of crime victims.
Describe social injustice in crime.
Discuss victim-offender relationship and the psychological impact of victimization.
Discuss societal reaction to victimization.
Understand how victims are treated in the justice system.
Explain the nexus between criminal victimization and human rights violations.
Understand the principles of social justice and contemporary development in social policy and social services to address victims’ rights and needs.

Crime and the Media (Elective)

2

At the end of this course, students should be able to:

Describe labelling theory, the media process and the social construction of crime.
Assess the influence of mass media on crime.
Understand how to report crime in the print and electronic media.
Understand how the media can influence citizens’ perception about crime.
Understand how to report crime on social media platforms.
Understand how the media can be a source of crime.
Understand the relationship between the media and crime simplification.
Understand deviance in news and popular media.

Admission Requirements

Admission Requirements for BSc. Criminology and Security Studies

100 Level Entry Requirements for BSc. Criminology and Security Studies

Here’s what you need to study for a bachelor’s programme at Miva Open University

A copy of your O’Level result

The result must include a minimum of five credits in the following subjects in not more than two sittings:

Please note that submission of Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) results is not mandatory at this stage. However, upon admission to the university, the provided results will be thoroughly verified for authenticity and compliance with the stated criteria, including JAMB Regularisation.

Direct Entry Admission Requirements for BSc. Criminology and Security Studies

Here’s what you need to study for a bachelor’s programme at Miva Open University

Direct Entry Candidates must meet ‘O’ Level requirements for the programme:

Two (2) 'A' Level passes chosen from Accounting, Economics, Business Studies/Management, Government and Geography.
Two (2) IJMB passes, one (1) of which must be in Accounting, Economics or Business Management.
Lower credit pass in ND/NCE in related fields.
Very good passes in three (3) JUPEB subjects: Economics, and any two (2) of Financial Accounting, Business Studies/Management, Government and Geography.
International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma in relevant subjects.

Careers

Potential roles for BSc. Criminology and Security Studies degree holders

Tuition

Payment Plans

Miva Open University offers a flexible payment plan for its degree programmes. You may choose to pay the year’s fee or per semester.

Tuition Per Semester

$315

/Semester

Tuition Per Session

$560

/Session

* Discount applies for full year’s payment