Artificial Intelligence in Criminology

On this course, you will consider the ethics, opportunities and threats presented by artificial intelligence (AI). You'll 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 will be at the cutting edge of this new field.

You'll 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 will graduate with the skills, knowledge and expertise to maximise the opportunities that this new technology will provide.

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.

You'll 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'll 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'll develop a range of skills and knowledge that will prepare you for a career after graduation.

At the forefront of new technology

Artificial Intelligence and criminology are both fascinating subject areas that will 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’ll 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'll learn.  

Expert teaching

The teaching team includes lecturers from a wide range of backgrounds including; probation, policing, law, youth justice, mental health, computing, mathematics and data science. We seek to maintain a balance between theory and practice throughout the course. 
  
Your lecturers engage with organisations in the local community, nationally and around the world and many of us publish in journals, and textbooks and are active researchers. This allows us to provide dynamic, exciting and innovative content. We pride ourselves on providing a varied and student-centred learning experience; your programme of study has been designed by an enthusiastic and committed team.

Excellent facilities

Our industry-standard learning facilities contain cutting-edge software development tools and real-world learning spaces. You’ll get to work in: 

• Computer Lab - home to our specialist hardware facilities and software access, including Python, Visual Studio, Unreal Engine, Unity, Apache, PHP, MySQL, Azure Cloud Services and DirectX/OpenGL as well as our data cave and visualisation suite
• Replica crown court – provides a practical learning space where you can take part in activities like moot court
• Custody Suite – practice in a replica modern-day police station setting including a booking-in desk, a cell and interview rooms.

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.

Our teaching methods consist of:

• Lectures  
• Seminars 
• Practical sessions 
• Group working 

How you are assessed 

A variety of assessment methods are used. Some modules are assessed through coursework only, others by a combination of: 

• Coursework 
• Portfolios 
• Presentations 
• Examinations 
• Case studies 
• Teamwork projects 
• Computer testing and examinations 

2025 entry

These are the typical qualification requirements for September 2025 entry.

Contextual offers may apply to students who meet certain criteria.

2025/26

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

Additional costs and optional extras

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.

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. 

Contact us

If you need any more information from us, eg on courses, accommodation, applying, car parking, fees or funding, please contact us and we will do everything we can to help you.

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.

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