Criminology undergraduate courses

Our courses are for you if you have an interest in crime and the criminal justice system. Criminology aims to analyse crime, and those that commit crimes. We look at crime as a social construct, and discuss and debate the differences in punishment and sentences across the globe and how effective these methods are. We look at what we can do to change re-occurring crimes and how high-risk offenders should be managed. You will also gain:

• Professional insights: fact-finding fieldtrips to places such as courts, prisons and youth offender institutions enrich your learning and give you the chance to meet criminal justice professionals who will share their career experiences with you
• Latest thinking: covering subjects as varied as hate crime, domestic abuse and murder investigations, you’ll learn how criminology is used to inform practice within the justice system
• Choice and flexibility: we offer you an exhilarating combination of the theory, policy and practice of criminology, psychology and criminal justice and encourage you to select modules to tailor your degree to meet your personal interests and provide a solid platform geared towards your career choice
• Exciting fieldtrips: our criminology students are given the opportunity to go on local, national and international field trips as part of their degree. Past trips have seen students visit America, the Hague and Berlin.

"I absolutely loved the course - it was really fascinating. We had experts from the police force, probation and prison service give guest talks which were thought provoking and engaging and allowed us to explore the criminal justice system in many different ways. I was fascinated by every lecture I had". _{Ellen Hicken, Criminology Graduate.}

Opportunities 

With opportunities for internships, volunteering and placements, our hands-on approach to study will ensure you are ready for the world of work. Our courses have a strong practical focus on solving real-world problems. Our thriving partnerships with the police, probation service, prisons, courts and other criminal justice agencies ensure you benefit from work-related learning experiences. 

Graduates

Our graduates have gone onto a variety of different roles. Studying Criminology could lead to roles such as:

• prison officer
• civilian investigator
• youth worker
• social worker
• probation officer

Expert teaching

Supporting you all the way is our team of enthusiastic and experienced lecturers who are experts in their fields. They include criminologists, sociologists, experienced police officers and lawyers. Several are still actively engaged with practice, which helps you keep up to date with the latest developments. Find out more about research within the School of Law and Social Sciences.

You’ll hear from guest speakers such as professionals who have pursued a career in the criminal justice sector and will share their own experiences.

Specialist facilities

Study at One Friar Gate Square, our dedicated centre for the study of law, criminology and policing. You will be able to build your practical experience in our specialist facilities which include a mock court room, student legal advice centre and replica custody suite including interview rooms and cell.

Criminology degrees