Criminology

Explore the psychological and social factors that cause people to commit crimes
Our BSc (Hons) Criminology degree explores the scientific study of crimes and why people commit them, the justice system, and the duty of care we have to those who have engaged in deviant behaviour.

Study innovative and ground-breaking criminology topics
Using the latest research and practice, you will explore the psychological and social factors behind deviant behaviour in relation to variety of crimes, as well as the judicial consequences and processes that come with them.

Discover a range of topics that include:

• Criminal law

• Cyber-crime and security

• Mental health and forensic psychology

• Penology

• Policing and police investigation

• Terrorism

• Young people and crime

• Understand the law and the criminal justice system

Throughout your degree you will gain an in-depth knowledge of the operations of the criminal justice, as well as learn more about criminal law and its applications within the judiciary system.

Examine the impacts of crime
You will consider the impact of crime upon individuals, communities, and wider society, as you use the latest research to examine how crime can be prevented and the rehabilitation of offenders.

Use scientific data to predict criminal behaviour
During the course, you will receive scientific and statistics training to develop critical and analytical skills, as you learn how to handle data that you can use to predict criminal behaviour.

Learn from expert active researchers and ex-police staff
Our team of active researchers and experienced experts bring their knowledge and research directly into the classroom with them to ensure that you engage with the latest innovations and theories.

Small teaching groups for more personalised support
Our small, interactive seminars mean you are seen as an individual, not just another face in the crowd as our lecturers get to know you and how best to support your academic and personal development.

Gain vital professional insights on future careers
Our dedicated ‘Criminology in Professional Practice’ module in your third allows you to hear directly from working professionals about the career opportunities relevant to a criminology degree.

On this course you will:

• Examine the psychological and social causes of crime and its consequences.

• Understand the role of the law and the inner workings of the criminal justice system.

• Gain key scientific skills in data handling and analysis as you learn to predict criminal behaviour.

• Learn from ex-police staff and expert researchers who really get to know you and your needs.

• Hear about your future career options from professionals working within criminology-related fields

Gain an in-depth understanding of crime, criminals, and the systems that deal with them

Year One
Your first year will introduce you to the foundations of criminological study, as you gain insights into the key issues and debates, consider how society manages crime and criminals, and explore the broad concepts that underpin human rights, diversity, and duty of care.

In addition, you’ll begin to gain the scientific and statistical skills required to conduct research in criminology.

Year Two
In your second year, you will examine more specialist topics as you broaden your understanding of aspects including criminal law, mental health and forensic psychology, cybercrime and security, and classic criminology case studies.

In addition, you will further your knowledge of and skills in statistical data management, as well as the design and implementation of research experiments.

Year Three
In your final year, you will work to apply your acquired subject knowledge and research skills ahead of a final year project on a topic of your choice, as you also investigate young people and crime and wider international law.

Criminology in Professional Practice module
Our careers-focused module in your third year introduces you to the practice in real life of criminology and give you an idea of where you could apply your skills, as you explore jobs relating to criminology degrees.

You will be assessed through a range of assignments, including:

Scientific reports
Essays
Group and individual presentations
Poster design
Multiple choice papers
Short answer papers
Research participation
Case studies