Criminology BA/BSc
Study of crime, justice, and society - exploring why people commit crimes, how laws are enforced, and how communities respond.
Is this for you?
This degree could suit you if you:
Are interested in crime and society
Enjoy analysing social issues
Want a career in criminal justice
Like research and investigation
Are curious
Popular Career Fields
Law & Legal Services
Government & Public Sector
Research & Academia
Charity & NGO Sector
Your Personality Might Be:
Analytically curious
Government & Public Sector
Research-focused
Justice-interested
What is it?
What Is a Criminology Degree?
Criminology is the study of crime, its causes, and its impact on individuals and society. You’ll explore how the criminal justice system works, how laws are applied, and what influences criminal behaviour - from psychology to social and economic factors.
Why Study Criminology?
This degree is ideal if you’re curious about what drives people to break the law and how society can prevent crime. It suits students who enjoy social science, research, and debate, and want to help make communities safer and fairer.
Course Summary
Study of crime, justice, and society - exploring why people commit crimes, how laws are enforced, and how communities respond.
What you'll study
Most Criminology degrees cover:
Theories of crime and deviance
The criminal justice system
Policing, prisons, and punishment
Crime prevention and rehabilitation
Law, human rights, and social policy
Research methods and data analysis
Social inequality and justice
Later in your course, you can usually specialise, for example, in youth justice, cybercrime, terrorism, or forensic criminology.
Degree Type
BA (Bachelor of Arts): Focuses on the social, political, and cultural aspects of crime.
BSc (Bachelor of Science): Includes more research and data analysis, often with links to psychology or forensics.
Skills You'll Gain
A Criminology degree builds strong analytical, research, and communication skills, which might include:
Crime Pattern Analysis – interpreting data to understand trends, causes, and patterns in criminal behaviour.
Research Methods – designing studies, collecting evidence, and analysing qualitative/quantitative data.
Understanding Justice Systems – learning how policing, courts, and corrections operate.
Sociological Insight – examining how social, economic, and cultural factors influence crime.
Critical Evaluation – assessing policies, theories, and evidence to form reasoned conclusions.
Explore Uni Open Days
Pathways, Placements and Work Experience
CAREERS
Career Pathways
Criminology graduates work across a wide range of public, private, and voluntary sectors, including:
Policing and law enforcement
Probation and rehabilitation
Courts and legal services
Social policy and community work
Research and education
Work Experiences & Placements
Many universities offer:
Placements or sandwich years with police forces, probation services, prisons, or charities.
Volunteering and fieldwork opportunities in community safety or youth justice.
These experiences help you apply theory to practice and build valuable experience for public service careers.
Salary Profile
Coming soon
Qualifications, Personal Satement, What to do Next?
AM I ELIGIBLE?
Entry Requirements
A-levels or equivalent. Most universities accept a broad range of subjects. Sociology, Psychology, Law, History, Politics, or English are beneficial.
Personal Statement Tips
Show your interest in crime, justice, or social issues.
Mention school subjects, volunteering, or work experience that relate to understanding people or society.
Reflect on questions like “Why do people offend?” or “How can justice systems be fairer?”.
Include examples such as research, teamwork, or social awareness.
What to do Next
Compare courses to find those focusing on psychology, policing, or social justice.
Attend open days or online sessions to explore facilities and placement opportunities.
Volunteer with community groups, youth services, or local charities.
Follow news stories and podcasts about crime and justice to build insight.
Wider Reading
The Secret Barrister by Anonymous – A powerful look at the realities of the justice system.
Criminology: A Sociological Introduction by Eamonn Carrabine – A clear overview of crime and society.
In Cold Blood by Truman Capote – A classic example of true crime writing.
The Better Angels of Our Nature by Steven Pinker – How violence has changed over time and why.