Criminology

Single Honours

• Criminology 

• Criminal Justice 

• Forensic Psychology 

Joint Honours

• Criminology and Sociology 

• Criminology and Psychology 

• Criminology and Law 

• Criminology and Social Policy 

SOURCE: COMMON DEGREE TITLES FROM WHATUNI

Alternative options 

• Foundation years A foundation year offers an introduction to criminology. It’s a great option for students who need to catch up on course content before starting their undergraduate degree. 

• Sandwich degrees Extending your undergraduate degree by an additional year, ‘sandwiched’ between Years 2 and 3 or taken after Year 3, means you can expand your horizons by studying abroad for a year or get some valuable work experience in the field. 

• Integrated Master’s Pursuing an integrated Master's degree in criminology means you can upgrade your qualification to a postgraduate degree, with just one extra year of study. You’ll gain a competitive edge in the field of criminology, with relatively little extra expense. 

• Degree apprenticeships These three-to-six-year courses enable you to combine academic study with practical training and earn while you learn. Sound good? What’s even better is that your employer pays for your tuition fees. 

SOURCE: WHATUNI

Students from diverse academic backgrounds can apply for criminology courses, however a strong foundation in social sciences, humanities, and analytical thinking will be helpful. You’ll benefit from choosing A-level (or equivalent) qualifications in subjects like sociology, psychology, or law, with grades usually ranging from BBB to AAB in competitive courses. 

Criminology is a broad field of study, and includes everything from scientific laboratory work, to real life courtroom drama. You’ll cover subjects like criminal behaviour and forensic psychology to criminal profiling, chemical analysis, and practical fieldwork, and many of these areas may pique your interest and provide the basis for a long-term career specialism.

You’ll be ideally placed to explore your favourite disciplines and develop expertise in a chosen area. Some specialisations include: 

• Criminal psychology Criminal psychology delves into the minds of offenders, exploring their motives, behaviours, and trying to discover what makes them tick. It’s an important thing to understand, as it can lead to the prevention of crimes before they occur. 

• Comparative criminology This is an important topic, since it considers the social, economic, and political factors influencing crime and shaping responses to it worldwide. It explores differences in crime rates, law enforcement practices, and legal frameworks in different countries and cultures. 

• Policing and law enforcement Focuses on preventing crime and catching offenders. It provides a crucial service to the safety of the general public and encompasses various roles, such as patrol officers, detectives, and special units, using community engagement and legal authority to enforce laws and protect communities. 

• Cybercrime and digital forensics Cybercrime is all about combatting online hacking, identity theft, and fraud. Digital sleuths investigate virtual evidence, analyse data breaches, and developing security measures to fight cyber threats and safeguard our information systems and networks. 

• Restorative justice Restorative justice is all about making amends. It emphasises repairing the harm caused by crime and restoring relationships between offenders, victims, and communities, offering alternatives to traditional criminal punishments, and instead aiming for closure and empowerment. 

• Theories of crime and criminality 

• Criminal law 

• Victim services 

• Policing strategies 

• Forensic psychology  

• Criminal profiling 

• Victimology 

• White-collar crime 

• Youth justice 

• Gender, race, and crime 

You can expect to learn how to recognise the patterns and consequences of criminal behaviour through a mixture of lectures, seminars, and hands-on fieldwork. You’ll develop keen analytical skills, critical thinking abilities, and a vast knowledge of criminal justice systems.  

You’ll be up to date with the latest issues within the industry, such as cybercrime, terrorism, and mass incarceration, and you’ll examine how to build a fairer system for all. 

Additionally, you’ll pick up some general professional skills like: 

• Teamwork 

• Attention to detail 

• Report writing 

• Communication 

• Data analysis 

Some criminology courses carry accreditation by various UK regulation bodies, such as the Chartered Society of Forensic Sciences. These courses ensure that graduates possess the skills and knowledge needed for careers in criminal justice, social services, or research.  

Not all criminology courses have formal accreditation, however many professional accreditation bodies can be applied to after gaining your degree. 

If you’re passionate about solving crime and upholding justice but aren’t sure if a criminology degree is the way forward, then it may be worth considering alternative pathways. There are several related degrees worth exploring here, allowing you to focus on different aspects of what you may cover in criminology: 

• Sociology 

• Psychology 

• Law 

• Forensic science 

• Public policy 

A criminology degree is great for kickstarting a career in the field of criminal justice, social services, or advocacy. You could work as a police or probation officer, a victim advocate, or even in juvenile rehabilitation.  

There are jobs available in prisons, government agencies, and public law enforcement, and many of these can lead to meaningful career pathways where you’ll contribute to the safety of individuals and communities.

Potential job roles can include: 

• Criminal investigator 

• Probation officer 

• Crime analyst 

• Forensic psychologist 

• Policy analyst 

• Legal researcher 

• Social services coordinator 

These are just a few of the most common job roles. You'll find plenty of other options available to you, and you can also continue your studies by completing a postgraduate degree in criminology or a related subject.