How do we understand crime? Should crime be punished? Criminologists engage with some of the most pressing issues, decisions and dilemmas facing societies today. On our course you explore the nature of crime, criminal justice and punishment within wider social contexts.

Taught in partnership with our Department of Psychosocial and Psychoanalytic Studies, this course explores crime and society, alongside counselling which examines the nature of emotional difficulties and human relationships. You learn to be more effective in your interpersonal functioning and to offer a mature, empathic and sensitive presence to employers and those that you work with.

You study an exciting range of topics including:

Criminal justice systems

Crime and media

Mental health and treatment

Skills for counselling

The counselling relationship

You receive training in sociological research methods including how to design a survey, conduct interviews and focus groups. Through modules delivered by the Department of Psychosocial and Psychoanalytic Studies you're introduced to key concepts of psychodynamic thinking which is relevant for counselling. You gain insight into the unconscious dynamics in individuals and groups and develop listening and observation, self-reflectiveness and communication skills. You're taught by criminologists and sociologists in our Department of Sociology and Criminology. Our counselling experts in our Department of Psychosocial and Psychoanalytic Studies offer a clinical and academic approach and are acclaimed professors, clinicians and practitioners who can offer relevant, practical experience. You have the opportunity to gain practical experience and to pursue a year studying abroad or completing a work placement which can help in future employment. You can also complete a supervised dissertation on a topic that inspires you, encouraging you to think differently and connect with live issues and debates, preparing you for your graduate career.

Study abroad

Your education extends beyond the university campus. We support you in expanding your education through offering the opportunity to spend a year or a term studying abroad at one of our partner universities. The four-year version of our degree allows you to spend the third year abroad or employed on a placement abroad, while otherwise remaining identical to the three-year course.

Placement year

You can also undertake a placement year in which you gain relevant work experience within an external business, giving you a competitive edge in the graduate job market and providing you with key contacts within the industry.