Overview

Looking to study a criminology degree at university? Our BA (Hons) Criminology course is supported by our close links with local criminal justice organisations in the voluntary, public, and private sectors, including West Midlands Police Force.

Make sense of the world of criminal justice by getting the big picture perspective on crime, punishment and victimisation.

This course aims to develop knowledge and understanding of the core schools of criminological thought, their historical and political foundations and practical application.

What's covered in this course?

Our curriculum offers you a variety of subjects, through which you will be able to develop your interests before focusing on specialised fields within criminology, such as homicide and harms of the powerful. This is an exciting and dynamic course that explores real-world problems, focusing on cutting edge and topical issues relating to crime and social justice.

The course uses research-informed teaching and learning to develop a range of transferable academic and practical skills which will be attractive to employers. The course also uses external visits, as well as unique assessments to enhance your understanding of the discipline.

The course's real-world applications are supported by its close links with local and national agencies, including police forces, charities, criminal justice agencies, probation service and prisons. You will have opportunities to gain work experience with relevant organisations, and there is an option for you to undertake international study.

You will be taught by expert staff in the fields of criminology, policing, and security, and you will also enjoy regular guest lectures from highly influential voices in the discipline.

Employability

Enhancing employability skills

This course is suitable if you wish to embark on a criminal justice-related career, including jobs in the police, revenue and customs, probation, youth justice, community safety and the Prison Service as well as the voluntary sector. It’s also suitable for serving police officers and civilian support staff, customs officers, prison officers and those working in the Immigration and Nationality Service.

Part-time study in Criminology is often followed by people who are already employed within the Criminal Justice System and who are intending to improve their career prospects.

You’ll also develop transferable skills such as analysis and decision making, commercial awareness, accessing information, problem solving, and cultural and political awareness.

These skills are appropriate to a range of careers from teaching to retail management.

We have partnered with the national charity New Bridge to offer undergraduate students the unique opportunity to gain experience in a variety of voluntary roles. You’ll be given an insight into prison systems and how the realities of life in prison at the same time enhancing your skills and experience ready for future employment.