Join us to unpick theories and perspectives that explore today’s most pressing crime-related issues. You will study a wide range of topics and have the opportunity to connect with local agencies such as the police and the prison service. Work with our specialist careers advisors to plan your future in the criminal justice system and beyond.

- Critically explore crime and justice: A thought-provoking degree that examines crime through a social justice lens- Exceptional academic support: Work closely with engaged lecturers who value your ideas and are committed to helping you grow as a criminologist- Build connections: Network with experts from NGOs, charities, law enforcement, and other criminal justice organisations- Unlock your career potential: Tailored career advice to discover diverse pathways and practical steps you can take to achieve your goals- Work with Leading Experts: Our academics advise the United Nations and the EU, influence drug policies in the UK and overseas and work with national and local criminal justice agencies

Lancaster is a city that has criminal justice at its heart. From the medieval period to contemporary times, the Castle in Lancaster has served as an assizes court, crown court and a fully functioning prison. From the infamous 1612 trial and execution of the ten people accused of witchcraft to the more recent exoneration of accused terrorists the ‘Birmingham Six’, Lancaster Castle has been the site of both persecution and justice. Past or present, this is not dramatised or romantic crime. This is real life: brutal, saddening, enraging, uncomfortable, but fascinating.

The city as a centre for criminal justice and injustice creates a strong sense of what our degree is about. On this course, you’ll look critically at the social, cultural, political, and economic contexts of crime and criminal justice, as well as viewing challenges through a social justice lens. You will examine how crime is portrayed in the media and popular culture and explore how deviancy is rendered as a criminal act and how activism and protest can be demonised.You will learn to untangle the complex relationship between society, crime, and the criminal justice system and explore what alternative approaches to justice might look like now and in the future.

Our sense of who we are as a society revolves around our definitions and relationship with crime. Who decides what counts as ‘wrong’? Why is ‘justice’ such a contested word? Why do some communities have higher rates of crime than others? What does it mean to ‘police’? Why do well-intended preventative campaigns fail to reach many people?

During your year abroad, you will choose specialist modules relating to your degree and potentially other modules offered by the host university that are specialisms of that university and country. The places available at our overseas partners vary each year, but destinations have previously included Australia, USA, Canada, Europe and Asia. Occasionally places overseas may not be available for all students who want to study abroad or the place at the partner university may be withdrawn if core modules are unavailable. If you are not offered a place to study overseas, you will be able to transfer to the equivalent standard 3-year degree scheme and would complete your studies at Lancaster. Lancaster University cannot accept responsibility for any financial aspects of the year abroad.