Why study this course?
London has played a leading role in shaping the modern world’s understanding of the origins of criminal behaviour. Our honours degree course in criminology will allow you to gain a wider understanding of this hotly debated political and social issue, with an opportunity to specialise later on in your degree.
During your time at University you’ll be taught by practitioners from the criminal justice sector including police and probation. Our staff are research active and their teaching is informed by current specialist research. Their expertise will afford you the opportunity to learn about front line elements of criminological practice.
More about this course
The Criminology BSc (Hons) course will delve into the causes and effects of crime and criminal behaviour. It will develop your understanding of criminological theories in the context of specialist areas including organised crime, youth violence, terrorism and security. You’ll also look in-depth at the criminal justice system including the police, judiciary and prisons, examining the concepts of justice and sentencing.
This degree will give you a strong grasp of research methods and expose you to social, political, ethical and historical aspects of criminology. Through optional modules in your second and third year, you’ll begin to specialise in areas including crime and media, victims of crime, counter-terrorism, gender and sexuality.
The teaching employs an innovative approach to learning via professionally-focused academic study. You’ll receive opportunities for work-based learning that will prepare you for the challenges of a career in the fields of forensic criminology, policing and justice. You will be supported to grow both professionally and academically through workshops and seminars that will foster interaction between you, your classmates and your lecturers, as well as one-to-one study support with our academic mentor and final year student success coaches.
Accreditation of Prior Learning
Any university-level qualifications or relevant experience you gain prior to starting university could count towards your course.
Modular structure
The modules listed below are for the academic year 2022/23 and represent the course modules at this time. Modules and module details (including, but not limited to, location and time) are subject to change over time.
Year 1 modules include:
Introduction to Criminological Theory (core, 30 credits)
Introduction to Policing (core, 30 credits)
Introduction to criminological and sociological theory (core, 30 credits)
Introduction to social problems (core, 30 credits)
Introduction to the Criminal Justice System (core, 30 credits)
Researching Crime and Deviance (core, 30 credits)
Researching Social Life (core, 30 credits)
Year 2 modules include:
Crime in Context (core, 30 credits)
Measuring and Interpreting Crime (core, 30 credits)
Perspectives on Policing (core, 30 credits)
Crime, Media and Technology (option, 15 credits)
Youth Resistance and Social Control (option, 15 credits)
Youth, Crime and Violence (option, 15 credits)
Year 3 modules include:
Crime Control and Penology (core, 30 credits)
Criminology Project (core, 30 credits)
Criminology Work Experience (option, 15 credits)
Gender and Sexuality (option, 30 credits)
Human Rights and Conflict (option, 15 credits)
Religion and the State (option, 15 credits)
Serious and Serial Offenders (option, 15 credits)
Social Control, Drugs and Organised Crime (option, 30 credits)
Terrorism and Counter-Terrorism (option, 15 credits)
Victims and Crime (option, 15 credits)
Where this course can take you
Successful completion of this degree offers improved career opportunities within the criminal justice system, in particular, the police service, probation service and areas of victim support. Our graduates have become police officers, criminal lawyers and teachers.
