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Study Criminology, why & how to study

Fancy yourself a detective? Study Criminology and explore what contributes to criminal behaviour, and how we can manage it.

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CONTENTS

  1. What’s Criminology?

  2. What Criminology degrees can you study?

  3. What do you need to get onto a Criminology degree?

  4. What topics does a Criminology degree cover?

  5. How will you be assessed?

  6. Why study Criminology?

  7. Are scholarships and bursaries available to students studying Criminology?
  8. What do Criminology graduates earn?

  9. What jobs can you get as a Criminology graduate?

  10. What are the postgraduate opportunities?

  11. Similar subjects to Criminology

  12. Have any questions?

What’s Criminology?

Criminology is the scientific study of crime and criminal behaviour. With this subject, you can take an in-depth look at modern crime, punishment and prevention.

The study of Criminology draws on sociology, psychiatry, social anthropology and criminal law. You’ll look at victimology, the criminal justice system, rehabilitation programmes and much more. 

What Criminology degrees can you study?

Undergraduate degrees in Criminology include BA (Bachelor of Arts) degrees. These have a social science focus. You can also earn a BSc (Bachelor of Science). BSc degrees tend to look more at data analysis and scientific inquiry.

Examples of degrees:

Criminology BA

A Criminology degree will see you evaluating the causes, patterns and results of criminal activity. You’ll gain a deep understanding of the procedures and institutions involved in the way our society handles crime.

Search for Criminology courses.

Psychology and Criminology BSc

This degree incorporates the principles of Psychology into the field of Criminology. You’ll gain expertise in the psychological factors that influence criminal behaviour and enhance prevention.

Find Criminology and Psychology courses.

Sociology and Criminology BA

You’ll study concepts of both Sociology and Criminology to see how the two intersect. Topics you might cover include social inequality, deviant behaviour and sociological theory.

Search for Sociology and Criminology courses.

Other options

You can combine Criminology with a relevant area of interest as a joint honours degree. For instance, Law, Philosophy, Data Science or Social Policy. Or you can combine your degree with another subject you enjoy, such as a modern language.

Universities also offer opportunities like:

  • Integrated foundation year
  • Professional work placements
  • Study year abroad

Find undergraduate Criminology courses.

What do you need to get onto a Criminology degree?

Must have

Entry requirements for a Criminology degree range from 96–160 UCAS points. This could consist of:

  • A Levels: AAB–CCC
  • BTECs: DDD–MMM
  • Scottish Highers: AAAAB–BBCC (Advanced Highers: AAB)
  • International Baccalaureate: 36–27

Good to have

  • Work experience to evidence your interpersonal skills
  • Volunteering with charities, such as those who campaign for social justice
  • Knowledge of topics from books, cases, the news, podcasts, the British Society of Criminology blog
  • Online courses or MOOCs

What topics does a Criminology degree cover?

Typical modules for courses in this subject include:

  • Criminal justice landscape
  • Social research methods
  • Introducing social policy
  • Sociology of crime and deviance
  • Crime, culture and social change
  • Debates in criminal justice

See our list of top 10 real-life detectives.

How will you be assessed?

Courses are assessed in a variety of ways, depending on the module:

  • Coursework
  • Dissertation
  • Essays
  • Exams
  • Group presentations
  • Literature reviews
  • Media analysis
  • Project work

Why study Criminology?

A Criminology degree will challenge you to uncover the motivations behind those who commit crimes. You'll know how to put these into the context of policy and prevention.

Career-specific skills:

  • Insight into society and criminal justice through the lens of sociology, social policy, anthropology or psychology
  • Awareness of inequalities in the criminal justice system, and the new challenges
  • Ability to carry out social research, including quantitative and qualitative research methods

Transferable skills:

  • Collaboration
  • Communication (written and verbal)
  • Critical thinking and analysis
  • Decision making
  • IT skills
  • Organisation
  • Presentation
  • Problem solving

Professional accreditation:

Degrees combined with psychology may be accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS).

  1. GO TO
  2. Five reasons to study Criminology

Some universities offer Criminology students specific scholarships, bursaries, or grants to encourage access. It’s worth seeing if you are eligible, how to apply and what it covers e.g., materials, tuition fees and/or living costs. 

Take a look at our guide to university bursaries and scholarships.

What do Criminology graduates earn?

Salaries for a Criminology graduate will depend on the sector you enter. 

Go into policy work and initial pay at entry level may be around £20,000–£22,000. There is potential to earn up to £46,000 as a senior policy advisor on the government’s public safety group. 

Become a police officer with the National Graduate Leadership Programme, and your starting salary could be £24,000 or more. You could earn more if you progress into other roles such as constable, sergeant or inspector. 

What jobs can you get as a Criminology graduate?

There are many professions you could go into as a Criminology graduate. Some will require further qualifications. Possible roles include:

What are the postgraduate opportunities?

Examples of taught master’s and research degrees at postgraduate level include:

  • Criminal Justice Policy MSc
  • Criminology and Criminal Justice MSc/LLM
  • Criminology PGDip/MA/MPhil/PhD
  • Global Crime, Justice and Security MSc
  • Sociology, Social Policy and Criminology PhD

Similar subjects to Criminology

Other subject areas that might appeal to you include:

Search undergraduate Criminology courses now!

Have any questions?

Ask our experts! You can email ask@thecompleteuniversityguide.co.uk with your question about studying Criminology. We’ll be happy to hear from you.

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