Criminology BA (Hons)

Interested in developing an understanding of crime, criminology and criminal justice? Ready to look beyond common-sense assumptions in relation to crime and deviance? This thought-provoking degree is taught by the world-leading, research-active academics based in our prestigious Law School; they will introduce you to key themes and topics in Criminology and help you to engage with recent and influential research.

This is your chance to analyse the social, cultural, political and economic contexts of crime and criminal justice, taking an in-depth look at the social circumstances of offending, policies regulating crime, and the social response to criminal activity.

You will benefit from our excellent connections with NGOs, charities, and local criminal justice agencies such as Lancashire Police and HMP Lancashire Farm. There will be opportunities for you to visit the prison and engage in collaborative learning, and analyse data from Lancashire Police; this data is then often used by the force. All of this helps you to make professional connections, learn more about criminal justice agencies, and get a head start on your career.

Our unique approach to your first year allows you to have flexibility in your studies from the start of your degree. You will study a range of exciting topics in your first year studying Criminology, such as:

• youth justice
• sex offending
• drugs
• crime and the media

If you would like to take a global perspective on Criminology, you can opt for a semester abroad at one of our highly regarded partner institutions.

Throughout your degree, you will gain vital skills for a career within or beyond the criminal justice system. You will develop your ability to think critically, communicate, speak in public, work in teams, write for academia, carry out your own research and competently analyse data. Assessment is through coursework, presentations and exams with options to produce media portfolios, posters and dissertations.

We’ll also support you if you wish to take on voluntary work experience, with the Citizens Advice Bureau or Lancashire Constabulary's Special Constables, or as a Criminology Student Ambassador undertaking admissions outreach work.

A dedicated Criminology careers officer is available to you, and you can access professional bodies and organisations through our links with them.

Your degree can open doors to jobs in the private, public and voluntary sectors. Our graduates have gone on to roles with Criminal Justice Agencies (the Police, the National Probation Service, GSL UK), the Home Office, the Department for Health, Social Services, NHS Trusts, Charities and the Youth Offending Service. Undergraduate study can also lead to further study options, including: Masters degrees in LLM/MA Criminology and Criminal Justice; MSc Criminology and Social Research Methods; MSc Criminal Justice and Social Research Methods; or PhD-level study.

Careers

Your degree can lead to a wide choice of rewarding jobs in the public, private and third sectors.

Our criminology graduates are welcomed by the Police, the National Probation Service, the National Offender Management Service, and private providers within the Criminal Justice System (such as G4S). Your degree can also open doors to roles in the Home Office, Ministry of Justice, Department for Health, or with a charity linked to the Criminal Justice System, such as WomenMATTA (supporting women in prison).