Criminology is the scientific study of criminal behaviour, on an individual, social or natural level, and how it can be managed, controlled and prevented. Criminology falls under a range of disciplines, drawing on sociology, psychology, psychiatry and social anthropology, as well as under the remit of criminal law.

What qualifications do you need?

Entry requirements depend on the institution and course in question. Always confirm the entry requirements for the particular university/course you're interested in.

What degrees can you study?

BSc Criminology BSc Sociology with Criminology BSc Applied Social Science BSc Criminology with a modern foreign language (e.g. French, German or Spanish)

Study Criminology, why & how to study

Q: Why study Criminology?

Criminology offers an in-depth look at modern crime and punishment, and why certain groups may be societally victimised. There's often a high student to staff ratio, so many departments specialise in small group teaching, meaning greater access to knowledge and expertise than on many other degree courses.

Q: What jobs can you get as a Criminology graduate?

Criminology degrees teach valuable transferable skills such as presentation, research and communication. Particular job areas include in the police, prison and probation systems, community and charity organisations, government agencies and further academic research. Several professional organisations offer specialised positions for Criminology graduates, such as the British Society of Criminology.

Q: How will you be assessed?

Assessment is via a range of summative (work which counts toward a final degree classification) and formative (work designed to enhance intended learning outcomes) techniques. Most are essay-based with some written exams. A dissertation is either optional or compulsory in the third year of most courses.

Q: What are the postgraduate opportunities?

Examples of taught MAs and research degrees at postgraduate level include MSc Forensic Psychology, PgDip Law (Criminal), MA Criminal Justice, MA Criminological Psychology, as well as a straight MA in Criminology.

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

CHOOSING A COURSE POSTGRADUATE UNDERGRADUATE

Stephanie Butler 09 Feb 2024

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What’s Criminology?
What Criminology degrees can you study?
What do you need to get onto a Criminology degree?
What topics does a Criminology degree cover?
How will you be assessed?
Why study Criminology?
Are scholarships and bursaries available to students studying Criminology?
What do Criminology graduates earn?
What jobs can you get as a Criminology graduate?
What are the postgraduate opportunities?
Similar subjects to Criminology
Have any questions?

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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).

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Five reasons to study Criminology

Are scholarships and bursaries available to students studying 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.

Read more on what graduates do and earn.