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)

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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.

Studying Criminology will allow you to focus primarily on factors that contribute to criminal behaviour and how to manage them.

CHOOSING A COURSE POSTGRADUATE UNDERGRADUATE

Tamsin Mosse 15 Sep 2023

Bookmark article

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?

What’s Criminology?

Criminology is the scientific study of crime and criminal behaviour. It offers an in-depth look at modern crime, punishment, prevention, and why certain groups may be societally victimised.

The study of criminology draws on sociology, psychology, psychiatry and social anthropology, as well as criminal law.

What Criminology degrees can you study?

Undergraduate degrees in Criminology include:

Options may include an integrated foundation year, professional experience, or a year abroad.

What do you need to get onto a Criminology degree?

Must have

Entry requirements for a Criminology degree at a university 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 on topics of interest from books, cases, the news, the British Society of Criminology blog, or listening to podcasts
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

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 continually challenge you to uncover the motivations behind those who commit crimes, putting these into the context of policy and prevention.

Career-specific skills:

Insights into society and criminal justice through the lens of sociology, social policy, anthropology or psychology
Awareness of inequalities in the criminal justice system, and new challenges arising
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)

GO TO
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 so it’s worth seeing if you are eligible, how to apply and what it covers e.g., materials, tuition fees and/or living costs.  

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 with 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+. You could earn more if you progress into other roles such as constable, sergeant or inspector.

Read more on what graduates do and earn here.

What jobs can you get as a Criminology graduate?

There’s a vast array of professions you could go into as a Criminology graduate although some will require further qualifications. Possible roles include: