Criminology

Keele pioneered the teaching of undergraduate Criminology in the UK and has since delivered a research-led programme combining theoretical understandings of crime with practical application of this knowledge. With links to various criminal justice agencies, you will benefit from networks with the police, probation services and prisons to explore real-world scenarios and prepare for a career across a range of sectors. We are proud to be at the forefront of active research, making a difference in society.

Why choose this course?

• Keele pioneered the teaching of undergraduate Criminology in the UK

• Global Top 300 for Social Sciences (Times Higher Education World University Subject Rankings, 2022)

• Benefit from real-world industry experience with a placement year opportunity

• A chance to broaden your horizons and study abroad at a partner university

• Top 15 in the UK for Graduate Employability (Uni Compare rankings, 2026)

Pioneers of undergraduate teaching of Criminology in the UK, Keele provides a modern, research informed programme, taught by active criminological researchers. From day one, you will explore themes of crime control, justice, victimisation and harm through contemporary case studies, building your awareness across a range of different perspectives.

Our Criminology programme draws from diverse social and human sciences to offer a comprehensive understanding of the 'crime problem', emphasising problem-based learning, allowing you to apply your knowledge to real-world issues, challenges and situations relating to crime and social justice.

We have developed professional partnerships with a range of criminal justice agencies, including the police, probation services, and prisons that provide you with opportunities to hear from, and network with, those working in criminal justice related fields. There are also opportunities for you to gain work experience through placements.

This programme is designed to equip you with transferable skills to make a positive social impact as an independent scholar and critical thinker, working effectively with peers and practitioners on collaborative group projects. You will build a personal sense of social and ethical responsibility and the skills to strive for, and enact, social change.

About Keele

Keele University was established in 1949 by the former Vice-Chancellor of Oxford University. Founded to meet the needs of a changing world, Keele has always had a pioneering vision to be a different kind of university.

We excel in both teaching and research, with some of the most satisfied students in England, and research that is changing lives for the better at a regional, national and global level.

Our beautiful 600-acre campus is one of the biggest in Britain – but all the most important services and facilities are on your doorstep, with accommodation, teaching spaces, facilities including a medical centre, sports centre and pharmacy, and a range of shops, eateries and entertainment venues – including the Students’ Union – clustered around the centre.