Criminology

Why Criminology?
As crime and responses to it continue to evolve, this course explores the dynamic field of criminology, examining crime, its impact on individuals and society, and the criminal justice system. You’ll gain insight into forensic investigation, community policing, crime prevention and deterrence, with opportunities for hands-on experience through internships, fieldwork and applied research. Key topics include environmental harms, restorative justice, global crime, media influence, and issues of race, gender and youth justice across different contexts.

You’ll develop practical and theoretical skills to understand and evaluate contemporary criminal justice issues, engage in debates on crime prevention, and apply evidence-based approaches to real-world challenges. Learning takes place through lectures, seminars, practicals and simulations, with assessment including essays, portfolios, reports, presentations, blogs and some exams. You’ll also hear from guest speakers across organisations such as Victim Support, HM Prison and Probation Service, the police, and the Restorative Justice Council, with opportunities for research, volunteering and internships. We are committed to decolonising the curriculum, ensuring a global perspective on crime and justice and a critical understanding of criminology in diverse cultural contexts.

Why University of Gloucestershire?
University of Gloucestershire (UoG) is a vibrant, close-knit and diverse community where small class sizes and dedicated personal tutors ensure students receive guidance and support from day one. UoG has been offering a wide range of degrees, courses and apprenticeships at undergraduate and postgraduate levels since 1847.Alongside strong support, guest speakers, networking events, and industry partnerships will help prepare you for life after graduation, whether entering your chosen career or progressing to further study.

Our promises to you

UoG Career Promise – if you are not in a job 6 months after graduating, we’ll guarantee you 6 months of free support post-graduation should you need it, followed by the offer of a paid internship and lifetime career coaching* (*eligibility conditions apply).

UoG Accommodation Promise – we guarantee all first-year students’ accommodation on, or near, the campus you’re studying at.

UoG Connections Promise – offering thousands of placements, internships, clubs and societies to help students find their community and build valuable experience and career connections.

Career focused courses

95% of our graduates are in work or further study, with courses at UoG designed in collaboration with industry partners and shaped by the professional expertise of academic staff. Upon completion of the course, students are well prepared for a range of careers, including entrepreneurship, general management trainee roles, or founding their own business ventures, ready to make an impact in the business world.

Student life

Home to 11,300 students and 900 staff across four campuses, University of Gloucestershire offers dynamic learning environments on the edge of the Cotswolds, the UK’s largest Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. With over 45 festivals each year, global business placements nearby and more than 500 bars, clubs and pubs, Cheltenham is known as the ‘Festival Town’, while Gloucester blends rich history with a modern city feel, from its iconic cathedral to its famous docks.

Visit us

Come and explore our campuses, facilities, teaching areas and accommodation. You’ll get the chance to attend course talks and meet our lecturers, current students and support staff and answer all of your questions.

To find out more information about this course, visit www.glos.ac.uk/OurCourses, email us on enquiries@glos.ac.uk or call 03330 14 14 14

Course Modules

Our course has an applied focus, with opportunities to work with the police and to investigate. You'll engage with the everyday experiences of dealing with crime: the impacts on the victim, the implications for society, forensic investigation, policing in the community, the workings of the criminal justice system, and approaches to preventing and deterring criminal behaviour. Explore the causes and implications of different types of crime, including environmental crime, homicide, terrorism, organised crime, domestic violence and crimes against humanity. Alongside lectures and seminars, you will learn through teamwork activities, mock crime scenes, and research projects.