Criminology and Youth Justice

Uncover the causes of crime, learn to prevent and investigate it, and develop practical skills for a meaningful career working with children and young people affected by crime.

Crime and youth justice impact individuals and communities worldwide.

This course aims to equip you with essential knowledge and practical skills to support young people affected by crime, whether as suspects, victims or witnesses. Blending criminal justice with safeguarding, education and wellbeing, this course should prepare you for a career in rehabilitation and prevention.

Bridge theory and practice: apply key criminological and forensic theories to real-world challenges, engaging with current debates and pressing issues in the field.
Stay ahead of the curve: explore and critically evaluate the latest developments in crime and criminal justice management at local and global levels.
Think creatively, act impactfully: develop innovative solutions to complex issues within criminology and the wider criminal and youth justice system, preparing you for a dynamic range of career options.

Why you should study this course

• Project-based learning: actively engage in real-world, meaningful projects. Work on complex problems, create tangible solutions and develop essential skills, such as critical thinking, collaboration and communication.

Beyond the classroom: learn the skills involved in educating young people in settings such as secure schools, young offenders’ institutions and pupil referral units.

• Global perspective, real-world skills: explore youth justice systems and rehabilitation using international and comparative approaches, with a focus on transnational and border criminology.

• Contemporary curriculum: examine the links between crime, punishment and mental health. This course takes a child-first, trauma-informed approach to understanding the health and wellbeing of children and young people in youth justice settings.

• Build your experience: develop the knowledge and skills to safeguard children and young people from criminal exploitation, reduce crime, tackle violence and anti-social behaviour, and create better futures within safer communities.

Please visit our website for the most up-to-date information.

Course Modules

This course has a common first year. The common first year enables you to work alongside students doing similar courses to you, to widen your knowledge and exposure to other subject areas and professions. You will have the opportunity to collaborate with other students, so you can share your insights and experience which will help you to develop and learn.

If you discover an interest in a specific subject you have studied, upon successful completion of your first year, you could swap degrees with another course in your common first year (subject to meeting progression requirements).

Common first year courses:

Criminology BA (Hons)
Criminology and Forensic Investigations BA (Hons)
Criminology and Law BA (Hons)
Criminology and Psychology BA (Hons)
Criminology and Youth Justice BA (Hons)

Year One Modules:
The Psychology of Criminal Behaviour
The Criminal Justice System
Crime Patterns and Analysis
Principles of Investigation: Theory and Practice

Sandwich Year:
There’s no better way to find out what you love doing than trying it out for yourself, which is why a work placement2 can often be beneficial. Work placements usually occur between your second and final years of study. They’re a great way to help you explore your potential career path and gain valuable work experience, whilst developing transferable skills for the future.

Final Year Modules:
Psychological Interventions and Evidence - based Practice
Digital Technology and Crime
Victimology
Innovation, Creativity and Leadership

We regularly review our course content, to make it relevant and current for the benefit of our students. For these reasons, course modules may be updated.