Criminology

Our criminology courses rank in the UK top 20 overall in their subject field (The Guardian University Guide, 2026).

Our BSc (Hons) Criminology offers a dynamic exploration of crime, justice and society. You examine why individuals offend, how crime is controlled and how criminological theories apply to real-world contexts. The course builds a strong foundation in criminal behaviour, justice systems and offender rehabilitation. After studying these core topics, you can then tailor your learning through optional units aligned with your interests and career goals. These include areas such as youth justice, cybercrime, data analytics, probation, and serious and organised crime (which covers gangs, terrorism, homicide and hate crime). Graduates of this course are well-prepared for a variety of career paths within the UK.

Facilities and specialist equipment

• Simulated scene-of-crime laboratory designed as a modern flat to replicate real-world crime scenarios

• Mock custody suite

• Modern library with extensive range of physical and digital resources

• Bespoke lecture theatres, presentation rooms, group study spaces and socialising space

Career-powered links
We have robust associations with criminal justice stakeholders, local councils, companies, the voluntary sector and practitioners, which open up opportunities for volunteering and work placements in the community or in practice.

Your student experience
Put theory into practice through voluntary work and simulated crime scenarios embedded into the course units.
Benefit from our links with local charities and volunteering organisations (Victim Support, Youth Offending Team, Luton Women’s Aid and Luton Women’s Centre), Luton Council and Bedfordshire Police as well as regular industry visitors and guest speakers such as experts from HMP Wells and local police forces.
Gain specialist knowledge thanks to subject-relevant field trips to The Old Bailey and Royal Courts of Justice.
Develop your research skills and ability to make sound judgements based on in-depth knowledge.
Specialised learning support and guidance from academic success coaches.
Explore your commitment to the principle of equal opportunities and anti-discriminatory practice.
Interact with local charities, policymakers and community influencers with our #SASS Change Maker initiative, which aims to increase awareness of and response to topical societal issues.

Course modules

In your second year, you undertake 300 hours of work-focused learning and placement experience.

To build your academic and research skills, we include special units that prepare you for researching and writing your assessments and final-year dissertation: Introducing academic skills (Year 1); Research 1: collecting data and Research 2: exploring data (Year 2).

Year 1
Introduction to criminology and criminal justice – Explore the key theories put forward to explain crime, deviance and offending behaviour. Introduction to research and social enquiry – How and why we carry out social science research, and the current debates in the field. Career planning for social scientists – Consider possible graduate destinations, pulling together your own personal development plan. Identities, inequalities and human rights – Understand the concept of ‘social harm’ as well as the role of race, gender and class in a globalised, multicultural world. Law, society and crime – Learn how the law, criminal justice system and society interact and influence each other.

Year 2
Crimes of the powerful – Explore offences committed by individuals in positions of authority across business, politics and finance. Cybercrime – How technology has created a new form of crime that includes cyber-terrorism, cyberbullying, cyber hate, cyber-fraud and hacking. Crime and justice: theoretical approaches – Apply your knowledge and learning to real-life crimes.

You can also choose from two optional units:
•    Prison, probation and offender rehabilitation 
•    Victims of violent crimes

Year 3 
Urban crime – Understand the local, national and global influences on crime and disorder in urban areas. SASS Change Maker project – Deliver a project that will create change and address an identified need in a community-based organisation. SASS Change Maker research dissertation – Create a research proposal, address its ethical considerations, and conduct an in-depth study aligned with your course and career goals.

You can also choose from four optional units: 
•    Violence in modern society
•    Youth justice, gangs and serious violence
•    Terrorism and cyber-terrorism in a global context
•    Applied data analytics for social scientists

Every effort is made to ensure this information is accurate at the point of publication on the UCAS website. For the most up-to-date information, please refer to our website.