Criminology

What is BA Criminology?
BA Criminology is a three-year degree, or four years with an optional placement or study abroad year.

You’ll explore the nature of crime, criminal justice, and punishment within wider social contexts, examining some of the most pressing issues, decisions, and dilemmas facing societies today. Through contemporary criminological theory, research, and applied analysis, you’ll develop the knowledge and skills to understand crime and its impact on individuals, communities, and institutions.

Why this course
How do we understand crime? Should crime be punished? These are some of the fundamental questions you’ll investigate throughout your degree. Criminology explores crime and justice within broader social, political, and cultural contexts, helping you understand how societies respond to offending, harm, and social control.

As a student of criminology, you’ll study in a lively and supportive environment with the flexibility to pursue your own interests. You can explore a wide range of contemporary topics, from the impact of computer games on crime to terrorism, migration, policing, surveillance, and the control of society.

You’ll join a large and friendly department with a strong research culture and internationally recognised expertise. Our academics are committed to teaching, research, and publication, with leading specialists in organised crime, surveillance and counter-terrorism, environmental harm, visual criminology, and the social history of crime.

Who should apply
Students interested in understanding crime, justice, punishment, and social control
Those curious about contemporary issues such as terrorism, organised crime, migration, policing, and surveillance
Learners who enjoy exploring social problems through critical analysis and research
Future practitioners, policymakers, researchers, or analysts seeking a strong foundation in criminological thinking

What you’ll learn
Crime and criminal justice: Explore theories of crime, punishment, victimisation, and justice
Contemporary criminological issues: Examine topics including organised crime, terrorism, migration, environmental harm, and surveillance
Policing and social control: Investigate how societies regulate behaviour and respond to crime
Research methods: Learn how to design surveys, conduct interviews, and analyse quantitative data from basic statistics to big data
Independent research: Complete a supervised dissertation on a criminological topic that inspires you

Your learning experience
Flexible study options: Explore a wide range of specialist criminology topics tailored to your interests
Research-led teaching: Learn from internationally recognised experts whose research shapes contemporary criminological debates
Practical research training: Develop skills in qualitative and quantitative research methods used across the social sciences
Dissertation project: Undertake independent research on a subject of your choice with expert academic supervision
Supportive academic community: Study within a large, friendly department committed to student success and academic excellence

Careers and outcomes
A BA Criminology degree can prepare you for careers in:

Criminal justice and policing: Police services, probation, prisons, youth justice, and community safety organisations
Public policy and government: Policy development, crime prevention, and public sector analysis
Research and social analysis: Research organisations, think tanks, and analytical roles across the public and private sectors
Charities and third-sector organisations: Supporting victims, reducing offending, and promoting social justice
Further study and professional training: Postgraduate study in criminology, sociology, law, social work, and related disciplines

Many of our courses offer a choice of optional modules to tailor your learning experience. More information about these can be found on the University of Essex website.