What constitutes a crime?

This is a Criminology Subject Spotlight with Dr John Kerr from University of Law. An interactive, cinematic course taster experience to allow students to gain insights into what it's like to study Criminology.

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Join Dr John Kerr as he considers what constitutes a crime, with a particular focus on what criminology actually is, the difference between white collar and corporate crimes (with some recent examples from history), and a deep-dive into transnational criminology, thinking about global crime control efforts and the typical ways in which criminals make money. John also poses some topical questions that get you to think about the ongoing global 'war on drugs'.

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About The University of Law

The University of Law is a specialist education institution offering law related qualifications and professional training. The university is the largest law school in the UK and was founded in 1876. The University of Law has nine campuses across the UK in Birmingham, Bristol, Chester, Guildford, Leeds, London, Manchester, Nottingham and Sheffield. It also has an international campus in Hong Kong. Uniquely, the University of Law also delivers law programmes at a number of partnered universities across the country, including the University of Exeter and the University of Liverpool.

Meet the academics

Dr John Kerr

Dr John Kerr is the Head of Policing and Criminology at The University of Law. Prior to joining ULaw, he was Deputy Head of Social Sciences at the University of Roehampton. He has also worked at City, University of London and London South Bank University. Prior to becoming an academic, John lived in Latin America and Spain. He also worked as an art installer in London and it was this job that fuelled his fascination in art crimes. John’s research interests are in Policing and Criminology. His book on the Securitisation and Policing of Art Theft in London was published in 2015. He has also published articles and chapters in leading Policing and Criminology journals and books, spoken at national and international conferences, and appeared in print and television media.

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Remarkable & relatable academics

Learn from some of the UK's finest and most decorated academics as they give you a genuine, insightful, and engaging experience of studying their courses at their universities.

Interactive quizzes and activities

Have a go at fascinating interactive quizzes and activities, then get meaningful and intuitive feedback from the academics to see how you've done.

Content to enhance students university applications

Hear direct from the academics what's expected of you in your university application, and the things you can do to improve your chances of getting on the course you most desire!

Certificate of completion

You'll receive a certificate of completion to evidence your learning - why not add this to your CV and university applications to show your dedication to your future pathway!

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Subject Spotlight?

Subject Spotlights fuse education and entertainment to bring you the new way of researching your university options.

Entirely free and available on-demand, you can choose to engage with the content in the way that best suits you - whether that's in bite-sized chunks or in binge-sessions!

Why should I check out Subject Spotlights?

Get a real, representative impression of what pursuing a subject at university is actually like, so that you can make the right decision for you.

Stand out from the competition by completing a Subject Spotlight to gain the most relevant references and evidence for your personal statement.

Who is this Spotlight for?

This subject spotlight is made for students aged 16 and above, that are considering applying to University, particularly to study the subject in the title, or similar areas.

How should I talk about completing a Subject Spotlight on my UCAS application?

Completing a Subject Spotlight shows the university you're applying to that you've taken time outside of school to engage with relevant content.

The easiest way to include it would be to briefly mention one or two things you learned from it and how/why those learnings have furthered your desire to study the subject. We don't want to prescribe an answer because it's your personal statement but this is a good starting point!