Prepare for your Criminology studies with these true crime stories

Criminology student Maddi recommends true crime podcasts and TV shows that can help you get a taste of what criminologists do, and prepare for a Criminology degree.

As a Criminology student, I like to immerse myself in everything I can that interests me and helps my studies. I’ve listed a few of my favourite podcasts and documentaries to help you get involved before you start your degree.

Unsolved Murders: True Crime Stories

Podcast
This podcast is one of my favourites to listen to – with over 200 episodes, you will definitely not get bored.

Each episode is based on either a new crime story or a continuation from the previous episode, and the hosts will talk about theories, conspiracies and opinions on that particular unsolved murder. The murders they talk about can date back many years or be something from the current decade.

This podcast is seriously too interesting, you wouldn’t want to miss it.

Murder Made Me Famous

Podcast
This podcast is extremely interesting. I listen to it most when I have any spare time and I am able to sit and focus because it's so detailed.

Murder Made Me Famous studies murders that hit the media everywhere – Jack the Ripper, Ted Bundy and Son of Sam are just three of the famous murderers that are featured.

There are many details in each episode about the murderer or the murder case itself, many of which you may not have known before. It's 100% worth a listen.

Don’t F*ck with Cats: Hunting an Internet Killer

Netflix
As weird as the title may sound, this is one of the more interesting and gripping shows that I have seen. It's a true crime documentary about an online manhunt for a man who shares gruesome and upsetting videos of him killing two kittens.

The video leads some members of the public to set up a group to hunt down the killer, but they come across new evidence and details that they may not have expected to, and realise that there is much more to this murderer.

I will warn you that this show is somewhat upsetting and sometimes hard to watch.

The Disappearance of Madeleine McCann

Netflix
If you are as interested in this case as I am, then this is definitely a show that you need to watch.

Each episode takes you through the next stage of the case from the beginning of the family holiday in 2007, to where we were at in 2019 when they finished filming. It follows the story that everyone knows, but also branches off to talk about different possibilities along with different witness statements and evidence leading details.

It only took me a day to watch the whole season, I was hooked.

Kemper on Kemper: Inside the Mind of a Serial Killer

Sky Crime Channel
Kemper on Kemper is a detailed documentary based on Edmund Kemper’s life as a serial killer, but in his own words. This documentary has Kemper sit and talk about his true crime story.

If you think his story is chilling, wait until you hear him tell it. Kemper is one of the first convicted murderers to sit and willingly offer insights to the FBI about his serial killer days, along with many recorded conversations including his initial police interviews.

I find it fascinating to be able to hear real-life police interviews, and also to hear what is in the mind of murderers.

I Love You, Now Die

Sky Crime Channel
I Love You, Now Die turns the true crime genre completely on its head.

This series documents a teenage relationship: Michelle and Conrad were together for two yearsbefore Conrad ended his life and Michelle was charged with involuntary manslaughter. The series follows Michelle’s trial up until she is charged and sentenced.

Although very interesting, this series can sometimes be hard to watch as it explores themes of mental health, psychological and emotional abuse and legal issues raised by modern technology.

I hope, like me, you find these resources an interesting and insightful supplement to your Criminology studies.

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Maddi studies Criminology at ARU in Cambridge. Find out more about this and other degree courses at one of our Open Days.