Explore the nature of crime, justice and punishment and prepare for a career in criminal justice and crime prevention.
in the country for the number of graduates going into paid employment or further study.
Source: GOS
You'll learn hands-on through case studies, the latest research and interactive sessions – and might have the chance for field trips to courts, prisons and sites such as Auschwitz.
Consider the causes of crime, the effectiveness of punishment, and how crime and victimisation are represented in the media.
By learning how sociologists, psychologists, political theorists and law experts approach crime and complex social problems, you’ll challenge your existing opinions, and develop skills in evaluating contrasting evidence, critical thinking, and crafting arguments.
Study at an award-winning university
We were named Times Higher Education University of the Year 2023. We've also been awarded a Gold rating in the Teaching Excellence Framework – a reflection of the outstanding education we offer our students.
Prepare for your future career from the first semester: build a portfolio and CV, attend volunteer and employment fairs, take part in our annual Criminology conference, and hear from key figures in criminal justice.
Our links to local and national organisations, including Essex, Cambridgeshire and Bedfordshire police forces, will give you the chance to gain work experience and build your network.
Start by studying media representation and perception of crime and how religion, the state and society have shaped criminal justice.
You’ll also learn how the various criminal justice organisations work and interact, and the roles available within them.
In Year 2, you’ll develop your knowledge of the English and Welsh court system, including its more controversial aspects, as well as exploring how you can make a difference in the world.
Finally you’ll learn more about the youth justice system and how agencies use criminological theories, before pooling your learning in a Major Project.
Modules are subject to change and availability, and may vary by location. If you have the choice of optional modules, these are indicated with a *.
To prepare you for university study, you can take a foundation year at the start of this course. Find out more about foundation years.
You can choose to take an optional placement year as part of this course. Placements typically happen in Year 3, and your course will take four years overall. Find out more about placement years.
Read profiles of teaching and research staff on this course.
Senior Lecturer
Senior Lecturer
Senior Lecturer
Senior Lecturer
Senior Lecturer
Join our student community and benefit from award-winning learning facilities, including extensive library and IT resources.
There's the opportunity to go on field trips in the UK and overseas, and study abroad for a semester with funding available to help cover the cost.
You can access support, should you need it, with study skills, careers advice, health and wellbeing, and more.
UK students, apply through Clearing for a September 2025 start
Call our Clearing line