Study Criminology: A Comprehensive Subject Guide
In a world shaped by complex social dynamics and ever-evolving legal systems, the study of criminology emerges as a beacon of understanding, shedding light on the intricate web of crime, justice, and its profound impact on society. Aspiring minds seeking to explore this captivating realm need not look further than the United Kingdom, where criminology is not just a subject but a journey of discovery. In this article, we’ll navigate the fascinating landscape of criminology, offering insights, resources, and pathways for those intrigued by the pursuit of justice.
Table of Contents
What is Criminology?
Criminology is a multidisciplinary field of study that seeks to understand, analyse, and address the complex phenomenon of crime. It is a branch of social science that explores the causes, consequences, and prevention of criminal behaviour, as well as the functioning of the criminal justice system. At its core, criminology is a field that attempts to answer fundamental questions about crime and its impact on society.
Why Study Criminology?
Studying criminology is not merely an academic pursuit; it is an exploration of the very fabric that holds societies together. Delving into the field of criminology offers a multitude of compelling reasons that make it an essential and intellectually stimulating choice.
Understanding Human Behaviour: At its core, criminology seeks to unravel the motivations and actions behind criminal behaviour. By studying criminology, you gain a deeper insight into the complexities of human conduct, probing the psychological, social, and economic factors that drive individuals towards crime.
Contributing to Justice: Criminologists play a vital role in the justice system. They help identify patterns of criminal activity, study the effectiveness of laws and policies, and advocate for reforms. By studying criminology, you have the opportunity to contribute to a fair and just society by working towards the prevention and resolution of crimes.
Intellectual Challenge: Criminology is a dynamic and evolving field. It challenges you to think critically, analyse data, and develop innovative solutions to complex problems. It’s a discipline that constantly adapts to new trends and issues in society, making it intellectually stimulating and rewarding.
Best Universities for Criminology in the UK
Criminology represents one of the biggest branches of sociology today. Here is a list of the top UK universities in the field of sociology according to the latest QS World University Rankings.
| Rank | Institution | Entry Standards | Student Satisfaction | Research Quality | Continuation | Graduate prospects outcomes | Graduate prospects on track | Overall Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | University of Cambridge | 195 | 3.54 | 99.2 | 94.0 | 78.0 | 100.0 | |
| 2 | University of Oxford | 183 | 3.98 | 3.55 | 92.0 | 92.0 | 97.0 | |
| 3 | University of Bath | 155 | 3.97 | 3.39 | 97.2 | 88.0 | 82.0 | 89.9 |
| 4 | University of Glasgow | 206 | 3.82 | 3.46 | 97.1 | 66.0 | 80.0 | 87.7 |
| 5 | London School of Economics and Political Science, University of London | 171 | 4.07 | 3.37 | 100.0 | 58.0 | 56.0 | 87.6 |
| 6 | Loughborough University | 155 | 3.73 | 3.57 | 98.2 | 70.0 | 72.0 | 87.2 |
| 7 | University of Bristol | 164 | 3.57 | 3.22 | 97.1 | 70.0 | 78.0 | 86.5 |
| 8 | Durham University | 158 | 4.02 | 3.23 | 94.0 | 68.0 | 78.0 | 86.0 |
| 9 | University of Warwick | 147 | 3.96 | 3.29 | 94.3 | 74.0 | 80.0 | 85.7 |
| 10 | UCL (University College London) | 183 | 3.76 | 99.3 | 76.0 | 76.0 | 84.9 | |
| 11 | University of Manchester | 152 | 3.62 | 3.51 | 96.7 | 62.0 | 72.0 | 84.8 |
| 12 | The University of Edinburgh | 188 | 3.50 | 3.24 | 99.4 | 54.0 | 64.0 | 84.8 |
| 13 | University of Birmingham | 142 | 3.85 | 3.42 | 96.3 | 70.0 | 68.0 | 84.8 |
| 14 | University of York | 149 | 3.79 | 3.47 | 97.1 | 60.0 | 68.0 | 84.5 |
| 15 | University of Leeds | 148 | 3.58 | 3.17 | 96.7 | 68.0 | 76.0 | 84.1 |
| 16 | University of Nottingham | 144 | 3.71 | 3.32 | 96.1 | 68.0 | 70.0 | 84.0 |
| 17 | Lancaster University | 147 | 3.80 | 3.41 | 98.4 | 58.0 | 62.0 | 84.0 |
| 18 | University of Exeter | 157 | 3.91 | 3.16 | 94.5 | 66.0 | 54.0 | 83.7 |
| 19 | University of Surrey | 132 | 4.10 | 3.22 | 96.1 | 68.0 | 70.0 | 83.6 |
| 20 | Cardiff University | 149 | 3.81 | 3.29 | 95.1 | 64.0 | 60.0 | 83.2 |
| 21 | University of Southampton | 142 | 3.84 | 3.53 | 97.1 | 54.0 | 56.0 | 82.7 |
| 22 | University of Sheffield | 142 | 3.80 | 2.91 | 95.6 | 68.0 | 72.0 | 82.6 |
| 23 | Swansea University | 137 | 3.97 | 3.14 | 95.6 | 62.0 | 68.0 | 82.4 |
| 24 | University of Aberdeen | 177 | 4.01 | 2.86 | 94.3 | 68.0 | 70.0 | 81.8 |
| 25 | Glyndwr University, Wrexham | 108 | 4.66 | 2.38 | 100.0 | 62.0 | 92.0 | 81.6 |
| 26 | University of Stirling | 192 | 3.79 | 3.22 | 92.8 | 52.0 | 70.0 | 81.4 |
| 27 | University of Leicester | 125 | 3.88 | 3.18 | 97.7 | 58.0 | 66.0 | 81.2 |
| 28 | University of Liverpool | 137 | 3.13 | 3.32 | 97.2 | 64.0 | 68.0 | 81.1 |
| 29 | Aston University, Birmingham | 126 | 3.71 | 2.99 | 95.5 | 66.0 | 76.0 | 80.8 |
| 30 | University of East Anglia UEA | 138 | 3.55 | 3.53 | 89.6 | 54.0 | 90.0 | 80.7 |
| 31 | City, University of London | 130 | 3.52 | 3.43 | 96.0 | 60.0 | 66.0 | 80.7 |
| 32 | University of Kent | 117 | 3.68 | 3.56 | 95.8 | 60.0 | 70.0 | 80.6 |
| 33 | University of Hull | 122 | 3.94 | 3.30 | 93.8 | 60.0 | 70.0 | 80.4 |
| 34 | Edinburgh Napier University | 175 | 4.03 | 2.99 | 94.8 | 56.0 | 66.0 | 80.0 |
| 35 | Queen's University Belfast | 141 | 3.70 | 3.34 | 94.9 | 52.0 | 44.0 | 79.6 |
| 36 | Royal Holloway, University of London | 132 | 3.76 | 2.97 | 95.6 | 56.0 | 60.0 | 79.4 |
| 37 | University of Sussex | 128 | 3.55 | 3.28 | 94.5 | 58.0 | 60.0 | 79.1 |
| 38 | Keele University | 122 | 3.72 | 2.92 | 94.2 | 62.0 | 70.0 | 78.6 |
| 39 | University of Worcester | 121 | 4.24 | 2.39 | 92.9 | 66.0 | 74.0 | 78.4 |
| 40 | University of Lincoln | 120 | 3.82 | 3.33 | 96.6 | 46.0 | 56.0 | 78.4 |
| 41 | Nottingham Trent University | 120 | 3.88 | 2.82 | 96.5 | 58.0 | 66.0 | 78.4 |
| 42 | Newcastle University | 139 | 3.35 | 3.08 | 96.5 | 48.0 | 58.0 | 78.3 |
| 43 | Manchester Metropolitan University | 124 | 3.91 | 2.82 | 92.9 | 64.0 | 62.0 | 78.3 |
| 44 | Bangor University | 128 | 3.82 | 2.81 | 97.6 | 44.0 | 60.0 | 78.0 |
| 45 | University of Plymouth | 122 | 3.96 | 3.26 | 93.8 | 46.0 | 54.0 | 77.6 |
| 46 | Brunel University London | 106 | 3.81 | 2.86 | 90.1 | 66.0 | 86.0 | 77.1 |
| 47 | University of Essex | 123 | 3.63 | 3.40 | 88.9 | 58.0 | 60.0 | 77.1 |
| 48 | University of Central Lancashire | 126 | 3.74 | 3.23 | 90.7 | 56.0 | 62.0 | 76.9 |
| 49 | Edge Hill University | 128 | 3.92 | 2.48 | 91.4 | 62.0 | 60.0 | 76.9 |
| 50 | University of Portsmouth | 127 | 3.87 | 2.95 | 93.7 | 52.0 | 52.0 | 76.8 |
| 51 | Ulster University | 123 | 3.83 | 3.31 | 89.6 | 58.0 | 56.0 | 76.8 |
| 52 | University of Sunderland | 111 | 3.84 | 2.79 | 92.3 | 68.0 | 72.0 | 76.7 |
| 53 | Bournemouth University | 114 | 3.89 | 2.18 | 93.0 | 66.0 | 80.0 | 76.5 |
| 54 | University of Salford | 124 | 3.89 | 3.19 | 91.2 | 50.0 | 62.0 | 76.5 |
| 55 | Aberystwyth University | 126 | 4.11 | 97.4 | 52.0 | 78.0 | 76.3 | |
| 56 | Oxford Brookes University | 115 | 3.84 | 2.82 | 92.8 | 48.0 | 68.0 | 75.7 |
| 57 | Northumbria University, Newcastle | 129 | 3.35 | 3.06 | 92.7 | 50.0 | 58.0 | 75.6 |
| 58 | Sheffield Hallam University | 115 | 3.84 | 2.89 | 94.0 | 52.0 | 60.0 | 75.4 |
| 59 | Bristol, University of the West of England | 117 | 3.99 | 2.92 | 92.2 | 50.0 | 58.0 | 75.3 |
| 60 | University of Roehampton | 110 | 3.80 | 2.94 | 90.3 | 54.0 | 62.0 | 74.9 |
| 61 | Leeds Beckett University | 118 | 3.88 | 2.61 | 92.1 | 54.0 | 60.0 | 74.7 |
| 62 | University of Suffolk | 101 | 3.99 | 2.69 | 84.2 | 86.0 | 54.0 | 74.7 |
| 63 | University of Winchester | 118 | 3.60 | 2.29 | 93.2 | 58.0 | 62.0 | 74.5 |
| 64 | Bath Spa University | 111 | 3.86 | 2.73 | 91.1 | 60.0 | 56.0 | 74.3 |
| 65 | Abertay University | 160 | 3.94 | 2.33 | 88.3 | 62.0 | 60.0 | 74.3 |
| 66 | Liverpool Hope University | 122 | 3.85 | 2.48 | 90.6 | 42.0 | 70.0 | 73.9 |
| 67 | Birmingham City University | 124 | 3.93 | 2.41 | 91.5 | 44.0 | 62.0 | 73.9 |
| 68 | University of Huddersfield | 122 | 3.73 | 3.08 | 89.0 | 42.0 | 60.0 | 73.9 |
| 69 | Staffordshire University | 112 | 4.21 | 2.55 | 97.6 | 36.0 | 32.0 | 73.9 |
| 70 | Liverpool John Moores University | 123 | 3.95 | 2.56 | 92.2 | 42.0 | 56.0 | 73.8 |
| 71 | University of Greenwich | 121 | 3.93 | 2.55 | 92.7 | 42.0 | 52.0 | 73.7 |
| 72 | University of Derby | 123 | 4.04 | 2.59 | 91.1 | 42.0 | 52.0 | 73.6 |
| 73 | University of Chester | 126 | 3.60 | 2.25 | 94.2 | 46.0 | 54.0 | 73.5 |
| 74 | Coventry University | 116 | 4.01 | 2.94 | 84.4 | 52.0 | 64.0 | 73.4 |
| 75 | Solent University (Southampton) | 111 | 3.86 | 2.04 | 92.7 | 56.0 | 58.0 | 72.6 |
| 76 | University of Brighton | 110 | 3.48 | 2.83 | 92.3 | 46.0 | 58.0 | 72.6 |
| 77 | University of Westminster, London | 107 | 3.95 | 2.90 | 92.7 | 30.0 | 56.0 | 72.5 |
| 78 | Anglia Ruskin University | 104 | 3.85 | 2.73 | 89.1 | 54.0 | 58.0 | 72.4 |
| 79 | University of Gloucestershire | 117 | 3.70 | 2.53 | 90.0 | 46.0 | 52.0 | 72.3 |
| 80 | London Metropolitan University | 102 | 3.84 | 3.10 | 87.3 | 44.0 | 54.0 | 71.8 |
| 81 | Canterbury Christ Church University | 104 | 3.87 | 2.65 | 89.8 | 50.0 | 54.0 | 71.6 |
| 82 | University of Northampton | 104 | 3.82 | 1.91 | 92.7 | 50.0 | 62.0 | 71.4 |
| 83 | Goldsmiths, University of London | 112 | 3.21 | 3.25 | 83.7 | 52.0 | 62.0 | 71.4 |
| 84 | University of Bedfordshire | 102 | 3.94 | 3.09 | 84.6 | 46.0 | 68.0 | 71.3 |
| 85 | University of Bolton | 107 | 4.40 | 91.4 | 71.2 | |||
| 86 | Teesside University, Middlesbrough | 116 | 3.80 | 2.60 | 87.5 | 40.0 | 60.0 | 70.7 |
| 87 | University of East London | 95 | 3.66 | 2.59 | 88.1 | 48.0 | 70.0 | 70.3 |
| 88 | University of South Wales | 120 | 3.46 | 90.4 | 58.0 | 56.0 | 70.0 | |
| 89 | De Montfort University | 103 | 3.57 | 3.18 | 87.4 | 46.0 | 40.0 | 69.9 |
| 90 | York St John University | 116 | 4.04 | 2.01 | 90.1 | 34.0 | 52.0 | 69.7 |
| 91 | Middlesex University | 106 | 3.74 | 2.79 | 80.1 | 54.0 | 64.0 | 69.6 |
| 92 | Leeds Trinity University | 114 | 3.92 | 87.4 | 42.0 | 80.0 | 69.5 | |
| 93 | Kingston University | 117 | 3.83 | 92.8 | 40.0 | 48.0 | 69.2 | |
| 94 | Queen Margaret University, Edinburgh | 139 | 3.68 | 1.80 | 96.9 | 26.0 | 68.4 | |
| 95 | Buckinghamshire New University | 102 | 3.78 | 91.7 | 68.1 | |||
| 96 | University of Wolverhampton | 100 | 3.80 | 92.6 | 46.0 | 50.0 | 68.0 | |
| 97 | University of Bradford | 117 | 3.69 | 94.2 | 34.0 | 34.0 | 67.7 | |
| 98 | St Mary's University, Twickenham | 109 | 3.59 | 88.7 | 66.9 | |||
| 99 | University of Cumbria | 106 | 3.60 | 89.3 | 66.5 | |||
| 100 | London South Bank University | 102 | 3.84 | 85.6 | 34.0 | 58.0 | 64.8 | |
| 101 | Plymouth Marjon University | 115 | 4.21 | 72.9 | 62.9 |
Entry Requirements for a Criminology Degree
The entry requirements for a degree in criminology in the UK can vary depending on the university and the specific course. Here is a general overview of the typical entry requirements you can expect for undergraduate criminology programmes in the UK:
Academic Qualifications: Most universities in the UK will require applicants to have completed their A-levels or equivalent qualifications. The specific A-level subjects required may vary, but they often include subjects related to social sciences, such as sociology, psychology, law, or politics. Universities may also consider other qualifications like BTEC Extended Diplomas or Access to Higher Education courses.
Minimum Grades: Universities typically specify minimum A-level or equivalent grades for entry. The exact grades required can vary, but they are often in the range of BBB to AAB, depending on the university and the competitiveness of the course.
GCSEs or Equivalent: Some universities may require applicants to have a minimum number of GCSEs (or equivalent qualifications) at specific grades, including English and Maths. This requirement ensures that students have a strong foundation in basic skills.
Additional Requirements: Depending on the university, there may be additional requirements such as a criminal records check (DBS) for courses that involve practical placements in criminal justice settings.
Jobs for Criminology Graduates
Here are the career prospects for graduates in this field:
- Police Officer
- Probation Officer
- Prison Officer
- Criminal Investigator
- Criminologist
- Legal Professions (e.g., Solicitor, Barrister)
- Social Worker
- Victim Support Worker
- Youth Worker
- Policy Analyst
- Security Consultant
- Forensic Psychologist
- Intelligence Analyst
- Private Security Officer
- Researcher
- Drug and Alcohol Counsellor
- Community Safety Officer
- Customs and Immigration Officer
- Cybersecurity Analyst
- Crime Scene Investigator
What do Criminology Graduates do?
Fifteen months after graduation, criminology graduates commonly find employment in protective service occupations, with 15% in such roles. Other prevalent jobs include welfare and housing associate professionals (8%), care workers (6%), HR positions (3%), and welfare professionals (3%). Overall, 65.3% of criminology graduates are employed, reflecting a diverse range of occupations within the field.
Salary for Criminology Graduates
Check out the average salary for graduates in this field:
Low skilled: £18,100
Medium-skilled: £20,000
High-skilled: £23,000
Topics for Criminology Dissertation
Below, we present a diverse array of research areas, each offering an opportunity to delve into the complexities of criminology and make a significant contribution to its advancement:
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The Impact of Social Media on Criminal Behaviour: Investigate how social media platforms influence criminal activities, including cyberbullying, online radicalisation, and digital evidence in criminal cases.
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Restorative Justice Programmes: Evaluate the effectiveness of restorative justice programmes in reducing recidivism and promoting rehabilitation, and explore their implementation in different contexts.
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Mental Health and Criminal Justice: Explore the intersection of mental health issues and the criminal justice system, considering the treatment of mentally ill offenders and alternatives to incarceration.
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Cybercrime and Victim Responses: Analyse the experiences of victims of cybercrimes, their coping strategies, and the role of support services in assisting them.
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Human Trafficking and Modern Slavery: Investigate the prevalence of human trafficking and modern slavery, as well as efforts to combat these crimes and support victims.
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Crime Prevention Strategies in Urban Environments: Examine urban planning and design interventions aimed at reducing crime, such as the impact of improved lighting, surveillance, or community engagement.
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Gun Control and Crime Rates: Analyse the relationship between gun control policies and firearm-related crime rates in different regions or countries.
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White-Collar Crime and Corporate Responsibility: Explore issues related to white-collar crime, corporate fraud, and the responsibility of corporations in preventing and addressing such crimes.
How Much Does it Cost to Study in the UK
One of the most important things to consider is how much the degree is going to cost. Here is a general guide for 2023/2024:
- For home students in England, universities can charge up to a maximum of £9,250 per year for an undergraduate degree.
- In Wales, institutions can charge up to £9,000 for home students. However, Welsh students can apply for a fee grant to cover some of the cost of their tuition fees. This grant is currently not repayable or income-assessed.
- Northern Irish universities will charge up to £4,275 for home students and may charge up to £9,250 for students from elsewhere in the UK.
- Scotland does not charge home students fees at the undergraduate level; however, students from England, Wales, or Northern Ireland are expected to pay up to £9,250 per year. International students from outside of the UK will pay significantly more to study in Scotland.
- International students can expect to pay between £10,000 and £26,000 annually for lecture-based undergraduate degrees at universities across the UK. An undergraduate medical degree can cost overseas students up to £58,600 per year. As for postgraduate degrees, the average cost is estimated to be around £17,109 per year.
Other Subjects to Consider
Given that you are interested in this subject area, you might also want to consider the following options:
Law: A degree in law prepares individuals for legal professions such as solicitors or barristers.
Psychology: Psychology can be a valuable choice, particularly forensic psychology, which focuses on understanding the psychological aspects of criminal behaviour and working with offenders and victims.
Sociology: Sociology explores the social structures and factors that contribute to crime.
Social Work: Social work degrees equip individuals to work with vulnerable populations, including those involved in the criminal justice system.
Political Science: Political science degrees delve into the policies and political systems that influence criminal justice and law enforcement.
Forensic Science: Forensic science focuses on the application of scientific methods to solve crimes.
Public Policy: Public policy degrees provide insights into the development and evaluation of government policies, including those related to criminal justice and crime prevention.
Criminal Justice: While closely related to criminology, a degree in criminal justice provides a more focused study on the criminal justice system itself, including law enforcement, courts, and corrections.
Cybersecurity: In an increasingly digital world, cybersecurity is a growing field. Combining criminology with cybersecurity can lead to opportunities in cybercrime prevention and investigation.
Data Science/Analytics: With the importance of data in criminology and criminal justice, a degree in data science or analytics can be valuable for those interested in research and data-driven roles.
Frequently Asked Questions
Consider your interests, passions, and career goals. Research various degree programmes and their content to see which aligns best with your aspirations.
While earning potential is important, it’s also crucial to select a degree that you’re passionate about and suits your skills. A balance between your interests and potential career prospects is ideal.
Location can impact your overall university experience. Consider factors like cost of living, proximity to industry hubs, and personal preferences.
Evaluate tuition fees, available scholarships, and potential for part-time work. Create a budget to ensure you can manage your finances during your studies.
Consider combining your passions with practical skills. For example, if you love art but want job security, explore fields like graphic design or digital marketing.
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Speak to us today for free application assistance and education advice. Our expert consultants are more than happy to help!