Criminology And Criminal Justice

Criminology and criminal justice is the academic study of crime, criminal behaviour, and the systems through which society responds to crime. Criminology asks why crime occurs, who commits it, who is victimised, and how communities and institutions are affected. Criminal justice examines the institutions and processes, including the police, courts, prosecution, sentencing, and prisons, through which society attempts to prevent, detect, adjudicate, and punish criminal behaviour.

Together, they offer a comprehensive framework for understanding both the social phenomenon of crime and the structures that exist to address it.

At Bangor University, this three-year full-time programme is available with a foundation year for students who need additional preparation before entering degree-level study, making it accessible to students from a wider range of backgrounds. From the foundation year you will progress into the full criminology and criminal justice programme, engaging with theories of crime causation, victimology, policing, sentencing and penal policy, restorative justice, and international and comparative criminal justice. You will study both quantitative and qualitative research methods, developing the ability to design, conduct, and evaluate criminological research.

The programme includes a sandwich year, a year abroad, and work placement opportunities, meaning you will gain direct professional experience in criminal justice or related settings and develop an international perspective on crime and justice.

You will develop strong analytical, research, and critical writing skills, as well as the capacity to engage with complex ethical and policy questions about justice, punishment, and social order.

Graduates go on to careers in the police service, probation, the prison and rehabilitation services, social work, youth justice, policy, research, advocacy, and the voluntary sector. Postgraduate study in criminology, criminal justice, law, or social work is a common route for those wishing to develop specialist expertise or pursue roles requiring higher qualifications.