Criminology and Policing
Criminology and Policing is the study of crime as a social phenomenon and of the institutions that society uses to respond to it. Criminology draws on sociology, psychology, law, and political science to examine why crime occurs, who is most affected by it, and whether existing responses are effective or just. Adding policing as a specific focus sharpens attention to one of the most visible and contested of those institutions, examining how police forces are organised, how they exercise power, and how their relationship with communities has evolved over time.
At Anglia Ruskin University, this three-year full-time programme covers the origins and development of criminal justice systems alongside contemporary debates about law enforcement, media representations of crime, public attitudes, and the position of victims and offenders within the system. You will study the legal and ethical frameworks that govern policing alongside critical perspectives on how those frameworks work in practice, including questions about bias, accountability, and reform. Research methods are a core part of the curriculum, equipping you to engage with criminological evidence, evaluate policy claims, and conduct your own investigations.
The programme builds strong analytical and communication skills alongside a detailed understanding of the criminal justice system, and it equips you to think critically about how crime and its control are shaped by culture, politics, and inequality.
Graduates from Criminology and Policing degrees pursue a wide range of careers. Many enter the police service, probation service, prison service, or youth offending teams, while others work in victim support organisations, social work, housing, or community safety roles. The degree is also a strong foundation for legal training, postgraduate study in criminology or criminal justice policy, and research roles in think tanks and government.
Some graduates move into journalism, policy analysis, or advocacy work focused on justice and human rights.