Criminology

Criminology asks some of the most fundamental questions about society: why do people break the law, how do institutions of justice respond, and what does the way a society defines and punishes crime reveal about its values and power structures? It is a discipline that draws on sociology, psychology, law, philosophy, and politics to examine crime not just as a series of individual acts but as a social phenomenon shaped by history, culture, and inequality. Studying criminology develops your capacity for critical thinking about evidence, policy, and the limits of official narratives.

At Northumbria University, this extended degree runs over four years and is built to offer exceptional depth alongside practical experience. The programme includes a sandwich year in professional practice and a year abroad, as well as work placement opportunities, meaning you will engage with criminological ideas not only in seminars and through reading but also through direct experience of relevant organisations and international contexts. The sandwich year allows you to work alongside professionals in policing, probation, research, policy, or the voluntary sector, while the year abroad broadens your perspective on how different countries approach crime and justice.

The typical entry tariff of 120 points makes the programme accessible to students from a range of educational backgrounds.

Criminology graduates are prepared for a wide variety of careers in and around the criminal justice system and beyond. Many go on to work in probation, the prison service, youth offending, social work, policy analysis, policing, victim support, and advocacy. Others move into research, journalism, or community development, where their analytical and critical skills are equally valuable.

The professional and international dimensions of this programme give graduates a competitive edge in the labour market. Those who wish to continue their education can pursue postgraduate study in criminology, law, social work, forensic psychology, or public policy.