Criminology

Criminology is the scientific study of crime, its causes, its consequences, and the social, political and legal systems built to respond to it. It draws on sociology, psychology, law, history and political science to understand crime not as a fixed category but as something socially constructed, contested, and shaped by the power structures within which it is defined. The competent criminologist needs knowledge of crime and crime control, the skills to gather and critically evaluate evidence from academic, official and media sources, and the ethical awareness to engage responsibly with these questions.

At the University of Plymouth you will develop all three dimensions of criminological competence across three years of full-time study. You will examine the major theoretical traditions in criminology, from classical and positivist approaches through to critical and feminist perspectives, and explore the institutions and processes of criminal justice from policing and prosecution to sentencing and rehabilitation. The programme includes a sandwich year in industry, a year abroad and work placement opportunities, giving you professional and international experience alongside your academic development.

Criminology graduates move into a wide range of careers, including the probation service, policing, the prison service, social work, youth justice, victim support, policy research and journalism. The analytical and research skills the degree develops are valued across the public sector and in NGOs concerned with justice, human rights and social welfare. Some graduates continue into postgraduate study in criminology, law, social policy, forensic psychology or public administration, while others take more direct professional routes into the criminal justice system through graduate training programmes.