Criminology

Criminology asks why crime exists, who commits it, who is most affected by it, and how societies choose to respond. It is an inherently interdisciplinary subject, drawing on sociology, psychology, law, philosophy, and politics to understand the causes and consequences of offending, the workings of the criminal justice system, and the broader social conditions that shape both. Rather than treating crime as a simple category of bad behaviour, criminology interrogates the processes by which acts come to be defined as criminal, how enforcement is applied differently across populations, and what the purpose of punishment actually is.

Studying criminology at the University of Sunderland, you will engage with current debates about policing, sentencing, rehabilitation, victimology, and the sociology of deviance. You will investigate trends in crime, the politics of criminal justice, and the experiences of those who pass through the system as offenders, victims, or practitioners. A distinctive feature of this programme is the opportunity to gain real-world experience through volunteering in roles connected to the criminal justice system, putting theory into direct contact with practice.

The programme also includes a year abroad, broadening your perspective by exposing you to different national approaches to crime and justice. You will study part-time, which suits those who are already working or who have other commitments alongside their studies.

Criminology graduates pursue careers across a wide range of fields including probation, prison and youth justice services, the police, social work, policy analysis, research, journalism, and advocacy work with marginalised communities. The analytical and communication skills the degree develops are also valued in law, local government, charities, and the voluntary sector. Postgraduate study in criminology, criminal justice, social policy, or law is a natural progression for those seeking more specialist or research-focused roles.