Criminology with Placements

Criminology is the systematic study of crime: its causes, its patterns, the systems society has developed to respond to it, and the debates about what justice requires. It draws on sociology, psychology, law, and philosophy to build a rigorous picture of offending and victimisation, and it is a discipline with direct relevance to some of the most consequential policy questions of our time, from policing and prison reform to drug policy, youth justice, and the treatment of victims.

At Brunel University London this four-year, full-time programme with placements is taught by academic staff who are actively engaged in criminological research, bringing the findings and debates of current scholarship directly into the teaching. The research-active environment at Brunel enriches the learning resources available to you and connects the academic study of crime to the live questions being investigated by professionals and scholars in the field. The programme includes placement opportunities that give you professional experience in relevant settings alongside your academic formation, developing the practical understanding of criminal justice systems that complements your theoretical knowledge.

Graduates of criminology at Brunel go on to careers in the criminal justice system, social research, policy, community safety, and the public and third sectors. Many move into roles in probation, prison services, the police, youth justice, victim support, and community safety organisations, where the academic grounding in criminological theory adds depth and critical perspective to professional practice. Others work in social research, policy analysis, journalism, law, education, and advocacy, particularly in organisations concerned with criminal justice reform and social justice.

The placement dimension of the degree gives graduates a particular edge in demonstrating professional experience alongside their academic qualifications. Further study in criminology, law, social work, or a related field is a natural next step for those who want to develop specialist expertise.