Criminology

Criminology is much more than the study of crime as an isolated event. It is an exploration of how crime is defined, how it is shaped by social conditions, how different communities and systems respond to it, and what the experience of crime means for those who are affected by it. It draws on sociology, law, psychology, and philosophy to ask questions that go beyond the straightforward and uncomfortable: why do some acts come to be called crimes while others do not?

Who is most likely to be treated as a criminal, and why? What does punishment actually achieve?

At York St John University, this part-time programme includes a foundation year, a sandwich placement year, a year abroad, and work placements, making it one of the most practically and internationally oriented criminology degrees available in flexible study format. You will study victimology and the social responses to different crimes, examining crime prevention, punishment, rehabilitation, and the role of the criminal justice system. The programme challenges you to think critically about how crime is shaped by society and represented in the media, developing both a theoretical understanding of criminology and the analytical skills to apply it to real-world questions.

The placement year and year abroad give you professional experience and international perspective that significantly deepen your understanding of how different societies approach justice and social order.

Graduates go on to careers in the criminal justice system, social work, community development, policy research, youth justice, victim support, journalism, and the charitable sector. The analytical and communication skills developed in criminology are also valued in local government, public administration, and research organisations. Many graduates pursue postgraduate study in criminology, social policy, law, or sociology to develop their expertise further or to qualify for specific professional roles.