Course summary

BA(Hons) Criminology (with Foundation Year) teaches you about crime and the criminal justice system, drawing on sociology, law, psychology and philosophy, and applying theories, knowledge and research to real, contemporary issues. Work with inspirational practitioners and researchers to explore the different perspectives of victims, offenders, the criminal justice system and the cultural forces at play. Learn how to think critically, write reports, interpret data, formulate arguments, and make ethical judgements. You’ll carry out your own research, hear from guest speakers, and take part in work-based learning through our links with organisations such as the Bristol Young Offenders Scheme, the Institute of Psychotherapy and the police. Activities such as volunteering, placements and internships will deepen your professional skills and knowledge further, to make you highly sought after when you graduate. You can also choose to spend a year studying at the Virginia Commonwealth University, USA, to add international experience to your degree. Criminology studies society in all its forms so it’s the ideal platform for many careers. You could work in government, the police and prison services, the court services, the NHS, educational institutions or non-governmental organisations (NGOs) working with young offenders or victims of crime. You could also go into social welfare or the private sector, working in private security or law.