Criminology

Criminology is the systematic study of crime, criminal behaviour, and the institutions and processes through which society responds to it. It draws on sociology, psychology, law, and political science to examine why crime occurs, how it is distributed across different social groups, how it is defined and measured, and whether the criminal justice system achieves the outcomes it claims. Far from being a purely vocational subject, criminology raises fundamental questions about power, inequality, justice, and the relationship between individuals and the social structures they inhabit.

At Arden University, this programme is delivered by distance learning, making it accessible to students who cannot study on a traditional campus, whether because of work, caring responsibilities, location, or other commitments. The flexible delivery means you can study part-time at a pace that fits your life, and the assessment approach is designed to develop real-world skills through applied tasks rather than traditional exams. You will engage with criminological theory, research methods, the sociology of crime, policing, victimology, and the policies and practices of criminal justice systems, developing the analytical and critical thinking skills that careers in this field demand.

The typical entry tariff is 104 UCAS points.

Criminology graduates work across a wide range of public, voluntary, and private sector organisations. Criminal justice settings including the probation service, prison service, youth offending teams, and victim support services are common destinations. Social work, community development, housing, and advocacy also draw graduates who want to work with people affected by crime and inequality.

Others work in policy analysis, research, journalism, and equality and diversity roles. Many graduates also continue to postgraduate study in criminology, law, social policy, or social work.