Criminology

Criminology is the systematic study of crime, criminals, and the social responses to both. It draws on sociology, psychology, law, history, and philosophy to ask fundamental questions: why do people commit crimes, how does society define and respond to deviance, and how just and effective are our criminal justice institutions? Far from being a narrow vocational subject, criminology is an intellectually wide-ranging discipline that takes seriously questions of power, inequality, race, gender, and the politics of punishment.

At London South Bank University, this three-year full-time programme introduces you to the major theoretical traditions in criminology, from classical deterrence theory through to critical and feminist perspectives, as well as the practical workings of the police, courts, and prison system. You will develop skills in social research, including both quantitative and qualitative methods, learning how to design studies, analyse data, and evaluate evidence about crime and justice. The university offers undergraduate students opportunities from Year 1 to build employability skills, with Year 2 providing chances to apply for placements through a dedicated working module, helping you build professional connections alongside your academic studies.

Entry typically requires around 88 UCAS tariff points.

Criminology graduates go on to work in the criminal justice system, including the probation service, police service, prison service, and Crown Prosecution Service, as well as in social work, youth offending teams, local government, research organisations, and the voluntary sector. The research skills and critical thinking the degree develops also translate well into journalism, policy, and postgraduate study in criminology, law, social policy, or related fields.