Criminology

Criminology asks some of the most pressing questions a society can face: what causes people to break the law, how do institutions respond to crime, and what does justice actually mean in practice? It is a discipline that draws on sociology, psychology, law, and politics, using their combined tools to examine offending behaviour, victimisation, policing, courts, prisons, and the policies that shape them. Far from being simply descriptive, criminology is an analytical field with direct relevance to debates about social inequality, human rights, and the organisation of public life.

At the University of Leicester, this three-year full-time BSc connects academic study with real-world debates, drawing on research and frontline practice to ensure your learning is grounded in what actually happens in the justice system. You will examine theories of crime from classical deterrence through to contemporary explanations rooted in neuroscience, culture, and structural disadvantage. You will study the sociology of punishment, the politics of crime control, and the evidence base for different policy approaches.

Quantitative and qualitative research methods are central to the programme, equipping you to evaluate claims about crime critically rather than taking them at face value. A foundation year is available for students who want additional preparation before entering the main degree. You will also have the opportunity to spend a year abroad, broadening your perspective by studying how different countries approach crime and justice.

With a typical entry tariff of 120 UCAS points, this degree suits students who are intellectually curious and want to engage seriously with social questions. Graduates go into careers in probation, youth justice, policing, the prison service, social work, policy analysis, and the voluntary and charity sector. The research and analytical skills developed on this programme are also valued in journalism, public administration, and community development.

Many graduates continue to postgraduate study in criminology, law, social policy, or related disciplines, and some proceed to research careers.