BSc Criminology

Criminology is a multi-disciplinary subject which draws on different disciplines such as sociology, law, history, psychology, philosophy, and social and public policy.

Criminology courses at Bristol

The BSc Criminology provides students with an understanding of crime and related social harms and the analysis of public policy interventions which contribute towards a safer and harm-free society. By drawing upon social harm perspectives it examines conventionally defined crimes and other activities or behaviours which may not be criminalised, but cause extensive harm to individuals and society

You can choose to study criminology as a three-year degree or as a four-year degree course with a year spent studying at an overseas university.

Why study Criminology at Bristol?

Criminology at Bristol promotes an understanding of crime and related social harms as social phenomena but also examines which policies and interventions which can best address them. You will be introduced to arrange of topics including gender-based violence, children and harm, drugs, globalisation and harm, as well as corporate and state harm.

Global and comparative perspectives inform many of our units to ensure that you receive a broad appreciation of the international dimensions to criminology. Where possible we promote making links between academic enquiry and practice, for example, by organising visits to the criminal courts, and inviting practitioners to visit the University to speak to students.

Criminology is located within the School for Policy Studies, which provides a supportive environment for students to flourish as independent, active learners. You will be taught be enthusiastic lecturers who are passionate about their subjects and who use their research to inform their teaching, ensuring that you acquire relevant and up-to-date knowledge.

You will be joining a friendly department which is highly regarded for the quality of its teaching and research. The Social Policy and Childhood Studies undergraduate programmes in the School for Policy Studies are highly regarded in the university league tables. The quality of the teaching is related to the research strengths of the school; your lecturers will be leading researchers in their field.

What kind of student would this course suit?

The inter and multi-disciplinary nature of our Criminology programmes mean they are ideal for students who want to develop a broad and holistic understanding of crime and related social harms. They would suit anyone who has interest in understanding these social phenomena and also wants to know how public policies and other interventions can make society safer.

The Criminology programmes provide an ideal platform for anyone wishing a career in criminal justice or legal system.

Our research

In the most recent REF (2021), 97 per cent of our research was rated as ‘world-leading’ or ‘internationally excellent’ and the School was rated second in the UK for research excellence in Social Work and Social Policy (according to Times Higher Education).

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