Criminology Bachelor of Arts (with Honours) - BA (Hons)

Gain a deeper understanding of how we define, classify and respond to crime, and why people offend on this fascinating Criminology degree - ranked TOP in Scotland for Criminology teaching (The Times & Sunday Times Good University Guide 2026).  

Criminology is a social science, examining the nature of law making and how society is 'policed'.

You’ll cover all aspects of crime, learning how crime is controlled and regulated in modern societies. This involves topics such as:

* Contemporary Criminological Theory.

* Penal Institutions.

* Ethnicity, Gender and Crime.

* Human Rights.

* Green Criminology.

* Drugs and Addiction.

We place a strong emphasis on developing your research skills, which are highly valued in the workplace. 

Whether it is collaborating in teams, assessing evidence, writing reports, researching or completing project work, this criminology degree is designed to make you extremely employable.  

A flexible criminology degree

Criminology degrees here at Abertay are flexible. For the first two years, everyone studies the same curriculum. In third year you can choose to stay on this course, or switch to another 'criminology with' pathway

Work placements and strong industry networks

You'll get the opportunity to do a work placement that relates to the causes or the effects of crime. This gives you essential work experience and networking opportunities.

Our students have been on work placements with organisations like SACRO, Victim Support, Perth Prison, and Police Scotland (Special Constables). Others have worked with Tayside Council on Alcohol, With You (substance abuse support) and ones that support young people at risk of getting involved in crime. Some graduates have gone on to get a job in the organisation where they did their placement, or through the contacts they made there. 

We also incorporate external speakers into the curriculum. These come from the media, business, the criminal justice system, the voluntary sector and local community groups.