Applied Criminology Bachelor of Science (with Honours) - BSc (Hons)

Top 10 in the UK for satisfaction with teaching in the subject area of Criminology.

Complete University Guide 2027

Should we legalize street drugs? What should we do when children commit crime? How can we improve rehabilitation and reduce crime?

Studying criminology at Canterbury Christ Church University involves exploring answers to some of society’s biggest questions. Our applied focus encourages you to explore problems and challenges related to crime, harm and justice but also to develop sustainable solutions.

What you’ll learn

* The course adopts a broad perspective, examining crimes ranging from murder to environmental harm. You’ll explore the complex cycles of violence which can make groups vulnerable to both victimisation and violent offending and the impacts of mental health and trauma on individuals and society.

* You’ll learn about who commits crime and why, how the criminal justice system treats victims and why the law criminalises some harmful behaviours but not others. Our interdisciplinary curriculum focuses on the intersections between crime, justice and society, examining how broader social issues such as power, discrimination and inequality underpin crime, social harm and crime control and contribute to injustices.

* This course also offers the opportunity to take a placement year in industry or spend a year abroad at one of our prestigious partner institutions in North America. You’ll gain valuable real-world experience, build your professional skills and networks, broaden your horizons, and enhance your employability.

Professional accreditation

The Applied Criminology course adheres to and is guided by the Criminology Benchmark Statements, which define expectations as part of the UK Quality Code for Higher Education.

Specialist facilities

The Criminology team have access to the Canterbury Prison site as this is part of the University estate and our students are able to get involved in research and work in this area. In addition, the staff arrange visits and trips to allow students to experience a range of criminal justice settings where operationally possible.

The forensic facilities include a range of crime scenes, including cars, crime scene rooms, fire scenes and outside scenes and a forensic workshop and range of science laboratories. A wide range of forensic equipment is housed within these areas and the facilities and equipment used depends on whether you study Forensic Investigation as a single or combined honours degree.

We have a dedicated crime scene facility containing eight internal rooms and two outdoor scenes, a forensic workshop, five science laboratories, an incident room, a Hydra simulation centre and facilities to simulate courtroom scenarios, all with relevant equipment attached. One of our teaching rooms is an old courtroom, attached to the former Canterbury Prison.