Criminology and Youth Justice

Uncover the causes of crime, learn to prevent and investigate it, and develop practical skills for a meaningful career working with children and young people affected by crime.

Crime and youth justice impact individuals and communities worldwide.

This course aims to equip you with essential knowledge and practical skills to support young people affected by crime, whether as suspects, victims or witnesses. Blending criminal justice with safeguarding, education and wellbeing, this course should prepare you for a career in rehabilitation and prevention.

Bridge theory and practice: apply key criminological and forensic theories to real-world challenges, engaging with current debates and pressing issues in the field.
Stay ahead of the curve: explore and critically evaluate the latest developments in crime and criminal justice management at local and global levels.
Think creatively, act impactfully: develop innovative solutions to complex issues within criminology and the wider criminal and youth justice system, preparing you for a dynamic range of career options.

Why you should study this course
- Project-based learning: actively engage in real-world, meaningful projects. Work on complex problems, create tangible solutions and develop essential skills, such as critical thinking, collaboration and communication.

Beyond the classroom: learn the skills involved in educating young people in settings such as secure schools, young offenders’ institutions and pupil referral units.
- Global perspective, real-world skills: explore youth justice systems and rehabilitation using international and comparative approaches, with a focus on transnational and border criminology.


- Contemporary curriculum: examine the links between crime, punishment and mental health. This course takes a child-first, trauma-informed approach to understanding the health and wellbeing of children and young people in youth justice settings.


- Build your experience: develop the knowledge and skills to safeguard children and young people from criminal exploitation, reduce crime, tackle violence and anti-social behaviour, and create better futures within safer communities.


Please visit our website for the most up-to-date information.

Coventry University, part of Coventry University Group, is a modern, globally connected university with a mission to create better futures. Founded in 1843 through innovation and enterprise, they continue to work closely with industry to equip their graduates with the real-world skills and creative thinking they need to make a difference.

Coventry is also a Top 5 Student City in England (QS Best Student Cities Index 2026), and they guarantee accommodation if you apply through Clearing. With campuses across Coventry, London, Scarborough, Dagenham, and Greenwich, you can choose to study where it suits you best.

They're rated overall Gold in TEF 2023, recognising the quality of their teaching and student experience. From academic and wellbeing support to their Phoenix+ programme of employability activities and dedicated Success Coaches, they’re with you every step of the way.