Criminology and Criminal Justice BA (Hons)

Keele is proud to have pioneered the teaching of undergraduate Criminology in the UK. Delivered by research-active criminologists who work closely with a range of criminal justice agencies, our Criminology and Criminal Justice BA will help to prepare you for a career within areas such as, policing, probation, prisons, criminal justice and youth justice. With opportunities to engage directly with agency representatives, you will build an advanced awareness of the challenges associated with crime, applying your knowledge to real-world scenarios, demonstrating key analytical skills and an evidence-based understanding of this complex, developing field.

Why choose this course?
• Keele pioneered the teaching of undergraduate Criminology in the UK



• Global Top 300 for Social Sciences (Times Higher Education World University Subject Rankings, 2022)



• Focus on the application of knowledge to real-world challenges and issues in Criminal Justice



• Opportunity to take a placement year or international year, and to engage with external partner agencies as part of your studies



• No. 1 in the UK. Britains best university, as ranked by students (Student Crowd University Awards, 2022)



Keele’s Criminology and Criminal Justice degree combines a theoretical understanding of crime with the practical application to criminal justice systems. You will explore courts and prisons, policing and probation and the wider range of agencies and institutions that aim to tackle crime, its causes and impacts. You will delve into the study of crime by identifying what is considered a crime, how crime is defined by the law and public opinion, and how the criminal justice system operates within society. This will enable you to build advanced skills, in preparation for an exciting career in the criminal justice field.

As a Criminology and Criminal Justice student at Keele, you will gain experience that allows you to apply your knowledge and skills to real-world scenarios relating to crime and social justice. Our connections with professional industry partners including the police, probation services, and prisons provide valuable insights and opportunities to hear from, and network with, those working in criminal justice related fields. There are also opportunities for our students to gain work experience through placements.

This programme is designed to equip you with transferable skills to make a positive social impact as an independent scholar and critical thinker, working effectively with peers and practitioners on collaborative group projects. You will build a personal sense of social and ethical responsibility and the skills to strive for, and enact, social change.

About Keele
Keele University was established in 1949 by the former Vice-Chancellor of Oxford University. Founded to meet the needs of a changing world, Keele has always had a pioneering vision to be a different kind of university.

We excel in both teaching and research, with some of the most satisfied students in England, and research that is changing lives for the better at a regional, national and global level.

Our beautiful 600-acre campus is one of the biggest in Britain – but all the most important services and facilities are on your doorstep, with accommodation, teaching spaces, facilities including a medical centre, sports centre and pharmacy, and a range of shops, eateries and entertainment venues – including the Students’ Union – clustered around the centre.

Career focused courses, a vibrant student community and a beautiful 600-acre campus – this is Keele.

Whether you’re a passionate natural scientist, or eager to explore law, business, humanities or social sciences, our innovative courses are designed with your future in mind. Many of our courses offer a placement opportunity – just one of our initiatives that prepare you for real-world success.

Recognised for outstanding student experience and teaching quality, we were ranked a Top 10 UK university for student satisfaction across 15 subjects (National Student Survey 2025, broad-based English universities) and achieved Double Gold in the Teaching Excellence Framework (2017 and 2023).

Located in the Staffordshire countryside, but within easy reach of a bustling town, vibrant city and our noisy neighbours of Manchester and Birmingham, Keele truly offers the best of both worlds: a close-knit campus community and an exciting local area to explore.

We’d love to see you on campus soon.