Criminology BA (Hons)

Criminology is a fascinating, inspiring, and often provocative, discipline. What is crime? Why do people offend? How do we manage offenders, some of whom might be dangerous? How do we protect our online environments and the people who use them? These are just some of the questions we explore on BA (Hons) Criminology.

Solents BA (Hons) Criminology degree is industry-led, with learning activities and assessments geared towards preparing you for your future career in the criminal justice and policing sectors. An interactive learning style encourages participation, enabling students to practice the skills required for success in the modern criminal justice system. The academic team have years of experience in professional practice, academia, and research to share with you and our support will guide you through the many areas involved in the study of crime.

Designed with input from industry experts, this course aims to deliver an immersive and transformative learning experience through a focused block teaching model. Through dedicated attention on individual criminological themes, students will engage deeply with critical criminological theories and the complexities of the criminal justice and policing systems, without the distraction of competing deadlines.

At Solent, we provide a space where your interests, ideas and insights are encouraged, so you can excel both academically and professionally. Membership of the British Society of Criminology ensures that you also benefit from a wider professional network.

Central to the course is a distinct commitment to employability, bridging the gap between academic rigour and professional practice. The curriculum is innovative and forward-thinking, with a focus on the expanding impact of technology, internationalisation, research-informed content, and contemporary contexts. It is designed to cultivate essential transferable skills - such as data analysis, critical reasoning, and effective communication - alongside subject-specific expertise, to develop agile, confident, and professionally resilient students, who are fully prepared to succeed in the diverse landscape of the criminal justice sector and beyond.

If you’re looking to study our criminology degree but don’t have the relevant qualifications or experience, the social sciences foundation year will help you develop the core skills and knowledge to progress. Find out more about the social sciences foundation year.

This course also offers the option of a placement year. A placement year allows you to put what youve learned in your first and second years into practice in the workplace, gaining valuable real-world work experience before you graduate. Our course and placements teams will help you find the perfect industry placement in your chosen field.

Who is this course for?
If you’re looking for a career path in criminology or a similar professional/voluntary capacity, this is the course for you.

You will develop analytical and research skills that can be transferred to a broad range of careers, not only in criminology-related fields but also within the wider justice and voluntary sector. And you will also be able to make valuable industry connections through site visits, guest speakers and the range of lecturing staff, who remain credible in their research and practitioner status with industry.

What does this course lead to?
Solent criminology graduates will be well placed for a huge range of careers in criminology and criminal justice, from probation and policing services to charity and social service work with offenders and young people.

Don't wait for the future. Build it. At Solent, every module is built around real-world learning, so you graduate with practical skills, confidence and experience — not just theory.

Our career-ready revolution is transforming the way every course is designed, taught and connected to the world of work, to ensure your degree prepares you for the career you want. This isn't a tweak. It’s s a complete shake-up of what your university experience should be, using five key elements: learning by doing from day one, a timetable that fits real life, strong links to industry, an outstanding student learning experience, and careers support for life.

Our world-class facilities are also built with your future career in mind, and include the renowned Warsash Maritime School, Solent Sports Complex with advanced science labs, animation and 3D modelling studios, plus applied mechanics and composites labs.

And when you're not in class? Southampton has it all — shopping, culture, live music, football, cricket, festivals and markets, plus tiny Thai cafes, ghost walks and record fairs. It's friendly, walkable, and one of the most affordable student cities in the UK. With a diverse community and societies for every interest, you'll find your tribe here too.

Register your interest now and join the career-ready revolution.