Criminology (with a Foundation Year) Bachelor of Science (with Honours) - BSc (Hons)

Our Criminology degrees don’t just teach you the theories behind criminality, we help you understand the causes, reactions and solutions to crime. If you study with us, you could either study Criminology more broadly or choose to specialise on one of our pathways.

At University of Staffordshire, you’ll study the complex causes of crime and how our societies should respond to pressing problems, such as domestic violence, knife crime, or drug related crime, as well as supra national issues such as terrorism and transnational organised crime. What’s more, you’ll learn to consider the social context in which crime and punishment takes place, and eventually, you’ll start to challenge your preconceptions of ‘violence’, ‘harm’ and ‘justice’.

You’ll explore the relationship between criminological theories and criminal justice policies and practices. You’ll be investigating and discussing the explanations for crime and how the courts deal with them. Plus, you’ll explore the role of punishment and the secure estate, investigate crimes of the powerful, and come to understand the role of the media within the justice system.

The Foundation Year option is available for those who may not have the academic profile for direct entry onto the 3-year degree. It will prepare you for the Criminology degree by enhancing your skills and knowledge with modules such as, Theories of Criminality and Crime in Context. The Foundation year is taught with the City of Stoke on Trent Sixth Form College, so you will be on the University of Staffordshire Stoke on Trent campus and the college's campus for the first year.