Criminology BSc

About the course

BSc (Hons) Criminology at Roehampton explores crime, justice and social harm, and how societies respond to them. The course is designed for students who want to understand why crime happens, how criminal justice systems operate, and how crime affects individuals, communities and wider society.

You will study criminology from a social, political and cultural perspective, developing the analytical and research skills needed to engage with real-world criminal justice issues.

What you’ll study

You’ll build a solid foundation in criminological theory and research, while gaining professional skills valued across justice, policy and public sector roles, including analysing crime and deviance, understanding how criminal justice institutions operate, evaluating social responses to crime and harm, and conducting research to support evidence based decision making.

Modules offered can vary each year but may include:

• Crime, Deviance and Social Control

• Criminal Justice Systems

• Criminological Theory

• Youth Crime and Justice

• Policing and Punishment

• Research Methods in Criminology

• Final Year Dissertation or Project

Future opportunities

This degree prepares you for a wide range of careers connected to criminal justice, social policy and community support. Graduates may go on to work in areas such as:

• Criminal justice and probation services

• Policing and law enforcement support roles

• Youth justice and community safety

• Social and support services

• Policy, research and public sector roles

You will also develop transferable skills in critical thinking, research, communication and data analysis that are valued across public, private and third sector organisations. Some graduates progress to postgraduate study in criminology, criminal justice, law or related subjects.

How you’ll learn

You will learn through:

• Lectures, seminars and group discussions exploring real-world case studies

• Research-led teaching informed by current criminological debates

• Coursework-based assessment including essays, reports, presentations and a final-year project

• Academic support and feedback to develop your writing, research and analytical skills

• Digital learning resources are available to support your studies, including online reading materials and recorded content where appropriate.

Facilities

You will study in teaching and learning spaces designed to support discussion, research and collaborative learning, including:

• Modern lecture theatres and seminar rooms

• Digital learning platforms and online academic resources

• Library access to criminology, law and social science collections

• Study spaces that support independent and group work

These facilities support your academic development and help you engage critically with contemporary criminological issues.

Roehampton offers something genuinely distinctive: a supportive campus community in Southwest London, combined with the opportunities of one of the world's great cities. It's the perfect balance, giving you access to exciting career opportunities, world-class culture and industry connections, alongside a real sense of belonging.

Students choose from a wide range of undergraduate subjects, taught by expert academics with real-world experience built in. With a thriving Students' Union, competitive sport and a campus that feels like home, there's a rich life beyond the lecture hall too.

Live where everything happens. With on-campus halls, affordable prices and bills included, you’ll enjoy a hassle-free place to call your own - while stepping straight into a friendly, ready-made community. Plus, Roehampton is ranked the best-value student accommodation in London (Monzo), so you get more for your money.

With generous scholarships, bursaries, and a dedicated commuting bursary, Roehampton is committed to making sure finance is never a barrier. Whatever your background or responsibilities, Roehampton is designed to help you thrive.