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  • Economics
  • Education
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  • Engineering
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  • Finance
  • Food and Nutritional Sciences
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  • Graphic Design

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  • Public Policy

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BSc Criminology

  • UCAS code
    M900
  • Typical offer
    ABB
  • Year of entry
    2024/25 See 2023/24 entry
  • Course duration
    Full Time:  3 Years
  • Year of entry
    2024/25 See 2023/24 entry
  • Course duration
    Full Time:  3 Years

Join our mailing list to learn more


Sign up to our mailing list to receive further information about our new BSc Criminology programme.

Explore crime and criminal justice – from causes to controls to consequences – with our new BSc Criminology degree.

Offered by the School of Law, this three-year degree is ideal if you have an interest in law, sociology, politics and social policy. You’ll study sociological, criminological and legal concepts, approaches and methodologies, gaining a critical understanding of crime, criminal justice, and their relationship with the law. You’ll also develop a solid understanding of social science research methodologies and ethics.

At the end of your degree, you’ll possess a strong grounding in both the legal framework and the challenges in which matters of crime and justice play out.

Uncover key concepts of criminology

Explore the critical questions that criminology addresses. What is crime? What is justice? To what extent is rule breaking governed by human nature versus wider social context? Whose account of crime and justice “counts” most and why?

Topics covered include:

  • processes of criminalisation and victimisation
  • causes and organisation of crime
  • crime management and prevention
  • interrelationship between crime, social inequalities and rights
  • official and unofficial responses to crime
  • punishment and media representations of crime
  • politics of criminal justice policy.

Where criminology meets law and policy

Our BSc Criminology degree provides you with an education in criminology that is interwoven with the study of law.

You’ll acquire the foundational knowledge needed to produce and understand socio-legal and criminological research, yet the degree is designed with maximum flexibility to allow you to follow your interests. You have the opportunity to undertake optional modules on matters pertinent to law, studying alongside LLB Law students.

Learn more about studying criminology at the University of Reading

You’ll learn via lectures, seminar discussions, prescribed and recommended reading, and the writing of essays and a dissertation.

Join a vibrant research environment

Our BSc Criminology degree strongly aligns with the research and teaching expertise of the School of Law, where 99% of our research is of international standing (Research Excellence Framework 2021, combining 4*, 3* and 2* submissions – Law).

Our research reflects the breadth of our academic expertise, spanning human rights, security, global law, financial regulation and law in society, with a strong concern for social justice matters.

Take full advantage of the School of Law’s research seminars and guest speakers, which offer a different perspective and keep you in touch with the latest global developments.

Previous speakers have visited from:

  • Birkbeck, University of London
  • London School of Economics and Political Science
  • the Centre for Crime and Justice Studies.

Your degree your way

Whether you have a particular passion or want to explore a broad range of socio-legal topics, you can create your own pathway with our extensive range of optional modules, both within the School of Law and from other relevant disciplines.

Possible pathways may include:

  • Sex, Gender and the Law
  • International Law and Security
  • Human Rights
  • Children, Families and Youth Justice. 

Develop your skills in criminological research and practice

Throughout your studies, you’ll receive training to conduct research effectively – beginning with interpreting primary sources and understanding research methodologies.

Your second and third years will see you inducted into the criminological community of practice as you research matters of crime and justice and ethical practice in social science research.

Also in your third year, a dissertation research project will enable you to work with archives and other secondary data sources. As well as first-hand analysis of empirical datasets about crime and justice under the guidance of your supervisor, you may have the opportunity to analyse data and questions connected with live research projects being undertaken by our staff.

Learn from leaders in the field

Our academics regularly feature in academic literature and the media, offering their expertise on current issues. As such, our teaching is research-led and relevant.

  • Learn how research by Dr Beatrice Krebs helped abolish the doctrine of 'joint enterprise' in murder cases.
  • Professor Jo Phoenix researches sex, gender, sexualities and justice, youth justice and punishment, the production of criminological knowledge and research ethics. She has started research centres and networks including the Centre for Sex, Gender and Sexualities, and the Open University Gender Critical Research Network.
  • Professor Marko Milanovic has served as one of three high-level experts assisting the UN High Commissioner on Human Rights on the examination of alleged human rights violations committed in Belarus. He is currently advising a taskforce supporting the Prosecutor General of Ukraine regarding accountability for crimes committed during the Ukrainian conflict.
  • Professor Rosa Freedman is a member of the UN Secretary-General's Civil Society Advisory Board on preventing sexual exploitation and abuse. She works closely with the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office as a member of the Steering Committee on Women, Peace and Security.
  • Dr Alexander Gilder, one of the few international lawyers working on UN peace operations, is at the cutting-edge of research on stabilisation, the protection of civilians, and security sector reform.

Learn more about how you'll study criminology as an undergraduate

Overview

Explore crime and criminal justice – from causes to controls to consequences – with our new BSc Criminology degree.

Offered by the School of Law, this three-year degree is ideal if you have an interest in law, sociology, politics and social policy. You’ll study sociological, criminological and legal concepts, approaches and methodologies, gaining a critical understanding of crime, criminal justice, and their relationship with the law. You’ll also develop a solid understanding of social science research methodologies and ethics.

At the end of your degree, you’ll possess a strong grounding in both the legal framework and the challenges in which matters of crime and justice play out.

Uncover key concepts of criminology

Explore the critical questions that criminology addresses. What is crime? What is justice? To what extent is rule breaking governed by human nature versus wider social context? Whose account of crime and justice “counts” most and why?

Topics covered include:

  • processes of criminalisation and victimisation
  • causes and organisation of crime
  • crime management and prevention
  • interrelationship between crime, social inequalities and rights
  • official and unofficial responses to crime
  • punishment and media representations of crime
  • politics of criminal justice policy.

Where criminology meets law and policy

Our BSc Criminology degree provides you with an education in criminology that is interwoven with the study of law.

You’ll acquire the foundational knowledge needed to produce and understand socio-legal and criminological research, yet the degree is designed with maximum flexibility to allow you to follow your interests. You have the opportunity to undertake optional modules on matters pertinent to law, studying alongside LLB Law students.

Learn more about studying criminology at the University of Reading

Learning

You’ll learn via lectures, seminar discussions, prescribed and recommended reading, and the writing of essays and a dissertation.

Join a vibrant research environment

Our BSc Criminology degree strongly aligns with the research and teaching expertise of the School of Law, where 99% of our research is of international standing (Research Excellence Framework 2021, combining 4*, 3* and 2* submissions – Law).

Our research reflects the breadth of our academic expertise, spanning human rights, security, global law, financial regulation and law in society, with a strong concern for social justice matters.

Take full advantage of the School of Law’s research seminars and guest speakers, which offer a different perspective and keep you in touch with the latest global developments.

Previous speakers have visited from:

  • Birkbeck, University of London
  • London School of Economics and Political Science
  • the Centre for Crime and Justice Studies.

Your degree your way

Whether you have a particular passion or want to explore a broad range of socio-legal topics, you can create your own pathway with our extensive range of optional modules, both within the School of Law and from other relevant disciplines.

Possible pathways may include:

  • Sex, Gender and the Law
  • International Law and Security
  • Human Rights
  • Children, Families and Youth Justice. 

Develop your skills in criminological research and practice

Throughout your studies, you’ll receive training to conduct research effectively – beginning with interpreting primary sources and understanding research methodologies.

Your second and third years will see you inducted into the criminological community of practice as you research matters of crime and justice and ethical practice in social science research.

Also in your third year, a dissertation research project will enable you to work with archives and other secondary data sources. As well as first-hand analysis of empirical datasets about crime and justice under the guidance of your supervisor, you may have the opportunity to analyse data and questions connected with live research projects being undertaken by our staff.

Learn from leaders in the field

Our academics regularly feature in academic literature and the media, offering their expertise on current issues. As such, our teaching is research-led and relevant.

  • Learn how research by Dr Beatrice Krebs helped abolish the doctrine of 'joint enterprise' in murder cases.
  • Professor Jo Phoenix researches sex, gender, sexualities and justice, youth justice and punishment, the production of criminological knowledge and research ethics. She has started research centres and networks including the Centre for Sex, Gender and Sexualities, and the Open University Gender Critical Research Network.
  • Professor Marko Milanovic has served as one of three high-level experts assisting the UN High Commissioner on Human Rights on the examination of alleged human rights violations committed in Belarus. He is currently advising a taskforce supporting the Prosecutor General of Ukraine regarding accountability for crimes committed during the Ukrainian conflict.
  • Professor Rosa Freedman is a member of the UN Secretary-General's Civil Society Advisory Board on preventing sexual exploitation and abuse. She works closely with the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office as a member of the Steering Committee on Women, Peace and Security.
  • Dr Alexander Gilder, one of the few international lawyers working on UN peace operations, is at the cutting-edge of research on stabilisation, the protection of civilians, and security sector reform.

Learn more about how you'll study criminology as an undergraduate

Entry requirements A Level ABB

Select Reading as your firm choice on UCAS and we'll guarantee you a place even if you don't quite meet your offer. For details, see our firm choice scheme.

Typical offer

ABB

International Baccalaureate

32 points overall

Extended Project Qualification

In recognition of the excellent preparation that the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) provides to students for University study, we can now include achievement in the EPQ as part of a formal offer.

BTEC Extended Diploma

DDM

English language requirements

IELTS 6.5, with no component below 5.5

For information on other English language qualifications, please visit our international student pages.

Alternative entry requirements for International and EU students

For country specific entry requirements look at entry requirements by country.

Pre-sessional English language programme

If you need to improve your English language score you can take a pre-sessional English course prior to entry onto your degree.

  • Find out the English language requirements for our courses and our pre-sessional English programme

Structure

  • Modules

We will be updating this page with module information over the coming weeks. You can also register your details with us to receive information about your course of interest and study and life at the University of Reading.

Fees

New UK/Republic of Ireland students: £9,250

New international students: £22,350

*UK/Republic of Ireland fee changes

UK/Republic of Ireland undergraduate tuition fees are regulated by the UK government. These fees are subject to parliamentary approval and any decision on raising the tuition fees cap for new UK students would require the formal approval of both Houses of Parliament before it becomes law.

EU student fees

With effect from 1 August 2021, new EU students will pay international tuition fees. For exceptions, please read the UK government’s guidance for EU students.

Additional costs

Some courses will require additional payments for field trips and extra resources. You will also need to budget for your accommodation and living costs. See our information on living costs for more details.

Financial support for your studies

There are currently five £1,000 scholarships available for 2023. You may also be eligible for another scholarship or bursary to help pay for your study.

Students from the UK may also be eligible for a student loan to help cover these costs. See our fees and funding information for more information on what's available.

Careers

Where can criminology take you?

Your criminology degree aims to equip you with research, analytical and communication skills that will prepare you for criminology careers or further study.

You’ll develop subject-specific knowledge relevant to careers in:

  • government (Civil Service, local government offices)
  • criminal justice (police, prison service, probation service, youth justice service)
  • social work
  • youth work
  • non-governmental organisations
  • welfare and service charities
  • campaigning organisations and social research
  • investigative journalism
  • think tanks.

You may wish to undertake further study to work as a solicitor or in other legal professional jobs.

Careers support from the School of Law

You’ll benefit from our dedicated careers advisor and other employability support offered by the School of Law.

This includes:

  • help with CV writing, placement applications and interview techniques
  • regular commercial awareness workshops and other career-orientated events – such as employer visits, alumni conversations and career talks – featuring practitioners from a range of fields discussing their work.

Introduction to Criminology

Contextual offers


We make contextual offers for all our courses.

Take the next step


How to apply for 2023 entry

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Get a prospectus

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Related Subjects


  • Law
  • Criminology

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