The study of Criminology which investigates offences, their causes, and societal reactions, is a fascinating, inquisitive, and powerful field that provides students with the knowledge and skills needed to understand and address complicated societal issues. The UK shines as a global leader in Criminology study education, providing sharp-edged ability for investigations, real-world applications, and diverse career possibilities.
Pursuing a prestigious degree in criminology at a world-renowned UK University provides a unique opportunity to delve into the stimulants behind illegal activities, scrutinise patterns of crime, and develop strategies for effective crime prevention and changes in law in this context.
Curious about studying Criminology in the UK? Book a Free Consultation and get personalised support from ScholarshipKart to discover the right universities and specialised criminology courses that match your academic interests and career path. Let our expert counsellors help you take the first smart step.
Join us as we explore the enticing reasons to study criminology in the UK, tell you about the knowledge and attributes you'll receive, and profile the top 10 British universities famous for their courses of study.
Top UK Universities for Criminology
The UK shelters global elite schools that provide criminology study credentials and degrees These hubs provide top-tier research opportunities, field connections, and scholar-led instruction, ensuring that graduates are prepared for successful careers.
1. Loughborough University
Loughborough University stands out for its top-tier investigations of crime, society, and civic rules. Its research revolves around four major themes: fairness, law, well-being, and unity. The curriculum combines perspectives from crime studies, society studies, science of psychology, and legal studies to give students a comprehensive understanding of crimes and civic justice.
Loughborough's research in criminology generates real-world influence, with professionals advising governmental agencies, humanitarian organisations, and employees in the UK and overseas.
The course is highly challenging, testing the boundaries of empirical evidence and methodological thinking. Robust linkages to the Centre for Research in Social Policy (CRSP) provide learners with insights regarding social justice and civic law. Lectures from professional experts and practical experience help students accumulate in-depth knowledge and skills to address systemic bias and enhance justice systems on the global stage.
2. University of Sheffield
For more than three decades, Sheffield's criminology program has left a legacy of outstanding teaching and cutting-edge studies in this vibrant discipline. Its dedication rooted in the Department of Sociological Studies, is to provide information that addresses inequities and encourages new views that drive social progress.
The University of Sheffield’s worldwide acknowledged research and teaching directly influence people's lives and policies by bringing together expertise in sociology, social policy, social work, and digital society.
The Centre for Criminological Research serves as Sheffield's focal point for criminology and criminal justice. Case studies from the real world inform the program will provide a significant introduction to crime and criminology, leading to revealing the most recent developments in areas such as crime trends, restorative justice, policing, and sentencing.
Investigate patterns in crime, punishment, and policing while developing your critical thinking, writing skills, and research abilities. International Criminology MA stresses comparative and global perspectives to examine today's critical topics in criminology and criminal justice internationally.
3. University College London (UCL)
UCL's Security and Crime Science hub in collaboration with the Jill Dando Institute, the world's first institute dedicated to crime science offers a prestigious path in criminology study through its undergraduate, postgraduate and research degrees. Founded in 1826, UCL ranks among Britain's top centres in criminology education. Its criminology curriculum spans varied themes like unlawful deeds, law security work, and the law system.
Learners gain insights into creating evidence-based strategies, knowledge of cybersecurity, forensic analysis and employing refined analytical techniques to comprehend, detect and counter crime and security susceptibilities and deliver reductions in crime. In postgraduate education, you can specialise in cybersecurity, forensic analysis, crime prevention, policing, or counterterrorism.
4. Durham University
Durham's criminology education is rendered by the Department of Sociology based at Old Elvet, famed for research brilliance in criminology. As a graduate, you will mature into a critical, curious social scientist, equipped with real-world experience and current research knowledge.
The internationally recognised professionals engrossed in innovative, socially conscious research on some of contemporary society's most complicated challenges will teach you. Through the popular master's course in MSc in Criminology and Criminal Justice at Durham University, you can gain comprehensive knowledge on terrorism, sex work, legal and illegal drugs, forced migration, law enforcement, cybercrime and applying new technologies.
The course develops a thorough grasp of crime, deviance, and the criminal justice system in a friendly environment. The faculty will encourage you to question your assumptions and extend beyond what is reasonable. The department's age-old setting offers a stirring scene for crime studies and the education's focus on developing sharp thought and issue-solving graduates make it a premier university to study criminology.
5. University of Bath
The criminology education at Bath is rooted in the Department of Social & Policy Sciences, a leading centre in the UK for social sciences. The undergraduate degree in criminology with a strong global focus combines academic rigour with practical experience. You’ll explore fundamental criminological theories, crime patterns, and the workings of the criminal justice system and develop critical thinking, research methods, and data analysis skills.
A Master's degree in Criminology at University of Bath offers advanced study of key issues from a theoretical and practical perspective while examining key criminological concepts, and criminal justice practice and accentuating your argumentative skills with data evaluation and research knacks. You will gain insights into the workings of criminal justice agencies, the formation of criminal justice policy and exposure to new challenges by policy-making, courts and prisons.
6. Lancaster University
Lancaster's criminology study degree, offered by the revered Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences sharply examines crimes via a justice lens. A mind-stretching degree that investigates crimes through a civic fairness viewpoint. Students closely collaborate with enthusiastic educators who value your thoughts and are dedicated to nurturing your growth as a crime expert.
You can network with minds from aid groups, charities, law-keepers, and other law and order bodies. The faculty informs global bodies like the UN and EU, influences drug policies in the UK and beyond and partners with criminal justice agencies.
As a student at Lancaster University, you will delve into examining challenges on topics like drug-related crimes, sex offences, organised crime, and human rights violations. The curriculum weaves theory and practice, offering insights into the prevention of crimes and bringing transformation in law and policy-making. Lancaster Castle, a location of both distress and legality, provides a realistic backdrop that is gritty, disturbing, frustrating, and riveting.
7. University of York
York’s criminology study degree, offered by the revered Department of Sociology, focuses on developing an understanding of society and shaping a bright future through challenging injustice. Students will discover the cultural significance of crime and its impact on people's lives and explore new perspectives on the effects of crime on individuals and societies, as well as our responses to it.
In undergraduate courses, after core criminology studies, tailor your degree to your evolving interests. Before focusing on your final research, learn about the social, economic, and cultural aspects of crime.
By indulging in York's cutting-edge research, you will be addressing contemporary socioeconomic concerns. By studying a master's program, you will broaden your understanding of criminology's major topics, by engaging in current debates, and examining established theories while expanding your essential research skills.
The University of York graduates are valued for their knacks in evidence evaluation, critical thinking, and persuasive arguments, as the course challenges your beliefs about crime and disorder.
8. University of Southampton
Southampton's criminology degree takes students on a compelling worldwide journey through crime, security, and justice. Learn from knowledgeable and motivated educators, who are leaders in their fields, and gain access to a curriculum thoroughly founded in cutting-edge research, presented by the prestigious Institute of Criminal Justice. The curriculum is taught through real-world case studies and cutting-edge research. Students gain practical insights into critical criminal justice challenges.
The highly regarded criminology curriculum allows you to investigate the changing nature of crime and punishment around the world and throughout history and study the causes of criminal behaviour, the impact of victimisation, crime's socio-legal context, societal reactions, the complexity of criminal behaviour, and the intricate details of social control and the probable future of societal authority.
Studying at the University of Southampton, participate in exciting seminars, workshops, and lectures that bridge the critical gap between criminal justice academia, research, policy, and real-world application.
9. University of Exeter
Exeter’s criminology department, administered by the Centre for Computational Social Science, combines theory and real-world application to address critical concerns ranging from cybercrime to judicial reform. With an intense global focus and research-based instruction, you'll be prepared for international jobs in criminal justice and social policy. Explore policing, prisons, and probation, as well as global conflict, transnational justice, and human rights.
At the University of Exeter, you will learn crucial data analysis capabilities such as coding, which are useful in a variety of fields. With an optional work internship, students can obtain 3-6 weeks of real-world experience while receiving a scholarship.
Develop extensive social research and technical abilities for careers in criminal justice, policy, non-governmental organizations, and research. Investigate various crimes and take advantage of innovative teaching methods based on current developments and staff expertise, as well as a variety of examinations that seek to enhance your potential for employment.
- Wrexham University
Wrexham University's Criminology and Criminal Justice degree delves into fascinating topics such as the origins of crime, societal consequences, justice system accomplishments, and landmark cases. Experience the university’s advanced criminology suite, which includes a modern moot court and a 'learning house.'
Site visits to operational locations provide a personal experience with the criminal justice system. Increase your job prospects with a variety of volunteer options. Learn from the devoted, research-active lecturers who have real-world expertise in juvenile justice, prisons, homelessness, terrorism, and substance use.
The university explores criminology and criminal justice from social, political, and psychological viewpoints, with an emphasis on contemporary policing, policy, and court operations. The instructional techniques are intended to boost your experience by incorporating thought-provoking activities, structured sessions, and critical debates.
Meet and interact with visiting judges, police officers, probation officials, and youth justice professionals and gain valuable insights while joining the dynamic Criminology and Criminal Justice Society allows you to participate in participatory activities, guest presentations, conferences, and charitable endeavours.
UK Criminology graduates are sought after by high-profile employers in fields like law enforcement, forensic science, criminal profiling, and public policy, for their keen thought, analytics, and issue-solving facilities. The UK Courses in criminology furnishes a multidisciplinary foundation in the field, and you will cover all the paramount areas of criminal justice and social policy.
Students will cover the disciplines of criminal justice, race and society, policing, restorative justice, prisons and rehabilitation, forensics, and organised crime. You will gain an in-depth awareness of criminology, including the determinants of criminal conduct, the impact of societal frameworks, and the effectiveness of various judicial solutions. Your criminology degree will provide you with an exhaustive knowledge of crime and justice, empowering you to shape policy, improve policing, and advocate for social justice.
Application stress holding you back? ScholarshipKart is here to streamline your application process, navigate the UK visa requirements, and uncover scholarship opportunities designed for Criminology students. Your journey starts with the right guidance.