Keele pioneered the teaching of criminology at undergraduate level in the UK, and we continue to offer a dynamic and cutting edge programme. You will learn from criminological researchers who specialise in areas such as policing, prisons and community justice, systems of justice and of punishment. Criminology is a rapidly developing field which draws on insights and methods from disciplines such as law, social science, cultural studies and psychology to explore crime, crime control and justice from a range of perspectives. You will examine such issues as the impact of crime on society and on its victims. You will be able to gain insights into how society responds to crime through systems of crime control, the workings of our criminal justice institutions, as well as through media representations. You will gain a critical understanding and detailed insight into the politics and development of criminal justice policy. You will learn about the nature and causes of crime and offending and also explore the methods used to collect and analyse criminological data, which are vital skills for a future career in criminal justice. Whilst studying Criminology at Keele you may be able to apply for opportunities to gain hands-on experience through volunteering in the community and/or work experience with external agencies who work in criminal justice or resettlement.

A Criminology degree from Keele opens up a wide range of career options. Many of our graduates have gone on to work in Policing, Prisons, crime reduction, offender rehabilitation, community safety, probation, social work, youth work and similar careers. But studying Criminology at Keele isn’t just about preparing people to work in crime related professions - our focus is on helping our students to become independent critical thinkers, able to analyse complex arguments, concepts and data and contribute to producing real world solutions to real world problems. We offer students the chance to develop a range of skills and abilities that are in demand by employers, not just in criminal justice related jobs, and our track record for graduates going into a broad range of non-crime related jobs also speaks for itself.