Are you interested in learning more about crime and criminal behaviour? This course explores issues concerning the definition, nature and incidence of crime, and looks to use academic theory to find explanations for criminal behaviour. You’ll be given the opportunity to engage in debates on the nature of justice, examine a range of perspectives on areas like policing, investigation, prosecution and punishment, and consider the effectiveness, fairness and consequences of various institutional approaches to crime.

The course supports entry to a range of public- and private-sector careers. You could enter traditional criminal justice occupations in organisations such as the police, youth offending teams or customs and excise. You could also take a more specialist role as a crime analyst in police services, a cyber-security officer, or within fraud investigation, depending on your interests. Suitable roles for graduates include: Police services and policing institutions Prison service Probation Immigration, customs and excise Crown prosecution service Private security and investigations Youth work Public and commercial administration Charity work Postgraduate study Links with industry Your dedicated course team includes professionals with extensive criminal justice experience and ties to the professional world, giving you many opportunities to obtain work experience in criminal justice and related areas, including voluntary or temporary paid work, work shadowing and internships. You’ll also have access to a programme of regular guest lectures from a wide range of criminal justice professionals, giving detailed insight into the criminal justice system and careers in the field – including police, courts, prisons, probation, victims and youth justice services.