BA (Hons) Criminology at Anglia Ruskin University

Explore the nature of crime, justice and punishment and prepare for a career in criminal justice and crime prevention. You'll learn hands-on through case studies, the latest research and interactive sessions – and might have the chance for field trips to courts, prisons and sites such as Auschwitz. Consider the causes of crime, the effectiveness of punishment, and how crime and victimisation are represented in the media.

Faculty: Faculty of Arts, Humanities, Education and Social Sciences  |  Department: School of Humanities and Social Sciences  |  Duration: 3 years; 4 years with placement  |  Study mode: full-time (placement year available)  |  Intake: September 2027  |  Location: Chelmsford, England, United Kingdom

What you will study

Start by studying media representation and perception of crime and how religion, the state and society have shaped criminal justice. You’ll also learn how the various criminal justice organisations work and interact, and the roles available within them. Year 1: Introduction to Contemporary Issues in Criminology, Criminal Justice in England and Wales, Media, Society and Crime, The Evolution of Crime and Criminology. Year 2: Violence and Confrontation, Revolving Doors: Punishment and Rehabilitation, Researching Society and Culture, Ruskin Module; options include Lessons Learned: Inquests, Tribunals and Truth, Cybercrime and Policing, Sociology of Health Inequalities, Spirituality, Religion and the Secular. Year 3: Undergraduate Major Project - Criminology, Youth, Crime and Aggression, Criminology and Policing in Policy and Practice; options include Exploitation, Trafficking and Sexual Violence, Race, Racism and Ethnic Identity, Investigative Psychology, Global Feminisms.

Career pathways

Prepare for your future career from the first semester: build a portfolio and CV, attend volunteer and employment fairs, take part in our annual Criminology conference, and hear from key figures in criminal justice. Our links to local and national organisations, including Essex, Cambridgeshire and Bedfordshire police forces, will give you the chance to gain work experience and build your network.

Official programme page