Universities For Criminology in the UK: Acquiring a degree in criminology is an excellent decision.
Criminologists are one of the highest-earning professionals in the world at the moment, and they are in high demand.
The United Kingdom is home to many schools offering a criminology degree. This article will discuss the best UK universities to study criminology.
What is Criminology?
Criminology is the study of crime and the behavior of criminals.
These fields look at the motives behind why people commit crimes, the impacts of criminal activities on people and society, and how crimes can be averted.
Criminology also focuses on the activities of legal organizations, law enforcement agencies, judicial institutions, prisons, and public and private social agencies.
More so, criminology is an exciting field of study.
Top Reasons To Become A Criminologist in the UK
Here are the major reasons you should pursue a career in criminology:
1. A fulfilling career
Criminologists have a good understanding of the factors that motivate people to commit crimes.
So, becoming a criminologist will empower you with this knowledge and enable you to educate people on why they should avoid committing crimes, which is a satisfying way to live.
2. Assist the society
Becoming a criminologist offers you the opportunity to assist society.
You will partner with security agents to find criminals and tackle crimes in the community, making it safer for all.
3. A wide variety of career options
Criminologists can work in several places.
Suppose you don’t want to work as a detective for a law enforcement agency. In that case, you can become a forensic analyst or take up any other job, such as a social worker, probation officer, etc.
4. Career advancement
Criminology is a field that offers opportunities for career advancement.
In a field that is always evolving, you will acquire new skills and knowledge that will make you a better professional.
5. Good salary
Criminologists earn more money than other professionals across many fields. Their work requires a lot of skill, which brings in a lot of money and other benefits.
Is Studying Criminology in the UK Worth It?
Studying criminology in the UK can be worth it for those interested in understanding crime, its causes, and prevention.
The UK has several renowned institutions offering comprehensive criminology programs. The country’s diverse society and unique justice system provide a rich learning environment.
Graduates have opportunities in various sectors, including law enforcement, social work, and policy-making.
However, the degree’s value depends on individual career goals and the evolving job market.
It’s essential to research specific programs and potential career paths to determine if it aligns with personal and professional aspirations.
Requirements For Studying Criminology In The UK
To study criminology in the UK, you must fulfill A-level requirements that range from ABB to BBB-BBC.
How Long Does It Take To Study Criminology In The UK?
In the UK, a bachelor’s degree in criminology can only be earned in three years. On the other hand, a master’s degree program can be completed in one year.
Thus, becoming a licensed criminologist in the UK will take five years.
11+ Best Universities To Study Criminology In The UK
Here are the top schools for criminology education in the UK:
- Durham University
- Loughborough University
- Swansea University
- The University of Derby
- The University of Manchester
- The University of Stirling
- University of Bolton
- University of Leeds
- University of Leicester
- University of Sheffield
- University of Staffordshire
- Wrexham Glyndwr University
1. The University of Manchester
The University of Manchester is one of the best schools in the UK to study criminology.
This school is dedicated to providing a world-class educational experience to people looking to acquire a degree in criminology.
The University of Manchester offers a learning curriculum for criminology students that equips them with in-depth knowledge of the field.
Students are exposed to learning experiences that enable them to acquire valuable skills for a career in criminology.
Moreover, the University of Manchester encourages research in the field of criminology. It empowers students to understand why crime is common in certain societies and how it can be averted.
Criminology students at this prestigious university learn about how data can be used to fight crimes and a range of other advanced techniques used in tackling crimes.
The criminology degree program at the University of Manchester is handled by seasoned professionals who are super talented in teaching and practice.
If a student wants to study criminology, the University of Manchester should be one of the first schools they think of.
2. The University of Leicester
The University of Leicester is another first-class school for criminology education.
This school offers a program that enables students to explore the factors contributing to the crimes encountered in society and how crimes can be prevented.
The University of Leicester is especially committed to providing a world-class criminology education and completing advanced research in this field.
This course is handled by some of the best UK criminologists with many years of experience.
Moreover, the criminology degree offered by the University of Leicester equips students with the skills they need to become top-notch professionals upon graduation.
This school also has a flexible learning approach that enables students to study independently.
The University of Leicester’s criminology department offers research opportunities in addiction and rehabilitation, sexual violence, forensic science, policing, prisons, sex work, etc.
The University of Leicester is an A-list school for criminology education.
3. The University of Stirling
The University of Stirling is another excellent addition to this list of the best UK universities for criminology education.
The criminology and sociology degree program this prestigious university offers gives students the knowledge required to solve crimes in society.
This course allows students to learn about the criminal justice system, the social contexts of crime, the relationship between behavior and punishment, and why people break the law.
This course also teaches students the most recent techniques used in catching criminals and the trending crimes in our society.
Some major areas covered in this criminology degree program include social differentiation, social problems, understanding social policy, the development of social theory, crime, and criminal justice.
Students participate in various school activities that help them develop critical thinking, analysis, and problem-solving skills, which can be used to fight crime.
4. The University of Derby
The University of Derby is one of the best UK universities for criminology.
The criminology degree program offered by this academic institution exposes students to the factors that motivate people to commit crimes, the impacts of crime on society, and how criminals can be managed.
Students of this course also acquire a deep understanding of the problems confronting criminal justice experts worldwide.
The University of Derby’s criminology department also allows students to embark on several field trips to boost their perspective of the criminal world.
This program emphasizes the analysis of crime, the people that perpetuate it, and the differences in the punishments for criminal activities across the globe.
This course empowers students with excellent fact-finding abilities that are very useful in the field and good problem-solving and critical thinking abilities.
The University of Derby’s criminology degree program is taught by well-known professionals who know much about the subject.
5. Swansea University
Swansea University is another top-class school for criminology education.
This school offers an academic program that enables criminology students to acquire a deep knowledge of the structures of the criminal justice system, including the courts, prison, probation service, and police.
Criminology students at this renowned academic institution are exposed to a series of events that empower them with skills valuable for criminology.
This school adopts a flexible educational approach that exposes students to only the areas of knowledge that correspond with their interests and career goals.
Moreover, Swansea University allows students to enroll in placements both within and outside of the UK, enabling them to acquire relevant field experience.
Swansea University is one of the best places to study criminology in the UK.
6. Durham University
Durham has offered the MSc Criminology and Criminal Justice course since 2007. This course is based on the department’s deep interest in crime and justice, as well as the knowledge of its staff.
It discusses important topics about crime and the justice system. Students will learn about crime from different viewpoints, including theory, law, politics, and practice.
7. Loughborough University
The Criminology degree at Loughborough University teaches students about crime, its causes, and how society responds to it. The course looks at theories about crime and how to understand it better.
Students will learn about policing, how the justice system works, and how to help offenders get back on track.
The BSc Criminology degree gives a deep understanding of crime, its causes, the justice system, and rehabilitating offenders.
8. University of Bolton
The University of Bolton offers a BSc in Criminological and Forensic Psychology. This unique course offers hands-on learning both inside and outside the classroom. It lets you dive deep into the minds of both victims and offenders.
This degree from Bolton helps you understand how psychology connects to crime and why people act in certain ways.
Once you finish the course, you’ll be good at analyzing information, problem-solving, thinking logically, researching independently, and understanding social and legal topics. Plus, you’ll know how to present information clearly.
9. University of Leeds
At the University of Leeds, the criminology department helps you understand why crimes happen, how to handle criminals, and ways to prevent crime.
You’ll look into the reasons behind crime, both from personal and societal views and how it’s managed. You’ll also learn about groups like the police, courts, prisons, and other organizations that help manage crime.
10. University of Staffordshire
At Staffordshire University, you’ll learn about the reasons behind crime and how society deals with issues like domestic violence, knife attacks, and drug crimes.
You’ll also explore global matters like terrorism.
You’ll think about the background of crime and punishment and rethink ideas about violence and justice. In your later years, you can focus on specific areas in criminology based on your career goals.
You can study the general subject or pick a specialized track, like managing offenders, helping victims, or studying organized crime and terrorism.
11. Wrexham Glyndwr University
The MA Criminology and Criminal Justice course at Wrexham University is for students, whether they’ve studied this before or not. It helps them advance in their careers and knowledge.
The program draws from the university’s strong Criminology and Social Work background. Plus, students get great support from their teachers throughout their studies.
12. University of Sheffield
At the University of Sheffield, they’ve taught Criminology in the Law School for over 35 years and are known for great teaching and top research in areas like policing and why people stop committing crimes.
In this three-year course, you’ll look at real crime cases and see how societies have reacted to crime in the past. You’ll also learn how to research criminology and even conduct your own studies.
Jobs You Can Do With a Criminology Degree in the UK:
| Job Title | Description |
|---|---|
| Police Officer | Enforce the law, maintain peace, respond to emergencies, engage with the community, and conduct investigations. |
| Probation Officer | Monitor, support, and rehabilitate offenders serving probation. Ensure they follow court orders and don’t reoffend. |
| Prison Officer | Oversee individuals in prison, maintaining security, and aiding in rehabilitation. Sometimes provide counseling. |
| Social Worker | Assist people with challenges like addiction or family issues. Provide support and resources to improve clients’ lives. |
| Crime Analyst | Predict and prevent criminal activity by analyzing data, patterns, and trends. Offer informed strategies for law enforcement. |
| Forensic Scientist | Examine physical evidence from crime scenes, like fingerprints or DNA, to aid in investigations. |
| Detective | Investigate crimes, gather evidence, interview witnesses, and solve cases. |
| Youth Worker | Support at-risk youth, offering mentoring, counseling, and activities to promote positive behaviors. |
| Security Advisor | Provide expertise on protection of properties, assets, or people. Assess threats and devise security protocols. |
| Researcher in crime prevention | Study crime causes and prevention methods. Inform policies, community programs, or law enforcement strategies. |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on Best Universities For Criminology in the UK
Earning a bachelor’s degree in criminology from a school in the United Kingdom will provide you with an in-depth understanding of the criminal justice system and numerous marketable skills. You can get assistance with applying to universities in the United Kingdom from SI-UK if you want to major in criminology.
The typical income is around £27,000 per year. This will depend on where you live and the kind of company you work for. A salary of £38,000 is possible with suitable work experience.
A degree in criminology is useful if you want to work in law enforcement. Criminal law’s principal function is to determine whether or not an individual has broken the law, to identify any resulting negative consequences, and to determine an appropriate penalty in the event of a conviction. Criminology is the study of crime and criminals to understand better and prevent criminal behavior.
Professionals in the field of criminology can choose from a wide range of interesting and rewarding specializations, which may make it attractive to many. There are opportunities for people with varying levels of education, and a degree in criminology can improve your prospects for success in the workplace.
Conclusion
Criminology is the study of crime and the behavior of criminals.
This field looks at the motives behind why people commit crimes, the impacts of criminal activities on people and society, and how crimes can be averted.
Embarking on a career in criminology is an excellent decision because this field offers several jobs that pay well, opportunities for career advancement, and many other benefits.
But to do well as a criminology student at any school, you must be willing to learn, attend all your classes, and study hard.
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