About Criminology in Staffordshire University

At Staffordshire University, you’ll study the complex causes of crime and how our societies should respond to pressing problems, such as domestic violence, knife crime, or drug related crime, as well as supra national issues such as terrorism and transnational organised crime. What’s more, you’ll  learn to consider the  social context in which crime and punishment takes place,  and eventually, you’ll start to challenge your preconceptions of ‘violence’, ‘harm’ and ‘justice’.

You’ll explore the relationship between criminological theories and criminal justice policies and practices. You’ll be investigating and discussing the explanations for crime and how the courts deal with them. Plus, you’ll explore the role of punishment and the secure estate, investigate crimes of the powerful, and come to understand the role of the media within the justice system.

You won’t just be learning theory either, throughout the course you’ll develop priceless employability skills while studying core modules that align with the probation training required knowledge qualifying modules. There’s also the benefit of additional expertise in policing, forensics and law to complement the expertise in Criminology. This, combined with opportunities of work placement and the chance to establish future connections during the course, means you’ll leave with the best chance of launching a future career in criminology.

During your time of study with us, you will come to understand the development of the criminal justice institutions (police, prisons and courts) in the UK, as well as the inter-relationships between these systems, as mechanisms to respond to crimes and social harms.

We will consider how different social groups and individuals experience crimes and social harms, as well as the policies and regulatory responses that are supposed to alleviate or ameliorate these issues. During the course, you will also come to understand the construction and representation of crime and of responses to it in policy making, the media in all its forms, and public opinion. We develop in you an understanding and appropriate use of research strategies and methods in criminological research.

You will be taught be research active, dedicated Criminology lecturers who will encourage you to become involved both with the course and also the research of the lecturers.

Entry requirements

To apply for an undergraduate (bachelors) degree you need one of the following qualifications:

• Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC) / Standard 12/ XII with a minimum score of 65% overall

• International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma with 28 points overall
• Successful completion of a relevant International Foundation Year from a recognised UK Institution
• For A-Level requirements, please see the ‘entry requirements’ section on the relevant course page