Criminology [with Foundation Year]

Explore the causes of crime, the effectiveness of punishment, and how crime and victimisation are represented in the media. In doing so, you’ll challenge your existing opinions. You’ll also develop skills in evaluating contrasting evidence, critical thinking and crafting arguments by learning how sociologists, psychologists, political theorists and law experts approach crime and complex social problems.

Our BA (Hons) Criminology course places value on hands-on learning. You'll learn through case studies, the latest research and interactive sessions – and you might also have the opportunity for field trips to courts, prisons and sites such as Auschwitz.

We have a supportive community of staff and students at ARU. Throughout your BA (Hons) Criminology degree, you’ll benefit from one-to-one personal tutoring and dedicated Criminology social media groups.

Together, we’ll explore the causes of, responses to, and media representation of the most relevant crimes of today. These include violence against women and girls, crimes of the powerful, opportunistic crimes, war crimes, corruption and urban culture.

You’ll prepare for your future career from the first semester: building a portfolio and CV, attending volunteer and employment fairs, taking part in our annual Criminology conference, and hearing from key figures in criminal justice debates and the authors of important criminology texts.

What’s more, our links to local and national organisations, including Essex, Cambridgeshire and Bedfordshire police forces, give you the chance to gain work experience, and lay the groundwork for your final-year research project. You could also take up a volunteering placement with organisations like Romsey Mill, a local charity committed to overcoming disadvantage, challenging injustice and promoting social inclusion with young people, children and families.

Careers

As a BA (Hons) Criminology graduate you’ll be well-equipped for a career in a number of public services. These include the probation service, prison service (officers and governors), police (crime scene and victim liaison officers), the Home Office (researchers and policy analysts), the Crown Prosecution Service, the Court Service, youth offending teams and crime reduction partnerships.

The multidisciplinary nature of this course, and its focus on employability and transferable skills, can also open doors elsewhere for example in adult guidance work, charity work, counselling, local government, political analysis, and legal careers.