Criminology
UCAS code L311
- Entry requirements
- View full requirements
- Study mode
- Full-time
- Duration
- 3 years
- Start date and application deadlines
-
- Start date
- September 2025 September 2026
- Apply by:
- Starts on:
About this course
Our Criminology degree tackles the problems of crime, deviance, victimisation and social harm in a high quality programme that makes the subject exciting and intellectually challenging.
Introduction
Criminology involves the study of complex issues of crime and criminal justice. Criminologists play an important role in the criminal justice system.
You will be taught by experts who influence and develop policy—some of the world’s most respected and influential criminologists teach and research within our Department. This course draws on the our expertise in crime prevention, surveillance, policing, sentencing, victimology, youth justice and corporate crime. Modules are continually updated to ensure you receive a well-rounded criminology learning experience.
Our programmes are grounded in cutting-edge research and provide excellent preparation for careers or further study where clear, creative thinking is valued. You’ll explore everything from the historical foundations of crime and punishment to the impact of digitisation on social, political, economic and cultural life.
What you'll learn
- Generating and evaluating evidence
- Making reasoned arguments and ethical judgements
- Critical thinking
- Collecting, analysing and interpreting data
- Report writing
- Undertaking and producing research
- Written and oral communication
- Time management and planning
Course content
Discover what you'll learn, what you'll study, and how you'll be taught and assessed.
Year one
The first year of your course provides an introduction to exploring ‘crime’ in its social, historical and political context. Getting to grips with the key concepts in criminology and its wider social scientific roots is dealt with at year one to ensure easy transition to years two and three. Our Studying Society module explores the use of social science research methods and ensures that by the second year, you’ll be fully acquainted with all the skills you need to progress in your studies.
*Some modules may not be available depending on your selected programme of study.
Modules
Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change.
Year two
In the second year, the core modules provide a deeper coverage of the range of criminological knowledge and particular controversies in criminal justice practice. We also explore the role of the criminologist in the world of policy and activism.
Modules
Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change.
Year three
In year three, you’ll have the choice to study specialist subjects in-depth and develop their independent learning. Those who opt for a Dissertation are given freedom to pursue their interest in a topic of their choice, whilst those opting for our Applied Social Research or Social Policy Project module get a chance to combine work experience with academic knowledge. We have considerable experience in combining your research interests with the work needs and aims of local agencies.
Dissertation routes:
You must choose SOCI301 or SOCI303 or SOCI347 or SOCI311 (Semester 1 only).
Modules
| Compulsory modules | Credits |
|---|---|
| DISSERTATION (SOCI301) | 30 |
| INTERCHANGE PORTFOLIO: WORK-BASED LEARNING (SOCI303) | 30 |
| CREATIVE CONSULTANT: DISSERTATION BY PORTFOLIO (SOCI347) | 30 |
| SHORT INTERCHANGE PROJECT (SOCI311) | 15 |
Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change.
Combined degree
Choosing this subject as a combined degree
During your second year, you will study further compulsory modules designed to provide you with a broader and deeper coverage of criminological perspectives and criminal justice controversies. Depending on the weighting and combination of subjects within your degree, you will also have the chance to study modules in research methods, which will make you eligible you complete a dissertation in year three. Dissertation eligibility is dependant on your programme and subject weighting – please contact the School directly for further information (slsjteach@liverpool.ac.uk).
By year three, you will be able to study from a range of areas that include: crimes of the powerful; community and public involvement in crime and criminal justice; the risk society; criminal victimisation; youth crime, youth justice and social control. In year three you may wish to study for your dissertation if you have completed the relevant year 2 research methods modules. Alternatively, you can take the applied social research module and carry out a piece of research commissioned by a local agency. This offers both a great opportunity for you to study in the ‘real world’ as well as an experience that will appeal to prospective employers.
Teaching and assessment
How you'll learn
You will be taught through a combination of face-to-face teaching in group lectures and small class sessions, tutorials and seminars, which are supplemented by opportunities to get one-to-one guidance from academic staff during their weekly ‘open office’ hours. The rest of your study time will be spent undertaking directed independent study, making use of our excellent library and IT facilities.
You will also be supported throughout by an individual academic adviser. Learning is delivered in a variety of formats including lectures, seminars, workshops, tutorials, guided independent study, group work and reflective and experiential learning.
The primary purpose of lectures is to provide you with a broad introduction to key areas and debates on a given topic pitched at the appropriate level of study. The lectures aim to facilitate your reading and highlight issues to be explored during independent study time in preparation for seminars and assessment.
Seminars provide opportunities to explore particular issues and debates in greater detail in a way that supplements and builds upon the lectures. Seminars also allow for greater levels of student participation and such participation will be actively encouraged throughout the programme. Workshops frequently follow the format of seminars but they also may be used to develop particular skills in a teaching context. For example, workshops develop skills in data analysis and skills in interviewing.
Guided independent study may also feature in your learning experience. Group work is a feature of all seminar teaching and group work takes place both within and outside of formal scheduled classes.
How you're assessed
Assessment takes many forms, each appropriate to the learning outcomes of the particular module studied. Most modules are assessed by means of a mixture of essays and examinations. Typically, a module in year two might involve a 4,000 word essay or a 2,500 word essay plus a one hour examination. Some modules are assessed wholly or in part by other appropriate means, such as the preparation of projects and individual or group presentations. The final degree class is based on year two and three marks, weighted in favour of year three marks.
Liverpool Hallmarks
We have a distinctive approach to education, the Liverpool Curriculum Framework, which focuses on research-connected teaching, active learning, and authentic assessment to ensure our students graduate as digitally fluent and confident global citizens.
The Liverpool Curriculum framework sets out our distinctive approach to education. Our teaching staff support our students to develop academic knowledge, skills, and understanding alongside our graduate attributes:
- Digital fluency
- Confidence
- Global citizenship
Our curriculum is characterised by the three Liverpool Hallmarks:
- Research-connected teaching
- Active learning
- Authentic assessment
All this is underpinned by our core value of inclusivity and commitment to providing a curriculum that is accessible to all students.
Course options
Studying with us means you can tailor your degree to suit you. Here's what is available on this course.
Global opportunities
University of Liverpool students can choose from an exciting range of study placements at partner universities worldwide. Choose to spend a year at XJTLU in China or a year or semester at an institution of your choice.
Year in China
Immerse yourself in Chinese culture on an optional additional year at Xi'an Jiaotong Liverpool University in stunning Suzhou.
- Learn Chinese
- Study in a bustling world heritage city
- Improve employment prospects
- Study Chinese culture
- 30 minutes from Shanghai
- Learn new skills
Year abroad
Broaden your world by spending an additional year of study at a partner university abroad following your second year of study.
- Choose from up-to 26 countries
- Experience another way of life
- Inspire your future career or studies
- Improved prospects of earning a 2:1 or First
- More likely to earn higher salary
- More likely to be employed after graduating
Where can I spend a year abroad on this course?
- Australia
- Canada
- Hong Kong
- Malaysia
- Singapore
- South Korea
- USA
Semester abroad
Take a semester of your second year of study at one of our worldwide partner institutions.
- Inspire your future career or studies
- Improved prospects of earning a 2:1 or First
- More likely to earn higher salary
- More likely to be employed after graduating
Summer abroad
Spend a summer abroad on a study placement or research project at one of our worldwide partner institutions.
- Spend a summer abroad in addition to your degree programme
- Study abroad without adding an extra year
- Choose any summer between your first and final year of study
- Get the chance to study subjects outside your discipline
Where can I spend a summer abroad on this course?
- Hong Kong
- Japan
- South Korea
Language study
Every student at The University of Liverpool can study a language as part of, or alongside their degree. You can choose:
- A dedicated languages degree
- A language as a joint or major/minor degree
- Language modules (selected degrees)
- Language classes alongside your studies
Combine this subject
With a combined degree, you can study two subjects as part of the same degree programme.
- Choose from 30 subjects and over 300 combinations
- Choose joint or major minor subjects
- Adjust the weight of your subjects at the end of your first year
- Same number of credits as single honours students
- Same classes as single honours students
- Appeal to a wide range of employers
Explore combined degrees for Sociology, Social Policy and Criminology courses
Your experience
The Department of Sociology, Social Policy and Criminology is based in the state-of-the-art School of Law and Social Justice Building. While teaching takes place across campus, this is your home for departmental support and student life. Just a one-minute walk from the Sydney Jones Library and a ten-minute walk from the city centre, it’s surrounded by Liverpool’s rich history and vibrant culture.
Explore where you'll study
A day in the life of Sociology, Social Policy & Criminology student Bame
Virtual tour
Supporting your learning
From arrival to alumni, we’re with you all the way:
- Careers and employability support, including help with career planning, understanding the job market and strengthening your networking skills
- A dedicated student services team can help you get assistance with your studies, help with health and wellbeing, and access to financial advice
- Confidential counselling and support to help students with personal problems affecting their studies and general wellbeing
- Support for students with differing needs from the Disability advice and guidance team. They can identify and recommend appropriate support provisions for you.
Chat with our students
Want to find out more about student life?
Chat with our student ambassadors and ask any questions you have.
Careers and employability
We will help you develop a range of social scientific, analytical and communication skills, along with a variety of transferable skills valued by employers across various industries—including media organisations, local government, charitable organisations, the criminal justice system and the commercial and financial services sectors.
Our graduates have gone on to successful careers in:
- Public and private sectors
- Social welfare and criminal justice agencies (the police and probation services)
- Non-governmental organisations (NGOs)
Recent employers
- Merseyside Police
- HM Prison Service
- National Probation Service
- Legal Services Commission
- IPSOS Mori
- Shell
- British Council
- Mencap
Work experience opportunities
We invite you to take part in SLSJ Extra—a series of talks and workshops featuring experts from the legal, criminal and voluntary sectors, along with leading professionals and reform advocates from the UK and beyond. Through SLSJ Extra, you’ll see how the fields of law, sociology, social policy and criminology can open doors to a wide range of fulfilling careers. This rich extracurricular experience supports your future aspirations and helps you explore where your studies can take you.
We’re also here to help you make the most of work experience opportunities. In your second-year, you can choose to integrate work experience into your studies. By your third-year, you can take advantage of work placements through our Interchange service, which connects you with voluntary and charitable organisations across the region, giving you the chance to apply your skills in real-world settings. You can also gain valuable volunteering experience with support from our Employability & Interchange Coordinators or by joining the Peer Mentoring Scheme.
Wherever you want to go, we’ll help you get there.
Postgraduate opportunities
Typical courses studied by graduates from this programme:
- MA Social Research Methods
- MA Social Work
- MRes Criminology Research
- MRes Social Research
- Legal Practice Course