Criminology, BSc (Hons)

Course summary

Explore crime and criminal justice – from causes to controls to consequences – with our new BSc Criminology degree.Offered by the School of Law, this three-year degree is ideal if you have an interest in law, sociology, politics and social policy. You’ll study sociological, criminological and legal concepts, approaches and methodologies, gaining a critical understanding of crime, criminal justice, and their relationship with the law. You’ll also develop a solid understanding of social science research methodologies and ethics. At the end of your degree, you’ll possess a strong grounding in both the legal framework and the challenges in which matters of crime and justice play out.Explore the critical questions that criminology addresses. What is crime? What is justice? To what extent is rule breaking governed by human nature versus wider social context? Whose account of crime and justice “counts” most and why?You’ll acquire the foundational knowledge needed to produce and understand socio-legal and criminological research, yet the degree is designed with maximum flexibility to allow you to follow your interests. You have the opportunity to undertake optional modules on matters pertinent to law, studying alongside LLB Law students.For more information, please visit the programme page: https://www.reading.ac.uk/ready-to-study/study/subject-area/law-ug/bsc-criminology

The following modules have been approved in principle for delivery in 2025/26. Please note that as part of our current curriculum improvement process, all modules require final University approval and may be subject to change. Core modules on this course: Introduction to Criminology; Legal Skills for Criminologists; Criminal Law; Introduction to Criminal Justice; Crime and Media; Advanced Criminological Theory. The University cannot guarantee that all optional modules will be available to all students who may wish to take them. Further information about the content of final approved modules will be available in the summer of 2024. We suggest that you regularly revisit our course page during this time to ensure you have the most up-to-date information regarding the modules offered on this programme. Check our website for more details about the course structure.