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Our Criminology degrees

Criminology is a meeting point of many different disciplines – particularly sociology, social policy, law and philosophy.

Criminology at Reading looks at:

  • how crime is defined by law, in public opinion and by powerful groups
  • the impact of crime on individuals, communities and societies
  • criminal justice policy and practice in contemporary societies.

BSc Criminology

Å·ÃÀ¾ÞÈé crime and criminal justice – from causes to controls to consequences – on our BSc Criminology degree.


You will encounter a variety of sociological, criminological and legal concepts, approaches and methodologies. This will help develop a critical understanding of crime and criminal justice, as well as their relationship to government policy and law. 


At the end of your degree, you will leave with a strong grounding in the legal and policy framework, the criminal justice organisational issues, and the challenging, often contested, context that shapes crime and criminal justice.

Criminology careers

Your criminology degree will help you develop your research, analytical, and communication skills, as well as subject-specific knowledge. You will cover subjects relevant to careers in government (particularly civil service), criminal justice (police, prison service, probation service, youth justice service), social work, local government offices, non-governmental organisations, welfare and service charities, campaigning organisations and social research and investigative journalism.

A criminology degree can provide you with the first qualification and the requisite subject knowledge to start a career in one of the many criminal justice or social work agencies. You will also gain a variety of social scientific research skills sought after by a wide range of employers outside of the criminal justice field, such as think tanks and policy agencies.

Scholarships, funding and fees

Students from the UK can receive government loans to help towards tuition fees and living costs. You may also be eligible for grants and bursaries depending on your circumstances.

Undergraduate fees and funding

How you'll study criminology

Our teaching is research-led and relevant. Create your own pathway to follow a particular passion or explore a broad range of socio-legal topics.

Why study criminology with us?

Our cutting-edge curriculum is taught by academics with many years' experience of influencing criminal justice policies. We hold unique partnerships with numerous penal reform organisations.

Life in the School

Learn in a friendly, inclusive law school where our practice-focused approach provides you with multiple opportunities to develop both personally and professionally.