BA Criminology and Criminal Justice

About this course

Criminology and criminal justice is the systematic study of crime, those who commit it, the systems designed to respond to it, and the social forces that shape all of these. Criminology draws on sociology, psychology, law, and political science to ask why crime occurs, how it varies across social groups and contexts, and how different societies define and respond to harmful behaviour. Criminal justice examines the institutions, agencies, and processes through which states respond to crime, from policing and prosecution through to sentencing, imprisonment, and rehabilitation. Together they produce a rigorous education in one of the most socially important areas of public policy and professional practice. At Wrexham University, this part-time Criminology and Criminal Justice programme provides a flexible route into these disciplines for students who need to balance study with work or other commitments. The first year introduces you to the causes of crime at both individual and societal levels, to the agencies that make up the criminal justice system, and to the practical realities of working in the community justice field. You will develop an understanding of criminal behaviour, victimology, policing, court processes, and the penal system, as well as the social and political contexts within which criminal justice operates. The part-time mode allows you to study at a pace that suits your circumstances without compromising the depth or quality of your engagement with the subject. You will develop research skills, the ability to evaluate evidence critically, and the capacity to analyse complex social phenomena through multiple theoretical lenses. Writing clearly about complex issues is central to the degree. Graduates from criminology and criminal justice programmes pursue careers in probation, police services, prison service, youth offending, social work, victim support, research, public policy, and a range of third sector organisations. Many continue to postgraduate study or professional training in law, social work, or forensic psychology.

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