Criminology

Criminology is the study of crime as a social phenomenon, examining why crime occurs, how it is defined and measured, how it affects individuals and communities, and how societies respond through policing, prosecution, sentencing and rehabilitation. It draws on sociology, psychology, law and philosophy to build a critical understanding of criminal behaviour, criminal justice institutions and the complex relationship between social conditions and offending. Rather than accepting crime as a natural or inevitable feature of social life, criminology asks difficult questions about power, inequality, labelling and the purposes of punishment.

At Essex, this three-year full-time programme benefits from a social science department with an international reputation for research rigour. You will engage with criminological theory and research methods, developing the ability to critically analyse crime data, evaluate criminal justice policies and engage with debates about justice, rights and social order. Essex's particular strengths in quantitative social science mean you will develop strong analytical and data skills alongside your criminological knowledge, which is increasingly valued by employers in research, policy and analytical roles.

You will study the major theoretical traditions in criminology, from classical and positivist accounts through to critical, feminist and post-colonial approaches, and engage with contemporary issues including cybercrime, corporate crime, domestic abuse, restorative justice and the prison system.

Graduates move into a wide range of careers, including policing, probation, youth justice, social work, prison and rehabilitation services, policy research, journalism and the voluntary sector. The analytical, research and communication skills the degree develops are valued across the public sector, the civil service and in research organisations. Postgraduate study in criminology, law, social policy or social research is a well-supported option.