The experts at The University of Law unpack what students can expect from this often-misunderstood subject
Have you ever wondered what studying for a criminology degree really involves? It’s easy to assume it’s all about crime scenes and detective work, but the reality is much more diverse. In fact, the subject covers a broad scope of issues with hugely significant societal impact.
We spoke to John Kerr, head of policing and criminology at The University of Law to get an inside view into what students can expect from taking the subject, and the kinds of career opportunities that will be open to its graduates.
More than solving crimes
When you picture a criminology degree, what do you imagine? If it’s a scene that looks like it could have been lifted straight out of a police procedural – people in forensic suits huddled around the evidence at a crime scene, for example – the truth is quite different.
John explains that “the largest misconceptions about studying criminology are that its main focuses are on crime science, solving crimes, collecting evidence and on joining the police.”
Although that’s not to say that students on the course don't go onto take that career path, as many do.
“If students want to focus on how to do these, our BA Criminology can provide some important and very useful foundations and knowledge. However, at The University of Law our BSc Professional Policing or BA Criminology and Policing programmes are options that align even closer,” John explains.
In reality, a criminology degree covers a much broader range of topics.
“While there can be some of these focuses on criminology programmes, criminology is much wider and more diverse,” says John.
“A criminology degree typically covers a wide range of topic areas such as prisons and probation, media, policing, cybercrime, social harms, victims, terrorism, migration, environmental crimes and many more. The degree gives a 360-degree view of society and enables students the opportunity to delve deep into complex, fascinating, and important questions about justice and its processes,” comments John.
What you’ll learn on a criminology degree
Rather than just learning how to crack a singular case, a criminology degree looks at the bigger picture.
“Criminology provides students with a wide range of competencies and skills. So, while you will not be spending all your time learning specific police processes such as collecting evidence, our criminology modules cover topics and issues that have a real impact on society,” says John.
John shares an example of the type of event that students might examine in-depth on the course.
“To use the very sad case of the Grenfell fire in 2017 as an example, criminology can give us the tools to critically evaluate and investigate how such a disaster could happen in the UK in 2017, the wider injustices related to the fire, media representations, and how no one has been criminally convicted despite the deaths of 72 people,” says John.
How a criminology degree is taught
John explains what students can expect day-to-day from a criminology degree, using The University of Law’s course as an example.
“The way we teach criminology is through a Prepare, Engage and Consolidate (PEC) model. There are three modules per week, four hours per module (a two-hour large group lecture-style session and a two-hour workshop),” shares John.
“The PEC model takes students on a weekly journey and allows them to delve deep into each module’s weekly topic,” says John.
And once they’ve identified their specific areas of interest, students can take a much deeper dive by writing a dissertation on the topic.
“Students have the opportunity to conduct their own research in their final year dissertation. The dissertation can seem daunting at the start for students but it can be very empowering as they get the opportunity to design, conduct, analyse and produce their own research on a topic of their choice,” John comments.
What happens after you graduate?
A criminology degree opens up plenty of different pathways for future careers within the criminal justice sector and far beyond, with the dissertation playing an important role in demonstrating a graduate’s capabilities.
“Writing a dissertation looks great to employers as it showcases students’ skills, especially research and problem-solving skills,” says John.
John emphasises the diversity of options that will be available to students once they’ve completed their degree and started looking for work.
“Not only do criminology graduates have a wide range of job opportunities related to criminal justice and beyond, but they are sought after for their competencies and skills and because they are interesting people,” John explains.
The real-world relevance of criminology
John advises how those interested in criminology can start developing their analytical skills before their studies even begin.
“Try to think sceptically and engage your ‘criminological imagination’ when you interact with the world and when you access different media,” John recommends.
Because as John points out, the practical significance of the subject extends far beyond the classroom. He emphasises its ability to effect real change, commenting “criminology is all around us and by studying it we learn about our societies, challenge ‘taken for granted’ concepts and narratives, and understand better how we can make positive change within them”.
For more information on The University of Law’s BA Criminology course, please visit the university’s website here.
Our partnership with The University of Law
The Student Room is proud to work with The University of Law as the official partner of our law hub, where current and future law students can find the advice and guidance they need.
The University of Law welcomes intelligent, ambitious students interested in the world around them; people who question systems, procedures and behaviours, and are not afraid to challenge convention.
Study at The University of Law and you’ll be equipped with the professional knowledge you need to excel in your chosen career, and supported by an award-winning employability service to help you get there.
