University of Reading cookie policy

We use cookies on reading.ac.uk to improve your experience, monitor site performance and tailor content to you

Read our cookie policy to find out how to manage your cookie settings

Our BSc Criminology programme

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

Explore crime and criminal justice – from causes to controls to consequences – with our new BSc Criminology degree.

You will encounter a variety of sociological, criminological and legal concepts, approaches and methodologies. This will assist the development of a critical understanding of crime and criminal justice and the relationship of these with 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 BSc Criminology degree will help develop your research, analytical and communication skills as well as subject-specific knowledge 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.

Successful completion of your BSc Criminology degree provides 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. It provides you with a variety of social scientific research skills that are sought after by a wide range of employers outside criminal justice – such as think tanks and policy agencies.

Scholarships, funding and fees

Students enrolling on to our BSc Criminology course in 2023 have the opportunity to secure a scholarship worth £1,000. (Subject to conditions for 2023 entry).

The scholarships are available to applicants from any country and all applicants who meet scholarship criteria will be automatically considered for this scholarship.

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.