Criminology Bachelor of Science (with Honours) - BSc (Hons)

Crime is a feature of social life in every community and society globally, with behaviours regarded as crime constantly changing. As such, there is a rising demand for criminal justice agencies and governments to understand crime. Our Criminology BSc(Hons) degree allows you to explore the fascinating yet complex world of crime.

Our Criminology BSc(Hons) course provides the opportunity for you to acquire the skills and knowledge needed for a prospective future career working with offenders, victims, criminal justice organisations, crime reduction roles, and more. You’ll also be encouraged to explore ways to explain crime, investigate crime, reduce crime, and respond to crime. This allows you to gain a thorough understanding of the criminal justice system, including the Police, the Crown Prosecution Service and His Majesty’s Prison and Probation Service.

Why study Criminology BSc(Hons) at University of Huddersfield?

We’ve ranked in the top third of UK universities for Criminology in The Times Good University Guide 2026. In Yorkshire and the Humber, we’ve also ranked top 5 for Criminology and 2nd for Sociology and Social Policy in the Guardian League Tables 2026, as well as 4th for Sociology (1st for student satisfaction) in the Complete University Guide 2026.

Our lecturers have worked in the criminal justice system and have a wide range of research specialisms, so will use their expertise to engage and inspire you. Guest speakers, such as police officers, drug outreach workers and criminal justice staff, will visit the University to share their experiences, and you’ll have the chance to take part in debates including, for example, why people commit crime.

You’ll also investigate such topics as sexual offending, cybercrime, mental health and crime, and violent crime. Expert guidance will be provided throughout the course; one of our tutors will act as your Personal Academic Tutor to ensure you are getting the most from your studies and are fully prepared for a potentially exciting career ahead.

In year two, you’ll complete compulsory work experience in a relevant setting, helping you put your skills and knowledge into practice; past students’ placements include working with youth offending teams, in prisons, police stations, and courts, as well as in voluntary agencies supporting offenders and victims in the community. You may also have the opportunity to work and study abroad via the Turing Scheme.

Professional Bodies

At Huddersfield, you’ll study the Global Professional Award alongside your degree†, allowing you to gain valuable qualities and experiences that could help you to get the career you want, no matter what your field of study is.

†full-time, undergraduate first degrees with a minimum duration of three years. This does not include postgraduate, foundation, top-up, accelerated or apprenticeship degrees.

Why Huddersfield?

Huddersfield’s vibrant and friendly campus is a great place from which to study, while the town itself offers lots to see and do, with good transport links in and around the area.

Not quite ready to start Criminology BSc(Hons)?

Successful completion of one of our Foundation Pathways will equip you with the foundation knowledge to study Criminology.