Criminology is a topical, interdisciplinary subject that draws from sociology, psychology and law to examine the issues surrounding crime and the criminal justice system. From the social context of crime and how it's managed to how agencies operate within the criminal justice system, you will study topics that will help you develop sought-after skills, giving you access to a vast array of jobs.
We offer a diverse set of criminology courses with a broad range of topics to study, from gang warfare, gun cultures and youth justice, to how crime is reported in the media allowing you to choose modules that reflect your interests.
You will be taught by a team of active researchers with specialisms in homicide and violence, youth justice and youth policy, policing, drug use, green, global and transnational criminology, crime prevention, animal abuse, informal justice and alternatives to prosecution and imprisonment.
In the most recent Research Excellence Framework (REF2014), Criminology and Social Policy at USW ranked eighth in the UK for world leading research.
USW is the only university in Wales and the South West to operate a Cold Case Unit. Our students have the opportunity to work on live cases and aid police investigations.
Students will also have a chance to take part in Innocence Project, examining real cases where potential miscarriages of justice have taken place to establish reasonable grounds for appeal.
Many courses offer a work experience placement module to help to enhance your employability. We have excellent links with criminal justice agencies, inviting guest speakers to talk to you about their work.
You will also be supported to find voluntary work placements while you study.
An in-depth look at crime, criminality, victimisation and the criminal justice system.
BSc (Hons) Criminology and Criminal Justice
BSc (Hons) Criminology and Criminal Justice (Including Foundation Year)
Two significant and challenging social issues of study – crime and youth justice.
BSc (Hons) Criminology & Criminal Justice and Youth Justice
BSc (Hons) Criminology & Criminal Justice and Youth Justice (Including Foundation Year)
How and why crimes are committed and the changing nature of society in the contemporary world.
BSc (Hons) Criminology and Criminal Justice and Sociology
Understand the crime and criminal justice systems and consider the psychology of crime.
BSc (Hons) Criminology and Criminal Justice with Psychology
Criminal profiling and crime scene investigation, alongside exploring how and why crimes are committed.
BSc (Hons) Forensic Science with Criminology
Open up a broader set of career options by studying a qualifying law degree combined with criminology.
LLB (Hons) Law with Criminology and Criminal Justice
The course focuses on contested notions of ‘Crime’ and ‘Justice’. The overall aim of the MSc is to facilitate the development of a deeper knowledge and understanding of central issues and debates in the criminal justice arena and related areas.
Ideal for practitioners, managers and policy makers, the MSc Working with Adult and Young Offenders is the first of its kind in the UK with a specialist focus on the theory and practice of offender management.
MSc Working with Adult and Young Offenders
We offer a number of Masters by Research postgraduate research programmes which allow you to make an in-depth study of a topic that interests you. You can study full-time or part-time, on campus or by distance.
The places you study and live make a big difference to what you get out of university. It’s important to be somewhere that feels like home, but can also surprise you. South Wales offers rich experiences, with Cardiff at the heart.
With campuses in and around Cardiff, you can experience the diversity that south Wales has to offer – the buzz of the cities, the beauty of the coast, and the calm of the countryside.
We have five campuses across three locations, but we’re one university. Every campus is open to you and whatever inspires you, you’re always welcome.
Join us at an open day or live event and discover the opportunities waiting for you at the University of South Wales.
You'll have the chance to explore our campuses at Cardiff, Newport or Pontypridd, meet academic staff and current students, learn about life at USW and student money, and take part in interactive activities related to your course. For those who can't attend an on-campus event, we run online and on-demand events. There's plenty of ways to discover what USW is all about.
Don’t forget to follow us on social to keep up with what’s happening at USW. #USWFamily
A course at USW is more than just a degree. We create graduates who are prepared for tomorrow. People who are ready to build their careers and have the mindset to succeed through a degree that is 100% focused on what employers need in the future.
From projects based on working practices to time in the workplace through internships and placements, we’ll help you to build job-ready skills and gain relevant experience for your career. We also offer practical help with completing job applications and practising interview techniques. Support is available every step of the way.
Ready to apply? We can't wait to welcome you to the #USWFamily. You can apply via UCAS or USW.
Chat to our students, lecturers or staff. We're here to help answer any questions you may have.
Make friends for life, try out lots of new things and become more independent than ever before.
Where you live is just as important as what you study. Let's find your home away from home.
