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.
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.
Understand the crime and criminal justice systems and consider the psychology of crime.
BSc (Hons) Criminology and Criminal Justice with Psychology
BSc (Hons) Psychology with Criminology & Criminal Justice
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
Progress your career or expand on your skillset with our further study masters courses.
MSc Crime and Justice
MSc Working with Adult and Young Offenders
We offer a number of postgraduate research programmes such as Masters by Research and PhD, all of 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.
We have research strengths in a number of individual disciplines and interdisciplinary areas. Visit the websites listed here to find out more: Centre for Criminology Research; International Centre for Policing and Security; Centre for Social Policy; Law Research and Forensic Science Research.
In the Postgraduate Research Experience Survey 2019/20, USW ranked 9th overall for student satisfaction.
Attending an open day, whether online or on-campus, is the ideal way to learn more about our Criminology courses and get a feel of what it's like to study at the University of South Wales.
Speak to the lecturers and expert staff who teach the courses, take tours of our campuses and facilities, view accommodation, speak to our advice team about placement and career opportunities and discuss finances. Plus, speak to current students and hear about their experiences first hand.
You will 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.
With campuses in Pontypridd, Cardiff and Newport, you can enjoy all that South Wales has to offer – city life, night life and culture, stunning beaches and breathtaking countryside.
Many of our lecturers are at the forefront of their field, producing world-leading research and contributing to advances within their area of expertise.
Meet friends for life, join clubs and societies, experience campus life, benefit from a huge array of facilities and equipment and study a course that will shape the rest of your life.
Dedicated onsite and online support, advice and mentoring will ensure you're heard and supported. Our support services are at the forefront of addressing the challenges that modern-life brings.
Employability is at the heart of everything. So much so that a lot of our teaching is informed by what happens in the real world and the skills you’ll need for your chosen career.
Many of our courses have accreditation from professional, statutory or regulatory bodies. This allows you to gain a qualification recognised in your profession, such as an ACCA or LPC.
