Criminology Degrees
Work on live cases and aid police investigations
Taught by active researchers and industry experts
Put theory into practice with industry work placements
Develop skills required in a vast array of industry jobs
CRIMINOLOGY DEGREES
Investigating Tomorrows
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.
Cutting-Edge Research
You will be taught by a team of active criminology 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 latest REF 2021, 71% of our Criminology research was found to be world leading or internationally excellent (4* / 3*); and more than 80% of our research impact world leading or internationally excellent (4* / 3*).
Active Cold Case Unit
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.
Industry Work Placements
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.
Criminology Courses
Undergraduate Courses
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 and Criminal Justice and Youth Justice
BSc (Hons) Criminology and Criminal Justice and Youth Justice (Including Foundation Year)
Understand the crime and criminal justice systems and consider the psychology of crime.
BSc (Hons) Criminology and Criminal Justice with Psychology
Open up a broader set of career options by studying a qualifying law degree combined with criminology.
Postgraduate Courses
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.
FREE TASTER COURSES
Get a taste of studying at USW
Thinking about studying a degree, but unsure whether USW is right for you? Our short taster courses cover a variety of topics to introduce you to your chosen area of study and give you a glimpse into how you will learn at USW.
Taster courses vary in length, but you can stop, resume or replay the taster course at any time once you’ve started. You can also track your progress during each course.
This short taster course explores the link between trauma and crime and contains a mix of video tutorials that concludes with an interactive quiz. The course takes approx. 40 mins to complete, during which you'll be guided through the risk factors linked with trauma and how trauma relates to offending.
LOCATIONS
Experience South Wales
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.
OPEN DAYS
Explore USW
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
CAREERS AND EMPLOYABILITY
Put Theory into Practice
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.
APPLY
Ready to apply? We can't wait to welcome you to the #USWFamily. You can apply via UCAS or USW.
CHAT
Chat to our students, lecturers or staff. We're here to help answer any questions you may have.
STUDENT LIFE
Make friends for life, try out lots of new things and become more independent than ever before.
ACCOMMODATION
Where you live is just as important as what you study. Let's find your home away from home.