University of Hull

What you'll study

This joint honours degree brings together core criminology modules with introductory and applied law units. In the first year you build a solid foundation in criminological theory, criminal justice institutions and legal principles, alongside study skills and introductory research methods. In later years you deepen your understanding with modules such as:

• Criminological theory and the sociology of crime — classical and contemporary explanations of offending and victimisation.
• Criminal law and legal process — core elements of substantive criminal law, evidence and procedure as they operate in practice.
• Research methods and quantitative/qualitative techniques — designing studies, analysing data and critically interpreting findings relevant to crime and justice.
• Policing, punishment and penal policy — policing practice, community safety, prisons, probation and alternatives to custody.
• Victimology, hate crime and vulnerability — understanding harm, victim support and the impact of offences on individuals and communities.
• Specialist options — cybercrime, organised crime, drugs and alcohol policy, human rights law, family law and restorative justice (availability of options can vary by year).
• Dissertation or major project — an extended independent research project in your final year, supervised by academic staff.

The programme emphasises applied learning: case studies, simulated exercises, guest speakers from criminal justice agencies and the opportunity to undertake a placement year or short work placements to gain practical experience.

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally expected to hold a secondary school leaving qualification equivalent to A levels or a relevant vocational qualification (such as a BTEC). The university considers a wide range of qualifications and welcomes mature students, apprentices and applicants with non-traditional backgrounds. Typical offers will ask for qualifications demonstrating sustained academic achievement and the ability to study at honours level.

Applicants whose first language is not English will need to meet the University of Hull's recognised English language requirement; this can be satisfied via an approved language test, appropriate prior study, or an alternative qualification accepted by the admissions team. Selection may include consideration of personal statements and references; some applicants may be invited to an interview.

Career prospects

Graduates combine knowledge of crime, justice and law with practical research and communication skills, making them attractive to a wide range of employers. Common career paths include:

• Policing and law enforcement roles (including investigative or intelligence work)
• Probation, youth justice, offender management and rehabilitation services
• Legal support roles such as paralegal work, court administration or legal advice organisations
• Charities and third-sector organisations focused on victim support, advocacy or community safety
• Policy, research and analytical roles in central and local government, think-tanks or consultancy
• Civil service roles and graduate schemes in criminal justice-related departments
• Further study — master's degrees in criminology, criminal justice, law conversion courses or professional legal qualifications for those pursuing practice

The degree develops transferable skills in critical thinking, report writing, research design, data interpretation and oral presentation, all of which are valued across public, private and voluntary sectors.

Why study at University of Hull

The University of Hull offers a supportive environment for the study of crime and law, with academic staff who combine research expertise and practical experience. Teaching is delivered through lectures, seminars and small-group tutorials, with opportunities to engage in applied projects and placements that connect theory to practice.

Students benefit from dedicated learning resources, including the university library, specialist databases for legal and criminological research and careers support tailored to social sciences and law. The campus’s location and the university’s links with regional criminal justice agencies provide plentiful opportunities for work placements, guest talks and local research collaboration.

Overall, the programme is suited to students seeking an intellectually rigorous degree with clear vocational relevance to careers in justice, community safety, legal support and policy-making.