Keele University

What you'll study

This joint honours degree brings together core criminological topics — such as criminological theory, crime prevention, policing, punishment and research methods — with historical study of social change, governance and lived experience across different periods. You will learn to read primary sources, evaluate historical arguments and apply qualitative and quantitative methods to questions about crime and justice.

• Year 1: introductory modules typically cover foundations of criminology (definitions of crime, criminal justice systems), introduction to historical methods and source analysis, and basic social science research skills.
• Year 2: students build on theory and method with modules such as crime and society, policing and punishment, crime in historical context (for example, crime and order in early modern and modern Britain), and intermediate training in research methods.
• Final year: advanced options and independent research. You normally complete a long dissertation or substantial research project in either criminology or history and can choose specialised modules such as gender and crime, the history of policing, war and society, transnational crime, or crime, media and culture.
• Optional opportunities: many students take optional placement years, internships with criminal justice organisations or heritage institutions, or study-abroad semesters where available to gain practical experience and international perspective.

Entry requirements

Applicants should have a good set of A‑level, BTEC or equivalent qualifications. Keele typically expects successful applicants to demonstrate strong performance across their qualifications and evidence of ability to engage with both social science and humanities material. Typical offers are within the range of common UK conditional offers for joint honours degrees; international qualifications and access routes are considered equally.

GCSE-level passes in English and Maths (or recognised equivalents) are normally expected. Mature students and applicants with relevant work or voluntary experience are welcome; applicants may be invited to interview or asked to provide a personal statement outlining their interest in criminology and history.

Career prospects

Graduates leave with analytical, research and communication skills that are attractive to a wide range of employers. Common career paths include roles in policing, probation and prison services, youth justice, and other criminal justice agencies. The degree also prepares students for careers in government and public policy, research and analysis, heritage and museums, archives, and the charitable sector.

Other routes include postgraduate study in criminology, history, law, social policy or related subjects, which can lead to academic careers or specialist professional roles (for example, in forensic research, policy development or advocacy). Keele’s careers service and placement support help students pursue internships and employment in relevant fields.

Why study at Keele University

Keele offers interdisciplinary teaching that combines small-group seminars and one-to-one support with research-led lectures. The university emphasises cross-disciplinary thinking, making it well suited to a programme that spans social sciences and humanities. You will benefit from on-campus resources such as the library special collections, research-active staff in both criminology and history, and links with local criminal justice organisations and heritage institutions.

Keele’s campus environment supports student development through careers guidance, placement assistance and opportunities to get involved in research projects, volunteering and student societies related to history and criminal justice. The degree’s balance of practical research training and critical historical perspective is designed to produce graduates who can understand and influence contemporary debates about crime and society.