Keele University

What you'll study

This top-up brings you to the final-year level of an honours degree by combining advanced theory with applied research. Core themes typically include contemporary criminological theory, quantitative and qualitative research methods, critical perspectives on punishment and rehabilitation, policing and community safety, and the social distribution of crime by class, gender and race.

• Independent research project: a supervised dissertation or applied research project that demonstrates your ability to design, conduct and report a sustained piece of criminological research.
• Advanced criminological theory: debates on causes of crime, explanations of criminal careers, and critical approaches to law and order.
• Research methods: training in research design, data collection, analysis and ethics, including both qualitative techniques (interviews, ethnography, thematic analysis) and quantitative methods (survey design, basic statistics)
• Criminal justice institutions: study of policing, courts, probation, prisons and third-sector responses, with attention to policy and practice.
• Specialist option modules: subjects often include youth justice, cybercrime and digital harms, drugs and crime, restorative justice, and crime prevention and community safety.

Teaching mixes seminars, lectures and small-group supervision for your research project. Assessment typically combines essays, case studies, reports, presentations and the dissertation.

Entry requirements

Applicants are expected to hold a relevant Level 5 qualification such as an HND, Foundation Degree, or equivalent vocational diploma in criminology, social sciences, policing or a closely related subject, usually with a good pass profile. Applicants with professional experience in criminal justice settings may be considered on the basis of prior learning and experience.

Typical admissions also require evidence of competence in written English and numeracy (for example, prior qualifications or workplace experience). You will normally submit transcripts, a personal statement and references; mature applicants are encouraged to highlight relevant workplace learning and continuing professional development.

Career prospects

Graduates move into a wide range of roles across criminal justice, public and voluntary sectors. Common destinations include the police, probation and youth offending services, prison and custodial work, victim and witness support services, case management and advocacy roles in charities, and policy or research positions in local and national government. The degree also provides a route to postgraduate study in criminology, criminal justice, social research or related professional qualifications (for example in social work or teaching) if additional training or accreditation is needed for specific careers.

Why study at Keele University

Keele’s School of Social, Political and Global Studies offers an interdisciplinary approach that draws on sociology, law, psychology and politics to give a rounded view of crime and justice. Teaching is research-led, with opportunities for small-group supervision on independent projects. Keele’s single-site campus provides easy access to library resources, specialist databases and student support services, including a careers centre that helps with placements, CVs and employer contacts in the criminal justice sector.

The programme emphasises employability and applied skills — research design, report writing, critical analysis and communication — that employers value across public, private and third sectors. Students also benefit from links with local agencies and opportunities to develop practical experience through placements or voluntary work arranged with support from the university.