Criminology courses

Explore crime, society, and justice with a leading criminology university

Our criminology courses include single awards in criminology and professional policing, and joint awards with sociology, psychology, criminal justice and law — including the Law and Criminology degree. Our teaching has won awards from the British Society of Criminology – and we combine it with regular work experience, preparing you for employment or helping you take an existing career to the next level. You'll explore contemporary theories about offending behaviour and the responses of the criminal justice sector and have the chance to specialise in a range of disciplines, including policing, youth justice and violent crime.

Why choose Sheffield Hallam’s criminology courses?

Learn from experts in professional practice

Our criminology courses are taught by criminology specialists with real-world experience in prisons, probation, and the police. You’ll gain insights into how criminality and victimisation occur at local, national and global levels, and how professionals respond to these challenges.

Shape your degree around what fascinates you

Our criminology courses let you specialise in the areas that interest you most — building expertise that aligns with your future career ambitions.

• policing
• youth justice
• violent crime

Study in purpose-built facilities and gain practical experience

Study criminology in brand-new facilities at the Helena Kennedy Centre for International Justice. You’ll gain hands-on experience through practical projects and work experience, guided by award-winning lecturers recognised by the British Society of Criminology.

Get connected with a community committed to change

Our criminology courses are taught by the Sheffield Institute of Law and Justice, which maintains strong links to local, regional and national agencies in the criminal justice sector.

The Sheffield Institute of Law and Justice helps you build the career you want. Here, learning is shaped by academic excellence, contemporary theory, and award-winning expertise. Throughout your studies, you'll gain real-life work experience through applied projects and placements opportunities at the Hallam Legal Advice Centre and Justice Hubs, which include the award-winning Refugee Rights Hub.

Under the patronage of Helena Kennedy QC, the Institute is home to the Helena Kennedy Centre for International Justice, a hub for cutting-edge research, teaching, and advocacy in human rights and social justice.

Sheffield Hallam criminology courses FAQs

1. What are the transferable skills you can gain from a criminology course?

A criminology course equips you with the tools to understand people, systems, and change. Beyond traditional criminal justice roles, you can apply your knowledge in social welfare, mental health support, rehabilitation services, housing, and community outreach. 
Many graduates of criminology courses also find purpose in fields such as teaching, counselling, and research, using their expertise to improve lives and strengthen communities.

2. Is criminology close to law?

While both criminology and criminal law deal with crime and justice, they approach it from very different perspectives. Knowing how they differ can help you decide which degree fits you best. Criminology looks into why crimes happen. It’s about understanding the behaviour, motives, and social impact behind criminal acts, and exploring how society can prevent and respond to them more effectively. Criminal law, on the other hand, is more about the legal process. You will learn to define crimes, interpret the law, and decide on fair punishments through the justice system.

3. Do criminology courses lead to good career options?

Absolutely. If you’ve ever been curious about what drives people to commit crimes or how justice systems work, criminology might be the perfect fit. It’s a field that blends psychology, sociology, and law to help you understand the bigger picture behind crime and its effects on society.

With a variety of specialisations, criminology courses prepare you with the knowledge and skills to make a real impact on the world. Examples include:

• Criminology and criminal justice
• Forensic science and criminology
• Criminology and psychology
• Criminology and sociology
• Law enforcement
• Policing
• Youth and human rights advocacy
• Social research

4. What qualifications do you need to study criminology at university in the UK? (for Law)

Our criminology undergraduate courses generally start from 112–120 UCAS points. If you don’t meet these, you can apply for a foundation year, which typically starts from 64 UCAS points.

For postgraduate study, such as our MSc Criminology and Criminal Justice, you’ll need a relevant undergraduate degree or equivalent professional experience.

Entry criteria can differ between courses, so it’s best to check the individual course page for full details. 
Want to know if you’re eligible? Get in touch, our admissions team can help you explore your options.

Courses are taught by the Sheffield Institute of Law and Justice, which maintains strong links to local, regional and national agencies in the criminal justice sector. It is also home to the Helena Kennedy Centre for International Justice.