BA (Hons) Criminology

Crime and how to deal with it are amongst the most significant and contentious issues of our time, so it is vital that we understand this subject. Criminology is the study of crime, its causes and effects, and what we do about it. At Liverpool Hope University, you will study how crime is defined and who defines it, why some people commit offences, and what happens to those who commit crimes if they are caught.Criminology also studies the impact of the various agencies and organisations that deal with crime: the police, the courts, the probation and prison services, as well as the role of the Ministry of Justice and the Home Office. Studying Criminology enables you to focus on questions such as ‘is criminal behaviour learned or inherited’ and ‘why are some actions defined as criminal and not others’; ‘what is the purpose of punishment and to what extent does it deter criminal behaviour’Criminology is a well-established degree at Liverpool Hope and is taught by staff with considerable experience at national and international level. Several key criminological textbooks are written by members of the School. The Criminology team is enthusiastic and dedicated and will help you to get the most out of your degree. Criminology is heavily focused on justice - how it is delivered, to whom, by whom and whether or not it is effective. This reflects Liverpool Hope’s commitment to social justice both nationally and internationally.CareersAs a graduate in Criminology, you will have a firm grounding for entry to a range of criminal justice and related careers. Past graduates have gone on to have a career as a Drug and Rehabilitation Officer, Prison Officer, Safeguarding Officer and Hate Crime Caseworker. While the police, prison and probation services are the most obvious career paths, the knowledge, awareness and experience of studying Criminology are valuable in a range of services. In addition, some graduates have used their degree as a stepping-stone to pursue more formal legal training.As well as detailed knowledge about crime and justice, you will also learn skills that are vital for employment in a wide range of careers. You will learn critical thinking, analysis and synthesis; problem solving and decision-making; effective written and oral communication; effective use of information technology; numeracy skills; time management; and the ability to work in a team and independently.