Program Overview

How do we understand crime? How can it be prevented? Why should criminals be punished, and how should we go about it? Why are certain groups of people more likely to become offenders, and why are some more likely to be caught? Why are so many people fearful of crime, and yet simultaneously fascinated by it?

Our course provides a thorough training in the foundations of criminology, exploring the nature of crime, criminals, and criminal justice within wider social and psychological contexts. Social psychological approaches are increasingly crucial in understanding the interpersonal dynamics in crime control organisations, as well as exploring questions of criminal motivation.

You will explore topics including:

• Crime and its control
• Power
• Identity

You also have the opportunity to complete a supervised dissertation on a topic that inspires you, encouraging you to think differently and connect with live issues and debates, and preparing you for your graduate career.

Study abroad

Your education extends beyond the university campus. We support you in expanding your education through offering the opportunity to spend a year or a term studying abroad at one of our partner universities. The four-year version of our degree allows you to spend the third year abroad or employed on a placement abroad, while otherwise remaining identical to the three-year course.

Studying abroad allows you to experience other cultures and languages, to broaden your degree socially and academically, and to demonstrate to employers that you are mature, adaptable, and organised.

If you spend a full year abroad you'll only pay 15% of your usual tuition fee to Essex for that year. You won't pay any tuition fees to your host university