Criminology BA

Course description

Explore patterns in crime, punishment and policing, and learn how to think, analyse and research as a criminologist.

Over 35 years, criminology at Sheffield has built a reputation for excellence in teaching and research in this multidisciplinary field.

Drawing on real-world examples, we begin with modules that give you a critical introduction to crime and criminology. You’ll then learn how to become a criminological researcher, developing critical thinking, academic writing and library research skills.

You’ll have so much choice when it comes to modules, choosing from subjects such as justice, prison, drugs, and youth criminality; assessing the influence of gender and race on crime and punishment.

In your third year, you will have the option to complete a year abroad at one of our many partner universities. You’ll be able to tailor your degree through optional modules to suit your interests and also access relevant module choices from the School of Sociological Studies, Politics and International Relations.

You’ll graduate with theoretical understanding and practical skills – including the use of a range of qualitative research methods and quantitative data analysis software – supporting your next step into any of a diverse range of careers that call for critical analysis and problem-solving.

Modules

Learning and assessment

Study with us and you'll receive a research-led teaching experience, in which you'll benefit from the latest thinking and teaching by experts.

We're proud that 91 percent of our research is rated in the highest two categories in the Research Excellence Framework 2021, meaning it is classed as world-leading or internationally excellent.

Assessment

We use a range of assessment methods to build your confidence and prepare you as you progress through your degree. These include:

• dissertation
• coursework (essays and reports)
• exams
• presentations (group and independent)

Entry requirements

Graduate careers

Our criminology graduates have worked in careers such as:

• Police officer
• Prison officer
• Police data analyst
• Researcher
• Social worker
• Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner
• Charity organisations
• Private sector
• Civil Service

Criminology is a multi-disciplinary subject which means that students can apply their learning far beyond these jobs, and to anything that requires critical analysis and problem-solving. These skills are widely applicable to all sorts of professions and are highly sought-after in the job market.

School of Law

1. Tailor your degree - choose from a wide range of optional modules to shape your degree to your interests and career aspirations.
2. Study abroad - have an unforgettable experience by choosing to study abroad in your third year at one of our partner universities.
3. Learn from experts - our academic staff are researching at the forefront of criminology. Their discoveries become yours, as their research filters into teaching.
4. Gain real world experience - build invaluable professional skills through hands-on legal work and benefit from our strong connections with leading law firms in the UK and across the globe.
5. Become career ready - we provide you with the skills that employers value, ensuring that when you graduate you are prepared for the global workplace.

Facilities

School of Law students are based in Bartolomé House which is in close proximity to the whole University campus. Teaching takes place in Bartolomé House and across the University campus, all within walking distance.

School of Law

University rankings

Student profiles

Having the opportunity to learn from staff that produce research with real social impact is a unique experience

Ines Da Silva Ribeiro Undergraduate student, BA Criminology

Ines Da Silva Ribeiro, a final year student in BA Criminology at the University of Sheffield, tells us about her experiences on the Criminology course at the School of Law. She tells us more widely about her time living in Sheffield, and the unique opportunities for the study of criminology offered by the school.

The opportunities are endless at Sheffield

Scarlett Pickford BA Criminology

Scarlett Pickford, BA Criminology student, made the most of the opportunities available to her including undertaking Criminology work experience and becoming President of the Criminology Society.

The best advice I can give to any new student is to come here with an open mind and heart

Theodora Dinca BA Criminology

Second year BA Criminology student Theodora talks about her time at Sheffield so far and her tips to anyone else considering studying at the University.

Fees and funding

Fees

Placements and study abroad

Placement

You may have the opportunity to add an optional placement year as part of your course, converting the three-year course to a four-year Degree with Placement Year. 

A placement year will help you to:

• gain an insight into possible careers
• develop a range of transferable skills
• build a professional network
• get a feel for what you do and don’t like doing
• add valuable work experience to your CV
• gain experience of applying for jobs and interview practice
• apply elements of academic learning in the workplace

Study abroad

Spending time abroad during your degree is a great way to explore different cultures, gain a new perspective and experience a life-changing opportunity that you will never forget. 

You can apply to extend this course with a year abroad, usually between the second and third year. We have over 250 University partners worldwide. Popular destinations include Europe, the USA, Canada, Australia, Singapore and Hong Kong. 

Find out more on the Global Opportunities website.

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Offer holder days

If you've received an offer to study with us, we'll invite you to one of our offer holder days, which take place between February and April. These open days have a strong department focus and give you the chance to really explore student life here, even if you've visited us before.

Apply

Contact us

School of Law