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Criminology

Criminology

Controversies over the causes of crime are rarely far from the headlines, and the impact of crime on our society is an issue that remains high on the political agenda.

Our range of criminology courses and policing degrees enable you to examine, discuss and debate these topics, while also learning how criminal justice systems work in the UK and overseas.

Browse our facilities and learn more about our criminology courses below, including information about the entry requirements and some of the criminology career opportunities that await you upon graduation.

Criminology and policing undergraduate courses

Criminology and policing postgraduate courses

Course videos

Gain insight into the field of criminology whilst exploring how the criminal justice system responds to crime, offenders and their victims. 

Learn more about our range of criminology courses in this video.

Criminology and Policing FAQs

  • Why study criminology and policing at the University of West London?

    The University of West London logo, reflected in glass

    At the University of West London, you can gain an advanced, specialist qualification to help you achieve your career aspirations. Our undergraduate courses stand out from many others because we offer you the ability to combine your criminology studies with a related subject, namely:

    • policing
    • forensics
    • law
    • psychology.

    As a student here, you’ll benefit from guest lectures delivered by academics, barristers, judges and senior police officers, bringing real-world examples and experiences into the classroom.

    We also offer numerous opportunities to gain practical work-based experience during your studies. Please see the relevant course page for further details.

    For postgraduate students, we are one of a few UK universities with expertise in global security, organised crime, terrorism and online security.

  • What are the entry requirements to study a criminology degree or policing course?

    Two students walking through Heartspace at the University of West London

    Each of our courses has its own entry requirements – browse to the relevant course page above to find out which qualifications you will need to make a successful application.

    If you do not have quite the right grades or subjects to start a criminology degree, you might be interested in one of our criminology foundation degree courses. These four-year programmes include an extra year to help you prepare for undergraduate-level study. All of our undergraduate criminology courses are offered with a foundation year option.

    Find out more about:

  • What is a criminology foundation degree?

    3 students in a lecture room with laptops

    A foundation degree is designed to equip you with the skills and knowledge you need to continue onto your Honours degree.

    You will study a range of subjects that will underpin your future study and also gain valuable experience of university life, with full access to campus facilities.

    Successful completion of the year allows you to progress straight onto Level 4 of this course.

    Find out more here:

Facilities

The crime scene room

The crime scene room

The crime scene room enables students on criminology, policing and forensics courses to learn from scenarios based on real-life police investigations.

Two forensic science students with a microscope

Forensics Labs

Working in laboratory settings, our crime scene room and other practical contexts, you will also develop your analytical skills for assessing blood spatter, DNA evidence and the investigative process.

What can I do with a criminology degree or policing degree?

A forensic scientist analyses a hair sample

Job roles

Our criminology courses and policing courses are your passport to an array of exciting careers and fulfilling graduate criminology jobs. Careers in criminology include:

  • policing - all levels
  • justice service
  • probation service
  • prison service
  • security
  • research
  • rehabilitation
  • civil service
  • housing support
  • the legal system
  • the court system
  • UK Border Force.
A group of police officers standing outside.

Recent UWL criminology graduates have gone on to work for employers such as:

  • Metropolitan Police
  • Hertfordshire Constabulary
  • J.P. Morgan
  • Westminster Youth Offending
  • HM Courts and Tribunals Service
  • Public Health England
  • Sodexo
  • Various hospitals.

 Alternatively, you may choose to extend your studies to specialise or explore a new area by taking a postgraduate course.