Ready to see the world of crime and criminal justice differently? Join us to unpick theories and perspectives that explore today’s most pressing crime-related issues. You will study a wide range of topics and have the opportunity to connect with local agencies such as the police and the prison service. Work with our specialist careers advisors to plan your future in the criminal justice system and beyond.
Why Lancaster?
- Critically explore crime and justice: A thought-provoking degree that examines crime through a social justice lens
- Exceptional academic support: Work closely with engaged lecturers who value your ideas and are committed to helping you grow as a criminologist
- Build connections: Network with experts from NGOs, charities, law enforcement, and other criminal justice organisations
- Unlock your career potential: Tailored career advice to discover diverse pathways and practical steps you can take to achieve your goals
- Work with Leading Experts: Our academics advise the United Nations and the EU, influence drug policies in the UK and overseas and work with national and local criminal justice agencies
- Explore today’s challenges on topics such as drug-related crimes, sex offences, organised crime, and human rights violations
A rich history of Criminology
Lancaster is a city that has criminal justice at its heart. From the medieval period to contemporary times, the Castle in Lancaster has served as an assizes court, crown court and a fully functioning prison. From the infamous 1612 trial and execution of the ten people accused of witchcraft to the more recent exoneration of accused terrorists the ‘Birmingham Six’, Lancaster Castle has been the site of both persecution and justice. Past or present, this is not dramatised or romantic crime. This is real life: brutal, saddening, enraging, uncomfortable, but fascinating.
Criminology at Lancaster has a long and distinguished history informed by this past but looking strongly to the future of crime and punishment in the United Kingdom and internationally.
A critical view of crime and punishment
The city as a centre for criminal justice and injustice creates a strong sense of what our degree is about. On this course, you’ll look critically at the social, cultural, political, and economic contexts of crime and criminal justice, as well as viewing challenges through a social justice lens. You will examine how crime is portrayed in the media and popular culture and explore how deviancy is rendered as a criminal act and how activism and protest can be demonised.
You will learn to untangle the complex relationship between society, crime, and the criminal justice system and explore what alternative approaches to justice might look like now and in the future.
Together, we will investigate the historical, present, and future dimensions of crime—spanning urban streets to digital spaces in national and global perspectives.
Questions of justice
Our sense of who we are as a society revolves around our definitions and relationship with crime. Who decides what counts as ‘wrong’? Why is ‘justice’ such a contested word? Why do some communities have higher rates of crime than others? What does it mean to ‘police’? Why do well-intended preventative campaigns fail to reach many people?
You will engage with questions of morality, explore philosophical debates, and undertake deep self-reflection to focus on the meanings, values and judgements that frame crime. In doing so you will learn to ask and answer such difficult questions with evidence and confidence.
Engage with experts
Criminology at Lancaster takes you through landmark theories to the critical evaluation and analysis of statistics, to detailed studies of processes and pathways through the criminal justice system. You will be taught by an internationally recognised team of researchers who lead in shaping both criminal justice policy and the academic field of criminology.
Our expertise and research inform our teaching and give you an insight into the ways policies and laws are influenced and changed.
Topics might include:
- Cyber security and policing
- Media and popular culture
You will also gain insights directly from visiting speakers. Previously students have listened to talks from Victim Support, a Restorative Justice coordinator from Lancashire Constabulary, a Detective Inspector working in domestic abuse and a 'professional burglar' who turned his life around and now advocates for crime prevention and community support.
Great student experience, great student support
At Lancaster we pride ourselves on providing excellent student experience and support. It is at university that you will build up not only your professional networks, but equally important your confidence and your social group. For example, you can join the Criminology Society and take part in a wide variety of events, ranging from academic and career-informed activities that complement existing criminological knowledge, to fun and social nights designed to help foster a strong sense of community.
Our historic city offers great opportunity for rewarding experience. You may take part in field trips to the Castle and visit its fascinating former prison, magnificent Crown Court and Lancashire Police Museum. The supportive and personalised experience we offer is designed to make your time with us memorable, enjoyable and successful.
