Crime dominates television drama, fiction and the news, and crime prevention and control is constantly a feature in media and political debates.
If you want to explore the nature, extent and causes of crime, the methods used to detect, counter and manage criminal behaviour and the workings of the criminal justice system, our Applied Criminology degree| is for you.
Our degree looks at applied criminology as a collaborative project that applies theoretical perspectives and research on crime and the criminal justice system to contemporary crime problems and debates.
Why study applied criminology with us?
Study our applied criminology degree and you will learn about theories of crime and criminal behaviour and the methods and approaches used to discover how crime might be reduced. This will help you understand contemporary crime issues and provide you with critical thinking and other transferable skills.You will also learn about how applied criminology casts a discriminating eye over the processes of criminalisation and crime control and sets them within the wider social, economic and political context.
More reasons to study with us
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Core modules provide a solid understanding of ideas and debates about crime, and the choice of optional modules means you can expand your own interests as they develop.
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Guest speakers, who are professionals and practitioners working in the field of criminal justice, will help to bring the theory to life give insight into employment opportunities.
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Our teaching team is committed to quality learning and research informed teaching to ensure you get the best educational experience.
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Volunteering opportunities that complement your studies can give you a competitive edge when it comes to finding employment:
“I graduated from Canterbury Christ Church University in 2010 with a 2:1 honours degree in Applied Criminology. In my final year a charity called CRI (Crime Reduction Initiative) which specialises in working with substance abusers to provide rehabilitation, treatment and care services in both prisons and the community, was advertising for a programme facilitator in HMP Wormwood Scrubs, working alongside prisoners to address their substance misuse. My degree gave me an advantage because of the knowledge I had accumulated. The experience I had gained whilst volunteering helped secure me the role. Through my work I have since appeared on BBC’s Question Time in a debate with the Justice Minister.” Charlotte Sherratt, Graduate 2010, now employed at Wormwood Scrubs.
Single or Combined Honours?
Applied Criminology can be studied as a single honours degree but it works well with other subjects so you may choose combined honours Applied Criminology with other programmes within the Department, such as Forensic Investigation or Legal Studies or other programmes across the university such as Sociology, Psychology or Business Studies.
To find out more about our degrees visit the online prospectus|.
What our students say
“It was a great experience to study Applied Criminology at CCCU. I feel that the course creates graduates of a high calibre, enabling them to engage critically with a variety of issues, whilst increasing employability through the high level of transferable skills taught. I had a great three years at this university, which set me up for a career in any sector; including academia, but also private, public and charity sector work”
(Benedikt Lehmann Single Honours Applied Criminology 2010)
“The great thing about Applied Criminology is that it is constantly changing every day, due to the nature of the subject. It is an incredibly relevant degree, and helps you better understand the systems, institutions and politics that make the criminal justice system what it is today. The support that you are given is excellent. The lecturers are engaging and knowledgeable in their field and exude a real passion. They make real efforts to get to know you, and are always available by e-mail or by booking a tutorial.”
(Adrian Jackson Applied Criminology 2010)
“The inter-disciplinary approach to the Applied Criminology programme really enables a well-rounded understanding of crime and criminal justice issues. Lecturers are extremely enthusiastic and helpful with assignments. They also helped me gain voluntary experience in prisons as well as working with young offenders in the community”
(Thomas Raymen Applied Criminology with Legal Studies 2011)
“The standards set on this programme bear comparison with the best. They expect much of the students and achieve it. This is now the third year of my period as external examiner and I have found a remarkable and welcome consistency in those standards...teaching staff go ‘above and beyond’ in student care and engagement”
(External Examiner: Dr Nic Groombridge)
Teaching staff
The Programme Director for Applied Criminology is Dr Jo O’Mahoney|.
Find out more about the lecturers in the Department|. (Link to Staff profiles).
Visit us
To meet members of the Criminology teaching team, book a place at an Open Day|.