Criminology and Criminal Justice, BSc (Hons)

3 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

Swansea University

Program Overview

This degree explores the causes, consequences, and responses to crime, giving you a deep understanding of criminal behaviour and the justice system. It’s ideal for students who are curious about how societies manage crime and want a career in policing, law enforcement, forensic investigation, or criminal justice policy.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1
In the first year, you’ll cover the fundamentals of criminology and criminal justice, with modules such as Introduction to Criminology, Criminal Law, and Criminal Justice Systems. These courses introduce key theories of crime, how laws operate, and how the justice system works in practice. You’ll also develop critical thinking, research, and analytical skills that are essential for later study.

Year 2
In your second year, you’ll dive deeper into topics like Forensic Science, Criminological Theory, and Policing and Crime Prevention. You’ll explore how crime is investigated, the role of law enforcement, and the social factors that influence criminal behaviour. Practical exercises, case studies, and group projects will help you apply theory to real-world scenarios.

Year 3
In the final year, you’ll focus on advanced and specialised topics such as Advanced Criminological Research, Cybercrime, and Criminal Justice Policy. You’ll also have the option to undertake a dissertation or independent research project, allowing you to explore a topic of interest in depth and develop strong research, writing, and analytical skills.

Focus Areas : Criminology, Criminal Justice, Forensic Science, Law Enforcement, Criminal Psychology, Crime Prevention

Learning Outcomes : Graduates will have a strong understanding of criminal behaviour, the criminal justice system, and investigative techniques, along with critical thinking, research, and problem-solving skills that are directly applicable to careers in law enforcement, policy, and related fields.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation) : The program provides knowledge and skills that align with careers in policing, criminal investigation, forensic analysis, and criminal justice agencies.

Reputation (Employability & Rankings) : Swansea University is known for its supportive learning environment, practical teaching, and strong links with law enforcement and criminal justice organisations. Graduates leave well-prepared to pursue careers in policing, criminal investigation, policy-making, and forensic research, with high employability rates and strong professional networks.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At Swansea, studying Criminology and Criminal Justice isn’t just about reading textbooks — it’s about experiencing the field first-hand and applying what you learn in practical settings. You’ll develop skills in investigation, analysis, and critical thinking while using professional tools and participating in activities that mirror real-world criminal justice work. The program is designed to combine academic study with hands-on opportunities, giving you confidence and experience before you graduate.

Here are some of the practical experiences and resources you’ll engage with:

Fieldwork and Observations: Visit law enforcement agencies, courtrooms, and community justice programmes to see how theories are applied in real life.
Forensic and Research Labs: Use specialised facilities for analysing crime data, understanding evidence, and practising investigative techniques.
Group Projects and Case Studies: Work collaboratively on simulated investigations and crime analysis, developing teamwork and problem-solving skills.
Digital Tools and Software: Gain experience with databases, crime mapping tools, and statistical software to analyse criminal trends and patterns.
Guest Lectures and Workshops: Learn from experienced police officers, forensic experts, and criminal justice professionals who bring real-world insights into the classroom.
Internships and Placement Opportunities: Optional placements in policing, probation services, or forensic agencies provide valuable work experience and networking opportunities.
Specialist Libraries and Resources: Access Swansea’s law and social science libraries, online databases, and research support to deepen your studies and projects.

These experiences ensure that when you graduate, you’re not only knowledgeable about criminology and criminal justice, but also practically prepared for a range of careers in the field.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates from this program leave Swansea with a strong understanding of criminal behaviour, the justice system, and investigative techniques, making them highly sought after in a variety of careers. Many go on to work as crime scene investigators, forensic analysts, probation officers, or criminal law paralegals, while others pursue roles in policing, intelligence, or criminal justice policy. The combination of academic knowledge and hands-on experience ensures graduates are ready to step confidently into professional roles:

Careers and Employability Support: Swansea’s Careers and Employability team offers one-on-one guidance, CV and application workshops, interview preparation, and help finding internships and placements in law enforcement and forensic settings.
Employment outcomes: A high proportion of students gain practical experience through internships or placements, giving them a competitive edge in the job market.
Industry connections: The program has links with police forces, forensic agencies, and criminal justice organisations, allowing students to learn directly from professionals and build valuable networks.
Accreditation and professional relevance: The knowledge and skills gained align with career requirements in policing, forensic science, criminal investigation, and related criminal justice fields.
Graduate success: Alumni move into skilled roles across policing, forensic analysis, probation services, criminal law, and public policy, with strong early-career prospects.

Further Academic Progression:
After completing the BSc, students may choose to continue their studies with a Master’s in Criminology, Forensic Science, Criminal Justice, or Cybercrime. There’s also the option to specialise in research through a PhD, or pursue professional qualifications for careers in policing, probation, or forensic investigation.