Criminology and Politics (joint honours) BA (Hons) or BSc (Hons)

Studying Criminology and Politics at Oxford Brookes is designed to be an active, hands-on experience. You won’t just learn about crime, justice, and power from textbooks — you’ll put theory into practice through real projects, field-based learning, and opportunities to engage directly with the organisations and ideas shaping society. From work placements and policy simulations to guest lectures and research workshops, this degree helps you develop the practical skills and professional confidence employers are looking for.

Here’s how Oxford Brookes turns your classroom learning into real-world experience:

• Work-based learning placements – In your second year, you’ll have the chance to gain hands-on experience with a public agency, NGO, or community organisation, applying your knowledge of crime and politics in a professional setting.

• Collaborative projects and simulations – Modules like Creating Criminology and Public Criminology include group research projects, debates, and real-world case studies that mirror the challenges faced by professionals in the field.

• Research skills with real data – In Researching Crime: Methods, Approaches and Ethics, you’ll learn how to design surveys, conduct interviews, and use digital data sources, building the kind of analytical skills valued by employers.

• Policy-focused learning – Through modules like Public Criminology, you’ll explore how criminological research shapes policies, studying real-world problems and analysing how governments and agencies respond.

• Access to specialist research centres – You’ll connect with ongoing political debates through seminars and events hosted by the Centre for Global Politics, Economy and Society, where experts, policymakers, and activists share their insights.

• Interdisciplinary networks and opportunities – As part of the School of Law and Social Sciences, you’ll benefit from cross-disciplinary collaborations and academic networks spanning criminology, politics, law, and international relations.

A joint degree in Criminology and Politics from Oxford Brookes opens doors to a wide range of careers where you can make a real difference — from shaping public policy to improving justice systems and influencing social change. Many of our graduates go on to work as policy analysts, public affairs officers, criminology researchers, and crime prevention officers, while others join government departments, NGOs, or law enforcement agencies. With strong analytical, research, and communication skills, you’ll graduate ready to take on roles that shape society and respond to some of its biggest challenges.

Here’s how Oxford Brookes helps you build a successful career:

• Expert career support – You’ll benefit from one-to-one guidance, CV and interview workshops, networking events, and employer connections through the Brookes Careers Service — all focused on helping you stand out in the job market.

• Strong graduate outcomes – Around 87% of Oxford Brookes graduates are employed or in further study within 15 months of graduation (HESA Graduate Outcomes).

• Valuable professional links – The university has strong ties with public agencies, policing bodies, NGOs, local authorities, and social research organisations, giving you opportunities for placements, internships, and professional networking.

• Highly transferable skills – You’ll graduate with in-demand abilities like research, policy analysis, communication, critical thinking, and problem-solving — skills that employers across the public and private sectors look for.

• Diverse career destinations – Brookes alumni have gone on to roles in the civil service, law enforcement, human rights organisations, political consultancies, research institutions, and media.

Further Academic Progression:
After completing your undergraduate degree, you can continue your studies with a Master’s in Criminology, Criminal Justice, Public Policy, or International Relations, or pursue a PhD to specialise in research and academia. These advanced qualifications can open up leadership roles in government, global organisations, or higher education.