BA (Hons) or BSc (Hons) Criminology and Education Studies (joint honours)

3 Years On Campus Joint-bachelors Program

Oxford Brookes University

Program Overview

The BA (Hons) or BSc (Hons) in Criminology and Education Studies (joint honours) brings together a unique blend of how young people learn and develop, alongside deep insight into crime, justice and society. You’ll be equipped to understand both the educational journeys of children and youth and the systems that can lead to, prevent or respond to problematic behaviours.

Curriculum structure:

Year 1:
In your first year, you lay the foundation in both strands. You’ll dive into modules such as Crime and Criminology in Context and Criminal Justice in Action, where you’ll ask big questions about who commits crime, why and how society responds. Simultaneously, you’ll engage with Placement 1: Understanding Education and Nurturing Inclusivity, gaining real-world exposure in educational or community settings and exploring how children learn and develop emotionally, cognitively and socially.

Year 2:
In your second year, you deepen your knowledge and sharpen your professional skills. On the education side you’ll study modules such as Emotional Development and Attachment and Alternative Educational Provisions, exploring how children’s early experiences shape outcomes and how education systems cater to different needs. On the criminology side you’ll work through Crime and Intersectionality and Researching Crime: Methods, Approaches and Ethics, developing your ability to critically examine how crime intersects with race, gender and class, and learning to research and evaluate in sensitive contexts.

Year 3 (Final Year):
In the final year you’ll have the freedom to focus on the topics that matter most to you. You’ll undertake a major piece of independent research (the Dissertation / Interdisciplinary Dissertation) and opt into advanced modules such as Policing, Security and Society, Technology and Learning: Dilemmas, Challenges and Opportunities, or The Prison and Imprisonment. Here you’ll merge both education and criminology perspectives to tackle issues such as digital learning environments, youth in the justice system or rehabilitative education.

Focus areas:
Education of children and youth; social justice; inclusive learning; criminological systems (policing, juvenile justice, digital crime); research and critical analysis of crime and learning environments.

Learning outcomes:
You’ll graduate ready to: work with young people in educational or youth-justice settings, understand and challenge systems of crime and learning, conduct research, communicate across professional contexts and contribute to positive social change.

Professional alignment (accreditation):
While this programme isn’t a teacher-training qualification in itself, it provides strong pathways into education, youth work, the juvenile justice system or further study (such as social work, education or criminology).

Reputation (employability rankings):
Oxford Brookes is in the top 25% of global universities in the Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) World University Rankings 2026.
Their graduate employment rate is also strong: 87% of full-time undergraduates are in work or further study 15 months after graduation.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

This program emphasizes practical experience, ensuring you not only understand theories but also apply them in real-world settings. You'll engage in annual work placements, collaborate on group projects, and have opportunities for international study exchanges. The curriculum integrates trauma-informed practices and outdoor learning, enhancing your ability to support diverse learners.

Specific facilities and opportunities include:

Annual Work Placements: Gain hands-on experience in various educational settings, including museums, galleries, and forest schools.
Group Projects: Collaborate with peers on initiatives that address contemporary issues in criminology and education.
International Study Exchanges: Participate in European or international study exchanges to broaden your perspective.
Trauma-Informed Practices: Learn to support student wellbeing through trauma-informed and relational approaches.
Outdoor Learning Specialism: Develop expertise in outdoor learning, enhancing your teaching repertoire.
Additional Language Modules: Enhance your communication skills by participating in the university-wide language programme.
Study Abroad Opportunities: Explore different educational approaches through optional field trips, such as to Sweden.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of this joint honours degree are well-equipped for careers that intersect criminology and education. Typical roles include:

Youth Offending Team Officer: Supporting young offenders to prevent reoffending.
Education Welfare Officer: Ensuring students' well-being and addressing issues affecting their education.
Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCO): Supporting students with special educational needs in mainstream schools.
Youth Support Worker: Providing guidance and support to young people facing various challenges.

This program provides a comprehensive understanding of both criminology and education, preparing graduates for impactful roles in society.

Employability & Support:

Oxford Brookes University offers a range of services to enhance student employability:

Career Services: Providing guidance on job applications, CV writing, and interview preparation.
Work Placements: Opportunities to gain practical experience in relevant fields.
Industry Partnerships: Collaborations with organizations like Thames Valley Police and local educational institutions.

The university's commitment to employability is reflected in the strong employment statistics for graduates.

Long-Term Accreditation & Graduation Outcomes:

The joint honours degree is accredited by relevant professional bodies, ensuring that the qualification holds value in the job market. Graduates have successfully secured positions in various sectors, demonstrating the program's effectiveness in preparing students for their careers.

Further Academic Progression:

After completing this program, you may choose to pursue postgraduate studies in areas such as:

MA in Criminology: Delving deeper into criminological theories and research.
MA in Education: Focusing on educational leadership, policy, or special educational needs.
Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE): Training to become a qualified teacher.

These pathways offer opportunities for further specialization and career advancement.