3 Years On Campus Joint-bachelors Program
Oxford Brookes University’s BA/BSc (Hons) in Criminology and International Relations is an exciting joint honours degree that lets you explore the world of crime, justice, and global politics. It’s perfect for curious minds who want to understand how local and international issues connect, and prepares you for meaningful careers in law, policy, international organizations, or social justice.
Curriculum Structure
Year 1:
In your first year, you’ll build a strong foundation in both subjects. Criminology modules like Crime and Criminology in Context introduce you to the nature of crime and how society responds, while International Relations modules such as Politics in Comparative Perspective give you insight into different political systems and global power dynamics. This year sets you up with the essential knowledge to explore more complex topics later.
Year 2:
In the second year, you’ll dive deeper into the issues that shape our world. Criminology units like Crime and Intersectionality explore how factors like race, gender, and class influence crime and justice, and Globalisation and Crime looks at how international connections affect criminal activity. Meanwhile, International Relations modules such as Global Ethics and Global Environmental Politics help you understand moral dilemmas and environmental challenges in global politics.
Final Year:
Your final year gives you the chance to specialise and pursue your own research interests. Optional criminology modules like Visual Criminology or Queer Criminology allow you to explore niche areas, while Researching Crime: Methods, Approaches and Ethics equips you with strong research skills for your dissertation. In International Relations, you might study Terrorism or Global Sociology, deepening your understanding of contemporary global issues.
Focus Areas
Crime and justice systems, global political structures, identity and intersectionality, international security, environmental politics, ethical considerations in global affairs
Learning Outcomes
Critical thinking about crime and politics, strong research skills, understanding global connections, ethical reasoning, effective communication, and the ability to work independently
Professional Alignment (Accreditation)
This program equips you for careers in law enforcement, policy analysis, international organizations, NGOs, and social justice initiatives.
Reputation (Employability Rankings)
Oxford Brookes University has a strong reputation for employability, with graduates securing roles in government, law, international organizations, and beyond.
At Oxford Brookes, learning goes far beyond lectures and textbooks. In the Criminology and International Relations program, students gain hands-on experience that helps them develop practical skills, work in real-world settings, and understand global issues from multiple perspectives. You’ll have access to dedicated facilities, expert staff, and opportunities that make theory come alive, from research projects to field experiences and collaborative workshops.
Some of the practical experiences you can expect include:
Work Placements: Work alongside organizations such as Thames Valley Police or social justice groups like the Tap Social Movement, putting your learning into practice in real-world environments.
Independent Research Projects: Conduct your own research on criminology or international relations topics, with options to include international perspectives or study abroad experiences.
Language and Cultural Modules: Boost your communication and intercultural skills with the university’s language programs, giving you a global edge.
Study Abroad Opportunities: Spend a semester or year at a partner university abroad, gaining first-hand insight into international political and justice systems.
Collaborative Learning: Participate in seminars, workshops, and group projects that develop teamwork, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills.
These experiences are carefully designed to equip you with the confidence, expertise, and adaptability needed for careers in law enforcement, policy-making, international organizations, or social justice initiatives.
Graduates from the BA/BSc (Hons) in Criminology and International Relations at Oxford Brookes University leave well-prepared to make an impact in both national and global arenas. You’ll gain practical skills in research, critical thinking, and communication that employers value across multiple sectors. Typical career paths include:
Policy Analyst: Advising on public policies related to crime, justice, and international affairs.
International Development Officer: Working with NGOs or government agencies to implement global development initiatives.
Diplomatic Service Officer: Representing national interests abroad and managing international relations.
Criminal Justice Researcher: Conducting research to inform policies and practices within justice systems.
The university offers robust support to help you transition from study to career:
Career Services: Personalised guidance, CV and interview workshops, and employability advice.
Industry Partnerships: Practical opportunities with organisations like Thames Valley Police and the Tap Social Movement.
Employability Programs: Training and networking initiatives designed to connect students with potential employers.
Graduate Outcomes: A strong record of graduates securing employment or further study within six months of finishing the program.
Long-term Accreditation Value: Degrees from Oxford Brookes are recognised globally, with high teaching quality and strong subject rankings.
Further Academic Progression:
After completing your degree, you can continue your studies through:
Postgraduate Programs: Master’s degrees in Criminology, International Relations, Public Policy, or related fields.
Research Opportunities: MPhil or PhD research in criminology, political science, or global studies, allowing you to specialise further and deepen your expertise.
This pathway not only opens doors to advanced knowledge but also strengthens your career prospects in both professional and academic fields.
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