Criminology

About this programme

Criminology at Bristol goes beyond the traditional study of crime and criminal justice. Our multidisciplinary programme explores how societies define harm, why some behaviours are criminalised while others are ignored, and how policy can shape not only a crime-free but also a harm-free society. Alongside core criminological topics, such as crime, policing, punishment and justice, you will examine a broader range of social harms that impact people's lives but may not be recognised in law. These include issues such as poverty, inequality, social exclusion, climate-related harms, work exploitation, and the injuries and deaths resulting from everyday consumer or organisational practices. A social harm perspective is woven throughout the degree, encouraging you to question assumptions, analyse real-world events critically, and consider the wider economic and political forces that produce harm. You will learn with leading experts whose research spans a range of topics including policing, prisons, social harm, environmental justice, migration and violence against women. Their research-led teaching keeps the curriculum closely connected to real-world issues, and enables you with the opportunity to develop the knowledge, analytical capability and professional skills essential for future employment.