Criminology (Placement Year) Lancaster University

Ready to see the world of crime and criminal justice differently? Join us to unpick theories and perspectives that explore today’s most pressing crime-related issues. You will study a wide range of topics and have the opportunity to connect with local agencies such as the police and the prison service. Work with our specialist careers advisors to plan your future in the criminal justice system and beyond.

Why Lancaster?

• Critically explore crime and justice: A thought-provoking degree that examines crime through a social justice lens

• Exceptional academic support: Work closely with engaged lecturers who value your ideas and are committed to helping you grow as a criminologist

• Build connections: Network with experts from NGOs, charities, law enforcement, and other criminal justice organisations

• Unlock your career potential: Tailored career advice to discover diverse pathways and practical steps you can take to achieve your goals

• Work with Leading Experts: Our academics advise the United Nations and the EU, influence drug policies in the UK and overseas and work with national and local criminal justice agencies

• Explore today’s challenges on topics such as drug-related crimes, sex offences, organised crime, and human rights violations

A rich history of Criminology

Lancaster is a city that has criminal justice at its heart. From the medieval period to contemporary times, the Castle in Lancaster has served as an assizes court, crown court and a fully functioning prison. From the infamous 1612 trial and execution of the ten people accused of witchcraft to the more recent exoneration of accused terrorists the ‘Birmingham Six’, Lancaster Castle has been the site of both persecution and justice. Past or present, this is not dramatised or romantic crime. This is real life: brutal, saddening, enraging, uncomfortable, but fascinating.

Criminology at Lancaster has a long and distinguished history informed by this past but looking strongly to the future of crime and punishment in the United Kingdom and internationally.

A critical view of crime and punishment

The city as a centre for criminal justice and injustice creates a strong sense of what our degree is about. On this course, you’ll look critically at the social, cultural, political, and economic contexts of crime and criminal justice, as well as viewing challenges through a social justice lens. You will examine how crime is portrayed in the media and popular culture and explore how deviancy is rendered as a criminal act and how activism and protest can be demonised.

You will learn to untangle the complex relationship between society, crime, and the criminal justice system and explore what alternative approaches to justice might look like now and in the future.

Together, we will investigate the historical, present, and future dimensions of crime—spanning urban streets to digital spaces in national and global perspectives.

Engage with experts

Criminology at Lancaster takes you through landmark theories to the critical evaluation and analysis of statistics, to detailed studies of processes and pathways through the criminal justice system. You will be taught by an internationally recognised team of researchers who lead in shaping both criminal justice policy and the academic field of criminology.

Our expertise and research inform our teaching and give you an insight into the ways policies and laws are influenced and changed.

Topics might include:

• Human rights

• Asylum and migration

• Green criminology

• Cyber security and policing

• Gendered harm

• Media and popular culture

• Youth justice

• Crime and power

Sometimes known as a year in industry, your placement year will take place between your second and final year of study and this will extend your degree to four years.

Entry requirements

These are the typical grades that you will need to study this course. This section will tell you whether you need qualifications in specific subjects, what our English language requirements are, and if there are any extra requirements such as attending an interview or submitting a portfolio.

A levels

BBB

Access to HE Diploma

24 Level 3 credits at Distinction plus 21 Level 3 credits at Merit

Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales

We accept the Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales in place of one A level, or equivalent qualification, as long as any subject requirements are met.

BTEC Extended Diploma

DDM

BTEC in combination with A levels

A level at grade B plus BTEC(s) at DM, or A level at grade C plus BTEC(s) at DD, or A levels at grade BC plus BTEC at D

International Baccalaureate

30 overall with 15 points from the best 3 HL subjects

Scottish Highers and Advanced Highers

We are happy to admit applicants on the basis of five Highers, but where we require a specific subject at A level, we will typically require an Advanced Higher in that subject. If you do not meet the grade requirement through Highers alone, we will consider a combination of Highers and Advanced Highers in separate subjects. Please contact the Admissions team for more information.

T levels

Merit overall

GCSE requirements

English Language grade 4/C.

We will also look at your overall GCSE profile when considering your application as a whole.

We do have flexibility when considering GCSE requirements. Go to our GCSE information for more details.

English language requirements

If English is not your first language, we require an IELTS score of 6.5 overall with at least 5.5 in each component for this programme. English language qualifications for undergraduate study.