Year one at Durham City Campus builds core criminology through introduction to criminological theory, social research methods, the criminal justice landscape, and critical scholarship in the social sciences. You develop foundational knowledge of crime, deviance, criminal justice institutions, and social science research methods while building analytical and academic writing skills for professional criminology careers. Teaching links theory to Durham University Department of Sociology research strengths and prepares you for contemporary criminological theory and research methods in action in year two.

• Introduction to Criminological Theory — Core
• Social Research Methods — Core
• The Criminal Justice Landscape — Core
• Critical Scholarship in the Social Sciences — Core

Year two develops applied criminology through contemporary criminological theory and research methods in action, including a group-based research project on a topic of your choosing. You apply advanced theoretical perspectives, qualitative and quantitative data analysis, and research design to criminological problems while building professional skills for criminal justice and policy roles. Alongside core modules, you may select optional modules in areas such as policing, violence and abuse, crime and social inequalities, and communities and social justice at Durham University.

• Contemporary Criminological Theory — Core
• Research Methods in Action — Core

Year three completes your criminology degree through a substantial dissertation on a topic of your choosing in criminology, sociology, or social policy, supported by academic supervision. You undertake independent research producing a 10,000-word thesis, consolidating research methods developed across years one and two. Alongside your dissertation, you may select optional modules in areas such as cybercrime, criminal justice, gender violence, and youth justice. Graduates are prepared for criminologist, crime analyst, criminal justice analyst, forensic scientist, forensic psychologist, and criminal investigator roles across the UK and internationally.

• Dissertation — Core