BA in Criminology

The BA (Hons) in Criminology provides a unique vantage point to study issues related to crime, justice, and people’s experiences of victimization in a society transitioning from conflict. Criminologists are interested in how activities come to be defined as ‘criminal’, why definitions and responses to crime vary over time and place, as well as how people are affected by harmful behaviors. The subject includes a broad range of perspectives on understanding crime and criminal behavior, as well as examining various methods in the prevention, policing, and punishment of crime. Issues related to harm and victimization are also considered, alongside how and why people move away from offending behavior. Local and global examples are used throughout the program to illustrate how these issues shape the world around us and to highlight how alternative ways of interpreting and responding to crime are possible.

Criminology highlights

Internationally Renowned Experts

Criminology is taught by a group of internationally-recognised criminological researchers who specialize in areas, such as justice and conflict, policing, youth crime, victimization, international criminal justice, alcohol and drug use, imprisonment, trauma, and violence, as well as the criminology of war. To hear from more students about their experience of studying criminology

Student Experience

We offer a high quality, supportive, student-centered learning experience in a top Russell Group University, as evidenced by our excellent National Student Survey student satisfaction rates. Students in the School are educated in a dynamic academic environment by award-winning teaching staff, and in a recent government-sponsored review of research, staff in the School achieved 'world-leading' and 'international excellence' status for the high quality of their research work.

In addition, Queen’s University Belfast is one of only 17 Universities within the UK that was funded by the Nuffield Foundation to provide specialist, advanced quantitative research skills training to undergraduate social science students. This provides students with the opportunity to specialize in advanced quantitative research methods which has enhanced students’ employment prospects, as these skills are highly desired by many employers.

A range of free student support services are also provided to help students successfully complete their studies while obtaining their best grades and maintaining their health and well-being. Criminology students are also assigned a personal tutor to help them during their studies as well as being encouraged to avail of opportunities to work with peer mentors to help develop their skills. Please see the link below for information on some of the support services available to our students.

Career Development

Criminology students have access to a dedicated Careers Consultant who works with students to provide one-to-one support and advice on applying for jobs, preparing for interviews, developing C.V.s, and enhancing career prospects. Information on volunteering and internship opportunities is also available to enhance the skills and desirability of our students to employers. Moreover, students can choose to complete the Future Ready Skills Certificate which increases the employability of our students and provides them with the opportunity to hear the career journeys of former criminology students. Students also have the opportunity to engage with potential employers through field trips, guest lectures, and the research collaborations they are exposed to throughout their studies.

Global Opportunities

Additionally, students can choose to spend time studying in one of our linked Universities across the world. For example, past students have studied criminology at various Universities across Europe and the USA. Supported by the dedicated ‘Go Global’ team at Queen’s University Belfast, our students have the opportunity to study or work abroad, with various events run throughout the year to highlight the opportunities available and provide information on funding to support such travel. Please see the link below for more information.

Further Study Opportunities

If students want to continue studying once they have completed their undergraduate criminology program, they can choose from a wide range of postgraduate taught or postgraduate research programs offered in the School, such as the MRes in Social Science Research and the MSc in Youth Justice. More information on postgraduate programs offered in the School of Social Sciences, Education, and Social Work can be found at the link below.