We use cookies on reading.ac.uk to improve your experience, monitor site performance and tailor content to you
Read our cookie policy to find out how to manage your cookie settings
Our cutting-edge curriculum addresses the challenges facing twenty-first-century democracies, especially the link between criminal and social justice.
Criminology at Reading is taught by academics who have excelled in their fields of expertise and who – between them – have had decades of experience influencing criminal justice policies. We also have unique partnerships with penal reform organisations.
Our academics contribute to global and UK policy development, and law and criminal justice reforms through their work with governments and regulatory agencies such as the Law Commission and the United Nations.
Others have been involved with, or cited in, cases before courts, including the European Court of Justice and the UK Supreme Court.
The University of Reading has academic expertise in matters of gender and justice, and holds unique partnerships with penal reform organisations including the Centre for Crime and Justice Studies.
Meet our BSc Criminology programme director, Professor Jo Phoenix
You will benefit from teaching supported by applied research. You’ll have the opportunity to acquire research training by working with live and archived datasets owned and held by our academics.
99% of our research is of international standing (Research Excellence Framework 2021, combining 4*, 3* and 2* submissions – Law).
Students on the BSc Criminology course will be encouraged to join the British Society of Criminology, the Centre for Crime and Justice Studies, and other penal reform groups such as Howard League for Penal Reform.
Depending on your career aspirations, you may be interested in joining the University's Law Society – depending on your career aspirations – or forming a new criminology student society.
Our partnerships with external organisations will provide opportunities such as visits to courts and prisons, regular talks from professionals involved in the administration of justice, and outside talks from world-leading academics.
The University of Reading and the Centre for Crime and Justice Studies have a unique partnership, connecting researchers and students with criminal justice practitioners and policy makers. Through events, publications and creative collaborations, the partnership provides opportunities to discuss and explore a range of contemporary crime, justice and punishment challenges.
We encourage you to engage with the many opportunities offered by the Careers and Professional Development Centre, including:
We have many contacts in the field of criminal justice and other relevant organisations to support you in gaining placements, work experience and other opportunities.
During your Criminology degree, you will have opportunities to gain hands-on experience in real-world settings through voluntary placement opportunities:
An opportunity for you to work with Dr Alexandra Cox and Dr Leandro Ayres França for one year on real death penalty cases across the globe.
Explore crime and criminal justice – including causes, controls, and consequences – with our new BSc Criminology degree.
Our teaching is research-led and relevant. Create your own pathway to follow a particular passion or explore a broad range of socio-legal topics.
Learn in a friendly, inclusive law school where our practice-focused approach provides you with multiple opportunities to develop both personally and professionally.