What is Criminology?
Criminology is the study of crime, deviance, and how society responds to it. Pupils explore key questions such as: Why do people commit crimes? How does the law work? What impact does crime have on individuals and communities?
Criminology helps pupils understand what crime is and how it differs from behaviour that goes against social norms (deviance). Students examine why people offend and how society responds through laws, policing, and the justice system.
It is an exciting and highly relevant subject for young people because it:
- • Builds critical thinking and problem-solving skills
- • Encourages discussion of real-world issues that affect society today
- • Links directly to a wide range of careers such as law, policing, forensic psychology, social work, youth justice, and government services
Criminology also supports career learning across the curriculum, offering opportunities to engage with professionals such as police officers and legal experts, and helping pupils connect classroom learning to further education and employment pathways.
Importantly, criminology links closely to the National Curriculum. In Citizenship, pupils learn how laws are made, the role of the police and courts, and why rules are essential for keeping people safe. The subject also connects to History, where students explore how crime and punishment have changed over time, helping them understand how justice systems and societal attitudes continue to evolve.
What Will Pupils Study?
Introduction to Criminology
- • Discover what criminology is and why it matters
- • Explore how definitions of crime and deviance have changed over time
Defining Crime and Deviance
- • Learn the difference between legal and social definitions of crime
- • Explore how norms and values shape what is seen as deviant behaviour
Why Do People Commit Crime?
- • Investigate biological theories (e.g. genetics and early criminology)
- • Study psychological theories, including personality and mental health
Understanding Crime Data
- • Examine official crime statistics and what they reveal
- • Explore the role of victim surveys in understanding crime
The Criminal Justice System
- • Gain an overview of the justice process from arrest to sentencing
- • Learn about the role of the police and their work in communities
Influences on Justice
- • Explore how socioeconomic background shapes experiences of the justice system
- • Discuss the impact of race and ethnicity on crime and policing
Crime in Society
- • Compare urban and rural crime patterns
- • Investigate how the media influences public perceptions of crime
Research and Review
- • Learn about research methods used in criminology
- • Consider ethical issues and the challenges of studying crime
Why Criminology?
Criminology offers pupils the opportunity to think deeply about justice, fairness, and social responsibility. It develops key skills in research, debate, analysis, and critical thinking — all of which are highly valued in higher education and employment.
The subject also encourages pupils to reflect on their role in society and consider how they can make a positive difference, whether through careers in criminal justice or in wider fields that require an understanding of people and social behaviour.
Overall, criminology supports pupils in becoming informed, responsible citizens who can think critically about the world around them.
Careers and Future Pathways
Studying criminology opens the door to a wide range of exciting opportunities, including:
- • Law and Legal Careers – solicitor, barrister, legal executive, paralegal
- • Policing and Security – police officer, detective, crime scene investigator, intelligence analyst
- • Forensic and Criminal Psychology – offender profiling, rehabilitation services, forensic psychology
- • Youth and Social Work – probation officer, youth offending team worker, social worker
- • Government and Policy – civil service, local government, policy development
- • Further Study – A-levels, vocational courses, university degrees in criminology, law, sociology, or psychology
Criminology equips pupils with transferable skills for any career that requires critical thinking, communication, analysis, and an understanding of people and society.
Frequently Asked Questions
What careers can I consider with criminology?
Criminology can lead to careers such as police officer, lawyer, probation officer, forensic scientist, social worker, or psychologist. It also supports many other roles that require investigation skills and an understanding of people.
Will we learn about real crimes?
Yes. Pupils may explore real-life case studies to understand criminal behaviour and how investigations work. These are always selected carefully and taught in a way that is appropriate for the age group.
What skills will I develop in criminology?
You will build valuable skills including critical thinking, problem-solving, research, communication, teamwork, and analysing evidence. These skills are useful across a wide range of careers.