Criminology

Criminology

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Discover criminology undergraduate degrees

You’re prepared to challenge the accepted concepts of justice, punishment and social control and have a meaningful impact on society. At Essex we encourage you to question the prescribed and critique the accepted norms. Harnessing a criminological imagination will give you fresh eyes to view some of the today’s most pressing issues. If you're impatient to understand the nature of crime, welcome home! But be warned, you will see the world in a completely different way.

Why choose Essex?
  • 15th in UK for Sociology in Shanghai Ranking’s Global Ranking of Academic Subjects 2024
  • 21st in UK for sociology (Daily Mail University Guide 2026)
  • 30th in UK for sociology (The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2025)
The Department of Sociology logo, home to criminology undergraduates at the University of Essex.
Explore the home of criminology at Essex

Discover the home of criminology at Essex and visit the Department of Sociology and Criminology. Discover what it's like to study at undergraduate level in this renowned Department.

Visit the Department of Sociology and Criminology

Explore postgraduate criminology degrees at Essex

Although there are many different approaches to the subject, at Essex we take a sociological view. You critique ideas and concepts of justice, punishment and social control. Our courses are contemporary and informed by global theory. You study with other committed, engaged and motivated students, and have the opportunity to attend guest-speaker seminars, events and conferences. Want to understand crime? Welcome home!

Why choose Essex?
  • 15th in UK for Sociology in Shanghai Ranking’s Global Ranking of Academic Subjects 2024
  • 21st in UK for sociology (Daily Mail University Guide 2026)
  • 30th in UK for sociology (The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2025)
University of Essex Graduate Alumni
Learn more about postgraduate fees, funding and scholarships

Find a scholarship, discover postgraduate funding opportunities and learn more about the fee structure for postgraduate students at Essex.

Learn more about postgraduate fees and funding

Find criminology research degrees

We attract research funding, produce world class research outputs and engage with local schools, colleges and businesses. With our integrated, four-year PhD, you follow our Sociological Research pathway in your first year. This provides Masters-level research training, before undertaking your PhD research. This course is also available for study on a full or part time basis. 

Why research here?
  • 15th in UK for Sociology in Shanghai Ranking’s Global Ranking of Academic Subjects 2024
  • 21st in UK for sociology (Daily Mail University Guide 2026)
  • 30th in UK for sociology (The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2025)

Find your academic supervisor

Search our staff profiles and discover the researchers open to academic supervision at the University of Essex.

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Learn more about fees, funding and scholarships for research students

Find a scholarship, discover funding opportunities and learn more about the fee structure for research students at Essex.

Learn more about fees and funding for research students
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