Skip to content The Open University
  1. Study at the OU
  2. Undergraduate
  3. Social Sciences
  4. Criminology

Criminology

On this page

Photo / Alamy / woman prisoner in cell / Criminology / Open University

Crime and how to control crime are issues that both fascinate us and make us fearful. From the actions of petty thieves to the threats of terrorist organisations, crime affects us all to a lesser or greater extent. But why are some actions defined as criminal or anti-social, while others are not? And who defines them? As an OU student studying criminology you’ll explore a variety of questions and concerns around social order, security and surveillance and learn how governments try to tackle them. And through this study you’ll also be learning more about contemporary society, welfare policy and crime-control policy. 

From a career perspective, you’ll find your studies will be of particular value if you’re involved in, or plan to work in the criminal justice system, health care, housing, local government, public services, social welfare, or the voluntary sector.

Degrees

  • Combined Social Sciences
    Develop a rich synthesis of knowledge and skills drawn from the breadth of social sciences subjects: criminology; economics; geography; politics; psychology; sociology; and social policy.
  • Criminology and Psychological Studies
    Our society is fascinated by crime and punishment. This degree will help you understand the issues behind the headlines.
  • Social Policy and Criminology
    Prepare for a career in welfare, government, public health or criminal justice agencies with this degree which examines the historical and contemporary development of social policy and criminology.
  • Open degree
    The BA/BSc Open Degree is a qualification that gives you a huge choice in terms of subjects and modules that you study to make up your degree.

Certificates of Higher Education

Not sure if you’re ready? Try a short introductory Openings course

If you would like to try Open University study before you commit to a qualification, our Openings courses could be the right place for you to start. These introductory-level courses have been specially designed to help you find out what it’s like to study with the OU, get a taste of a subject area, develop your study skills, and build your confidence. There is also financial support available for these courses. Read more about our Openings courses.

Study a module as a standalone course

You can study a single module on its own for personal interest or to improve your career prospects. See the list of all our individual courses in Criminology.

Undergraduate

Our 2012 Guides to OU Study are out now!
Everything you need to know about the OU and an introduction to our degree courses.
Are you already an OU student ? Go to StudentHome for information on choosing your next module.

Your questions

We may have already answered it in our frequently asked questions.

Or contact an adviser in our Student Registration & Enquiry Service Email or call +44(0) 845 300 60 90 +44(0) 845 366 60 35

Employers' questions

Contact Corporate Enquiries
Visit our website for employers or Email us

Get a prospectus

Download or
order