Program Overview

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Criminology focuses on the causes and consequences of crime, as well as how the criminal justice system responds to crime. Criminologists are interested in how activities come to be defined as criminal, and why definitions of crime vary across countries and over time. The subject includes a wide range of social and psychological theories that attempt to explain criminal behaviour and the effective operation of the criminal justice system.

Sociology is a scientific discipline concerned with the explanation of social life and human behaviour of all kinds. It equips students with the skills to understand the breadth of social practice, ranging from the global (including power and politics, conflict and peace processes, security, the digital world, climate change, racism and social justice) to individual experiences (such as the body, intimacy, emotions, identity, beliefs and mental health).

Criminology and Sociology Degree highlights

Criminology at Queen’s is ranked 9th in the UK in the Guardian University Guide 2020.

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Global Opportunities

Students can spend time studying in one of our linked Universities in Europe. There is also the opportunity to study or work abroad, supported by schemes, such as Erasmus and Study USA. Additionally, students benefit for visiting international students who take criminology modules, as it increases their exposure to international criminal justice policy and practice, enhancing their understanding of criminology as an international discipline.

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Career Development

Students are offered opportunities to develop substantive knowledge and research skills through collaboration with Northern Ireland’s vibrant civil and community sector, through field trips, guest lectures, workshops, placements, research collaborations and volunteering opportunities.

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World Class Facilities

The programme is taught on Queen’s historic campus in the heart of Belfast, which has been ranked one of the most affordable Universities in the UK.

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Internationally Renowned Experts

Criminology is taught by a group of internationally-recognised criminological researchers who specialise in areas, such as criminal justice policy, prisons, policing, desistance from crime, offender reintegration, drug use, youth justice, conflict and transitional justice.

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Student Experience

We offer a high quality, supportive, student-centred learning experience in a top Russell Group University, as evidenced by our excellent National Student Survey student satisfaction rates.

Queen’s University is one of only 17 Universities within the UK being funded by the Nuffield Foundation to provide specialist, advanced quantitative research skills training to undergraduate social science students. This training enhances students’ employment prospects as these skills are highly desired by many employers

"The course offers a wide range of interesting and diverse modules covering a wide range of topics and interests. The support and guidance from the department and the expertise of staff has provided me with an invaluable experience that has furthered my knowledge and understanding of both criminological and sociological theory and has motivated me to further my learning by undertaking a Master's degree at Queen's."

Rachel Stanley (Joint Honours Graduate 2016)

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