The Criminology BA at Queen's University Belfast offers you a comprehensive exploration of crime, criminal justice, and societal responses to wrongdoing, with a particular emphasis on the Irish context. This undergraduate degree is designed for students eager to understand the complexities of how activities become defined as criminal, why these definitions shift, and the diverse methods employed in crime prevention, policing, and punishment. You will delve into theoretical frameworks, research methodologies, and the practical realities of the criminal justice system, preparing you to critically analyse and engage with pressing social issues.
Studied full-time on campus over three years, your journey will begin with foundational modules introducing criminology and its societal links, progressing to specialised areas like policing, security, and advanced research skills. You will develop quantitative and qualitative research abilities, engage with expert guest speakers from criminal justice organisations, and potentially specialise further with optional modules in areas such as border criminology or youth justice. In your final year, you will undertake a significant research project and dissertation, drawing on the skills and knowledge gained throughout your degree, preparing you for diverse career paths in the field.