Find out more about studying criminology at Bath

Learn more about what studying an undergraduate criminology course at Bath is like by watching a taster lecture.

Watch our taster lecture

Why do we have prisons? During this taster session, lecturer Liz Kullman explores the role of prisons in the wider context of criminality and criminal justice.

She discusses imprisonment on a global scale, examining the theory of prisons as a deterrent in criminal justice and the sociological frameworks of criminal punishment.

This taster lecture is specially designed to demonstrate what it’s like to study criminology at Bath. You can access the full XX-minute lecture below.

Watch the full taster lecture

Highly ranked

We are known for excellence in teaching and research, and for providing outstanding career preparation.

Top 3 for Criminology in The Times & The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2026

Top 5 for Criminology in The Guardian University Guide 2026

Top 10 for Graduate Prospects in Criminology in The Times & The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2026

Bath is in the top 10 in the Complete University Guide 2027, The Guardian University Guide 2026 & The Times & The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2026*

Courses that boost employability

BSc (Hons) Criminology at Bath allows students to gain deep insights into the theories of crime, justice and punishment.

Students will apply key frameworks from across the social sciences to topics like human rights and terrorism, social justice, and the globalisation of crime to delve into how law enforcement and criminal justice agencies work and interact, and how criminal justice policy is created and maintained.

Many of our Department of Social & Policy Sciences graduates have gone on to work as social and policy researchers, civil servants, international consultants, journalists, and accountants.

Examples of where our recent Department of Social & Policy Sciences graduates have gone on to work include:

Capita
Civil Service (including Department for Energy, HMRC, Home Office)
Exeter College
Gartner
Incident Management Solutions
Jones Lang Lasalle
Swansea University
UNHCR
University College Hospital

Explore our criminology course

Real-world experience with a placement

Our criminology course is available as a four-year degree with a professional placement.

These opportunities are designed to help students enhance their CV with demonstrable experience and gain practical skills that will prepare them for life beyond university.

A student-focused campus

The University's main campus is located in Claverton Down, on the east side of Bath. It is where our community comes together.

A large group of students sitting on grass next to the lake on the University of Bath campus

Our campus, which is on the edge of the city, has everything a student might need. It has plenty of study spaces, shops, and cafés, as well as a wide range of sports facilities.

We're proud of our dedicated 24/7 on-campus Security Team and Student Support Advice Service, whose work ensures we give each student a safe and supportive experience. All students can also use our free SafeZone app, where they can contact the Security team directly.

Our campus is also home to our Students' Union (The SU), a student-led community that promotes student interests, provides support, and offers a range of societies.

A safe and vibrant city

Bath is a beautiful city set in the rolling green hills of South West England. It’s famous for its natural hot springs and Georgian architecture. In fact, Bath’s so special it’s the only entire city in the UK that’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

But Bath’s not only special because of its history. It’s a great place to live, learn and work. The city has a student population of around 20,000, and is the second safest city in England and Wales to study in.

There is plenty to do in the city, including visiting its historical attractions like the Roman Baths - which students can enter for free!

Students can travel between the campus and city by foot, bike, car or bus. Transport links from the city centre also mean that Bath is just 90 minutes from London and onward travel to its international airports, too.

Watch 'Why do we have prisons?' by Dr Liz Kullman

Watch the full taster lecture

* The University of Bath ranked 7th in The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2026, 8th in The Guardian University Guide 2026, and 9th in the Complete University Guide 2027.