Criminology Courses: Everything You Need to Know

Considering a Criminology Course? 

The best way to learn about criminology is by doing one of the many criminology courses currently available. A criminology course will provide you with all the necessary skills and knowledge that you need to work in criminology. It’s a really interesting course that enables you to learn about crime in society and about crime investigation and prevention. The good news is there are tons of criminology courses currently available. They offer good flexibility too for those of us leading busy lives. Criminology courses come in part-time and full-time options, in person and online.  

What is Criminology? 

Criminology, put simply, is the study of crime from a social perspective and includes examining who commits crimes, why they commit them, their impact and how to prevent these crimes from taking place. It’s a branch of sociology, which traditionally examines human behaviour, interaction and organisation. However, it also ties in concepts and research from other fields of study such as biology, psychology, philosophy and anthropology. Criminology examines a broad range of topics related to crime. They are dedicated to studying not only the causes of crime but also the social roots and impact as well. The ultimate goal of criminology is to determine the root causes of criminal behaviour and to develop humane and effective means for preventing it.  

What Will I Learn? 

Each course varies depending on the course provider, however, there are some universal topics you can expect to learn in just about any criminology course. Therefore, you can expect to be given an introduction to criminology that will explore the interface between the two disciplines nature and nurture. In addition, here you will explore measuring crime and separating fact from fiction. You will also learn social, family and environmental theories of crime, the biological traits, personal attributes and the mental disordered mind. In addition, you will explore psychopathy. In other words, you will learn about the Hare Test and the criminal psychopath and about the psychopaths among us.  

You will learn about serial killers, aggression, violence and stalking and sexual deviation and sex offenders. This will allow you to explore the mind of sex abusers. In addition, you will learn about the prison hierarchy and sociology. Here is where you will learn about the inmate code. You will also learn offender profiling and police interrogation techniques. Some courses may cover more than you read here. If you would like an exact list of modules, get in touch with your course provider. They will be delighted to hear you are interested in the course and happy to help you answer your questions.  

Course Progression 

If you enjoyed your criminology course and would like to continue your studies, there is the opportunity to progress with criminology. In other words, depending on the level of course you have just completed, you could consider doing a level 8 degree or level 9 masters in the field or in related fields. Doing a course of a higher level will greatly enhance your CV.  

If you’re serious about doing a criminology course, check out courses near you in the Nightcourses.co.uk national course finder.