Best Universities for Criminology in the UK

Best Universities for Criminology in the UK

If you’re interested in the causes and consequences of crime, how to protect individuals and communities, and even how societies decide which behaviours are criminal, then Criminology is a fascinating and worthwhile degree.

But which are the best universities for Criminology in the UK? In this guide, we’ll explore the top-ranking courses in this dynamic field. We’ll identify the top universities, discuss their courses, and identify their entry requirements, to help you find the right uni for you.

Criminology University Rankings

To identify the top Criminology degrees in the UK, we’ve referred to two leading university rankings: the Complete University Guide (CUG) and The Guardian.

Each ranking uses a different combination of metrics (such as teaching satisfaction, student-to-staff ratios, and spending per student) and has different methods of collecting data. This can lead to notable variations in a university’s position across the two tables. While these rankings aren’t definitive, therefore, they do still offer a helpful snapshot of overall course quality.

In the table below, we’ve highlighted the top ten UK universities for Criminology based on their average ranking across both the CUG and Guardian league tables.

Note: the Complete University Guide does not have a specific ranking for Criminology degrees. Criminology is categorised under Sociology in its rankings; we have therefore used the CUG university rankings for Sociology as a proxy in this guide.

In the next section, we break down the top five in these rankings, and explore the universities, courses, and entry requirements in more detail.

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Best Universities for Criminology in the UK

Loughborough University

Loughborough comes top of our list of the best universities for Criminology, with a strong performance in both the Guardian and CUG rankings.

University Overview

Loughborough is a campus university based in the market town of Loughborough in the midlands of England. Founded in 1966, it is often regarded as one of the best non-Russell Group universities.

Course Overview

The BSc Criminology degree at Loughborough University explores the causes and consequences of crime, the workings of the criminal justice system, and approaches to offender rehabilitation. Students will examine both traditional and modern methods of crime prevention, as well as how social issues like poverty and inequality contribute to criminal behaviour. The course tackles key questions around why crimes occur, how they affect society, and what roles the police, policy makers, and justice system play in addressing crime and promoting rehabilitation. Emphasising social justice, the degree also encourages critical analysis of how criminal justice policies can either support or marginalise vulnerable communities.

Entry Requirements

Grades: ABB at A Level or 34 (6,6,5 at HL) at IB

Admissions test: None

University College London

UCL is another excellent university for Criminology, coming first in the Guardian’s ranking. Its unique course makes it an outstanding option for students.

University Overview

A member institution of the University of London, UCL is one of the UK’s leading universities. Part of the elite G5 group, it is based in Bloomsbury in central London, with an additional campus in east London.

Course Overview

The Crime and Security Science BSc at UCL prepares students to address contemporary crime and security challenges through an interdisciplinary approach combining theory, data analysis, and practical application. Based in the world’s first department dedicated to crime reduction, the course covers topics such as forensic psychology, policing, security technology, and intelligence. Students develop coding and research skills, with opportunities to specialise through optional modules and undertake placements with companies or government bodies. The programme is designed to equip graduates for careers in law enforcement, intelligence, private security, or policy-making.

Entry Requirements

Grades: AAB at A Level or 36 (17 at HL) at IB

Admissions test: None

Durham University

Durham can be considered the third best university for Criminology based on the Guardian and CUG league tables.

University Overview

A collegiate university in northeast England, Durham was founded in the early nineteenth century and, as such, is the third oldest university in England after Oxford and Cambridge. Today it is a member of the Russell Group and one of the UK’s most prestigious universities.

Course Overview

Durham’s BA in Criminology explores the social dimensions of crime, critically examining why certain behaviours are criminalised and how crime relates to broader issues of power and inequality. Students study criminological theory, criminal justice institutions, and topics such as gender-based violence, cybercrime, and sex work, while developing research skills through hands-on projects and a final-year dissertation. The course offers opportunities for applied learning, including community placements and optional modules covering diverse areas like policing, social justice, and youth crime. Throughout, students are encouraged to think critically about crime, its causes, and society’s responses.

Entry Requirements

Grades: AAB at A Level or 36 (6,6,5 at HL) at IB

Admissions test: None

University of Bath

With its global perspective on crime, Bath’s Criminology degree makes it a worthy entry on the list of top universities for Criminology.

University Overview

Based in the attractive Roman spa town of Bath in the west of England, the University of Bath was founded in 1966. Along with St Andrews and Loughborough, it is often considered one of the best non-Russell Group universities.

Course Overview

Bath’s Criminology degree explores contemporary crime and justice issues with a strong global outlook, covering topics such as human rights, terrorism, and the globalisation of crime. Students study criminological theory alongside practical insights into victimisation, policing, courts, and prisons, while also developing research and data analysis skills. Teaching is led by expert researchers and supported by career-focused opportunities, including guest speakers, field trips, and skills training. In the final year, students complete a dissertation and choose from specialist modules to deepen their knowledge and prepare for future study or employment.

Entry Requirements

Grades: AAB at A Level or 35 (6,6,5 at HL) at IB

Admissions test: None

Lancaster University

Lancaster rounds out our look at the top five universities for Criminology.

University Overview

Lancaster is a loosely collegiate university, located a couple of miles outside the town of Lancaster in northwest England.

Course Overview

Lancaster’s Criminology degree critically explores crime and justice through a social justice lens, examining complex issues such as drug-related crime, human rights, policing, and organised crime. Students engage with historical, cultural, and global perspectives while developing analytical and research skills, supported by internationally recognised experts and strong links to criminal justice agencies. The programme offers practical opportunities, including placements, field trips, guest speakers, and involvement with the Criminology Society. With tailored careers support, the course prepares students for roles across the criminal justice system, government, charities, and beyond.

Entry Requirements

Grades: BBB at A Level or 30 (15 at HL) at IB

Admissions test: None

Finding the Best University for You

We hope this guide has given you a good indication of some of the best regarded Criminology degrees in the UK. However, looking at rankings should only be the starting point of your research. As you can see, there is significant variation between the different Criminology courses on offer at some of the UK’s leading universities. The top-ranking course for the ‘average’ student might not suit your unique interests and requirements.

You should take the time to research the course content in more detail – asking yourself how it aligns with your academic interests and how it will support your career aspirations. The university itself should also be a major factor. You should weigh everything from location (a city-centre university like UCL vs one in the countryside like Lancaster) to size, structure (e.g. campus vs collegiate), facilities, and extra-curricular activities.

For expert, personal support with your research and application, consider working with our UK university admissions consultants. We’ve been helping students get into top universities since 1999. Our consultants can support with the entire application process, from selecting the best-fit universities to writing a competitive application and making decisions on which offers to accept.

To find out more about how we could support your application, book a free consultation with our friendly team today.