Undergraduate study in Criminology is the study of crime, deviance, and the criminal justice system's response to crime control, and provides a comprehensive exploration of the area from the sociological perspective. Students study the theoretical and empirical bases of criminology and related social issues that influence public policy decision-making on crime and its control. Criminology helps students develop an understanding of patterns and causes of criminality and the operations of the criminal justice system, and will be equipped with the skills needed to collect, interpret and evaluate information about crime and criminal justice. Criminology is a multidisciplinary field with links to sociology, political science, law, psychology, history, and philosophy. The main aims of the Honours year are: To enable students with an adequate background in Criminology to pursue further study in one specialist area in more depth than is possible with a pass degree To enhance students' capacity for independent research and to acquire research skills appropriate to their area of specialisation. To train to a standard sufficient for enrolment in postgraduate research degrees, and for a specialist career. Achievement of first class or IIA honours allows direct entry to a PhD program.

An Honours year in Criminology focuses on developing and consolidating the knowledge and skills acquired during undergraduate study, with particular emphasis on utilising those skills in a sustained and purposeful way by conducting independent research. Apart from content knowledge, employers and professionals value both the reliability and capacity for independent work, and the skill at writing substantial reports which are demonstrated by successful completion of Honours.