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Criminology: Introduction to Crime and Society
Course Line On Demand

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Summary

Price
£19.99 inc VAT
Study method
Online, On Demand 
Duration
1.7 hours · Self-paced
Qualification
No formal qualification
Certificates
  • Reed Courses Certificate of Completion - Free
Assessment details
  • Final Exam (included in price)
Additional info
  • Tutor is available to students
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Overview

Criminology: Introduction to Crime and Society is designed for learners seeking a structured and informed understanding of crime, criminal behaviour, and societal responses to crime. The course explores criminology as an academic and analytical discipline, examining why crime occurs, how it is classified, and how societies attempt to prevent, manage, and respond to criminal behaviour.

Learners develop insight into different types of crime, including violent crime, and explore how crime scenes, evidence, and profiling are understood within criminological and forensic frameworks. The course also introduces criminal psychology, victimology, and offender profiling, supporting a balanced understanding of both offenders and victims within the wider social context.

Criminology is approached from a theoretical and observational perspective. Learners examine how social, psychological, and structural factors influence criminal behaviour, as well as how criminal justice systems operate to address crime. The course encourages critical thinking about crime, justice, and social responsibility without training learners to perform investigative or enforcement functions.

Rather than preparing learners for operational roles in policing or forensic investigation, this Criminology course focuses on building academic understanding, analytical skills, and informed awareness suitable for further study or professional insight into crime and society.

Certificates

Assessment details

Final Exam

Included in course price

Curriculum

14
sections
14
lectures
1h 40m
total

Description

This Criminology course consists of structured modules followed by an assessment, each addressing a core area of criminological knowledge and societal understanding.

The course begins with an introduction to criminology and profiling, outlining key concepts, definitions, and the scope of criminological study. Learners explore how profiling is used conceptually to understand patterns of criminal behaviour.

Classification of crime examines different categories of crime, helping learners understand how criminal acts are defined, grouped, and interpreted within legal and social frameworks.

Violent crimes explore serious offences from an awareness perspective, focusing on characteristics, causes, and social impact rather than operational response.

The crime scene module introduces how crime scenes are understood within criminology and forensic science, highlighting evidence awareness and procedural concepts without practical training.

Dealing with crime examines societal and institutional responses to crime, including prevention, punishment, and rehabilitation from an academic standpoint.

Understanding criminal psychology explores psychological theories related to criminal behaviour, motivation, and decision-making.

Forensic science introduces the scientific principles used to support crime analysis and investigation, presented conceptually rather than practically.

Phases of profiling, criminal profiling, and offender profiling examine profiling frameworks and theories used to analyse criminal behaviour patterns.

Victimology explores the impact of crime on victims, victim experiences, and victim-focused perspectives within criminology.

The criminal justice system in England and Wales provides an overview of how crime is processed through the legal system, focusing on structure, roles, and processes rather than participation.

Certification
Upon successful completion of the Criminology: Introduction to Crime and Society course, learners receive a free digital certificate confirming course completion. A provider-issued certificate is also available following verification, with optional premium certificates and academic transcripts available separately.

Who is this course for?

This Criminology course is suitable for learners interested in criminology, sociology, psychology, law awareness, or criminal justice studies. It is ideal for students, public service support staff, community workers, or individuals considering further academic study related to crime and society.

Requirements

No formal qualifications are required to enrol on this Criminology course. Learners should have a basic to good standard of English, access to the internet, and a computer, tablet, or smartphone. Completion of the assessment is required to successfully finish the course.

Career path

This Criminology course can support progression into criminal justice support roles, community safety assistance, research support, administrative roles within justice-related organisations, or further academic study in criminology or social sciences.

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Legal information

This course is advertised on Reed.co.uk by the Course Provider, whose terms and conditions apply. Purchases are made directly from the Course Provider, and as such, content and materials are supplied by the Course Provider directly. Reed is acting as agent and not reseller in relation to this course. Reed's only responsibility is to facilitate your payment for the course. It is your responsibility to review and agree to the Course Provider's terms and conditions and satisfy yourself as to the suitability of the course you intend to purchase. Reed will not have any responsibility for the content of the course and/or associated materials.

FAQs

Study method describes the format in which the course will be delivered. At Reed Courses, courses are delivered in a number of ways, including online courses, where the course content can be accessed online remotely, and classroom courses, where courses are delivered in person at a classroom venue.

CPD stands for Continuing Professional Development. If you work in certain professions or for certain companies, your employer may require you to complete a number of CPD hours or points, per year. You can find a range of CPD courses on Reed Courses, many of which can be completed online.

A regulated qualification is delivered by a learning institution which is regulated by a government body. In England, the government body which regulates courses is Ofqual. Ofqual regulated qualifications sit on the Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF), which can help students understand how different qualifications in different fields compare to each other. The framework also helps students to understand what qualifications they need to progress towards a higher learning goal, such as a university degree or equivalent higher education award.

An endorsed course is a skills based course which has been checked over and approved by an independent awarding body. Endorsed courses are not regulated so do not result in a qualification - however, the student can usually purchase a certificate showing the awarding body's logo if they wish. Certain awarding bodies - such as Quality Licence Scheme and TQUK - have developed endorsement schemes as a way to help students select the best skills based courses for them.
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