Department of Criminology

With a proud tradition of critical criminological scholarship and internationally recognised research, our department will immerse you in rigorous, socially engaged scholarship.

As a student at the Department of Criminology, you will have access to a wealth of opportunities to support your career aspirations.

Birkbeck's Department of Criminology has a vibrant research culture and we regularly host eminent visiting scholars and organise international conferences and events.

Our academic staff are internationally recognised authorities in their fields, delivering stimulating and relevant teaching programmes.

The School of Law has a strong critical approach to legal and criminological research and this was recognised by REF2021 with most of our publications described as of world leading standard.

Get in touch with us if you have any queries about studying, researching, working or collaborating with us.

Birkbeck is home to the Institute for Crime & Justice Policy Research (ICPR), which researches all aspects of the criminal justice system, and our academics contribute to other research centres at Birkbeck.

Find out how to become an MPhil/PhD student in our department.

Securing funding for your studies will be a key concern and we are committed to providing the advice and support you need.

These seminars provide a platform for critical, interdisciplinary research on crime and criminal justice and related themes.

We research and disseminate knowledge about all aspects of the criminal justice system, to inform public and political debate and to improve policy and practice.

The World Prison Brief is a unique, free online database about prison systems around the world, to support the evidence-based development of prison policy and practice globally.

Current students can find all the information they need from our online learning environment, Moodle.