Criminology Major/Minor
Criminology is an interdisciplinary field in the social sciences, drawing especially upon the research of sociologists, but with important contributions from the fields of psychology, social work, law and human rights. Our programme seeks to promote a critical and comparative understanding of crime and social deviance, how the criminal justice system operates, and the impact on different social groups and communities.
We will equip you with the conceptual and methodological tools, analytical and presentational skills, and a criminological imagination to take out into the world, and change it for the better. The programme is also helpful if you are seeking a career in the criminal justice system, or if you have a general interest in crime, social harms and justice.
Overall, our programme aims to:
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provide you with a multidisciplinary framework for understanding crime and its control;
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enhance your critical understanding of crime and social order by exposing you to historical and cross-cultural analyses of the subject; and
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encourage you to appreciate and care about the causes, solutions and harms related to the problem of crime and justice locally and globally.
General applications enquiry
Ms Liu, Amy Y H
Email: sociug@hku.hk
Student experiences
The Criminology major allowed me to learn about crime from a different angle, and challenged my conventional understanding of everyday life.
— Cherry, Alumna of Criminology
The major in criminology is an incredibly comprehensive programme, which gives you a deeper understanding of what's happening in the world.
— Amy, Alumna of Criminology
Programme Structure
Introductory courses | Major (no. of credits) | Minor (no. of credits) |
|---|---|---|
Disciplinary | 6 | 6 |
Pre-requisites** | 12 | - |
Advanced courses | ||
|---|---|---|
Compulsory course | 6 | 6 |
Core courses | 12 | 6 |
Disciplinary electives | 30 | 18 |
Capstone experience | 6 | - |
-Faculty of Social Sciences
-Geography
-Politics and Public Administration
-Psychology
-Social Work and Social Administration
-Sociology
Courses
Disciplinary courses
Compulsory courses
Core courses
Group A (Field foci):
Group B (Methods training):
Elective courses
Plus a wide range of additional electives from the Journalism and Media Studies Centre, Politics and Public Administration, Social Work and Social Administration, and Department of Law (see Regulations and Syllabuses for complete list).
Capstone
Important note:
Programme/course information shown above are for illustration only. Availability of courses may vary. Please check the relevant regulations and syllabuses for BSocSc students (or your own faculty) for definitive information on programme requirements and course eligibility for your own situation.
Career options
Earning a Major/Minor in criminology equips you for careers in various sectors, including:
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Police and probation services
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Government and civil service
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Law firms and the criminal justice system
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Security sector
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Victim services and youth justice
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Social and market research
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Charitable, counselling, and voluntary organisations
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Teaching and education
These roles are just a few examples of the numerous opportunities available with a Major/Minor in criminology. The skills you acquire will enable you to seamlessly transition into a diverse range of career paths. Some roles may require further training/qualifications.
Important dates
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BSocSc students typically declare their major at the end of their first year of study.
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Students from other faculties should consult their own faculty for information on when to declare a major/minor.