Criminology and Philosophy & Ethics BA (Hons)

CRIMINOLOGY

Crime and society's response are key issues today. Criminology looks at why crime happens, its effects, and how we can prevent it. At Liverpool Hope University, you'll explore how crime is defined. You'll learn who makes these decisions and why people commit crimes. You'll also study what happens in the criminal justice system.

You’ll also learn about important institutions like the police, courts, prisons, probation services, and government bodies such as the Ministry of Justice and the Home Office. The degree prompts you to think about big questions. Is criminal behavior learned or inherited? Why are some actions criminalized and others not? Does punishment really reduce crime?

Criminology at Liverpool Hope is a respected course taught by experienced staff. They are dedicated to helping you excel in a vibrant learning environment. The course focuses on justice—its delivery, access, and fairness—reflecting the university’s commitment to social justice locally and globally.

PHILOSOPHY & ETHICS

The Philosophy and Ethics course at Hope explores life’s biggest questions and the nature of morality: on what basis do we judge things as good or evil? It challenges you to examine your assumptions, opinions, and worldview. Key questions include: Do we need to believe in God for life to have meaning? What does it mean to be human? Do we have free will, or is life determined?

This philosophy and ethics course uses primary texts by philosophers like Plato, Aquinas, Descartes, Hume, Kant, and Nietzsche. You will learn to analyse and evaluate arguments. Also, you'll enhance your ability to express your ideas clearly. You will learn the basics of philosophy. As you advance, you'll study topics like religion, political philosophy, and applied ethics. You'll also explore modern issues like human personhood, artificial intelligence, ecology, and animal rights.

Studying in Liverpool provides a rich cultural context for exploring the human condition through art, performance, and social life. The course at Liverpool Hope is contemporary and timely, particularly in applied ethics and the study of religion in the modern world.

This philosophy and ethics course gives you the skills to tackle ethical and ideological challenges today. You'll prepare for many jobs that need critical thinking and the ability to handle complex, conflicting ideas.