Undergraduate Criminology Reading List

Why should I read these?

We have put this criminology degree reading list together to help you in the following ways:

The materials provided will help to introduce you to the terminology and subject matter that will be covered during your criminology degree
The reading will help you to develop your own opinions on the materials, and will broaden your horizons to cover various criminological perspectives
If you haven’t applied yet, this reading list, together with your own reading, will help you to write a strong personal statement, with good understanding and references

The BSC Blog - The British Society of Criminology blog
Learn about current issues on crime, criminology & justice with regular posts from criminology experts, including posts from our academics here at the School of Social Sciences.

50 Facts Everyone Should Know about Crime & Punishment: The Truth Behind The Myths (Treadwell & Lynes, 2019)
A book that presents 50 key facts related to crime and criminal justice policy in Britain. Offering thought-provoking insights into the study of crime, revealing the myths and realities of crime in contemporary Britain.

Terrorism: All That Matters (Andrew Silke, 2014)
A look at why acts of terror happen, how they can be confronted, and what governments could do differently to combat terrorism.

The Routledge Companion to Rehabilitative Work in Criminal Justice (Editors: Pamela Ugwudike, Hannah Graham, Fergus McNeill, Peter Raynor, Faye S. Taxman, Chris Trotter, 2019)
This book offers you a concise and definitive overview of a range of key contemporary issues on working with offenders, and would be a key read for those interested in working in rehabilitation.

After Grenfell, Pluto Press (available from iTunes)
A podcast that looks at the story of the Grenfell tragedy, the strength of those who survived, and the resistance and solidarity of the local community, in their search for accountability, and meaningful justice.

Caliphate podcast (available online via The New York Times)
An audio series following Rukmini Callimachi as she reports on the Islamic State and the fall of Mosul. An interesting listen for those interested in studying terrorism or extremism.

Cressida Dick - Interviewed on Desert Island Discs, Feb 2019 (available on BBC Sounds)
The Commissioner of The Metropolitan Police talks about the challenges of policing.
Serial Killers - Episode on Thinking Allowed, Radio 4, October 2019 (available on BBC Sounds)
The media and cultural response to these crimes, from the Moors Murderers to Peter Sutcliffe, the Yorkshire Ripper.
Swansea Cyber Law and Security podcast (available from iTunes)
Find out all about current issues in cyber law and security with this podcast presented by School of Law academics, Dr Patrick Bishop and Sara Correia.