About us

The Centre for Criminology and Sociology was established in 2009 out of the Department of Health & Social Care.

It has an excellent reputation for high quality research and teaching and for its engagement in policy and practice through active involvement with government bodies and voluntary and statutory agencies.

Staff|  at the Centre have wide-ranging research interests, and have written about, amongst other things, how the criminal justice system deals with mental health issues, youth justice, ballroom dancing as a leisure pursuit, the power of the pharmaceutical industry, and fear of crime. Much of the research coming out of the Centre reflects a shared concern with young people, risk, and victimisation.

While sociology has been taught at Royal Holloway and before that at Bedford College (prior to its merger with Royal Holloway) for many years, the teaching of criminology is a new development, building on the longstanding expertise amongst the staff in the areas of risk and violence. The old department housed the Economic and Social Research Council’s Violence Research programme, and many of the current staff at the Centre research violent crime.

The degree in Criminology and Sociology is thus being taught by staff with a track record of excellence in research in both these areas.

We are part of a medium sized department, which seeks to maintain a friendly and informal atmosphere, and we see this as essential if you are to maximise the benefit of your time with us.

 

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