Students Explore Criminology in Interactive University-Style Session

Year 12 and 13 students from local Sixth Forms recently took part in an engaging and thought-provoking session exploring one of the most enduring questions in social science: why do people commit crime?

Designed to mirror university-level learning, the event ran by our Lincoln College University Centre Social Science: Criminology and Law degree team offered an interactive introduction to criminology and psychology, giving the Sixth Form students a real taste of studying crime and justice in higher education.

The session examined how both society and the individual influence behaviour, encouraging students to think beyond simple explanations of crime. Through a combination of group activities, discussion, and real-world case studies, participants explored the complex social and psychological factors that shape criminal behaviour.

Students were introduced to a range of classic and modern criminological theories, from the rational choice ideas of Beccaria and Bentham, which view crime as a calculated decision, to Lombroso’s controversial “born criminal” theory, which historically linked criminality to biological traits. These perspectives provided a foundation for understanding how ideas about crime have developed over time.

The session also explored key sociological theories, including strain theory, labelling theory, and learning theories, highlighting how social inequality, identity, and environment can influence offending. Alongside this, students examined psychological explanations of crime, such as Freud’s psychoanalytic approach, Eysenck’s personality theory, and cognitive theories that focus on distorted thinking patterns.

A central theme of the taster session was the value of combining sociological and psychological perspectives to develop a fuller understanding of crime - an approach that is essential in fields such as social work, psychology, and criminal justice. Reflection activities encouraged students to consider how theory connects to real-life practice and policy.

The session also provided insight into university study, particularly the BA (Hons) Social Science: Criminology and Law degree, including how the subject is assessed and what students can expect at undergraduate level.

One student reflected positively on the experience: “I took a liking to the outlining of the different ways that criminology is assessed. It was interesting and gave a nice brief introduction to it.” - Lincoln UTC, Year 12 student.

Pete Goddard, Course Lead on the BA (Hons) Social Sciences: Criminology and Law, added: "This session was designed to challenge assumptions about crime and encourage students to think critically about how social and psychological factors interact. Through discussion, activities, and theory, we wanted to give students an authentic insight into what studying criminology at university level is really like.”

Overall, the taster session offered an accessible yet stimulating introduction to criminology, sparking curiosity and encouraging students to think critically about their options after school.

Learn more about our BA (Hons) Social Science: Criminology and Law degree at Lincoln College University Centre.