Criminology (Honours) Kwantlen Polytechnic University

Overview

The Criminology (Honours) at Kwantlen Polytechnic University offers an advanced academic pathway for students seeking a deep understanding of the justice system. This rigorous programme combines theoretical exploration with practical research to prepare graduates for professional excellence in legal and social sectors.

Students engage with a broad liberal education that spans social science, criminal justice, and law. The curriculum is designed to foster abstract, logical thinking while addressing the complex social problems and responses to crime that define modern society. By integrating scientific research methods with philosophical approaches, the university ensures students can navigate contemporary debates with critical expertise.

A distinctive feature of this degree is the integration of undergraduate research and service learning.

Why Criminology (Honours) at Kwantlen Polytechnic University?

Kwantlen Polytechnic University provides a dynamic learning environment through its Faculty of Arts, where students benefit from cutting-edge theory and research. The programme is distinguished by its focus on contemporary issues, offering specialised courses developed to expose students to the latest developments in the discipline. Facilities and departmental resources support a hands-on approach to learning, ensuring that academic theory is always grounded in real-world application.

The university also offers a Co-operative Education option for this major. This allows students to alternate academic semesters with paid, practical work experience. By completing a minimum of three work terms, students can apply their classroom knowledge in professional settings, significantly enhancing their employability and building a network of industry contacts before graduation.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

• International fee: CAD 11114 per semester
• National fee: CAD 2443 per semester

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

The curriculum is structured to provide a foundation in social sciences before moving into advanced legal and theoretical topics. Modules may include:

1100 Level

• Criminology
• Criminal Justice System
• Canadian Legal Systems
• Criminal Law
• Methods of Research in Criminology
• Interpersonal and Professional Development in Criminology
• Psychology: Basic Processes
• Society: Processes and Structures
• Philosophy
• Moral Philosophy
• Critical Thinking
• Formal Logic

2000 Level

• Quantitative Data Analysis I
• Psychological Explanations of Criminal Behaviour
• Sociological Explanations of Criminal Behaviour
• Canadian Criminal Justice Administration
• Criminal Justice and Psychology
• Crime, Criminal Justice, and the Media
• Policing
• Corrections: Theory and Practice
• Youth Justice
• Police Misconduct and Accountability

3000 and 4000 Level

• Qualitative Research Methods
• Honours Seminar
• Honours Thesis I
• Honours Thesis II
• Advanced Theories of Crime and Community
• Contemporary Sociological Criminology
• Critical Criminology
• Crime Mapping
• Indigenous Peoples and Justice
• Policy and Program Evaluation
• Substance Use and Harm Reduction
• Procedure and Evidence
• Law and Society
• Issues in Conflict Resolution
• Restorative Justice
• Mental Disorder and Canadian Law
• Indigenous Activism
• Administrative and Regulatory Law
• Community Advocacy and Human Rights

Careers with Criminology (Honours)

Graduates of the programme are well-prepared for a variety of professional paths within the criminal justice system and beyond. Many students choose to apply to law school or pursue graduate-level degrees in criminology, sociology, or public policy. The research-intensive nature of the honours degree is particularly beneficial for those seeking roles in policy analysis, program evaluation, or academic research.

Potential career destinations include roles in law enforcement, community advocacy, and human rights organisations. Graduates may also find opportunities in corrections, youth justice, and victim services. The transferable skills gained through the programme, such as critical thinking and data analysis, allow for successful careers in both governmental and non-governmental sectors.