Criminology: Criminological Theory

The aim of the course is for the student to acquire deeper understanding on how and in what way individual and environmental facts interact in an individual´s decision to commit crime. An additional aim is for the students to acquire knowledge of criminological theory and to develop their understanding of these theories by applying this knowledge to research areas central to criminology.

The student chooses an in-depth subject to study with focus on theory construction, empirical support and practical applicability. In the course theoretical perspectives of criminological relevance will be analyzed and contrasted regarding definitions and operationalization, causality and interaction, and level of explanation. Additionally, associations between theory and empirical use of the theories will be addressed.

Syllabus spring 2026

Earlier syllabuses

Syllabus with literature list spring 2026

Malmö University provides students who participate in, or who have completed a course, with the opportunity to express their opinions and describe their experiences of the course by completing a course evaluation administered by the University. The University will compile and summarise the results of course evaluations. The University will also inform participants of the results and any decisions relating to measures taken in response to the course evaluations. The results will be made available to the students (HF 1:14).