The UCD Sutherland School of Law is a connected community of students and faculty who are committed to creating a more sustainable and equitable future for all. We work together in a culture of collaboration to support each other to thrive and achieve our full potential, in service of broader societal goals. Through our undergraduate and graduate education, research and external engagement, we aim to ensure that our students, faculty and staff thrive and contribute to sustainable well-being on our campus, in Ireland and across the wider world. Our faculty are globally recognized experts in the fields of Law and Criminology, advancing knowledge through research, engaging with government, business and civil society to enhance our world, and using their knowledge to design and offer cutting edge education within their disciplines of Law and Criminology .
Criminology is the systematic study of crime and its control. Criminologists ask what causes crime and how we might best respond to it, and why certain behaviours are criminalised while others are not. This degree brings together the interdisciplinary learning experience of studying criminology (as a major) alongside psychology (minor). Both of these disciplines address many of the challenges associated with progress toward achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as they relate to improving the human condition.
Students develop the skills to equip them to affect more equitable outcomes across health, wellbeing, education, and peace, justice and building stronger institutions. Envisioning how to improve the lives of everyone everywhere requires an understanding of how human behaviour, policy and environmental factors contribute to progress.
Students will develop the critical thinking and analytical skills to affect change across a broad range of the Global Goals including but not limited to those below. By learning about how policy makers respond to societal challenges, students are equipped to make a difference to the world, affect cultural change, contribute to public service or corporate responsibility to advance the sustainable development goals.
The curriculum for this degree aligns with many of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in meaningful and impactful ways. The following are the primary areas where there is closest alignment:
- Good health and wellbeing (SDG 3)
- Quality Education (SDG 4)
- Decent work and economic growth (SDG 8)
- Peace, justice and strong institutions (SDG 16)