About Professor David Wilson

David Wilson

Emeritus Professor of Criminology

In a career spanning 40 years, Professor David Wilson has worked with a range of violent men, often men who have committed murder, sometimes even serial murder. He is the author of more than 25 books and often appears in both the print and broadcast media as a presenter and commentator. In recognition of his outstanding contribution to education, Professor David Wilson received a National Teaching Fellowship in 2012 and more recently, his documentary “An Interview with a Murderer” received a prestigious National Television Award.

WATCH THE OFFICIAL COURSE TRAILER

What’s Included?

  • Lifetime access to the course. Watch and re-watch the lectures as many times as you want with unlimited, lifetime access to all resources

  • CPD Accreditation. Upon completion, you will receive a digital certificate that signifies your achievement and you will be awarded 31 CPD credits

  • Ten 4KHD on-demand video lectures delivered by the UK’s leading public Criminologist, Professor David Wilson

  • Six ‘Behind the Scenes’ bonus episodes. Exclusive access to behind the scenes content to consolidate learning and encourage reflexivity

  • Two-hour interview with Noel ‘Razor’ Smith, the county’s former most prolific bank robber and now best-selling author - an opportunity to apply criminological theory to a real-life case study

  • Supplementary on-demand video ‘Seminars’ featuring discussions between Professor David Wilson and two of his former PhD students

  • Accompanying digital workbook which provides additional information, learning objectives and further timestamped resources and reading

  • Interactive resources and activities designed to test your knowledge and help you develop your understanding of criminology

  • Access to the members-only course community. Engage with students all around the world who are studying this course

  • Certificate of Completion to acknowledge your completion of the course

This course is accredited by the CPD Standards Office

Upon completion, you will receive a digital certificate that signifies your achievement and you will be awarded 31 CPD credits. These credits can be used towards your Continuous Professional Development portfolio for your Professional Body or Employer. Completing this course also qualifies your for free membership to the Institute of CPD. Learn more about the CPD Standards Office here.


Your Learning Schedule

    1. Ecademi presents An Introduction to Criminology with Professor David Wilson (Official Trailer)

    2. Become an Ecademi Affiliate & Earn Commission on your Couse Sales!

    1. Introduction

    2. Course Workbook - An Introduction to Criminology with Professor David Wilson

    1. Behind the Scenes - Episode 1: Studying Criminology

    1. Lecture One - What is Criminology?

    2. Knowledge Check: What is Criminology?

    1. Lecture Two - Classicism

    2. Deep Dive One - Classicism

    3. Deep Dive One - Classicism Transcript

    4. Knowledge Check: Classicism

    1. Lecture Three - Positivism

    2. Deep Dive Two - Positivism

    3. Deep Dive Two - Positivism Transcript

    4. Knowledge Check: Positivism

An Introduction to Criminology

  • 41 lessons
  • 5 hours of video content

Enrol today and access the following bonus features...


Six 'Behind the Scenes' Episodes

Additional content from Professor David Wilson to further enhance your learning experience. 


90-Minute Virtual 'Seminar Discussion'

Join a pre-recorded virtual seminar discussion with Professor David Wilson and two of his former PhD students, Dr Dan Rusu and Dr Liam Brolan.


Two Criminological 'Deep Dive' Podcasts

Deep Dive 1 - Classicism: This Deep Dive podcast provides a comprehensive discussion of Classicism in criminology and its role in contemporary society. Drawing from up-to-date research, this podcast explores the role of free will in committing crime and potential crime prevention strategies. 

Deep Dive 2 - Positivism: This Deep Dive podcast provides a more comprehensive discussion of Positivism in criminology. Drawing from up-to-date research, this podcast explores the influence of biology, psychology, and society on criminal behaviour. 


64-Page Digital Workbook

The accompanying digital workbook acts as a valuable tool for reinforcing knowledge and opens up new avenues for further study. The workbook features a chapter for each lecture and includes a summary, learning objectives, reflective questions and activities. The timestamped resources provide you with easy access to additional reading materials to further your criminological knowledge. Available to download as a PDF.



Course Reviews

Here's what our students have to say...

  • Becs

    "This course sparked my attention in criminology again! I have just completed the course and have already found myself looking for further courses. Please hurry and bring out the next one!"

  • Kirsten

    "This course was an opportunity of a lifetime. Thank you for an amazing course, it was a dream come true. It's given me back a love of studying which I thought I had lost"

  • Valerie

    "This was absolutely amazing and worth every penny. Super valuable, academic level, amazing delivery by Professor Wilson - it never got boring. I really hope there is going to be a follow-up."

  • Charlotte

    "This course is so in depth and really fascinating. The interview with Noel 'Razor' Smith really gets you thinking about the different theories of crime and makes you re-think whether the Criminal Justice System really works. The workbook is great with so many links and signposting to further reading to go into greater depth."

  • Dawn

    I found this online course engaging, giving just enough information about criminology without it being too overwhelming. With a combination of ADHD and Dyspraxia I particularly found studying the course at my own pace really helpful, replaying videos and retaking the quizzes too helped me to absorb what was being taught. For anyone interested in criminology I would highly recommend they enrol on An Introduction to Criminology with Professor David Wilson.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • WHO IS THE COURSE FOR?

    The course has been designed to cater for individuals at different stages of their journey into criminology and for those with an interest in true crime. The video content is presented in an accessible and entertaining way making the course suitable for people who are new to the subject. The accompanying digital workbook acts as a valuable tool for reinforcing knowledge and opens up new avenues for further study. In addition to the above, current and prospective criminology students as well as Criminal Justice Practitioners will find value in the courses comprehensive deep-dives and the up-to-date research presented in the course workbook.

  • IS THE COURSE ACCREDITED?

    This course is accredited by the CPD Standards Office. Upon completion, you will receive a digital certificate that signifies your achievement and you will be awarded 31 CPD credits. These credits can be used towards your Continuous Professional Development portfolio for your Professional Body or Employer. Completing this course also qualifies you for free membership to the Institute of CPD. Learn more about the CPD Standards Office here.

  • HOW LONG IS THE COURSE?

    The 10 lectures combined with the six 'Behind the Scenes' episodes and two 'Deep Dive' podcasts total approximately five hours in length. We recommend making use of the time-stamped resources which are found in the accompanying digital workbook to expand and consolidate your learning as your progress through the visual and audio content at your own pace. We also encourage you to engage with the Ecademi online criminology community after you have completed each lecture.

  • DOES THE COURSE GIVE ME ACCESS TO PROFESSOR DAVID WILSON?

    All lectures are pre-recorded, rather than live for your convenience, allowing you to access them at your own pace. After enrolment you will be notified of any upcoming webinars with Professor David Wilson. All course related enquires should be directed to [email protected].

  • CAN I ACCESS THE COURSE ON MULTIPLE DEVICES?

    You can access the course on multiple devices including desktops, laptops and mobile/tablet devices. You can only access the course on one device at a time. For the best experience, we recommend using a desktop or laptop.

  • WHAT DOES LIFETIME ACCESS MEAN?

    Lifetime access means that you can access the course materials and resources indefinitely. Whether you need to review criminological theory, gather ideas for an essay or explore recommended reading, you can always refer back to the course at any time in the future.

  • HOW CAN I CONTACT ECADEMI?

    If you have a course related question or a general enquiry, you can contact us using the following email address: [email protected].

Start studying criminology today...

Study on-demand, at your own pace, with the UK's leading public criminologist, Professor David Wilson.
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Other Resources...

  • £3.99

    £3.9910 Things You Should Know Before Studying Criminology - Professor David Wilson

    "10 Things You Should Know Before Studying Criminology". Written by leading criminologist, Professor David Wilson, this concise and informative resource is an essential read for those wishing to pursue criminology at University
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