Luke Hubbard is the Programme and Student Lead for undergraduate Criminology at our London Bloomsbury campus. Here, he shares his commitment to inspiring the next generation of criminologists and how he creates a memorable learning experience for his students.
Written by April Baniqued. Published 15 October 2025.
What did your career look like before The University of Law?
Before joining the University, I worked as a social researcher at the Institute for Public Safety, Crime and Justice. I was involved in impactful projects aimed at making the criminal justice system work better for everyone.
Some of the things I worked on included:
- Investigating how well a resettlement and support program helped female offenders transition out of prison
- Unpacking the motivations, morals and long-term commitment of volunteer police officers (also known as special constables)
- Getting to the bottom of how the public really perceives their local police force.
I also worked for Galop, the UK’s LGBT+ anti-abuse charity. I led several projects focused on understanding how LGBT+ people experience victimisation and how the criminal justice system responds (or doesn’t) to these cases. It's been an incredible journey of discovering how research can lead to positive change and I’m excited to bring all that experience into the classroom.
What sparked the decision to go into teaching?
I chose teaching to inspire others to make a real, lasting impact on society, specifically by helping to prevent crime and improve the criminal justice system. The need for fresh perspectives and meaningful change has never been more urgent. Right now, the criminal justice system is facing a perfect storm of challenges. For instance, policing in England and Wales is in the middle of a confidence crisis, with trust plummeting after a series of high-profile scandals and misconduct cases. At the same time, our prisons are packed to the brim, reoffending rates are stubbornly high and many crimes still go unsolved due to low detection and conviction rates.
In my classes, my goal is to give students a deep understanding of both criminal behaviour and the criminal justice system, helping them think critically about how to prevent crime and make the system fairer and more effective. I want them to leave with the tools to tackle these pressing issues head-on, and hopefully, join the ranks of those working inside the system to drive real change. The future of criminal justice relies on bright minds like theirs and I’m here to help light the way.
How did you find yourself working at the University?
I began my journey as a visiting lecturer, teaching just a few hours a week while juggling my PhD. Then, when a full-time, permanent position popped up, I couldn't resist. I’d already had such a great time here that I jumped at the chance to make it official. Luckily, my application was successful and here I am, over seven years later, still loving every bit of it. It’s been a wonderful ride and I wouldn’t change a thing.
Who has influenced you on your journey?
It's difficult to single out just one person who has had a lasting impact on me, as many individuals - friends, parents, teachers, colleagues and lecturers - have shaped me in different ways over the years.
However, one person who truly stands out is my A-level law teacher. Her passion and enthusiasm for the subject were infectious, transforming even the driest topics into something engaging and thought-provoking. She had a remarkable ability to break down complex legal concepts, as well as present them in a clear, relatable way that made them accessible and meaningful. What set her apart, though, was not just her teaching skill but her genuine care for her students. She was consistently supportive, always willing to offer guidance and encouragement. At the same time, she never let us settle for surface-level thinking. She pushed us to question ideas, to think critically and to explore deeper questions like: What is crime? Who defines it? How is the law applied and enforced? These thought-provoking discussions didn’t just spark my fascination with criminology, they also shaped the way I approach teaching today.
What can students look forward to when they step into your classroom?
When students step into my classes, they can expect a space that’s all about curiosity, creativity and real-world relevance. Expect a healthy mix of engaging discussions, interactive activities and challenges that push the boundaries of what you thought you knew. I’m all about making learning fun by blending the serious with the playful so there’s always a balance of hard work and humour. You won’t just memorise facts here; you’ll build skills and feel empowered to apply what you learn right away. Whether we’re tackling a tricky concept or just cracking a joke, every class has a little bit of surprise. I aim to make every student feel like they’re not just showing up to “do homework” but are actually growing, discovering and enjoying the process. So, get ready for a class where ideas come alive and learning feels like a rewarding adventure.
What’s one aspect of teaching that truly excites you?
One aspect of teaching that truly excites me is the opportunity to spark curiosity and foster critical thinking in students. There’s something incredibly rewarding about watching students start to connect the dots, question assumptions and approach problems from new angles. It’s not just about passing on knowledge, it’s about inspiring them to explore, challenge and shape their own understanding of the world. That moment when a student has an “aha” moment or when they bring a fresh perspective to a discussion, is what keeps me excited to teach every day. It’s that feeling of helping students unlock their potential and discover just how much they’re capable of.
What inspires you?
It’s not so much one specific moment but I absolutely love watching my students graduate. Seeing them walk across that stage, collect their awards and celebrate such a huge milestone. It’s always such an incredible feeling to witness. What’s even more exciting is finding out what they’re going to do next. Watching them grow throughout their degree, tackle challenges and achieve their goals is truly rewarding. Seeing all their hard work, determination and passion pay off is a feeling that never gets old. It’s moments like these that make teaching so special.
What is it about the University that keeps you passionate about your role?
What fuels my passion for my role is the University’s unwavering commitment to expanding access to higher education and promoting equal opportunities for students from underrepresented and disadvantaged backgrounds. This includes, but is not limited to, students from low-income families, care-experienced individuals, mature students and first-generation university-goers. There are many initiatives to support these students, such as financial aid, outreach programs, foundation degrees and personalised guidance to help them successfully navigate the journey to university.
What advice would you like to give to students?
My advice to students would be to dive in with an open mind and a sense of curiosity. University is a time to step outside your comfort zone, think deeply and ask tough questions - not just about your course material but about the world around you. Take every opportunity to learn, whether that’s through engaging with your professors, connecting with peers, or getting involved in extracurricular activities.
Also, don’t be afraid to make mistakes and learn from them. It's all part of the process and sometimes the best insights come from the moments where things don't go according to plan. Be proactive in seeking support if you need it. There’s a wealth of resources available to help you succeed, from academic guidance to wellbeing services.
Lastly, remember that this is a place for growth, both academically and personally. The skills you build here, whether they’re legal knowledge, critical thinking or communication, will serve you far beyond the classroom. Embrace the journey, stay focused and most importantly, enjoy the ride.
Determined to create meaningful change? Study criminology with our dedicated lecturers.