Criminology BA
Using real-world examples, you’ll discover the most recent advancements in areas such as crime trends, restorative justice, policing and punishment.
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A Levels
AAB -
UCAS code
M900 -
Duration
3 years -
Start date
September
- Course fee
- Funding available
- Optional placement year
- Study abroad
- FY Foundation year entry for mature students
Explore this course:
Course description
Why study this course?
We’ll prepare you for practical studies, show you how to understand the value of research, its methods and applications, expose you to our own world-leading projects and inspire new interests and career pathways.
Do real client work, advise start-ups and small businesses, and offer advice that can make a positive difference to the people of 91ÖÆƬ³§, all through our many pro bono schemes.
You're supported by a dedicated academic tutor who meets you regularly through your studies to offer academic, pastoral and career support. They’ll act as a key point of contact to help you navigate your degree, discuss your progress and signpost you towards the relevant personal, study and employability services.
Explore patterns in crime, punishment and policing, and learn how to think, analyse and research as a criminologist.
Over 35 years, criminology at 91ÖÆƬ³§ has built a reputation for excellence in teaching and research in this multidisciplinary field.
Drawing on real-world examples, we begin with modules that give you a critical introduction to crime and criminology. You’ll then learn how to become a criminological researcher, developing critical thinking, academic writing and library research skills.
You’ll have so much choice when it comes to modules, choosing from subjects such as justice, prison, drugs, and youth criminality; assessing the influence of gender and race on crime and punishment.
In your third year, you will have the option to complete a year abroad at one of our many partner universities. You’ll be able to tailor your degree through optional modules to suit your interests and also access relevant module choices from the School of Sociological Studies, Politics and International Relations.
You’ll graduate with theoretical understanding and practical skills – including the use of a range of qualitative research methods and quantitative data analysis software – supporting your next step into any of a diverse range of careers that call for critical analysis and problem-solving.
Modules
UCAS code: M900
Years: 2026
Core modules:
- Comprehending Criminology
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This module introduces students to key areas of criminological definitions, empirical study, theory and the development of criminal justice systems. The module looks at case studies of crime and deviance from contemporary life to help students understand how some of the history and theory of criminology can be brought to bear on social and legal issues. Topics may feature, for example, youth crime, spouse murder, football hooliganism and credit card crime but also other areas if and when interesting cases arise.
20 credits - Criminal Law and Justice
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This module will introduce students to the concepts, theories and institutions of criminal law and justice, and its place in society. It will develop an understanding of the essential concepts of criminal liability. It will focus on the main institutional and procedural features of the criminal justice system, with the aim of stimulating an enquiring attitude towards the practice of criminal process. Students will have the opportunity to practise applying these processes to factual scenarios. The module provides a firm foundation for the more advanced study of criminal law and also of criminal evidence, criminal justice and criminal process.
20 credits - Situating Crime
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The module looks at what crime occurs, how, where and to whom. It provides an introduction to the social factors linked to offending and victimisation, including the geography of crime and social deprivation (and wealth). As well as considering traditional forms of crime against individuals and businesses (and people's fear of such crime), it will also explore the nature of and effects on the victims of internet crime, fraud, organised crime and human trafficking, as well as crime in war zones. It will examine whether there has been a drop in crime rates and if so, what might explain this.
20 credits - Introducing Criminological Research
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This module focuses on how crucial criminological topics have been investigated. The module is taught by lectures and seminars/classes and assessed by two 'take-home' exercises. In the seminars/classes students will work in small groups to examine real research studies, and work out how to tackle research problems.
20 credits - Representations of Deviance and Social Control
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This module examines representations of crime, criminalisation and criminal justice in cultural forms such as journalism, film, television, literature, music, theatre, art and games. Its concerns are the nature of representations of topics such as crimes, crime data, offenders, deviants, gangs, criminal justice systems, police and victims. It critically analyses the role of cultural forms in constructing and/or reproducing ideas about crimes which inform subjective identity, public and political perceptions, prejudices and practices. The module considers the ways in which certain groups or behaviours acquire labels, values and meanings which place them outside of legitimacy and normality justifying monitoring, suspicion, control or incarceration.
20 credits - Contemporary Issues in Criminal Justice
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This module aims to introduce students to the key concepts, theories and institutions of criminal justice. The teaching team will do this by engaging with current debates and emerging trends in research. Students will study the structure and functions of criminal justice institutions, including police, prosecutors, courts, prison and probation. While the focus is on the criminal justice system in England and Wales, the module will draw on examples of contemporary issues in criminal justice from other countries. Students will consider why we should study criminal justice in a comparative and international context. They will also consider key contemporary debates in criminal justice such as abolitionist perspectives and alternatives to the criminal justice system.
20 credits
You’ll have the opportunity to tailor your degree to your interests by taking a range of modules spanning areas such as qualitative crime data, punishment and penal policy, criminal process, advanced criminal law and violence and security.
You’ll have the opportunity to tailor your degree to your interests by taking a range of modules spanning areas such as criminal law and process, policing, drugs and crime, the sociology of evil, protests and social change.
The content of our courses is reviewed annually to make sure it's up-to-date and relevant. Individual modules are occasionally updated or withdrawn. This is in response to discoveries through our world-leading research; funding changes; professional accreditation requirements; student or employer feedback; outcomes of reviews; and variations in staff or student numbers. In the event of any change we will inform students and take reasonable steps to minimise disruption.
Learning and assessment
Learning
You'll learn through lectures, tutorials, seminars and group work. You’ll also undertake independent study involving reading and preparatory work.
In the early stages of your course you’ll be supported in developing the skills you need to carry out effective independent study.
You’ll be assigned an academic tutor who will support you throughout your degree and oversee your personal and academic progress.
Study with us and you'll receive a research-led teaching experience, in which you'll benefit from the latest thinking and teaching by experts.
We're proud that 91 percent of our research is rated in the highest two categories in the Research Excellence Framework 2021, meaning it is classed as world-leading or internationally excellent.
Assessment
We use a range of assessment methods to build your confidence and prepare you as you progress through your degree. These include:
- dissertation
- coursework (essays and reports)
- exams
- presentations (group and independent)
Entry requirements
With Access 91ÖÆƬ³§, you could qualify for additional consideration or an alternative offer - find out if you're eligible.
The A Level entry requirements for this course are:
AAB
- A Levels + Extended Project Qualification
- ABB + B in a relevant EPQ
- International Baccalaureate
- 34; 33, with B in the extended essay
- BTEC Extended Diploma
- DDD in a relevant subject
- BTEC Diploma
- DD in a relevant subject + A at A Level
- Scottish Highers
- AAAAB
- Welsh Baccalaureate + 2 A Levels
- B + AA
- Access to HE Diploma
- Award of the Access to HE Diploma in either Law, Business Management, Humanities, Social Sciences or Criminology, with 45 credits at Level 3, including 36 at Distinction and 9 at Merit
The A Level entry requirements for this course are:
ABB
- A Levels + Extended Project Qualification
- ABB + B in a relevant EPQ
- International Baccalaureate
- 33
- BTEC Extended Diploma
- DDD in a relevant subject
- BTEC Diploma
- DD in a relevant subject + B at A Level
- Scottish Highers
- AAABB
- Welsh Baccalaureate + 2 A Levels
- B + AB
- Access to HE Diploma
- Award of the Access to HE Diploma in either Law, Business Management, Humanities, Social Sciences or Criminology, with 45 credits at Level 3, including 30 at Distinction and 15 at Merit
You must demonstrate that your English is good enough for you to successfully complete your course. For this course we require: GCSE English Language at grade 4/C; IELTS grade of 7.0 with a minimum of 6.5 in each component; or an alternative acceptable English language qualification
Equivalent English language qualifications
Visa and immigration requirements
Other qualifications | UK and EU/international
If you have any questions about entry requirements, please contact the school/department.
Graduate careers
Our criminology graduates have worked in careers such as:
- Police officer
- Prison officer
- Police data analyst
- Researcher
- Social worker
- Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner
- Charity organisations
- Private sector
- Civil Service
Criminology is a multi-disciplinary subject which means that students can apply their learning far beyond these jobs, and to anything that requires critical analysis and problem-solving. These skills are widely applicable to all sorts of professions and are highly sought-after in the job market.
School of Law
- Tailor your degree - choose from a wide range of optional modules to shape your degree to your interests and career aspirations.
- Study abroad - have an unforgettable experience by choosing to study abroad in your third year at one of our partner universities.
- Learn from experts - our academic staff are researching at the forefront of criminology. Their discoveries become yours, as their research filters into teaching.
- Gain real world experience - build invaluable professional skills through hands-on legal work and benefit from our strong connections with leading law firms in the UK and across the globe.
- Become career ready - we provide you with the skills that employers value, ensuring that when you graduate you are prepared for the global workplace.
Facilities
School of Law students are based in Bartolomé House which is in close proximity to the whole University campus. Teaching takes place in Bartolomé House and across the University campus, all within walking distance.
University rankings
A world top-100 university
QS World University Rankings 2026 (92nd) and Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2025 (98th)
Number one in the Russell Group
National Student Survey 2024 (based on aggregate responses)
92 per cent of our research is rated as world-leading or internationally excellent
Research Excellence Framework 2021
University of the Year and best for Student Life
Whatuni Student Choice Awards 2024
Number one Students' Union in the UK
Whatuni Student Choice Awards 2024, 2023, 2022, 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017
Number one for Students' Union
StudentCrowd 2024 University Awards
A top 20 university targeted by employers
The Graduate Market in 2024, High Fliers report
Fees and funding
Fees
Additional costs
The annual fee for your course includes a number of items in addition to your tuition. If an item or activity is classed as a compulsory element for your course, it will normally be included in your tuition fee. There are also other costs which you may need to consider.
Funding your study
Depending on your circumstances, you may qualify for a bursary, scholarship or loan to help fund your study and enhance your learning experience.
Use our Student Funding Calculator to work out what you’re eligible for.
Placements and study abroad
Placement
Study abroad
Visit
University open days
We host five open days each year, usually in June, July, September, October and November. You can talk to staff and students, tour the campus and see inside the accommodation.
Subject tasters
If you’re considering your post-16 options, our interactive subject tasters are for you. There are a wide range of subjects to choose from and you can attend sessions online or on campus.
Offer holder days
If you've received an offer to study with us, we'll invite you to one of our offer holder days, which take place between February and April. These open days have a strong department focus and give you the chance to really explore student life here, even if you've visited us before.
Campus tours
Our weekly guided tours show you what 91ÖÆƬ³§ has to offer - both on campus and beyond. You can extend your visit with tours of our city, accommodation or sport facilities.
Events for mature students
Mature students can apply directly to our courses. We also offer degrees with a foundation year for mature students who are returning to education. We'd love to meet you at one of our events, open days, taster workshops or other events.
Apply
The awarding body for this course is the University of 91ÖÆƬ³§.
Recognition of professional qualifications: from 1 January 2021, in order to have any UK professional qualifications recognised for work in an EU country across a number of regulated and other professions you need to apply to the host country for recognition. Read and the .
Any supervisors and research areas listed are indicative and may change before the start of the course.