The BSc (Hons) Criminology is an undergraduate degree designed to allow you to delve into the fascinating and diverse world of criminology, exploring areas such as prisons, probation, policing, cybercrime, terrorism, the media and forensic psychology. With this course you’ll be able to develop an understanding of contemporary criminology concepts and theories, looking at how they are viewed from different perspectives. Cutting edge, engaging and employability focused, this degree is ideal if you aspire to become a criminologist, work in the criminal justice sector or progress to further study. You’ll be encouraged to think critically, look further, and imagine alternative perspectives, building a strong foundation for graduate-level employment.
A Level: BBC
BTEC: DMM
UCAS Tariff Points*: 112
GCSE: English Language Grade C/4 or above, or equivalent
Requirements for the Foundation Year differ from those listed.
*From three A Levels or equivalent
Designed by expert criminologists with research and professional experience, this three year degree programme will allow you to look at areas such as prisons, probation, policing, cybercrime, terrorism, the media and forensic psychology. You’ll consider how these areas are viewed by groups from different backgrounds and with different outlooks, including how gender, race and cultural perspectives and issues can impact opinion.
This course is particularly interesting if you’re looking to work in the criminal justice sector or associated fields, and we have modules aligned with the Trainee Probation Officer Programme (PQiP). You’ll benefit from learning in various ways, giving you a well-rounded understanding of both the theory and practice of criminology. This will enable you to develop a comprehensive understanding of criminology and apply this to current national and international socio-economic policies and conditions.
You will learn through a variety of lectures, workshops, digital media and a wide range of learning resources, completing research methods modules in your second year and a dissertation in your final year. There is also the opportunity to choose a work place module in your second year. In addition to your knowledge of criminology, you will gain a wide range of analytical, research, problem solving and communication skills, which are in high demand by employers.
Statistics from the 2025 National Student Survey show that 9 in 10 of our Criminology students agreed our academic support was good on their course.
You can choose to take an additional Foundation Year before you start your course. This introductory year focuses on developing the key skills required to study at degree level. You will study six modules and on successful completion progress onto any of our
three year degrees.
"Studying Criminology at The University of Law has been such a rewarding experience. The course has given me a deeper understanding of the criminal justice system and the real-world issues within it in a way that feels relevant and practical. Plus, the support from the university has been amazing."
- Nazrin Alimammadova, Criminology student
Communication Skills
You will develop communication skills and understanding of different methods and styles of communication. You will consider appropriate methods of communication in both formal and informal environments. You will develop your understanding of social media and how to use it effectively. By looking back at previous activities and considering the choices you made and how you may do things differently in the future, you will enhance your skills on reflection.
Digital and Research Skills
You will learn how to navigate responsibly around the internet using different search engines and resources, including AI, and will develop your understanding of how to stay safe online and create an appropriate online presence. Learn about interpreting information you find; how relevant and accurate it is and how to present it. Discover a variety of learning resources and understand the importance of academic integrity.
Sustainability and Society
You will explore the UN Sustainable Development Goals and how sustainability has a wider impact on society. A problem-solving approach to global sustainability will be adopted and you will be encouraged to think about the role you and others play in addressing sustainability issues and an understanding of who is accountable. Also looking at both the broad concepts of sustainability and the aspects which are relevant to your chosen discipline.
Foundation Year Project
Develop your research skills by learning how to choose, plan and carry out an investigation into a chosen topic. Discover the importance of ethics when conducting research and practice presenting research. This module helps prepare you for entry onto Level 4 of the degree programme through the formative e-portfolio containing a log of activities, your 2000 word written project and your video presentation.
Core Concepts of Criminology
Introducing you to some of the key concepts, theories and ideas in criminology. You will be encouraged to reflect on some of these concepts, theories and ideas and think critically about some of their implications on the criminal justice system and society more widely. You will also be given the opportunity to develop your research skills and group work in preparation for planning and completing coursework.
Choose one*:
*Options available are indicative and available subject to numbers and the campus chosen. Students will also complete the Shaping Skills for Success programme.
Criminological Theory
This module aims to introduce you to key criminological theories and teach you how to apply these theories to historical and current issues in society related to crime and harm.
Criminal Justice System
This module provides a thorough overview and evaluation of the criminal justice system.
Academic and Career Success
This module is essential to get you thinking about your future career aspirations alongside developing the skills you will need for academic study and the workplace. It underpins all of the modules you will study as part of your degree and will give you a head start in achieving your career ambitions.
Media, Representation, and Crime
This module examines theories, concepts and ideas that intersect the media with crime, criminalizing and demonizing groups, victimization and punishment. It evaluates aspects of these theories as a platform for understanding how and why media representations are framed and their impact on crime control and resistance. It investigates the relationships between crime, consumerism and the content, production and consumption of media. It also considers how the media creates moral panics.
Contemporary Issues in Criminology
This module provides you with the opportunity to explore crime, justice, and social harm, encouraging them to question how power, inequality, and policy shape experiences of crime and justice. Through a combination of theoretical approaches, case analysis, and contemporary debate, you will examine how social, political, and economic factors influence both criminal behaviour and institutional responses to it.
AI Literacy for the Future Professional
Businesses and professions are increasingly making use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to develop more effective working practices. AI can also be used to support learning and academic study. It is therefore essential that, as a future professional, you understand the benefits of AI and also the risks it poses. This module will equip you with the knowledge and skills you need to use AI responsibly as part of your academic studies and on into your future career.
Prisons and Probations
This module explores the historical development of prisons and probation in the UK, with a particular focus on His Majesty’s Prison and Probation Service (HMPPS). It examines key theories of punishment and the lived experiences of imprisonment and community supervision, alongside issues of desistance, reintegration, and the role of probation officers. The module addresses contemporary challenges such as overcrowding, privatisation, and austerity, and critically considers how gender, race, sexuality, and class shape carceral experiences. International perspectives, human rights, ethics, and debates around prison abolition and probation reform are also explored.
Qualitative Research Methods
This module aims to introduce you to research design, methodology, and data analysis, with a particular focus upon qualitative research and field methods.
Identity, Diversity, and Criminology
This module examines theories of identity and how identity shapes lived experiences. It considers theories, concepts and ideas about how the discipline of criminology has marginalised particular groups and universalised the experiences of others. It evaluates aspects of the criminal justice system in relation to inequality and explores debates around diversity, equality and inclusion policy and practices in relation to the criminal justice system. In addition, it examines how criminal offences have emerged in relation to issues of difference and identity.
Quantitative Research Methods
The aim of this module is for you to explain the nature and purpose of social research, key research concepts and learn about quantitative research methods. You will be able to identify ethical considerations and their practical application and utilise research methodologies and analysis techniques to interpret and present data. You will also be given the opportunity to develop your research skills and group work in preparation for planning and completing research proposals, with the aim of examining complex issues both systematically and creatively.
You can then pick two options from*:
Cybercrime
This module looks at the impact of cyberspace on the globalisation of crime and the effect that cyberspace has had on enabling ‘traditional’ crime and creating new opportunities for criminal behaviour.
Victims and Victimisation
This module introduces you to the field of victimology, and will explore the nature and extent of victimisation, victims’ experiences of crime, the role of victims within the criminal justice system, and responses to victims and their victimisation.
Workplace module
This module seeks to increase your employability by enabling you to undertake a criminology-related work placement as part of your academic course. You will apply your knowledge of criminological theories, concepts, and ideas to work related and real-life situations and scenarios. The content of each placement will vary depending on the employer or nature of the placement.
*All options are indicative and subject to availability.
Take your studies global. Our undergraduates can now spend a semester abroad at one of our international partner institutions. It's a unique chance to experience a new culture, expand your horizons, and learn in an exciting new environment.*
*Subject to approval.
You can pick two options from*:
International Criminology
This module critically evaluates theories, concepts, ideas and issues related to international criminology. It examines the key terminology surrounding the types of international crimes and critically evaluates the viability of redress and accountability in a range of different contexts. It investigates the protection of international human rights in times of peace and international humanitarian law in times of war and/or conflict. In addition, it critically evaluates the role of state and non-state actors in atrocity crimes and the courts of arbitration that can hold the state and individuals to account.
Policing and the Police
This module engages with the key theories, concepts and ideas relating to policing by synthesising and critically evaluating them in a range of different contexts.
Society and Punishment
This module engages with the key theories, concepts and ideas related to punishment, by synthesising and critically evaluating them in a range of different contexts.
You can pick two options from*:
Forensic and Criminal Psychology
This module will provide you with the knowledge and critical understanding of some well-established principles of the disciplines of forensic, criminal and investigative psychology and of the way in which those principles have developed. It will allow you to develop the skills to critically analyse, evaluate and propose solutions in key areas such as theories of crime, eyewitness memory, false confessions and to apply relevant underlying concepts and principles in a variety of contexts.
Evidence, Testimony, and Forensics
This module aims to help you understand how evidence, testimony, and forensics are used in the construction of crime and appeals for justice. Furthermore, through a historical, cultural, and social inquiry on these themes, this module is designed to make you aware of how truth and language is contested and mediated in courts of law and public forums.
Crimes of the Powerful
This module explores the nature, scope, and impact of crimes committed by powerful actors, including corporations, governments, and political elites. It shifts the criminological lens from conventional street crime to harmful acts carried out by institutions and individuals in positions of authority, many of which are under-policed, legally permissible, or systemically concealed. You will be encouraged to investigate real-world cases and apply theory to practice, developing independent research skills in preparation for the assessment.
The Dissertation module will take place across both semesters.
*All options are indicative and subject to availability.
Up to £1,500 in first year as a UK-resident full-time undergraduate to help with your study costs. T&Cs apply.
Find out more
The course demands show you the requirements, prior knowledge and commitments our course will involve.
Application and booking deadlines vary by intake - take a look at our key application and enrolment deadline dates for more information.
To get a full picture of how studying this course works during the year, take a look at our course date breakdowns.
There is a diverse range of assessments including:
You must pass each module to be awarded your degree. A pass mark is 40% and above.
70% 1
60-69% 2.1
50-59% 2.2
40-49% 3
We care about your career, which is why we offer support with job applications and other work experience opportunities as soon as you accept your place.
Discover more
Applications for all our undergraduate courses are open.
2026/27 Course Fee
*Fees for future study years will change in line with government changes.
If you need to fund your studies with a student loan you can apply via Student Finance.
We have students from over 120 different countries throughout our campuses, with a dedicated team to help international students.
New events will be added to this page in due course. Please check back soon for updates.
