The BSc (Hons) Criminology and Policing degree combines our expertise in contemporary criminology and professional policing to give you a comprehensive understanding of criminological concepts, theories and ideas that you will be able to apply to current socio-economic policies and conditions. Cutting edge, engaging and employability focused, this course will prepare you for a career within the criminal justice system in roles such as policing, prison and probation, research and youth work. You’ll be encouraged to think critically, look further, and imagine alternative perspectives, building a strong foundation for graduate-level employment or further study.
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
This three year degree allows you to combine criminology study with policing modules which cover aspects of the national policing curriculum. You'll examine areas such as prison, probation, policing, cybercrime, terrorism, the media and forensic psychology. You’ll consider how these areas are viewed by groups from different backgrounds with different outlooks, including how gender, ethnicity, race and cultural perspectives can impact opinion.
Students will be taught by leading experts in criminology who have worked in the criminal justice sector, as well as former police officers for a practical, hands-on education. In addition, you will benefit from the internationally recognised high-class research many of these colleagues are producing. This course sets students up for a career in the criminal justice sector, the police service or the NGO and charity sector, among others. We also have modules that are aligned with the Trainee Probation Office Programme (PQiP).
Please note that this BSc Criminology and Policing programme does not qualify as a pre-join degree to enable direct entry into a police service. Students wishing to pursue a career as a police officer on graduation would need to enter a service via the degree holder entry route.
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 and policing, 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.
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.
Police Powers
This module provides a thorough overview and evaluation of the criminal justice system and the police's role within it.
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.
Police Constable Role
This module will provide you with an overview of the history of the police, the creation of the modern police, the structure of the police service and the Peelian Principles. You will study and explore core concepts such as policing as a profession and policing by consent. You will also understand that the police is a disciplined service.
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 Probation
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.
Custody and Police Interview
This module examines the statutory processes relating to a person detained in police custody and the application of legislation and functions associated with detaining and escorting a suspect to custody. It analyses the legislation, core principles, relevant agencies and processes associated with the custody process. It considers the types of evidence that may be obtained during an investigation and applies knowledge of legislation and core principles associated with police interviews. In addition, it explores the considerations associated with supporting victims and witnesses through the criminal justice and custody system and the process for ethical recording of policing incidents.
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 will look 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.
Vulnerability and Risk
This module examines the professional concept of risk and vulnerability in the context of operational Policing. It considers key legislation, policies and the application of assessing vulnerable people or those at risk of harm. In addition, it evaluates the principles of the relationships between situational and personal factors that impact vulnerability.
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.
Public Protection
This module will introduce you to the concept of public protection policing. You will learn about serious offences such as child abuse, female genital mutilation (FGM), domestic abuse (DA), modern slavery, trafficking and honour-based abuse. An understanding of coercive control as well as varying forms of abuse and the impact on survivors will be developed together with an appreciation of the complex interaction between risk and protective factors.
You can then pick one option 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.
Major and Serious Crime
This module will develop your critical understanding of investigative processes during major or critical incidents, with attention to legal, ethical and procedural considerations. You will also appreciate the historical and contemporary causes of mistrust towards the police by some communities and critically evaluate strategies to reduce tension and rebuild public confidence through ethical and legitimate policing practices. You will apply what you have learned to assess the management of officers during and after critical incidents, with a focus on leadership, well-being, and post-incident learning.
You can then pick one option 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 to 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.
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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.
