Drive criminal justice change with our BSc (Hons) Criminology Online course. Investigate a wide range of areas such as policing, prisons, probation, cybercrime and more. With 100% coursework assessment, you’ll undertake authentic assessments to prepare you for the world of work.
Step into the fast-paced world of criminal justice with a degree designed to challenge how you view crime, policy and society. This online course dives deep into high-profile, contemporary issues from cybercrime, terrorism and policing to forensic psychology, migration and the impact of media on public perception.
You’ll gain a critical understanding of how race, gender and culture shape policies and outcomes in today's legal system. You’ll build high-demand skills through hands-on research methods, coursework-based authentic assessments and optional professional work placements.
Whether you plan to work in policing, prisons, probation services or policy research, you’ll graduate equipped with the analytical mindset and practical experience needed to make a real impact. These transferable skills will make you highly employable across sectors, including many not related to the criminal justice sector.
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Semester 1
| Compulsory modules |
Communication SkillsDevelop your communication skills across a range of methods and styles, in both formal and informal contexts, and explore how to use social media effectively. The module also encourages reflection on your past experiences, helping you evaluate your choices and identify ways to improve your future communication and practice.
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Digital and Research SkillsLearn how to navigate the online world responsibly by using search engines, resources and Artificial Intelligence (AI) effectively. You’ll explore how to stay safe online, build an appropriate digital presence and critically evaluate the accuracy and relevance of information and how to present it. Discover a variety of learning resources and understand the importance of academic integrity.
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Sustainability and SocietyExplore the UN Sustainable Development Goals and their global impact on society. This module takes a problem-solving approach to sustainability, encouraging you to consider your own role, and the role of others, in addressing sustainability challenges. You’ll examine both the broader concepts of sustainability and those most relevant to your chosen discipline.
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Semester 2
| Compulsory modules |
Foundation Year ProjectThis module helps prepare you for entry onto Level 4 of the degree programme through a formative e-portfolio containing a log of activities, a 2000 word written project and a video presentation. You’ll develop your research skills by learning how to choose, plan and carry out an investigation into a chosen topic. You’ll also explore the impact of research ethics and practice presenting your findings.
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Core Concepts of CriminologyThis module introduces you to some of the key concepts, theories and ideas in criminology. You’ll be encouraged to reflect on and think critically about some of their implications on the criminal justice system and society more widely. You’ll also be given the opportunity to develop your research skills and group work in preparation for planning and completing coursework.
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In Semester 2, you can then pick one of the following modules* to study:
| For student selection |
| Core Concepts of Business |
| Core Concepts of Computer Science |
| Core Concepts of Law |
| Core Concepts of Psychology |
*Options available are indicative and available subject to numbers and the campus chosen.
Semester 1
| Compulsory modules |
Criminological TheoryThis module teaches you how to apply criminological theories to historical and current issues in society related to crime and harm.
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Criminal Justice SystemThis module provides a thorough overview and evaluation of the criminal justice system.
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Academic and Career SuccessThis module is essential to get you thinking about your future career aspirations alongside developing the skills you’ll need for academic study and the workplace. It underpins all the modules you’ll study as part of your degree and will give you a head start in achieving your career ambitions.
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Semester 2
| Compulsory modules |
Media, Representation and CrimeThis module explores theories and concepts linking media and crime, including the criminalisation and demonisation of groups, victimisation and punishment. It examines how media representations are framed, their impact on crime control and resistance and the relationship between crime, consumerism and media production and consumption. It also considers how the media creates moral panics.
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Contemporary Issues in CriminologyThis module provides you with the opportunity to explore crime, justice and social harm, encouraging you 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’ll examine how social, political and economic factors influence both criminal behaviour and institutional responses to it.
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AI Literacy for the Future ProfessionalDevelop an understanding of what artificial intelligence (AI) is and how it can be used appropriately to support your studies. You’ll also explore how AI is used in the workplace and examine the regulatory, ethical and environmental issues surrounding its use.
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Semester 1
| Compulsory modules |
Prisons and ProbationsThis 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.
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Qualitative Research MethodsThis module aims to introduce you to research design, methodology and data analysis, with a particular focus upon qualitative research and field methods.
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Identity, Diversity and CriminologyThis module examines theories of identity and how identity shapes lived experiences. It considers how the discipline of criminology has marginalised particular groups and universalised the experiences of others. It explores debates around the criminal justice system on issues such as inequality, diversity, and inclusion policy and practices. In addition, it examines how criminal offences have emerged in relation to issues of difference and identity.
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Semester 2
| Compulsory module |
Quantitative Research MethodsThe 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’ll be able to identify ethical considerations, utilise research methodologies and analysis techniques to interpret and present data. You’ll 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.
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You’ll then choose two options* from the following:
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CybercrimeThis module explores how cyberspace has contributed to the globalisation of crime, enabled ‘traditional’ forms of crime and created new opportunities for criminal behaviour.
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Victims and VictimisationThis module introduces you to the field of victimology. It 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.
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Workplace moduleThis module seeks to increase your employability by enabling you to undertake a criminology-related work placement as part of your academic course. You’ll 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.
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*All options are indicative and are available subject to numbers.
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.
Semester 1
You’ll choose two options* from the following:
| For student selection |
International CriminologyThis module critically evaluates theories and ideas related to international criminology. It examines the key terminology surrounding the types of international crimes and 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.
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Policing and the PoliceThis module engages with the key theories, concepts and ideas relating to policing by synthesising and critically evaluating them in a range of different contexts.
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Society and PunishmentThis module engages with the key theories, concepts and ideas related to punishment, by synthesising and critically evaluating them in a range of different contexts.
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Semester 2
You’ll choose two options* from the following:
| For student selection |
Forensic and Criminal PsychologyThis module will provide you with the knowledge and critical understanding of some of the disciplines of forensic, criminal and investigative psychology and how they have developed. It will allow you 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.
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Evidence, Testimony and ForensicsThis 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.
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Crimes of the PowerfulThis 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’ll be encouraged to investigate real-world cases and apply theory to practice, developing independent research skills in preparation for the assessment.
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The Dissertation module will take place across both semesters.
*All options are indicative and subject to availability.
You'll study 10 units per module via e-learning and you'll also be required to undertake self-study using e-books and a range of electronic learning resources and online data bases. Every unit will feature a live large group session delivered online, and you'll be able to check your knowledge, understanding and progress by attempting a number of tasks upon which you will receive immediate feedback. Attendance at these sessions is not compulsory and the sessions will be recorded for the benefit of students who are unable to attend.
Tasks will be set whereby students analyse, discuss and resolve issues and present them (orally and in writing). Six of these tasks per module (and a mock assessment) will be submitted and students will receive individual feedback from a professional lecturer. There will also be two sessions per module where all students can interact online with each other and a lecturer who will provide consolidation, study skills, revision guidance and allow students to ask any questions they may have.
Most modules are worth 20 credits, except for the Dissertation module, which is 40 credits. Each module is carefully designed to balance learning and assessment.
There are a diverse range of assessments including:
20 credit modules require around 200 hours of learning, spread across the term. To stay on top of things we recommend planning for up to seven hours of prep time per unit, including reading and assignments. The expected amount of study hours is 40 hours a week.
You’ll be allocated a dedicated Academic Coach to support you throughout your course. They’ll encourage you to become an independent learner and challenge you to achieve the best possible outcome during your studies.
Application and booking deadlines vary by intake - take a look at our key application and enrolment deadline dates for more information.
2027/28 Course Fees (for courses starting between 1 June 2027 - 31 May 2028)
Students can expect to pay approximately £30,966 for a full-time three-year course.
Current UK government guidance suggests that future fees will be set at the following rates:
| 2027/28 Course Fees (for courses starting between 1 June 2027 - 31 May 2028) | |
| 2027/28 | £10,050 |
| 2028/29 | £10,320 |
| 2029/30 | £10,596 |
| Foundation Year Students | £5,760 (first year only, rising to £10,320 from the second year) |
Please note, fees listed above may change in line with the latest government guidance.
The University of Law offers a wide range of scholarships and bursaries which makes studying with us more affordable than ever.
If you need to fund your studies with a student loan you can apply via Student Finance.
*From three A Levels or equivalent.
Requirements for the Foundation Year differ from those listed.
**English Language Grade C/4 or above, or equivalent.
If you’d like to study with The University of Law you can apply directly with us.
How to apply
We are offering a range of face-to-face, virtual and on-demand events. From course information sessions to employability events, there's an event to suit everyone.
