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Criminology

BA Hons UCAS Code

Course overview

Uncover the social context behind crime and the people who commit it with our multidisciplinary BA Criminology course. You’ll take learnings from other fields like sociology, law, psychology, politics, history and media studies to help us understand how we define 'crime', how we manage those who commit crime, and how we consider the 'victim' in the process.

In years two and three, you have plenty of choice from optional modules. You could look at cybercrime, drugs and rehabilitation, prisons and punishment, or policing. Sociology modules are also available, giving you an opportunity to look at issues such as cults, identity and education. 

Placements and studying abroad are other options you can take advantage of to grow professionally and personally. It’s this holistic approach to preparing you for the workplace that has put us 2nd in the Russell Group for the number of graduates in sustained employment or further study five years after graduation (LEO data for the tax year 2021/33, published in 2024). 

Teaching and learning

Modules

Core modules

6 modules

Criminology: Understanding Crime and Victimisation

ÌÇÐÄÔ­´´ the foundations of criminology and explore how crime and victimisation are defined and how they shape society. This module covers key theories and frameworks to help you understand criminal behaviour and societal reactions. You'll learn about the evolution of criminology and the production of knowledge in this field.


Introduction to the Criminal Justice 'System' in England and Wales

Explore the inner workings of the criminal justice system in England and Wales. This module covers the roles of police, courts and prisons, and examines the tensions and inequalities within the system. You'll learn about different theories of justice and the impact of political decisions on criminal justice policies.


Investigating Social Worlds

Learn the basics of social science research and how to conduct your own studies. This module covers key knowledge production, methodology and ethical debates in social science research. You'll explore various data collection methods, writing research questions, planning valid research, and you’ll understand the importance of ethics, power and standpoints in research.


Punishment and Penalty

Explore the complex world of punishment and its role in society. This module delves into philosophical, political and historical reasons for punishment and examines contemporary systems like imprisonment. You'll discuss alternative forms of punishment and the social factors influencing how societies punish lawbreakers.


Social Science Uncovered 1

Discover what it means to study social science and how it differs from natural sciences. This module introduces you to criminology, sociology, social work and social and public policy, helping you develop the skills needed for university-level social science studies.


Social Science Uncovered 2

Build on your knowledge from Social Science Uncovered 1 by exploring various social issues through criminology, sociology, social work and public policy lenses. This module uses case studies to help you understand and address contemporary social problems.


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Entry requirements

3 years full-time

£10,050 per year

Quote marks icon

During my degree, I completed an internship with the Fearless Youth Association and Nottinghamshire County Council, working on tackling youth knife crime in Nottingham. I also interned with the Rights Lab, where I focused on modern slavery prosecutions, or the lack thereof. These experiences provided me with valuable insights into how criminology is applied in the real world."

Daisy Campbell

BA Criminology

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