Program Overview

Course Overview

The BA in Criminology at University College Cork is a multidisciplinary course that explores the complexities of human behavior, crime, and the justice system. This three-year degree program combines key topics in social sciences and law with philosophy, history, cultural studies, and a language, providing students with a broad and deep understanding of criminological phenomena.

Course Structure

The course is structured into three years, with a range of core and elective modules. In the first year, students take modules such as Criminology: A History and Introduction, Introduction to the Psychology of Crime, and Criminal Law and Social Control. In the second year, students take modules such as Contemporary Criminological Theory, Sociology of Crime and Deviance, and Introduction to Social Research. In the third year, students take modules such as Research Methods for Criminology, Crime, Justice and Policy, and electives such as Corporate Crime, Dissertation in Criminology, and Abolitionism: Critical Carceral Studies.

Electives

Students can choose from a range of electives, including modules on sociology, psychology, anthropology, law, and social policy. Some examples of electives include:

• Women, Confinement and Social Control in Ireland
• Crime, Urbanization and Cities
• Policing Modern Society
• Victims and Victimology
• Young People, Trauma and the Criminal Justice System
• Prisons in Practice
• Online Hackers and Cyber-deviants
• The Global Trade in Illicit Drugs and Its Regulation
• Inside-Out Criminal Justice and Social Justice

Placement or Study Abroad

Students have the option of adding a year to their degree by studying abroad in their third year. UCC has links with universities in Canada, Denmark, Italy, Poland, Sweden, the USA, and the UK.

Skills and Careers

This course develops skills in critical thinking, comparative and cultural analysis, research methods, and statistics. Graduates can pursue careers in policing, prisons, probation, social work, social administration, security work, charities, journalism, television and film, politics, and community development.

Requirements

To be eligible for this course, applicants must meet the minimum entry requirements, which include:

• At least six subjects presented at Leaving Certificate
• Minimum grade H5 in two subjects and minimum grade O6/H7 in four other subjects
• English and Irish are requirements for all programs unless the applicant is exempt from Irish

Fees and Costs

The State will pay the tuition fees for EU students who are eligible under the Free Fees Scheme. The annual student contribution and capitation fees are payable by the student.

How to Apply

Irish and European applicants can apply through the Central Applications Office (CAO). Mature applicants can apply through the CAO by February 1. Non-EU applicants can apply online through the UCC Apply portal.

Contact Details

For queries regarding course content or timetables, please contact the relevant department.

Similar Courses

Similar courses offered by UCC include:

• BSocSc Social Science
• BA Sociology

Employability Guide

UCC provides an employability guide for arts graduates, which includes information on career paths, job search strategies, and further education opportunities.