Program Overview

---

UCC University College Cork

Admissions Office Iontrálacha

Courses

UCC Undergraduate courses

Criminology

Course Fact File

Code	CK113
Duration	3 or 4 Years for the International Pathway
Teaching Mode	Full-time
Qualifications	BA (Hons)
NFQ Level	Level 8
CAO Points	2024: 405
CAO Points Range	2024: 405-569

Course Outline

The Criminology BA is a window into the world, giving insight into human diversity in complex societies and a textured view of our propensity to err, conflict, blame, and punish.

This contemporary course combines key topics in the social sciences and law – such as crime, deviance, morality, conflict, censure and justice – with philosophy, history, cultural studies and a language. The result is an exceptional breadth and depth of perspective and context.

This is a research-driven, interdisciplinary programme that delivers an international body of knowledge, as well as research skills and critical thinking. Criminology provides a strong intellectual background for anyone thinking of working in culturally sensitive areas such as policing, prisons, social work, journalism, politics, research, care, health and justice agencies, support groups, charities, film or television.

Modules

All modules are worth 5 credits unless otherwise stated.

Year 1 Modules

• CR1001 Criminology: A History and Introduction
• CR1002 Criminology: Key Concepts, Studies and Issues (10 credits)
• CR1003 Introduction to the Psychology of Crime
• CR1006 Criminal Law and Social Control
• SC1012 Introduction to Sociology (Part A)
• SC1017 Key Issues in Sociology (Part B)
• LW1169 Introduction to the Legal System for Criminology

Plus students choose one 15-credit option from the following:

• French, German, Italian, Spanish, or Irish (15 credits)
• PH1001 Introduction to Philosophy (15 credits)

Philosophy

Government and Politics (GV1217, GV1204, GV1207 - 15 credits)

• GV1204 Democracy, Ideology and Utopia
• GV1207 Politics and Government of Ireland
• GV1217 Introduction to Political Science

Year 2 Modules

• CR2001 Contemporary Criminological Theory
• SC2021 Sociology of Crime and Deviance
• SC2065 Introduction to Social Research

Electives

The criminology electives are the following: 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;

Students can also take electives in French; Gaeilge/Irish; German; Hispanic Studies; Italian; Philosophy; Government; Geography; History; Sociology; Law; and more. A full list of electives can be found here.

Year 3 Modules

• CR3001 Research Methods for Criminology
• CR3010 Crime, Justice and Policy (10 credits)

Electives

You can take some modules on offer from Year 2 as well as modules on:

Corporate Crime; Dissertation in Criminology; Abolitionism: Critical carceral studies.

Students can also take electives in French; Gaeilge/Irish; German; Hispanic Studies; Italian; Philosophy; Government; History; Sociology; and more. A full list of electives can be found here

Note

Students may opt to spend their third year studying at a partner institution abroad if they are registered on the BA Criminology (International Pathway).

Academic Programme Catalogue

See the Academic Programme Catalogue for the complete and up-to-date content for this course. Note that the modules for all courses are subject to change from year-to-year. For complete descriptions of individual modules, see the Book of Modules.

Course Practicalities

Written exams will take place before Christmas and in May. Not all modules will have formal examinations. Most modules use other types of assessment, such as essays.

In the final year, students may write a dissertation, which will normally be a literature review, on a topic of their choosing, and thus have the opportunity to undertake substantial research.

Who teaches this course?

Core modules of this degree will be taught by UCC academic staff members. Several electives will be taught by outside experts, including practitioners from the criminal justice system, and there will be seminars led by doctoral students and local scholars.

Why Choose This Course

Previous

Understanding the social forces that shape human behaviour

Alana Correia

Find Out More

I chose to study the BA in Criminology at UCC because I have always been passionate about understanding the social forces that shape human behaviour and the justice system. The course offered a perfect balance between theory and real-world application, allowing me to explore topics like gender, trauma, and social control from both academic and practical perspectives.

One of the most rewarding aspects was the supportive learning environment and the opportunities to collaborate across disciplines and even with community groups through modules like Inside-Out. This Inside- Out programme was definitely one of the highlights of my degree. It was a transformative experience that challenged my thinking and deepened my empathy. I would strongly encourage anyone who gets the opportunity, to put themselves forward for it, you will learn as much about yourself as you do about the justice system.

For my thesis, I explored the societal stigmatisation, marginalisation, and control of voluntarily childfree women in modern Ireland. Drawing on the theory of secularisation and labelling theory, I examined how cultural expectations around motherhood can lead to harmful stereotypes and social exclusion. My research aimed to give voice to a group of women often overlooked in criminological and sociological discourse.

Studying Criminology at UCC strengthened my drive to work in a field where I can support people facing difficult life circumstances and contribute to more inclusive and understanding communities. I am now preparing to pursue a master’s in occupational therapy, where I hope to carry forward this commitment.

You will study elements of sociology, law, and psychology as you explore what crime is, who criminals are, and why it happens...

Michael Devine, Graduate

Criminology gives the student the opportunity to take modules on sociology, psychology, anthropology, law as well as social policy. Connecting the dots in later years [...] was amazing...

Ute Krenzer

Find Out More

“UCC has a beautiful, green, and friendly campus, so the decision to study a discipline closely related to Sociology was an easy one to make.

Criminology gives the student the opportunity to take modules on sociology, psychology, anthropology, law as well as social policy. Connecting the dots in later years on how modules and content relate to each other was amazing.

The Inside-Out module was the highlight of studying Criminology. It offered a chance to study and create together with persons living in prison and provided an opportunity to critically reflect on the knowledge we had gathered over the years while questioning many of our underpinning assumptions of a '.

I would encourage anyone thinking about studying the BA in Criminology to stay open-minded towards the content and engage with the programme; try out as many diverse modules as possible and sometimes take a step back and critically reflect on the introduced ideas and on yourself. But most of all, have fun, join study groups, clubs, and societies and enjoy campus life!”

If you have any interest in the areas of crime, what it is, what it means, or why some people commit crimes and others don’t, I would definitely suggest looking into studying BA Criminology...

Rebecca Parker

Find Out More

"Criminology was a relatively new course to me when I chose it back in 2019 but I was always keenly interested in studying what exactly crime is and what defines being criminal.

Criminology in UCC allowed me to study a range of different modules from law, sociology, philosophy and everything between. It allowed me to study all different areas of crime and I covered a range of modules from education in prisons, how policing works and exists in our society, feminist criminology, victims and victimology and lots more.

The course is so broad but at the same time so detailed as whatever area you have an interest in, there is a corresponding module to facilitate and allow you to delve in deeper.

The most enjoyable part of BA Criminology was the Inside-Out module and my Erasmus year abroad. My Erasmus year gave me the chance to study crime and criminality in a whole different country and draw similarities and differences between what I had learned in UCC and then on the other hand what I learned while abroad. It was a fantastic idea that allowed me to build upon and add to my pre-existing knowledge on these areas while getting a whole new perspective at the same time.

The Inside-Out module was easily my favourite part of studying criminology in UCC. The experience in itself that I received as a result of the hard work of the Criminology department to put together such a module was second to none. This module dissolved any pre-existing perceptions or stereotypes I would have had surrounding prisoners and prison life and allowed us all to learn and grow together as what we all were inside that classroom- students.

We were the first group in the whole of Ireland to complete this course and the experience and knowledge that I gained from this was massive. It was an experience I will always be grateful that I got to part take in and also has opened my mind up to the possibility of going into a line of work within prisons whatever that may be.

If you have any interest in the areas of crime, what it is, what it means or why some people commit crimes and others don’t, I would definitely suggest looking into studying BA Criminology."

Immersing myself in the multidisciplinary approach of Criminology at UCC was a source of immense satisfaction...

Michael Harney, Graduate and member of An Garda Síochána

Find Out More

"From an early age, I found myself captivated by the complexities of human behaviour. The questions surrounding why individuals commit crimes, what factors influence their decisions, and how society responds to such behaviour ignited an insatiable curiosity within me. Criminology presented an opportunity to explore these mysteries, delving into the depths of psychology, sociology, and criminological theories to gain a profound understanding of the intricacies behind criminal acts. I also wished to gain more in-depth insight into the workings of the criminal justice system.

From the initial investigation to the courtroom proceedings and the subsequent rehabilitation processes, the system serves as a vital pillar of society. Studying Criminology at UCC allowed me to gain a comprehensive understanding of its inner workings, shedding light on the flaws, challenges, and potential for improvement.

Immersing myself in the multidisciplinary approach of Criminology at UCC was a source of immense satisfaction. It bestowed upon me the invaluable ability to perceive societal issues through diverse lenses, thereby enabling me to engage in profound critical analysis of a myriad of topics that permeate our society. This interdisciplinary perspective fostered a deep understanding of the intricate connections between psychology, sociology, and law, equipping me with the tools to navigate the complexities of criminological phenomena with astute discernment. Most of all, the way in which UCC guide their students is first class.

I suggest two main points to any student that is considering studying Criminology at UCC. Firstly, take the time to thoroughly research the Criminology program. Familiarise yourself with the curriculum, course offerings, faculty expertise, and any specialised areas of focus within the field. This will ensure that the program aligns with your academic and career goals. Secondly, reflect on your own interests within the field of Criminology. Identify specific areas, such as criminal profiling, restorative justice, or policy analysis, which intrigue you. For me, this was in the area of policing, which I now work in. This will allow you to tailor your studies and seek out relevant elective courses or research opportunities that align with your passions. By completing a degree in criminology, helped set the foundation for my MSc which I have just completed."

Placement or Study Abroad Information

You will have the option of adding a year to this three-year degree by studying abroad in Year 3. After studying abroad for Year 3 you will then return to UCC to complete your final year.

We currently have links with universities in the following countries: Canada, Denmark, Italy, Poland, Sweden, USA and the UK.

Skills and Careers Information

Students in this course will develop skills in critical thinking, comparative and cultural analysis, research methods and statistics. They will also strengthen their grasp of the role of history and examine the basis of moral justifications.

This skill set is invaluable for sensitive occupations such as:

• policing
• prisons
• probation
• social work
• social administration
• security work
• charities
• journalism
• television and film
• politics
• community development

Requirements

Leaving Certificate Entry Requirements

At Least six subjects must be presented. Minimum grade H5 in two subjects and minimum grade O6/H7 in four other subjects. English and Irish are requirements for all programmes unless the applicant is exempt from Irish.

Applicants will need to meet the following minimum entry requirements:

English	Irish	Other Language
O6/H7	O6/H7	O6/H7

EU/EFTA/UK Qualifications

EU/EFTA/UK applicants presenting an equivalent school-leaving qualification should review the EU/EFTA/UK Applicants page for information on equivalent grades and how to prove their level of English.

Mature Students

To compete through the mature entry route, applicants must be 23 years of age on or before 1 January of the application year and apply online via the CAO by 1 February. The application should include a statement of interest, and prospective students must also apply for and sit the Mature Student Evaluation (MSE) test.

Further information on applying as a mature student is available on the Mature Applicants and Mature Student Entry support pages.

QQI FET Entry

Applicants who meet the required level of distinctions in required subjects can apply for entry to this course using specific QQI FET qualifications. Please review the Programme Requirements on our Information for QQI FET Applicants page for information on related QQI courses, and visit Access UCC’s QQI/FET Entry section for further support.

Non-EU Applicants

Non-EU applicants are expected to have educational qualifications of a standard equivalent to the Irish Leaving Certificate. In addition, where such applicants are non-native speakers of the English language they must satisfy the university of their competency in the English language.

To verify if you meet the minimum academic and language requirements visit our qualification comparison page and refer to our International Office page for more information.

Fees and Costs

• Whether you are an EU or Non-EU student will affect the course fees applicable to you. See more information on EU Fees, Non-EU Fees, or Free Fees Status.
• 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.
• See the Fee Schedule to find out the course fee.
• Check out scholarships that may be available to you.
• Explore our Nurturing Bright Futures free online course (Module 5) to learn about managing your money as a student and budgeting for university life.

How To Apply

Irish and European (EU/EFTA/UK) Applicants

Apply via the CAO. See the CAO Handbook for useful information on applying through the CAO.

Mature Applicants

Apply via the CAO by 1 February. To apply for a place as a mature student, you must be 23 years of age on or before 1 January of the year of entry.

QQI/FET Applicants

Apply via the CAO. See our QQI/FET Applicants page for information on the Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI) Further Education and Training (FET) application process and whether there are routes available to this course.

Non-EU Applicants

If you are from outside the EU/EFTA/UK, apply online via the UCC Apply portal. See our International Office page for more information.

Contact Details For This Course

• Dr John O'Brien
• +353 (0)

Make an enquiry

Similar Courses

• BSocSc Social Science
• BA Sociology

See All Arts, Celtic Studies and Social Sciences Courses

Visit UCC

Visit the College

Employability Guide for Arts Graduates

University College Cork

+353 (0)

Location Maps University College Cork is a registered charity with the Charities Regulatory Authority, RCN