Program Overview

Overview

The Criminology, Policing and Investigation University course at Birmingham City University is designed to equip students with a comprehensive understanding of the complexities of crime, policing, and investigation. The course has close ties to the West Midlands Police Force and provides students with the opportunity to gain practical experience and develop transferable skills.

Entry Requirements

• Standard offer: 112 UCAS Tariff points
• Accelerate offer: 80 UCAS Tariff points
• GCSE and other level 2 requirements: Not required
• A Level, BTEC and other level 3 requirements:
  • A Level: 112 UCAS Tariff points / BBC (or equivalent)
  • AS Level: Must be in a different subject to A Levels
  • A maximum of four subjects will be considered
  • Pearson BTEC (Diploma / Extended Diploma/ Extended Certificate): 112 UCAS Tariff points
  • Diploma accepted with one A Level or equivalent level 3 qualifications
  • Extended Certificate accepted with two A Levels or equivalent level 3 qualifications
  • Excluded subjects: Health and Social Care pre-2016 syllabus
  • T Level: Merit overall
  • All subjects considered
  • Access to HE Diploma: Pass with 60 credits, 45 credits at level 3
  • Accepted subjects: Social Sciences, Humanities or Law
  • OCR Cambridge Technical qualifications: 112 UCAS Tariff points
  • NCFE CACHE Level 3 qualifications: 112 UCAS Tariff points
  • WJEC Level 3 qualifications: 112 UCAS Tariff points
  • Considered with two A Levels or equivalent level 3 qualification(s)
  • Irish Leaving Certificate (Highers): Minimum of 112 UCAS Tariff points, achieved in five Higher level subjects
  • Scottish Higher / Advanced Higher: 112 UCAS Tariff points from three Advanced Highers (CCD) or two Advanced Highers (CD) plus two Highers (CC)
  • Welsh Baccalaureate: 112 UCAS Tariff points. Considered with three A Levels or equivalent level 3 qualifications

Fees & How to Apply

• UK students:
  • Annual tuition fees: £9,535 in 2025/26
  • Mode: Full-time
  • Duration: 3 years
  • Apply via UCAS
• International students:
  • Annual tuition fees: £17,690 in 2025/26
  • Mode: Full-time
  • Duration: 3 years
  • Apply online

Course in Depth

First Year

• Key Debates in Criminological Theory (20 credits)
• Crime and the Media (20 credits)
• Crime, Punishment and Society (20 credits)
• The Criminal Justice System (20 credits)
• Policing and Investigation (20 credits)
• Security, Conflict and Justice (20 credits)

Second Year

• Contemporary Policing (20 credits)
• Issues in Criminal Investigation (20 credits)
• Policing Priorities (20 credits)
• Research Proposal (20 credits)
• Optional modules:
  • Crime in the City (20 credits)
  • Youth Crime and Justice (20 credits)
  • Critical Perspectives on Terrorism (20 credits)
  • Race and Crime (20 credits)
  • Making Sense of Homicide (20 credits)
  • Substance Use, Crime and Deviance (20 credits)

Professional Placement (Optional)

• Professional Placement Year (120 credits)

Final Year

• The Ethics of Investigation (20 credits)
• Lie to Me: Essential Criminal Justice Interviewing Techniques (20 credits)
• The Extended Project (40 credits)
• Optional modules:
  • Emotions in Crime and Criminal Justice (20 credits)
  • Everyday Surveillance (20 credits)
  • Local to Global Organised Crime (20 credits)
  • Deviant Leisure (20 credits)
  • Gender and Crime (20 credits)
  • Cybercrime (20 credits)
  • Hate Crime (20 credits)
  • Harms of the Powerful (20 credits)

Employability

This course is suitable for those who wish to embark on a criminal justice-related career, including jobs in the police, revenue and customs, probation, youth justice, community safety, and the prison service, as well as the voluntary sector. It is also suitable for serving police officers and civilian support staff, customs officers, prison officers, and those working in the Immigration and Naturalisation Service.

Facilities & Staff

The course is based at the City Centre Campus, specifically The Curzon Building, alongside other social sciences, law, and business students. The £63m building offers students a unique social learning space, including a dedicated student hub incorporating student support services, in the heart of Birmingham’s Eastside development.

The course is taught by expert staff in the fields of criminology and policing, and students will also enjoy regular guest lectures from highly influential voices in the discipline.