Program Overview

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Criminology BA (Hons)

Overview

This programme prepares you for a career in the criminal justice sector - in the criminal justice system or in the wider field of offending behaviour.

You’ll benefit from high-quality criminology teaching, and also build a strong understanding of the social psychology behind criminal justice and offending behaviour.

This degree offers students an invaluable experience of developing their professional and employability skills through our work placement module in the final year.

On graduation, you’ll have a wide range of career opportunities open to you, as well as the ability to undertake further study in areas such as law or psychology.

Entry Requirements

• Typical offer: 96 UCAS tariff points
• A levels: CCC - there are no subject-specific requirements
• T levels: Pass - Overall grading Pass (C or above in the Core) with no specific subject requirements
• BTEC Extended Diploma: MMM - there are no specific subject requirements
• Applicants on Access Programmes: Meet UCAS Tariff of 96 - there are no specific subject requirements
• International Baccalaureate Requirements: 96 UCAS tariff points to include at least 64 points from 2 HL subjects. Plus HL 3 or SL 4 in English Language and Literature A or English B
• GCSE English: grade C or 4 (equivalents accepted)
• English language requirements: Minimum IELTS at 6.0 or the equivalent

Foundation Year Entry

If you are a UK student and do not meet the entry requirements for this course, our Foundation Year in Management, Law and Social Sciences has a route to Criminology BA (Hons)

Foundation Year Entry Requirements

• 64 UCAS points or equivalent plus an English Language qualification equivalent to GCSE Grade 4
• Study and progression requirements: Pass each module and achieve a programme average of at least 40%

Transferring from Another University

If you are currently studying at another university and would like to transfer to the University of Bradford, this course accepts students into the second or third year. This is called advanced entry.

Applications for advanced entry will be considered on a case-by-case basis and must include an official transcript (not a screenshot of a portal), all module descriptors, and relevant qualifications. Module descriptors must include learning outcomes.

Your Learning Journey

All module information is for 2025 entry, and is subject to change.

First Year

• Core modules:
  • Introduction to Criminal Justice
  • Criminological Theory
  • Critical Study Skills
  • Crime and the Media
  • Crime and the City
  • Young People and Crime

Second Year

• Core modules:
  • Inequalities and Crime
  • Research Methods
  • Policing
  • Professional Development
  • Serious Organised Crime
  • Prisons and Rehabilitation

Final Year

• Core modules:
  • Dissertation
  • Crime Prevention
  • Crimes of the Powerful
• Optional modules:
  • Cyber Crime
  • Work Placement
  • Extremism and Political Radicalism
  • Crimes against the Body

Teaching, Learning, and Assessment

The programme adopts a range of teaching methods in order to provide a varied experience, allowing all students to learn appropriately.

Assessment varies by module. Assessment methods include individual and group presentations, essays, reports, and examinations. Students are offered opportunities to present formative assessment in all modules where this is feasible. The assessment diet is incremental: a maximum of 2,000 words or the equivalent per module in the first year, graduating in length to offer the opportunity for a major piece of academic work and a work-related academic analysis in your final year.

Fees, Finance, and Scholarships

Tuition Fee

• UK: £9,535
• International: £20,538

Additional Course Costs

While there are no compulsory additional costs associated with this course, there may be general additional costs that you may incur as a student. A list of the sort of costs you might expect can be found on our fees and finance section.

Funding Your Studies

It can be hard to know what financial help is available to you as a student.

Further information about the variety of options that can help fund your studies and maximise the money available to you is available on our funding your studies section.

Scholarships

Every year we award numerous non-repayable scholarships to UK, EU, and international students on the basis of academic excellence, personal circumstances, or economic hardship. For full details, visit our scholarships section.

Career Prospects

Graduates will leave with critical thinking, analytical, and communications skills and will be highly attractive within and outside the criminal justice sector.

Career Opportunities

The University is committed to helping students develop and enhance employability and this is an integral part of many programmes. Specialist support is available throughout the course from Career and Employability Services including help to find part-time work while studying, placements, vacation work, and graduate vacancies. Students are encouraged to access this support at an early stage and to use the extensive resources on the Careers website.

Support for Your Studies

At Bradford, we’re committed to supporting your success, well-being, and future ambitions.

We’re here to provide everything you need to make the most of your time with us, ensuring you not only excel in your studies, but also step confidently into the world of graduate employment.

In addition to the support you receive from your academic tutors, our Student Support Services are here for you throughout your journey - before, during, and after your studies.

Terms and Conditions of Study

The University has a set of terms and conditions for all students accepting an offer to study on a course here at Bradford. This is called The Student Contract. This document sets out the Terms and Conditions which apply when you accept an offer of a place on a programme of study at the University of Bradford.

Transparency Statement

Information about this programme and its modules has been published in advance of the academic year to which it applies. Every effort has been made to ensure that the information is accurate at the time of publication, but changes may occur given the interval between publishing and commencement of teaching. Any change which impacts the terms and conditions of an applicant’s offer will be communicated to them.