Program Overview

Course summary

Criminology is the scientific study of criminal behaviour, laws and justice. It is a multidisciplinary subject comprising elements of sociology, law, social and public policy, history, psychology and philosophy.

BSc Criminology at the University of Bristol is an exciting course that provides an opportunity to study criminology within a broader framework of policy studies.

By drawing on social harm perspectives, our courses examine conventionally defined crimes along with other problem activities or behaviours that may not be criminalised but still cause extensive harm to individuals and society. This provides you with a critical and informed understanding of crime and the criminal justice system, as well as wider social and economic questions.

Overview

Typical offer

• A-level standard offer: AAB
• A-level contextual offer: BBB
• Go to entry requirements for the full entry criteria and contextual offer eligibility.

Programme duration

• 3 year(s) full-time.
• 6 year(s) part-time.

Location

• Clifton campus

Fees

• £9,535 per year, home students
• £24800 per year, international students
• Part-time tuition fees will normally be charged on a pro rata basis
• More about tuition fees, living costs and financial support.

Fees quoted are for 2025 entry only. Fees for 2026 will be confirmed, subject to government approval, later in 2025.

Course structure

The first year introduces key concepts in criminological study. Units in this year will familiarise you with theoretical and conceptual debates about the meaning and existence of crime, harm and deviance in contemporary society, the way that crime is understood and represented, and the range of responses to various crimes.

Your second and third years allow you to explore your interests in greater depth through a wide range of optional units which focus on contemporary, real-world criminological issues. You may also choose a work placement option in the second year, providing the opportunity to gain employment-related skills and experience in an organisation connected to your studies.

The final-year dissertation is an opportunity to choose a topic for in-depth investigation and independent work.

Full details about the course structure and units for this course can be viewed in the programme catalogue.

Entry requirements

We accept a wide variety of qualifications and welcome applications from students of all backgrounds. Below is a guide to the typical offers for this course.

• A-level standard offer: AAB
• A-level contextual offer: BBB
• Find out if you are eligible for a contextual offer
• BTEC: DDD in any Applied General BTEC National Level 3 Extended Diploma
• Find out more about BTEC entry requirements
• International Baccalaureate Diploma: 34 points overall with 17 at Higher Level
• International Baccalaureate Diploma contextual offer: 31 points overall with 15 at Higher Level
• Find out if you are eligible for a contextual offer
• European Baccalaureate: 80% overall
• Scottish Qualifications Authority: Advanced Higher: AB, and Standard Higher: AAABB
• Access to HE Diploma: Access to HE Diploma in Education, Humanities, Social Science, Science, Law or Psychology (or similar titles). The 45 graded Level 3 credits must include 24 credits at Distinction and 21 at Merit or above.
• More about Access to HE entry requirements
• Welsh Baccalaureate: Requirements are as for A-levels, where you can substitute a non-subject specific grade for the Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales or the Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate at that grade.
• Cambridge Pre-U: Requirements for principal subjects are as for A-level, where D1/D2 is A*, D3 is A, M1/M2 is B, and M3 is C.
• International qualifications: The University of Bristol welcomes applications from international students, and we accept a wide range of qualifications for undergraduate and postgraduate study.
• Search international qualifications
• More about UK qualifications.

Selection process

• Regulations and codes of conduct we abide by to create a positive environment for learning and achievement are found in the University admissions policies and procedures.
• If applying with extenuating circumstances please see our policy.
• Full information about our selection processes for Criminology can be found in the Admissions Statement.

Applicants must also meet these requirements

• GCSE profile requirements: No specific subjects required.
• Further information about GCSE requirements and profile levels.
• English language requirements: If English is not your first language, you need to have one of the following:
  • IELTS 6.5 overall with 6.5 in all skills
  • GCSE English Language grade C or 4
  • an alternative qualification outlined in our Profile level C.
• Further information about English language requirements and profile levels

Related courses

• BSc Criminology with Study Abroad
• BSc Social Policy with Criminology

Related Subjects

• Law
• Psychology
• Social Policy
• Sociology

Student satisfaction

• 81% say staff value students views and opinions about the course
• 88% of students say teaching staff have supported their learning well.
• 85% in work or doing further study 15 months after the course.