Program Overview

Introduction to BSc (Hons) Criminology

The BSc (Hons) Criminology program at Manchester Metropolitan University is designed for students fascinated by crime, criminality, and the criminal justice system. This exciting course offers an opportunity to explore the causes and patterns of crime, as well as its impact on society.

Course Overview

The BSc (Hons) Criminology program is a three-year full-time course that introduces students to the essential principles of criminology. The course covers key concepts and theories explaining crime, key institutions of the criminal justice system, crime policy, law, and practice. Students will receive training in a wide range of research methods during the first two years, equipping them to undertake their own independent research project in the final year.

Features and Benefits

• Winner of the 2025 Student Union Teaching Awards 'Department of the Year'
• Winner of the Employer and Community Partnerships award at the inaugural AGCAS Academic Employability awards
• Increasing levels of flexibility throughout the course with a broad range of option modules
• Get practical knowledge and experience with a range of volunteering and research opportunities
• Teaching staff have national and international reputations within criminology and are actively engaged in research

Course Structure

The course is structured into three years, with core and option modules in each year.

Year 1

In year 1, students will study core subjects that address criminological theory and the philosophies and policies of punishment, as well as wider sociological theory and research methods.

• Core modules:
  • Crime and Society
  • Working with Data and Evidence
  • Criminology and Sociology in Action
  • Global Social Justice

Year 2

In year 2, the core subjects will further develop students' social research skills and address how crime and deviance relate to wider social forces.

• Core modules:
  • Decoding Crime
  • Qualitative and Quantitative Research Methods
  • Criminology and Sociology in Practice
• Option modules:
  • Crimes of the Powerful: States, Corporations, and Organised Crime
  • Drug Markets, Policy and the Public Good
  • Exploring Violence and Social Harms
  • Global Turning Points
  • Intimate Relationships and Personal Life
  • Youth in Crisis? Young People, Crime and Justice

Year 3

In year 3, students will be able to select a specialism in Justice Studies, Quantitative Methods, or Global Youth Justice, or continue on with core BSc (Hons) Criminology.

• Core modules:
  • Independent Criminological Research Project
  • Futures in Criminology
• Option modules:
  • Body, Sexuality and Culture
  • Crime, Power, and Justice
  • The Justice Portfolio
  • Becoming a Quantitative Researcher
  • Applied Quantitative Project
  • Independent Youth Justice Project
  • Digital Culture, Media and Society
  • Criminal Justice Today
  • Space, Place And Crime
  • Qualitative Research Methods in Action
  • Delivering Justice for Women
  • Class Conflict: Capitalism, Inequality And Resistance
  • World in Crisis: Change, Justice and Hope
  • Global Drug Studies
  • Global Youth (In)Justice
  • The Politics of Imprisonment

Entry Requirements

• Typical offer: 104-112 UCAS tariff points
• IELTS score: 6.0 overall with no component below 5.5
• UK students:
  • Level 3 qualifications: 104-112 UCAS tariff points
  • Level 2 qualifications: GCSE grade C/4 in English Language and Mathematics
• International students:
  • IB Diploma with minimum 26 points overall or 104 UCAS Tariff points from three Higher Level subjects
  • IELTS: 6.0 overall with no component below 5.5

Fees and Funding

Tuition fees for the 2026/27 academic year are still being finalized.

Careers Support and Prospects

• Employed or in further study: 88.7% of UK-domiciled, full-time, first-degree graduates
• Explore your options and build sought-after skills through the Careers Service
• Opportunities to meet employers and prepare for interviews
• Support for starting your own business

Conclusion

The BSc (Hons) Criminology program at Manchester Metropolitan University offers a comprehensive and engaging course that equips students with the knowledge and skills to pursue a career in criminology and related fields. With its strong focus on research, flexibility, and practical experience, this course is an excellent choice for students passionate about understanding and addressing crime and its impact on society.