Program Overview

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BSc Criminology

The BSc Criminology degree is a three-year program offered by the School of Law, ideal for those interested in law, sociology, politics, and social policy. This degree provides a critical understanding of crime, criminal justice, and their relationship with the law, as well as a solid understanding of social science research methodologies and ethics.

Overview

Explore crime and criminal justice from causes to controls to consequences with the BSc Criminology degree. The program is designed to equip students with research, analytical, and communication skills, preparing them for careers in criminology or further study.

Uncover Key Concepts of Criminology

The program covers critical questions in criminology, including:

• Processes of criminalisation and victimisation
• Causes and organisation of crime
• Crime management and prevention
• Interrelationship between crime, social inequalities, and rights
• Official and unofficial responses to crime
• Punishment and media representations of crime
• Politics of criminal justice policy

Where Criminology Meets Law and Policy

The BSc Criminology degree provides an education in criminology interwoven with the study of law. Students acquire foundational knowledge needed to produce and understand socio-legal and criminological research, with maximum flexibility to follow their interests.

Learning

Students learn through lectures, seminar discussions, prescribed and recommended reading, and the writing of essays and a dissertation.

Join a Vibrant Research Environment

The School of Law has 99% of its research rated as of international standing (Research Excellence Framework 2021). Students can take advantage of research seminars and guest speakers, offering different perspectives and keeping them in touch with the latest global developments.

Your Degree, Your Way

Students can create their own pathway with an extensive range of optional modules, both within the School of Law and from other relevant disciplines. Possible pathways include:

• Sex, Gender, and the Law
• International Law and Security
• Human Rights
• Children, Families, and Youth Justice

Develop Your Skills in Criminological Research and Practice

Throughout their studies, students receive training to conduct research effectively, beginning with interpreting primary sources and understanding research methodologies. In their second and third years, students are inducted into the criminological community of practice, researching matters of crime and justice and ethical practice in social science research.

Learn from Leaders in the Field

Academics regularly feature in academic literature and the media, offering expertise on current issues. Teaching is research-led and relevant, with examples including:

• Dr. Beatrice Krebs' research on abolishing the doctrine of 'joint enterprise' in murder cases
• Professor Jo Phoenix's research on sex, gender, sexualities, and justice
• Professor Marko Milanovic's work on human rights violations and international law
• Professor Rosa Freedman's work on preventing sexual exploitation and abuse
• Dr. Alexander Gilder's research on UN peace operations and security sector reform

Gain Real-World Experience

Students have opportunities to gain hands-on experience in real-world settings through voluntary placement opportunities, including:

• Thames Valley Police: an immersive placement gaining insight and practical experience in the police
• Death Penalty Clinic: working on real death penalty cases across the globe
• Elizabeth Fry Charity: a placement working with and supporting women involved in the criminal justice system

Entry Requirements

• A Level: ABB
• International Baccalaureate: 32 points overall
• Extended Project Qualification: accepted as part of a formal offer
• BTEC Extended Diploma: DDM
• International Foundation Pathway: available for international students who do not meet direct entry requirements

Structure

The program consists of three years, with compulsory and optional modules each year.

Year 1

Compulsory modules include:

• Introduction to Criminology
• Legal Skills for Criminologists
• Criminal Law
• Introduction to Criminal Justice

Optional modules include:

• Law and Society
• Law and Gen AI
• Public Law 1
• Optional choices from the University-wide catalogue

Year 2

Compulsory modules include:

• Crime and Media
• Advanced Criminological Theory
• Criminological Research Methods
• Contemporary Issues in Criminal Justice

Optional modules include:

• Critical Victimology
• Introduction to International and European Human Rights Law
• Evidence
• Research Project
• Women, Crime, and Justice
• Foundations of International Law
• Legal Writing Credit
• Religion and Law
• Art and Cultural Heritage Law
• Optional choices from the University-wide catalogue

Year 3

Compulsory modules include:

• Dissertation
• OR Research Writing Credit in Criminology

Optional modules include:

• Young People, Crime, and Justice
• Crimes of the Powerful
• Family Law
• Police and Society
• Prisons in Crisis
• Children, Families, and the State
• Gender and Law
• Environmental and Climate Law
• Optional choices from the University-wide catalogue

Fees

• New UK/Republic of Ireland students: ｣9,790 (home tuition fee for 2026 entry, subject to annual increases)
• New international students: ｣25,850 (for 2026/27, subject to annual increases)

Careers

The BSc Criminology degree aims to equip students with research, analytical, and communication skills, preparing them for careers in:

• Government
• Criminal justice
• Social work
• Youth work
• Non-governmental organisations
• Welfare and service charities
• Campaigning organisations and social research
• Investigative journalism
• Think tanks

Students may also undertake further study to work as solicitors or in other legal professional jobs. The School of Law offers dedicated careers support, including help with CV writing, placement applications, and interview techniques, as well as regular commercial awareness workshops and career-orientated events.