Award
BA (Hons)
Duration
3 years FT
Placement
No placement
Entry
September
Fees
View fees
The Ministry of Justice alone employs over 79,000 people
£500m has been earmarked to recruit thousands of new prison and probation staff
Criminology at University College Birmingham is more than just theory. It is a powerful lens through which we will examine the social harms, inequalities, and injustices that shape our world.
This programme challenges traditional thinking by exploring the deeper social, political, and cultural forces that drive crime and justice. You will investigate how laws are enforced, how power operates in institutions, and how communities respond to harm.
Grounded in our city and its diverse communities, we underpin academic study with real-world relevance. Through hands-on projects, fieldwork, and research, you will connect directly with the issues that matter most and develop the critical skills needed to deliver real change.
This is more than a degree; it is your opportunity to stand up, speak out, and shape your future. Whether you dream of influencing policy, supporting communities, or transforming our criminal justice systems, this programme gives you the knowledge and confidence to make it happen. Step into a career with purpose and discover the change you can make.
Why should I choose this Criminology BA (Hons)?
- EXPERT TUITION – You will be taught by seasoned criminologists and those with a mixture of industry experience, including policing
- NO EXAMS – If you are not keen on exams, this course is for you. Unlike many degrees, you will have no written exams during or at the end of the course
- ENRICHMENT – Learn from experts through real-world simulations, workshops, and guest lectures
- STUDENT-CENTRED - Designed to reflect the real world, the programme is underpinned by diverse and inclusive reading lists and module content
- MAKE AN IMPACT – Develop a global outlook by exploring issues across cultures, preparing you to make an impact in an increasingly globalised world
- Year 1
- Year 2
- Year 3
Core Modules
Foundations of Criminology: Crime and Theory
Step into the world of criminology by exploring the big ideas that shape how we understand crime. From classic theories to modern debates, this module lays the foundation for your journey, addressing the questions about why people offend and how society responds.
Inside the Criminal Justice System
Ever wondered how the criminal justice system really works? Explore the world of policing, courts, and prisons as this module takes you behind the scenes to uncover how our institutions were built, how they interact, and what they mean for justice today.
Understanding Crime Through Research
Research isn't just for dissertations; it’s a tool for change. In this module, you will learn to ask the right questions, design ethical studies, and collaborate to explore real-world problems. This module equips you with the practical skills to support your career and make a meaningful difference.
Crime, Power, and Inequality
Challenge your assumptions and explore the intersection between power, privilege, and inequality. Dive into global issues and explore how our backgrounds and institutions influence our experiences of justice.
Victims and Voices: Understanding Trauma and Justice
We place people at the heart of this module. Through reflective practice and mental health first-aid training, you'll explore trauma, neurodiversity, and the lived experiences of victims. It's about empathy, compassion, resilience, and insight, for yourself and others. You will also have the chance to earn your Mental Health First Aid certificate.
Core Modules
Contemporary Criminological Perspectives
Take your learning to the next level and begin to shape your own criminological identity as we explore concepts like green criminology, crimes of the powerful, queer and critical criminology. In this module, you will explore the field of criminology through the eyes of others to gain insight into how we can make our systems and processes more reflective of our society.
Policing and Punishment: Power, Control, and Reform
What does justice look like, and who gets to decide? Take a deep dive into the world of policing and punishment. Ask tough questions about reform, control, and accountability as we explore our institutions and societal response to crime and criminality.
The Criminology Research Lab
Build on your research skills and become a data-savvy criminologist. Design research projects, use statistics to uncover hidden patterns, and apply mixed methods to complex social problems. Learn by doing and boost your skills and confidence as you begin to think about your final project.
Crime in a Connected World: Global and Digital Criminology
Do you want to understand crime in our increasingly connected world? This module examines how technology and globalisation influence transnational crimes and the networks that perpetuate them. You’ll examine the role of media, disinformation, and how virtual spaces influence our understanding of crime on a global platform.
Pathways to Change: Rehabilitation and Justice Innovation
Using real-life success stories, this module showcases radical and innovative approaches to rehabilitation and justice reform. Challenge the status quo and discover the power of hope and transformation as you explore the impact of positive psychology in supporting individuals to live their best lives. This module will support you on a journey of personal growth as you practice what you learn to develop hope, gratitude, and resilience.
Core Modules
Research in Action
This is your chance to lead your own research or capstone project. Use your passion to tackle the issues that matter to you. Apply what you have learned to make a difference; it's your moment to shine.
Real-World Criminology: Making Change Happen
This module connects you with contemporary criminological debates and challenges facing your community. In this larger module, you’ll build a professional toolkit, developing skills in leadership, teamwork, public speaking, and project management, while exploring how criminology can drive social change.
Smarter Justice: AI, Big Data and Ethics
Step into the future of justice. Examine how digital technologies are transforming the criminal justice system and what this means for society. You'll critically assess the risks and rewards of data-driven decision-making through the ethical and global perspectives that influence its use.
The Human Side of Crime: Psychology and Society
Take a deep dive into the psychology of crime. Explore how offenders think, victims heal, and society responds. This module combines forensic insights and social critique to help you understand the complex human stories behind criminal behaviour. Your favourite true crime podcast will never sound the same again.
The modules listed above for this course are subject to validation and approval.
Entry requirements
Entry requirements
A-levels: An A-level grade profile of CCC
T-levels: A T-level graded Pass with a core component of grade C
BTEC: A BTEC grade profile of MMM. This can be achieved from either an Extended Diploma or a combination of smaller BTEC qualifications
Tariff: Other Level 3 qualifications are accepted for entry at University College Birmingham. A minimum of 96 UCAS Tariff points will be required.
Access to Higher Education Diploma: 96 UCAS Tariff points including a minimum of 15 Level 3 credits at Distinction
If you have any questions about applying to University College Birmingham for this course, please complete our enquiry form here.
International students
EU/international students
For entry requirements for EU and international students, please visit the Country Specific Information page.
Key information
Teaching and assessment
Note: Indicative information only – actual timetables and assessment regimes will be issued at your induction.
Teaching
Example of a typical teaching week (up to 15 contact hours):
- Large group teaching - 6 hours
- Smaller group teaching/workshops - 6 hours
- Tutorials - 2 hours
You will also need to commit around 20 hours per week to individual study time.
Assessment
Estimated breakdown of assessment for this course:
- Coursework – 100%
Our teaching and assessment is underpinned by our Learning and Teaching Strategy 2025-2030.
Our teaching and assessment is underpinned by our Learning and Teaching Strategy 2025-2030.
Tuition fees for home students
If you are a home student enrolling on a bachelor's or foundation degree course at University College Birmingham, the 2025/2026 academic year tuition fee for full-time study is £9,535. For part-time study, the fee is £4,767.50.
Tuition fees for international students
If you are an international student (or have been fee assessed as an international fee payer) and are enrolling on a full-time [Band 1] bachelor's degree course in 2025/2026, the fee for the academic year will be £16,000. If you complete a placement year, there will be an administration fee of £500 for a full year or £250 for a half-year placement.
Kick-Start Scheme
As a new student studying this course full-time, you will receive £300 per year through our Kick-Start Scheme (UK students only, eligibility criteria applies). This scheme will support your studies and future career by contributing to course-related materials, uniform or selected items on campus. You may also qualify for an additional £500 per year.
Find out more about the Kick-Start Scheme here.
Unibuddy Community - meet other students on your course
Starting university is an exciting time, but we understand that it can sometimes feel a little daunting. To support you, you will be invited to join our Unibuddy Community, where you can meet other students who have applied for the same course at University College Birmingham, before you start studying here.
As soon as you have been made an offer, you will be sent an invitation email to complete your registration and join the Unibuddy Community. For more information, check out our Unibuddy Community page.
Designed to change the way criminology is taught, this programme aims to connect theory to the real world. Drawing on our industry experience, we understand how graduates can have the greatest impact and help you develop the skills needed to deliver meaningful change.
Career opportunities
The example roles and salaries below are intended as a guide only.
Social science researcher
Average Salary: £38,000
Probation officer
Average Salary: £40,000
Prison officer
£30,000 - £44,000
Youth offending team officer
Average Salary: £39,000
Intelligence analyst
Average Salary: £52,000
Political risk analyst
Average Salary: £60,000
Want to continue your studies? Completing this BSc will give you the opportunity to move onto our MSc Psychology or MSc Public Health degree.
Our student-voted awards and accolades
When it comes to student feedback, our university stands out. Our students value their time with us, as can be seen from the outcomes of several nationally-recognised student surveys.
