CRIMINOLOGY

BA (Hons)

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BA (Hons)

Duration

3 years FT

Placement

No placement

Entry

September

Fees

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Department of Psychology

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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 goes beyond theory. This Criminology BA (Hons) explores the social harms, inequalities and power structures that shape crime, justice and society. As a modern criminology degree, the course examines how crime is defined, how laws are enforced, and how communities respond to harm within today’s complex social landscape.

During this criminology course in Birmingham, you will develop a strong understanding of crime and justice while building the research and analytical skills needed to understand real-world issues.

You will explore topics such as:

The social, political and cultural causes of crime
Policing, punishment and the UK criminal justice system
Inequality, social harm, and justice in communities
Research methods and criminological inquiry
Contemporary debates shaping modern criminal justice policy

Studying this criminology degree in Birmingham places you in a diverse and dynamic city where issues of crime, justice and social change are highly relevant. Through hands-on projects, fieldwork and research, you will engage directly with real-world challenges and develop the skills needed for careers across the criminal justice sector, policy, community work and related fields.

£6k Cost of Living Allowance

At University College Birmingham, we believe the cost of living shouldn’t hold you back from achieving your goals. That’s why we’re providing UK full-time undergraduate students starting in September 2026 with £6,000 each to support expenses like food, bills, and transport - completely free, with no need to pay it back.

Find out more

Pay early and save up to £4,500

International students applying for our BA/BSc undergraduate degrees, who meet all our deposit deadlines, can qualify for Early Action Scholarships of £4,500 or £3,500, depending on your course. Simply meet the payment deadlines and we'll do the rest - no application needed. International students can also apply for merit scholarships, worth up to the full amount of the tuition fee.

Early Action Scholarships

International Merit Scholarships

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

Course breakdown

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.

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

International students

For academic and English entry requirements for EU and international students, please visit the Country Specific Information page.

Please note: As an International Student, when choosing optional placement, a visa extension may be required.

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 about 20 hours per week to individual study.

Assessment

Estimated breakdown of assessment for this course:

Coursework – 100%

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 2026/2027 academic year tuition fee for full-time study is £9,790. For part-time study, the fee is £4,895.

The same fee applies to those enrolling on an HNC (Higher National Certificate) or an HND (Higher National Diploma) programme.

View tuition fees for home students

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 2026/2027, the fee for the academic year will be £16,500. 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.

View fees for international students

£6,000 Cost of Living Allowance

We are committed to supporting students who may be facing financial challenges due to the rise of living costs. If you are a full-time undergraduate student starting your course in September 2026, with home fee status and plan to pay your fees using a student loan, you’ll be eligible for a £6,000* Cost of Living Allowance.

Further information and terms and conditions can be found here: £6,000 Cost of Living Allowance.

*If you are studying a two-year accelerated degree or foundation degree, you will receive £5,000 over the duration of your course. If you decide you'd like to top up to a full BA or BSc (Hons) at the end of your foundation degree, you will also be entitled to the £1,000 in the third year.

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.

Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS)

As you may come into contact with vulnerable individuals during this course, a DBS check is required. University College Birmingham will coordinate and fund the completion of the DBS check.

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.

Scott Banks Senior lecturer in criminology

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.

HIRED

We are here to support your career goals every step of the way.

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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.

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