Investigate the nature of crime and harm. Its causes. Its consequences. And join the search for solutions.
A pioneer of this exciting area of study, we’ve built a powerful reputation and strong links with criminal justice agencies and the charity sector. These partnerships provide a unique insight into the world of criminology. So everything you learn is shaped by the latest industry knowledge and techniques.
Then graduate career ready and start changing lives.
About this course
Studying Criminology at Hull means learning at one of the UK’s leading centres in this field.
You’ll be taught by expert staff who specialise in contemporary criminology in areas including artificial intelligence and predictive policing, modern-day slavery, knife crime, victimology, state crime, organised crime, cyber-terrorism and intelligence.
Our replica crime scene facility on campus means you can get to grips with the links between evidence and criminological theory. You’ll graduate with the ability to think critically about society's most pressing issues taught with practical experience in mind. That gives you an edge over the competition.
You’ll put the theory into practice on field trips to courts, the police control centre and prisons, as well as policing projects and placements. And expect speakers from the sector, including the youth justice board, victim support, the probation service and citizens advice.
Emerging out of our close partnerships, locally, regionally and nationally, you’ll explore social movements pushing for change on topics including prison abolition and drug use.
You’ll get the chance to apply for a variety of placements, for example with Humberside Police or the prison service. As well as being introduced to significant regional and national employers at our annual Crime and Social Justice careers event.
How do you stand up to injustice? Together.
Module options
Each year, you’ll study modules worth a certain number of credits, and you need 120 credits per year. Most modules are 20 credits – so you’ll study six modules each year. Some longer modules, such as a dissertation, are worth more. In these cases, you’ll study fewer modules - but the number of credits will always add up to 120. Some modules are compulsory, some are optional, so you can build a course that’s right for you.
Filters
Becoming a Criminologist
This is a foundational 40 credit module designed to introduce Criminology as a discipline in the 21st century and support you in an inclusive learning environment as you transition to higher education. You will learn about the practical and theoretical foundations you need to reach your potential for the years ahead. You will have the opportunity to use our Crime Scene Room to bring theory and practice together. Students are also supported in their academic and study skills, digital literacy, and teamwork to inform future studies.
compulsory
40 credits
Criminal Justice Institutions
Study the procedures of criminal justice – and the role of institutions such as the Police, CPS, courts and prisons, responsible for investigation, prosecution, conviction and punishment.
compulsory
20 credits
Crime, Deviance and Society
Look back to the origins of criminology by focusing upon the concepts and study of deviance. You'll trace how crime and deviance have been - and continue to be - deeply intertwined.
compulsory
20 credits
Social Research in Practice
The module takes an integrative approach to research ethics and design. It's a foundation for skills in understanding research and practical skills for conducting independent research.
compulsory
20 credits
Criminology in Late Modernity
Examine how current criminological theory explains recent developments in crime and crime control, drawing from postmodern criminology, cultural criminology and masculinities.
compulsory
20 credits
Current Challenges in Criminology
Explore current insecurities and examine how private troubles and public issues are linked. You'll develop your ability to link academic theory and findings to real-world situations like modernity, globalisation and its (broken) promise; colonial legacies and neo-colonial realities; and migration and dislocation.
compulsory
40 credits
Think You Know Policing?
Want to truly understand policing? Then this module is for you.
You'll explore policing theories and key functions, like crime control and order maintenance.
You'll examine contemporary policing in England and Wales, comparing practices from other societies.
You'll practice your skills on hands-on assessments, including crime scene simulations and real-world datasets. So you can see first-hand the practical and political challenges the police face.
Along the way, you'll gain insights and engage with real-world issues that will set you apart in the field.
compulsory
20 credits
Getting Ready for the Dissertation
This module prepares you for your final year and your dissertation research project. You will have the opportunity to engage with agencies and the challenges they are facing. You will discover the diversity of potential research topics and methodological approaches.
compulsory
20 credits
Sexuality, Deviance, and Race: Visuals of Society
In our day to day lives, we experience and witness ethical challenges, injustices and violence. This module exposes injustices and explores the power of representation. Visual analysis of the complex relationship between sexuality, deviance, and race on national and international levels will feed into broader social discourses. Case studies and internet usage will provide knowledge of the mechanisms that are able to produce and recognise the power of the image – both human and object.
optional
20 credits
Your Netflix is another person’s reality
Featured module- optional
- 20 credits
Want to challenge the stories we're told? Uncover how media shapes our perceptions of crime and justice? Then this module is for you.
You'll explore the powerful link between media, offenders, victims and the criminal justice system.
You’ll examine how crime is reported in the news, how it's shown in films and online, and how gender is portrayed.
By analysing documentaries, films, newspapers and music, you’ll understand how media influences society's view of crime, punishment and victimisation.
Our facilities
Watchlist
Dr Helen Nichols
Course overview
2 mins
Your course in their words
Student Story
2 mins
Life on campus
University life
2 mins
Accommodation
University life
3 mins
Featured academics
We were one of the first to teach criminology degrees over 50 years ago.
We remain at the forefront today with research leaders on issues such as violent crime, social justice and desistance, prisons and restorative justice, cybercrime, and intelligence.
Dr Katy Snell
Lecturer of Criminology
Once awarded her PhD, Katy lectured Criminology at UCNL (University Centre North Lincolnshire), becoming the Programme Lead for BSc (Hons) Psychology with Criminology. In July 2022, Katy returned to the University of Hull as a lecturer of Criminology
Dr Nicola O'Leary
Reader in Criminology
Nicola is a Reader in Criminology and a researcher in the fields of victimology, vulnerability, domestic abuse / coercive control, media and crime, and identity and representation.
Entry Requirements
What do I need?
This course is currently available through Clearing, which means our entry requirements are a bit different to what they would normally be.
At Hull, you're a name not a number. During Clearing, we look at all of your qualifications and experience, not just your academic grades. We may be able to offer you a place whatever your situation. Get started by completing our eligibility checker, and find out immediately if you could study at the University of Hull.
Have questions? Our admissions team will be happy to help.
Fees & Funding
How much is it?
Future prospects
The knowledge and skills you’ll gain on a Criminology degree at Hull are genuinely career enhancing.
Through placements, work experience and a diverse course of study and research, you’ll gain the key skills that are in demand across a wide range of careers.
Helping witnesses cope with the emotional impact of giving evidence in court, supporting vulnerable young people and their families, and helping offenders lead law-abiding lives after release from prison, are all jobs our graduates have gone on to do.
You could go onto roles within social justice, the police force, HM Prison Service, the Probation Service, legal professions, social work, the charity sector or the Civil Service.
Become part of the next generation of futuremakers
Like what you've seen? Then it's time to apply.
The standard way is to apply through UCAS. This will give you the chance to showcase your skills qualities and passion for the subject, as well as providing us with your academic qualifications.
Not ready to apply yet?
Visit our next Open Day, and see all that the University of Hull has to offer. Talk to our lecturers about your subject, find out what university is really like from our current students, and take a tour of our beautiful campus and amazing facilities.
You may also be interested in...
Criminology is ranked joint 4th in the UK for Value Added Score. The Guardian University Rankings 2026.
94% employability (Criminology) UK domicile full-time first degree leavers; Higher Education Graduate Outcomes statistics, for the academic year 2022/23, published by the Higher Education Statistics Agency June 2025.
All modules on this course page are subject to availability and this list may change at any time.