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.
Joint 4th in the UK
for Value Added Score
The Guardian University Rankings, 2026
50+ years
experience of researching and lecturing criminology
Placements available
within the criminal justice and charity sector
Annual
Crime and Social Justice careers event
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.
Foundation year
A foundation year at the University of Hull gives you a solid grounding of knowledge and boosts your academic skills, so you can progress on to your chosen programme with confidence.
The foundation course you enrol on may not be an exact match to your chosen degree, but don’t worry. Our foundation courses combine content from multiple related courses in the same subject area, giving you more flexibility and choice about the degree path you take.
For example, if you apply for a Music Foundation Year, you’ll join our Media Foundation course. So, if you decide to switch - say, from Music to Graphic Design - you can do so without restarting your foundation year.
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.
No filters selected
Preparing for Learning in Higher Education
This module is designed to give you the best possible start to your university studies, making sure you have all the essential skills you need to succeed. Through lectures and workshops we will teach you how to write in an academic style, how to find quality sources, and how to reference work, culminating in writing up a mini-research project.
core
20 credits
Introduction to Social Science
This module is designed to provide you with an understanding of the key concepts underpinning research in the social sciences, including the value of appropriately used sources and data.
core
20 credits
Research in the Humanities, Social Sciences and Education
This module will equip you with the necessary skills to conduct and analyse research in a specific interest, supported by academics within your subject. You'll navigate through the research process, from identifying an area of interest to presenting findings to your peers.
core
20 credits
Group Challenge (Humanities)
Formulate and execute a group led enquiry into texts, cultural artefacts, film, music or dance. You'll explore their topics in groups at supervised workshops and develop questions on the cultural object relates to the living world of human experience, as well as developing your own methods to answer these questions.
compulsory
20 credits
Foundation in Data Analysis
Develop a strong foundation in data collection and analysis. This module will introduce you to qualitative and quantitative data and how to analyse it; the collection of primary and secondary data; the production of high-quality graphics; and report writing.
compulsory
20 credits
Academic Writing Skills
Developing confidence in expression, oral as well as written, is a key feature of this module, which aims to familiarise you with university submission and assessment procedures. This is a clear building block towards your degree programme and places you at a distinct advantage when you move into the following year.
compulsory
20 credits
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
Ready to explore the criminal justice system? This module covers the theories, processes and justifications for handling individuals suspected of crimes.
You’ll examine the roles of the Police, CPS and Courts: the key agencies in investigation, prosecution and conviction.
Along the way, you'll tackle issues like miscarriages of justice, victims' rights, and the pursuit of equality in the system.
You’ll also gain the skills to critically analyse and make a real impact in the field, with guest speakers sharing real-world insights from each stage of the criminal justice process.
Your journey into the heart of justice starts here.
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
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?
When it comes to applying to university, you'll need a certain number of UCAS points. Different qualifications and grades are worth a different amount of points. For this course, you'll need 72 UCAS points.
For applicants with qualifications in subjects other than those key to the degree, we will usually require a minimum of 72 points from A levels, BTEC, or other equivalent qualifications.
We consider experience and qualifications from the UK and worldwide which may not exactly match the combinations above.
But it's not just about the grades - we'll look at your whole application. We want to know what makes you tick, and about your previous experience, so make sure that you complete your personal statement.
Have questions? Our admissions team will be happy to help.
Typical offer
72 UCAS points
A levels
DDD
BTEC
MPP
Fees & Funding
How much is it?
Tuition fees for 2027 entry have not been confirmed. Please use 2026-27 information as a guide.
For UK students, our standard course fee is £9,790 per year. Keep in mind that some courses are longer - for example, spending your third year abroad will make your degree four years in total.
If you choose to study a foundation year as part of your course, the fee is £5,760.
How do I pay for it?
You can take out a tuition fee loan to cover the full cost of your course. Once you’ve successfully applied for this, you don’t need to do anything else – the money is sent straight to us.
You can also take out a maintenance loan of up to £10,544 a year to cover your living costs, depending on your household income.
Remember, you won’t start paying your loans back until you’ve left university and earn more than £25,000 per year.
See our full fees and funding information for more details and to find out what support we can offer.
Foundation Year Fee
£5,760
Standard Tuition Fee
£9,790 / year
The amount you pay may increase each year, in line with inflation - but capped to the Retail Price Index.
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...
BA (Hons) Criminology with Law
Undergraduate
Combining criminology with law, you'll focus on the connection between crime and criminal justice while gaining a sound understanding of the legal system.
M9M1
BSc (Hons) Criminology and Sociology
Undergraduate
Through this combination of subjects, you'll explore the diverse social, cultural, economic and political factors which can cause crime.
LM39
BA (Hons) Criminology with Psychology
Undergraduate
Alongside gaining a thorough understanding of crime and criminal justice, you'll also explore human behaviour, performance and decision making.
M9C8
BA (Hons) Criminology with Forensic Science
Undergraduate
Explore the laboratory and field techniques of the forensic scientist alongside the causes and solutions to crime on this fascinating degree.
M9F4
BSc (Hons) Psychology with Criminology
Undergraduate
Accredited by the British Psychological Society, this degree combines the interrelated disciplines of psychology and criminology.
C8M9
All modules on this course page are subject to availability and this list may change at any time.