Available in Clearing
Learn the theory behind crime and offending – and get hands-on gathering and testing crime scene evidence.
You’ll use scientific techniques to examine criminal activities. Your learning will be shaped by the latest industry knowledge and techniques thanks to our strong links with justice agencies which give us unique insight into the world of criminology.
You’ll get hands-on experience in our replica crime scene, the chance to apply for a placement with Humberside Police, and develop in-demand skills on this career-focused degree.
Then graduate ready to work in this life-changing industry.
About this course
This course trains you to debate the practical, ethical, and scientific issues around criminality and punishment.
You’ll learn the science behind the collection, processing, and preservation of evidence. And be taught by expert staff that specialise in current criminology and criminal justice issues within one of the UK’s leading centres in this field.
We’re one of the few universities in the UK to have a replica crime scene training facility on campus. So you can get to grips with collecting evidence, exploring criminal activity and see the world of forensic science brought to life.
You’ll put the theory into practice on field trips to courts, police stations and prisons, as well as policing projects and placements. All thanks to our close partnerships with local, regional and national criminal justice agencies.
You’ll get the chance to apply for a semester-long placement with Humberside Police. And can also meet significant regional and national employers at our annual Careers in Criminal Justice Fair.
Then graduate with practical experience that gives you an edge over the competition.
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
Introduction to Forensic Science
Explore crime scene protocols and the techniques required to preserve evidence. Investigate foot and finger marks along with the fundamentals of trace, chemical, and biological evidence.
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
Forensic Analytical Techniques
On this module, you’ll explore the concepts of DNA and how scientists characterise DNA, and you’ll learn how to explain concepts in chromatography.
compulsory
20 credits
Global Insecurities – Future of Humanity
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
Crime Scene Investigations
This module introduces you to the skills forensic scientists use in criminal cases. Exploring socio-legal and criminological theory, you’ll learn how to translate crime scene findings into evidence.
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
Crime Scene to Courtroom
Ready to take your forensic science skills to criminally high levels? This module shows you how.
You’ll master techniques to examine and interpret evidence. From blood spatter to weapon analysis.
You'll gain hands-on experience in simulated crime scenes. Learning how to turn physical evidence into compelling courtroom testimony.
You’ll also explore the legal side of forensics, including the English Legal System and the role of the Forensic Science Regulator. With court skills training and anxiety management strategies, you'll build confidence in presenting findings in court.
By the end, you’ll have the practical skills and legal knowledge that set you apart in the competitive field of forensic science.
compulsory
20 credits
Our facilities
Our academics
We were one of the first to teach criminology degrees over 50 years ago.
We’re still 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 Helen Nichols
Reader in Criminology
Helen’s research focuses on the experience and impact of contemporary adult male imprisonment. She has published a book on the subject and continues to actively research in the field of penology, currently exploring the wellbeing of prison governors.
Professor Graham Williams
Professor of Forensic Science/Programme Director
Graham began his career with the Forensic Science Service in London, as a Reporting Officer and Forensic Biologist. His areas of expertise include DNA profiling, body fluid evidence, clothing damage analysis, and bloodstain pattern analysis.
Entry Requirements
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.
With a focus on forensic science, this course gives you an extra edge and the potential to enter a diverse range of careers. With the complex patterns of crime and offending in the 21st century, the need for criminology and science professionals is strong.
Through placements, work experience and a diverse course of study and research, you’ll gain the key skills that are in demand.
You could go onto roles within the police force, forensic science, HM Prison Service, the Probation Service, legal professions, analysis, 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 Hull has to offer for yourself. 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...
Ranked joint 3rd out of 36 institutions for Research Quality. The Good University Guide 2025
94.9% employability (Criminology) UK domicile full-time first degree leavers; Higher Education Graduate Outcomes statistics, for the academic year 2021/22, published by the Higher Education Statistics Agency June 2024.
Criminology is ranked joint 4th for Value added score out of 86 Institutions the UK for Value Added. The Guardian University Rankings 2025
All modules on this course page are subject to availability and this list may change at any time.