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.
Joint 2nd in the UK
for Value Added Score
Criminology, The Guardian University Rankings, 2027
1st in Yorkshire
for 'How well have assessments allowed you to demonstrate what you have learned'
Forensic and Archaeological Sciences, National Student Survey (NSS) 2026, HEIs only
Investigate criminal offences
in our campus crime scene room
Annual
Crime and Social Justice careers event
Over 50 years experience
in delivering Criminology programmes
Boost your CV
with a Humberside Police placement
Field trips
to courts, prisons and police stations
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.
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.
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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.
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
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.
compulsory
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
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.
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.
core
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.
core
20 credits
Introduction to 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.
core
20 credits
Get ahead in your career by going behind the scenes
Featured module- compulsory
- 20 credits
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.
Our facilities
Watchlist
Dr Katy Snell
Course overview
1 min
Your course in their words
Student Story
2 mins
Fred Gough - Criminology student story
Student Story
2 mins
Police Placement
Course Highlight
2 mins
Featured 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
What do I need?
This course has a range of tariffs for entry. Use the interactive slider to choose a number of points and see the course entry requirements.
Slide to set your points
A levels
EEE
BTEC
PPP
Equivalent qualifications and grades are accepted.
How to apply for this course
Most importantly, you need ambition. Together with our support and opportunities, you can go further than you ever thought possible.
Our typical offer for this course is 48 UCAS points from level 3 qualifications (A levels, BTEC, or other equivalent qualifications).
If you don’t have level 3 qualifications, we welcome you to apply for an advisory meeting with our Admissions team. We’ll look at your circumstances, give you personalised guidance, and help you understand your entry options.
Remember, we look at your whole application – not just grades. Achievements, work experience, extracurricular activities: they all count here. So remember to tell us what makes you tick in your personal statement.
We also consider qualifications and experience from the UK and worldwide that may not exactly match those listed.
Have questions? Talk to our Admissions team today.
Fees & Funding
How much is it?
Tuition fees for 2028 entry have not been confirmed. Please use 2027-28 information as a guide.
For UK students, our standard course fee is £10,050 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.
Standard Tuition Fee
£10,050 / year
Foundation Year Fee
£5,760
The amount you pay may increase each year, in line with inflation - but capped to the Retail Price Index.
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.
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 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.
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All modules on this course page are subject to availability and this list may change at any time.