BA Criminology

Undergraduate

BA Criminology

Investigate the nature of crime. Its causes. Its consequences. And join the search for solutions.

Key information

Study mode

Full-time

Course length

3 years

Typical offer

112 points

A Level grades: BBC

UCAS code

M930

Choose an option

Start date

Course overview

Hull pioneered the exciting study of criminology more than 40 years ago and has led the way as one of the UK’s leading centres in this area.

In that time, we've formed close links with the police and other criminal justice agencies, meaning that our degrees stay up-to-date, practical and relevant. It also means you'll get amazing placement opportunities and field trips to courts, police stations and prisons.

Put what you learn into practice in our purpose-built replica crime scene facility right here on campus. A recent addition to the university, it provides detailed and realistic crime scenes for you to explore. Get hands-on: collect evidence, explore criminal activity and see the world of forensic science brought to life.

You'll also get the chance to work with real offenders through the Learning Together network† - which allows students and prisoners to learn alongside, and from each other.

And you can expand your skills and experience through a range of rewarding volunteering opportunities - such as the Appropriate Adult scheme.

As well as our annual Careers in Criminal Justice event, which allows our students to hear from, and network with employers from the sector, you will learn from lecturers who are experts in their own relevant areas – from modern-day slavery to knife crime; from domestic violence to cyber terrorism. They bring their specialist knowledge into the lecture theatre and help you define and develop your own areas of interest.

Learn more about your course in our subject sessions

On-demand session

Criminology

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More to explore
Download your 2022 prospectus Come to an Open Day Accommodation Fees and finance Choose Hull Department of Criminology and Sociology

Six reasons to study Criminology at Hull

  1. Get hands on experience using our replica crime scene facility
  2. Chance for placements with Humberside Police
  3. Learn alongside prisoners at HMP Hull
  4. 92% graduate employability rating*
  5. Expand your experience through volunteering
  6. Annual criminal justice careers event

What you'll study

The course consists of 120 credits per year. Most modules are 20 credits, meaning you’ll study six modules each year. Some longer modules, such as a dissertation, are worth more (e.g. 40 credits). In these cases, you’ll study fewer modules - but the number of credits will always add up to 120.

First year modules

  • Compulsory

    Becoming a Criminologist

    This module develops your skills for the study of criminology. You'll cover definitions of crime, patterns of crime, causes and explanations for crime, and responses to crime.

    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. 

    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. 

    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.

    Development of Criminological Theory

    Study the development of criminological theory - from the 19th and 20th centuries through to the emergence of deviancy theory, radical perspectives and rational choice theories. 

    Exploring Murder

    You'll examine the responses to murder from criminal justice systems in an international context, and explore representations of murder in the mass media and popular culture. 

Second year modules

  • Compulsory

    Representations of Crime

    This module lets you engage first hand with media representations of crime, victimisation and punishment through analysis of texts, including films, documentaries, games and music. 

    Policing and Criminal Investigation

    Explore policing's key functions and the issues facing police today. You'll examine the methods, tools, and controversies associated with criminal investigation. 

    Criminology in Late Modernity

    You'll examine how current social theory explains recent developments in crime and crime control, taking in realism, cultural criminology and contemporary feminist perspectives.

    Analysing Social Data

    Building on the Collecting Social Data module, here you'll start the next stage of social research: the analysis and interpretation of data, through a range of approaches. 

    Atrocities and Transitional Justice

    Switch your focus from 'ordinary' crime to genocide, mass violence, gross human rights violations and political oppression. Explore how best to deal with the legacies of atrocities. 

  • Optional

    Punishment, Dangerousness and Risk

    Study how and why we punish offenders and how the penal system deals with them. You'll consider a range of case studies of different types of offenders. 

    Psychology of Offending and Victimisation

    Learn about the decisions offenders make in committing crime - like why burglars choose one house over another  - and how such crimes affect victims. 

Final year modules

  • Optional

    Criminal Justice and Community Safety Placements

    Experience the nature and range of work carried out by the police and other criminal justice agencies on a work placement. You'll gain a range of skills to enhance your employability. 

    Modern-Day Slavery in the UK

    Slavery in the UK has risen exponentially over the past 20 years - now reaching some 136,000 victims. You'll consider definitions of slavery and how its scale is measured. 

    Advanced Statistics

    On this module, you'll learn how to present quantitative results in meaningful and informative ways. And you'll develop skills that allow you to accurately interpret and assess statistical output.

    Surveillance and Social Control

    You'll study a range of theoretical perspectives on the emergence of a surveillance society a - and examine the impact this is having on policing, criminal justice and social justice.

    Drug Use Today

    This module introduces the study of ‘the drug problem’, in Western society. You'll explore the sociological and psychological perspectives used to explain drug-using behaviour. 

    Transnational Organised Crime

    Learn the concepts behind our grasp of transnational organised crime. You'll cover areas including the drugs and arms trade; people trafficking; cybercrime; and terrorism. 

    Learning Together - Desistance from Crime

    On this module, you'll attend weekly lectures at HMP Hull where, alongside prisoners, you'll study how and why people stop offending. It's a unique learning environment and a unique experience.

    Contemporary Imprisonment

    Study the contemporary sociology of imprisonment. You'll examine current controversies in the use of prison sentences and consider the effects of incarceration on offenders. 

    Cyberterrorism and Extremism

    Your work this module will reflect real-world practice as you look closer at what’s happening in the world today, and discuss and debate key terms such as ‘cyber’, 'radicalisation', 'terrorism', ‘extremism’ and 'violent extremism'. 

All modules are subject to availability and this list may change at any time.

How you'll study

Throughout your degree, you’re expected to study for 1,200 hours per year. That’s based on 200 hours per 20 credit module. And it includes scheduled hours, time spent on placement and independent study. How this time’s divided among each of these varies each year and depends on the course and modules you study.

Overall workload

240 hours

Scheduled study Scheduled hours typically include lectures, seminars, tutorials, workshops, and supervised laboratory and studio sessions.

960 hours

Independent study Independent study is the time outside your scheduled timetable, where you’ll be expected to study independently.

Indicative assessment proportions

100%
  • Coursework

    Coursework typically includes essays, written assignments, dissertations, research projects or producing a portfolio of your work.

Overall workload

252 hours

Scheduled study Scheduled hours typically include lectures, seminars, tutorials, workshops, and supervised laboratory and studio sessions.

948 hours

Independent study Independent study is the time outside your scheduled timetable, where you’ll be expected to study independently.

Indicative assessment proportions

100%
  • Coursework

    Coursework typically includes essays, written assignments, dissertations, research projects or producing a portfolio of your work.

Overall workload

156 hours

Scheduled study Scheduled hours typically include lectures, seminars, tutorials, workshops, and supervised laboratory and studio sessions.

1,044 hours

Independent study Independent study is the time outside your scheduled timetable, where you’ll be expected to study independently.

Indicative assessment proportions

100%
  • Coursework

    Coursework typically includes essays, written assignments, dissertations, research projects or producing a portfolio of your work.

Social Sciences Criminology and Forensic Science Jasmine Morley UNI-1433
Jasmine Morley Criminology

Why I chose Criminology at Hull

Watch video
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Police placements

From helping to gather evidence and interpreting intelligence, to dog handling to going out on the beat, our students take part in every element of policing.

Watch our video
Crime Scene facility 1200x800

Crime Scene Facility

Put what you learn into practice in our purpose-built replica crime scene facility right here on campus. A recent addition to the university, it provides detailed and realistic crime scenes for you to explore. Get hands on: collect evidence, explore criminal activity and see the world of forensic science brought to life.

Entry requirements

Typical offer

  • A level grades BBC

  • BTEC grades DMM

  • Points required 112

Work out your estimated points

Don't meet our requirements?

We offer a Foundation Year to boost your skills and knowledge – it’s a great way to make your way into higher education.

Switch to the foundation year

Points can be from any qualifications on the UCAS tariff, but must include at least 80 points from

  • A levels
  • BTEC Subsidiary Diploma, Diploma or Extended Diploma
  • OCR Cambridge Technical Introductory Diploma, Diploma or Extended Diploma
  • CACHE Diploma or Extended Diploma
  • Irish Leaving Certificate
  • Scottish Highers
  • Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced Diploma
  • or a combination of appropriate Level 3 qualifications

Alternative qualifications

  • IB Diploma: 28 points.
  • Access to HE Diploma: pass with minimum of 45 credits at merit.

Worried you don’t quite meet our entry requirements?

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.

If you have any questions, our admissions team will be happy to help.

Points can be from any qualifications on the UCAS tariff, but must include at least 80 points from

  • A levels
  • BTEC Subsidiary Diploma, Diploma or Extended Diploma
  • OCR Cambridge Technical Introductory Diploma, Diploma or Extended Diploma
  • CACHE Diploma or Extended Diploma
  • Irish Leaving Certificate
  • Scottish Highers
  • Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced Diploma
  • or a combination of appropriate Level 3 qualifications

Alternative qualifications

  • IB Diploma: 28 points.
  • Access to HE Diploma: pass with minimum of 45 credits at merit.

Worried you don’t quite meet our entry requirements?

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.

If you have any questions, our admissions team will be happy to help.

Don't meet our requirements?

We offer a Foundation Year to boost your skills and knowledge – it’s a great way to make your way into higher education.

Switch to the foundation year

If you require a Tier 4 student visa to study or if your first language is not English you will be required to provide acceptable evidence of your English language proficiency level.

This course requires academic IELTS 6.0 overall, with no less than 5.5 in each skill. See other English language proficiency qualifications accepted by this University.

If your English currently does not reach the University's required standard for this programme, you may be interested in one of our English language courses.

Visit your country page to find out more about our entry requirements.

Our teaching staff

Click and drag

Take a tour of the facilities

Criminology students enjoy 24/7 access to the recently-restored Brynmor Jones Library which boasts more than a million books.

Explore the virtual tour

Fees and funding

UK

£9,250 per year*

EU/International

£15,400 per year

*The amount you pay may increase each year, in line with inflation - but capped to the Retail Price Index (RPI).

The fees shown are for 2022 entry. The fees for 2023 have not yet been confirmed and may increase.

UK students can take out a tuition fee loan to cover the cost of their course and a maintenance loan of up to £9,488 to cover living costs.

Substantial discounts are available for International students.  

More information on fees can be found in the Money section of our website.

Your tuition fees will cover most costs associated with your programme (including registration, tuition, supervision, assessment and examination).

There are some extra costs that you might have to pay, or choose to pay, depending on your programme of study and the decisions you make. The list below has some examples, and any extra costs will vary.

  • Books (you’ll have access to books from your module reading lists in the library, but you may want to buy your own copies)
  • Optional field trips
  • Study abroad (including travel costs, accommodation, visas, immunisation)
  • Placement costs (including travel costs and accommodation)
  • Student visas (international students)
  • Laptop (you’ll have access to laptops and PC’s on campus, but you may want to buy your own)
  • Printing and photocopying
  • Professional-body membership
  • Graduation (gown hire and photography)

Remember, you’ll still need to take into account your living costs. This could include accommodation, travel and food – to name just a few. 

An affordable city for students

From bills, to meals, to pints – you’ll find that your money goes a lot further in Hull.

Your future prospects

  • Police officer
  • Prison officer
  • Probation officer
  • Social worker
  • Civil servant
  • Charity worker

You could go on semester-long placement with Humberside Police on this course. You’d work with different areas of the force, including CSI, the Special Branch Ports Unit, community policing, cyber crime and the custody suite.

You’d visit active crime scenes, observe suspect and victim interviews and collect evidence. There are only 10 places available, so it’s competitive – but the knowledge and skills you’d gain are genuinely career enhancing.

Open Day at University of Hull

Ready to apply?

You can apply for this course through UCAS. As well as providing your academic qualifications, you’ll be able to showcase your skills, qualities and passion for the subject.

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This. Is. Hull.

A place where we stand up to kings, do deals with the world and take a wrecking ball to the slave trade. A place where culture stands out and the phone boxes are a different colour. A place where we're free-thinking, independent and proud of it.

*Percentage of students from social sciences subject area in work or further study within 15 months of graduating: UK domicile full-time first degree leavers, Graduate Outcomes survey for the academic year 2017/18, published by HESA 2020.

†Subject to the annual approval of the UK Ministry of Justice