BA Criminology with Law

Undergraduate

BA Criminology with Law

Learn about the areas where crime and criminal justice collide.

Key information

Study mode

Full-time

Course length

3 years

Typical offer

120 points

A Level grades: BBB

UCAS code

M9M1

Choose an option

Start date

Course overview

Investigate the causes of crime and the responses to it. By combining criminology with the study of law, you’ll examine the connection between crime, the law and criminal justice.

Our links with criminal justice agencies give you incredible opportunities for relevant work placements and visits. You’ll explore how policing tries to maintain order and control crime.

You’ll consider the values of the criminal justice system in relation to issues like stop and search powers and detention time limits. And you’ll study how the media represents crime and punishment in films, games and music.

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 via our vibrant Student Law Society.

Our well-established annual Careers in Criminal Justice event allows our students to hear from, and network with employers from the sector, and 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

criminology-subject-session
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 with Law at Hull

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

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. 

    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. 

    Introduction to Law and its Study

    This module provides you with a basic introduction to law and the key skills for studying it. In particular, you'll develop your ability in academic writing, problem solving and research.

    Criminal Law

    Develop a strong understanding of criminal law in England and Wales. You'll focus on topics like property offences, non-fatal offences against the person, defences and inchoate offences.

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. 

    Criminal Justice

    Discover the aims and values of our criminal justice system and assess whether they're upheld. Topics include stop and search powers, miscarriages of justice and detention time limits.

    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. 

  • Optional

    Penology

    You'll analyse the purpose of punishment and debate whether our penal system is fit for purpose. Topics include prisoners' rights, women offenders and sex offenders. 

    International Law

    You’ll consider the nature and purposes of international law and the international legal system, as well as its relationship with domestic law.

Final year modules

  • Compulsory

    Dissertation

    You will make an original contribution to research by designing, carrying out and writing up your own project on a topic you choose, supported by your dissertation supervisor.

  • 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. 

    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'. 

    Restorative Justice and Peacemaking Criminology

    Examine the development of restorative justice and peacemaking criminology, analysing their key concepts, values, principles and practices - as well as the controversies surrounding them.

    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. 

    Understanding and Interpreting Quantitative Data Analysis

    On this module, you'll learn how to present quantitative results in meaningful and informative ways. And you'll develop the skills 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.

    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. 

    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. 

    Sex Work, Policy and Crime

    Discover the cultural, social and political issues surrounding the commercial sex industry. Through lectures and seminars, you'll consider why people buy and sell sexual services.

    Sociology of Popular Culture

    Examine the social significance of popular culture and investigate how it can both reinforce and challenge inequalities of race, class, gender and sexuality. 

    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. 

    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.

    Medical Law and Ethics

    Get to grips with controversial issues which often make the headlines. You'll explore the ethical conflicts behind the legal principles of topics including abortion and assisted dying.

    Criminal Evidence

    Learn how the law balances the defendant's interests, with respect for victims and witnesses. Topics include the right to a fair trial and the process of collecting evidence.

    Family Law

    This module covers the study of relationship formation and breakdown, the cohabiting family, same sex relationships, the financial aspects of relationship breakdown and children. You'll experience applying the practical aspects of family law to problem questions.

    Mediation and Alternative Dispute Resolution

    Examine the historical and theoretical context of alternative dispute resolution, focusing especially on mediation. You'll then explore mediation skills via workshops based around role-play scenarios.

    Global Human Rights

    This module centres on exploring and understanding the UN, European, African, and Islamic/Arab League human rights systems, also covering related global issues such as terrorism.

    Sex(uality), Gender and the Law

    Develop a critical overview of key aspects in the field of sex, sexuality, gender, religion and the law. You'll explore opportunities for the study and evaluation of the latest research, enhancing your understanding of inclusion, exclusion and the situatedness of knowledge.

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

228 hours

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

972 hours

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

Indicative assessment proportions

16%
13%
71%
  • Examination

    Written assessment typically includes exams and multiple choice tests.

  • Practical

    Practical is an assessment of your skills and competencies. This could include presentations, school experience, work experience or laboratory work.

  • 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

23%
7%
70%
  • Examination

    Written assessment typically includes exams and multiple choice tests.

  • Practical

    Practical is an assessment of your skills and competencies. This could include presentations, school experience, work experience or laboratory work.

  • Coursework

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

Overall workload

204 hours

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

996 hours

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

Indicative assessment proportions

10%
5%
85%
  • Examination

    Written assessment typically includes exams and multiple choice tests.

  • Practical

    Practical is an assessment of your skills and competencies. This could include presentations, school experience, work experience or laboratory work.

  • 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.

Learn together

Entry requirements

Typical offer

  • A level grades BBB

  • BTEC grades DDM

  • Points required 120

Work out your estimated points

Points can be from any qualification 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: 30 points
  • Access to HE Diploma: Pass with 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.

If you require a 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 with Law students enjoy access to facilities including our mock courtroom and the recently-restored Brynmor Jones Library.

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
  • Legal rights worker
  • Probation officer
  • Civil servant
  • Social worker

Demand for Criminology graduates has increased significantly in recent years and our degree equips you with the knowledge and skills that are invaluable for a career in the field of criminal justice.

You could go on semester-long placement with Humberside Police. 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

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