Criminology BA (Hons)

Undergraduate

Close-up of a circular gold metal lock and a circular metal piece above

Explore why crime happens, who defines it, how it impacts communities and ways to prevent it, so you're equipped with the knowledge to understand crime and create positive change.

Course option

Degree with foundation year

Year of entry

2025-26 2026-27

Location

Coventry University (Coventry)

Study mode

Full-time
Sandwich

Duration

3 years full-time
4 years sandwich

UCAS codes

L370

Start date

September 2026

How to apply

Book an Open Day

Download a prospectus

The information on this page is for 2025-26 entry and should be used as guidance for 2026-27 entry. Please keep checking back on this course page to see our latest updates.

Course overview

Explore the causes and impacts of crime while building analytical reasoning, investigative skills and real-world insights. Develop the expertise needed to shape a safer, more just society and pursue an impactful career in criminal justice and related fields.

Comprehensive exploration of crime: investigate a wide range of criminal behaviours, from everyday offences to serious global issues like human trafficking and terrorism. Examine how these have evolved over time.
Applied learning: learn to connect important theoretical viewpoints to current problems and discussions, applying these theories in real-world situations.
Career-focused: analyse and evaluate new developments and topics related to crime, the management of crime and the criminal justice system, both at the local and global levels. The course is aimed at those with an interest in criminal justice or wanting to become a practitioner in crime investigation and prevention, public protection, offender management and rehabilitation, intelligence or witness/victim services.

Rated Gold Overall

Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) 2023

5 QS Stars for Teaching and Facilities

QS Stars University Ratings

Top 5 Student City in England (Coventry)

QS Best Student Cities Index 2025

Why you should study this course

Stay ahead of the curve: we employ a variety of imaginative and innovative ways of learning, including the use of real-world simulations, to enrich the educational experience and address pertinent issues associated with crime and the criminal justice system.
Project-based learning: actively engage in real-world, meaningful projects and work on complex problems to create tangible solutions. Develop essential skills such as critical thinking, collaboration and communication.
Real-world insights: learn from experts and industry professionals² and engage with real-life case studies within the criminal justice sector. These include criminal psychology, global crime, victimology, policing, punishment and control, youth justice and rehabilitation.
Academic community: the learning experience is built around collaboration and research, taught by a team of accessible criminologists who actively engage in research, publication, and real-world practice.
Beyond the classroom: previous students have visited Crown Court and prison and volunteered with local police, helping them gain first-hand experience of these specialised settings.²

What you'll study

This course has a common first year.

The common first year enables you to work alongside students doing similar courses to you, to widen your knowledge and exposure to other subject areas and professions. You will have the opportunity to collaborate with other students, so you can share your insights and experience which will help you to develop and learn.

If you discover an interest in a specific subject you have studied, upon successful completion of your first year, you could swap degrees with another course in your common first year (subject to meeting progression requirements).

Common first year courses

Criminology BA (Hons)
Criminology and Forensic Investigations BA (Hons)
Criminology and Law BA (Hons)
Criminology and Psychology BA (Hons)
Criminology and Youth Justice BA (Hons)

Modules

The Psychology of Criminal Behaviour – 30 credits

This module examines criminal behaviour through criminological and psychological theories, exploring decision-making, rationalisation and criminogenic risk factors. Key concepts include social identity, cognitive development and self-regulation. You will critically assess various perspectives, evaluating their strengths and limitations in explaining offending and societal responses to crime.

Compulsory

The Criminal Justice System – 30 credits

This module introduces the English legal system, focusing on sources of law, criminal justice institutions and legal personnel. You will critically explore the wider contextual landscape of the law, examining key issues like truth, justice and the rule of law. This module also introduces key legal research skills, particularly the retrieval and use of appropriate primary and secondary legal sources.

Compulsory

Crime Patterns and Analysis – 30 credits

This module introduces you to different types of criminal activity, with a focus on the relationships between types of crimes, offenders and representations in the media. You will examine patterns and trends relating to violence, acquisitive crimes, public order offences and organised crime, and consider how globalisation and technological development may impact these forms of criminal activities.

Compulsory

Principles of Investigation: Theory and Practice – 30 credits

This module is designed to introduce you to investigative concepts, issues and approaches. You will learn about the nature of formal investigations, the focus of investigations, investigative mindset, methods, processes, management and accountability that govern investigations. This module aims to help you get a theoretical and practical understanding of the development of investigative practices and how investigations are administered.

Compulsory

Modules

Crime, Nature and Resistance – 30 credits

This module explores the complex connections between crime, the environment and activism, from eco-crimes and corporate harm to radical resistance movements such as Extinction Rebellion and Just Stop Oil. This module uncovers how notions of law, power and justice shape our planet. You will engage in debate and discover how resistance challenges environmental harm.

Compulsory

Youth, Crime and Justice – 30 credits

Develop your understanding of a range of perspectives within youth justice work. Explore sociological concepts of childhood and youth and the criminological issues associated with both life stages. Examine how youth crime is dealt with as a social and criminological problem. Through discussion of recent research, legislation and policy action, you will critically consider the response of the criminal justice agencies to youth crime, the wider debates over the age of criminal responsibility and welfare versus justice approaches.

Compulsory

Policing – 30 credits

This module introduces you to key issues relating to policing democratic societies, including a critical evaluation of the relationships among the police, the state and the citizen. It aims to assess the independence of the police and their interdependence within the wider criminal justice system. This module will also explore concepts such as consensus, legitimacy and accountability in relation to policing practice. Topics to be debated range from policing protest and disorder to the role of the media in representing the police.

Compulsory

Punishment and Control – 30 credits

This module explores the history and current issues of criminal sanctions, examining theories of punishment and risk management. It critically assesses the effectiveness of custodial and community sentences, addressing topics like prison diversity, privatisation and reintegration. Apply your understanding through group exercises in an assessment centre setting, developing insights into punishment and control practices.

Compulsory

There’s no better way to find out what you love doing than trying it out for yourself, which is why a work placement² can often be beneficial. Work placements usually occur between your second and final year of study. They’re a great way to help you explore your potential career path and gain valuable work experience, whilst developing transferable skills for the future.

Modules

UK Work Placement – 0 credits

This module² provides you with an opportunity to reflect upon and gain experience for an approved placement undertaken during your programme. A placement should usually be at least 26 weeks or equivalent; however, each placement will be considered on its own merits, having regard to the ability to achieve the learning outcomes.

Optional

International Study/Work Placement – 0 credits

This module² provides you with an opportunity to reflect upon and gain experience for an approved international study/work placement undertaken during your programme. A work/study placement should usually be at least 26 weeks or equivalent; however, each placement will be considered on its own merits, having regard to the ability to achieve the learning outcomes.

Optional

Modules

Rehabilitation and Criminal Justice – 30 credits

This module examines rehabilitation in the criminal justice system and responses to the criminogenic factors impacting offenders from diverse backgrounds. It will critically explore, applying crime desistance research, the role of preventive rehabilitation with people at risk of becoming offenders and factors that reduce criminal behaviour. The module further examines legislation such as the Offender Rehabilitation Act 2014, courts and rehabilitation activity and treatment requirements in sentencing, and the role of multi-agency professionals in probation, prisons and allied services.

Compulsory

Digital Technology and Crime – 30 credits

This module explores the evolution of technology-based crime and deviance, including cybercrime, cyber harm and the emerging role of artificial intelligence in criminality. You will evaluate the use of contemporary technology by the criminal justice system, with a focus on controversial investigative and preventative methods and legislation.

Compulsory

Victimology – 30 credits

This module focuses on political, social, cultural and popular constructions of victims of crime and wider social harms. It places critical focus on the victimisation experiences of marginalised social groups, demonstrating that certain individuals and groups are more readily ascribed victim status than others. You will consider how technology and global insecurity affect the way people experience being victims of crimes today on an international scale.

Compulsory

Violence and Exploitation – 30 credits

This module explores violence and exploitation in childhood and adulthood worldwide. Investigate incidence, prevalence, reporting and theoretical frameworks. Develop an understanding of concepts, current debates and theoretical approaches to violence and exploitation. Discussions cover research ranging from individual crimes to global organised crime, examining impacts on victims/survivors, national and international justice systems, support services and prevention strategies.

Compulsory

We regularly review our course content, to make it relevant and current for the benefit of our students. For these reasons, course modules may be updated.

How you'll learn

Learn through hands-on activities and real-world examples, using the same approaches professionals use in the field. It’s all about helping you build the skills you need to feel confident and prepared for your future career.

Teaching methods may include:

interactive lectures that may be delivered online or face-to-face
seminars involving smaller groups working on problems or holding discussions and debates about issues arising in the lectures
workshops involving a combination of content delivery and group work
working together on projects to help develop critical skills such as problem-solving, teamwork and creative thinking
simulations, enabling you to apply theoretical knowledge to practical scenarios.

Teaching contact hours

As a full-time undergraduate student, you will study modules totalling 120 credits each academic year. You will normally study one 30-credit module at a time. A typical 30-credit module requires a total of 300 hours of study made up of teaching contact hours, guided and independent study.

Teaching hours

Teaching hours may vary depending on your year of study and selected modules. During your first year, you can expect 12-15 teaching hours each week. You will also have the option to attend additional sessions, including time with a progress coach or to meet with staff for advice and feedback. As you progress through your studies, teaching hours may reduce.

Guided and independent study

Throughout your studies, you will be expected to spend time in guided and independent study to make up the required study hours per module. You’ll be digging deeper into topics, review what you’ve learned and complete assignments. This can be completed around your personal commitments. As you progress through your studies, you’ll spend more time in independent study.

Online learning

As an innovative university, we use different teaching methods including online tools and emerging technologies. So, some of your teaching hours and assessments may be delivered online.

Assessment

This course incorporates new and innovative assessment methods aligned with current industry standards, providing you with practical, real-world skills designed to advance your professional readiness and career prospects.

Assessment methods may include:

writing exercises such as essays, reports, policy reviews and briefings
live simulations and reflective journals about them
group and individual presentations
posters and infographics
problem-solving scenarios such as case studies
podcasts, academic posters and vlogs.

The Coventry University Group assessment strategy ensures that our courses are fairly assessed and allows us to monitor student progression towards the intended learning outcomes.

Entry requirements

Typical entry requirements:

Requirement	What we're looking for
UCAS points	112
A level	BBC. Excludes General Studies
GCSE	GCSE maths and English at grade 4 / C or Functional Skills Level 2, or other equivalent Level 2 awards
BTEC	DMM
IB Diploma	27 points
Access Diploma	The Access to HE Diploma in a Science, Social Science or Health subject to include 30 Level 3 credits at Distinction. Plus GCSE English and Mathematics at grade 4 / C or above.

Other qualifications and experience

Our students come from a variety of backgrounds, each with a unique story. We recognise a breadth of qualifications. If your qualifications differ from the above, contact our Admissions Team who will be happy to discuss your qualifications and routes into your chosen course.

Contextual offers and Fair Access Scheme

If you meet the criteria for our Fair Access Scheme, you could automatically receive a contextual offer that may be up to 24 UCAS points lower than our standard entry requirements. View the criteria for our Fair Access Scheme.

Select your region to find detailed information about entry requirements:

You can view our full list of country specific entry requirements on our Entry requirements page.

Visit our International hub for further advice and guidance on finding in-country agents and representatives, joining our in-country events and how to apply.

English language requirements

IELTS: 6.0 overall, with at least 5.5 in each component area

If you don't meet the English language requirements, you can achieve the level you need by successfully completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course.

For more information on our approved English language tests visit our English language requirements page.

Not got the required grades? We offer this degree with an integrated foundation year.

Fees and funding

Student	Full-time	Part-time
UK, Ireland*, Channel Islands or Isle of Man	2026/27 fees TBC 2025/26 fees: £9,535 per year	Not available
EU	2026/27 fees TBC 2025/26 fees: £9,535 per year with EU Support Bursary 2026/27 fees TBC 2025/26 fees: £16,800 per year without EU Support Bursary	Not available
International	2026/27 fees TBC 2025/26 fees: £16,800 per year	Not available

If you choose to study this course with a professional placement² or study abroad year, you will need to pay a tuition fee³ to cover your academic support throughout your placement year. Students commencing their professional placement in the academic year 2027/28 will pay £1,500 if they are paying UK fees, or £1,800 if they are paying international fees.

For advice and guidance on tuition fees and student loans visit our Undergraduate Finance page and see The University’s Tuition Fee and Refund Terms and Conditions.

The University will charge the tuition fees that are stated in the above table for the first Academic Year of study. The University will review tuition fees each year. For UK (home) students, if Parliament permits an increase in tuition fees, the university may increase fees for each subsequent year of study in line with any such changes. Note that any increase is expected to be in line with inflation.

If you choose to study this course with a professional placement, the University will charge the tuition fees stated above for those on a placement during Academic Year 2027/28. The University will review professional placement tuition fees each year. For UK (home) students, the University may increase fees for each subsequent year of study, but such that it will be no more than 5% above inflation.

For international students, we may increase fees each year, but such increases will be no more than 5% above inflation. If you defer your course start date or have to extend your studies beyond the normal duration of the course (e.g. to repeat a year or resit examinations) the University reserves the right to charge you fees at a higher rate and/or in accordance with any legislative changes during the additional period of study.

We offer a range of International scholarships to students all over the world. For more information, visit our International Scholarships page.

Tuition fees cover the cost of your teaching, assessments, facilities and support services. There may be additional costs not covered by this fee such as accommodation and living costs, recommended reading books, stationery, printing and re-assessments should you need them. Find out what's included in your tuition costs.

The following are additional costs not included in the tuition fees:

Any optional overseas ﬁeld trips or visits: £400+ per trip.
Any costs associated with securing, attending or completing a placement (whether in the UK or abroad).

*Irish student fees

The rights of Irish residents to study in the UK are preserved under the Common Travel Area arrangement. If you are an Irish student and meet the residency criteria, you can study in England, pay the same level of tuition fees as English students and utilise the Tuition Fee Loan.

**EU Support Bursary

Following the UK's exit from the European Union, we are offering financial support to all eligible EU students who wish to study an undergraduate or a postgraduate degree with us full-time. This bursary will be used to offset the cost of your tuition fees to bring them in line with that of UK students. Students studying a degree with a foundation year with us are not eligible for the bursary.

How do you know if you need to pay UK or international tuition fees?

We carry out an initial fee status assessment based on the information you provide in your application. Your fee status determines your tuition fees, and what financial support and scholarships may be available to you. The rules about who pays UK (home) or international (overseas) fees for higher education courses in England are set by the Department for Education. The regulations identify all the different categories of student who can insist on paying the home rate. The regulations can be difficult to understand, so the UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA) has provided fee status guidance to help you identify whether you are eligible to pay the home or overseas rate.

If you meet all the criteria required by any one category, including any residence requirements, your institution must charge you the home rate. You only need to find one category that you fit into.

Facilities

Teaching and learning take place in state-of-the art facilities on the main Coventry University campus near to the University Hub, Students' Union and library. Extensive use is made of seminar and workshop rooms for smaller groups to facilitate active group learning.

Prison cells

Two prison cells, one single and one double, are in the Richard Crossman Building on main campus and used to give a sense of the real-life experiences of inmates, and for role play learning.

Library

Our dedicated subject librarian on main campus will provide guidance on searching and retrieving academic sources using the library systems and databases, as well as assistance and support with individual enquiries.

Centre for Academic Writing

The Centre for Academic Writing next to the Library will offer individual advice on developing writing skills or dealing with writing problems.

Facilities are subject to availability. Access to some facilities (including some teaching and learning spaces) may vary from those advertised and/or may have reduced availability or restrictions where the university is following public authority guidance, decisions or orders.

Careers and opportunities

Throughout the course, you should develop a broad range of highly valued skills to reflect the changing and dynamic needs of industry, including exceptional communication, project planning, critical thinking and analysis, problem-solving, and powerful presentation and listening skills.

On successful completion of the course, you should be a globally and interculturally aware graduate ready to make a dynamic difference in the world. You could find yourself in the following roles:

Crime prevention policy officer
Probation officer
Corporate organisations covering security, cybercrime and fraud prevention
Court reporter or researcher
Witness support or victim liaison officer
Criminal intelligence analyst
Police roles (including specialist units such as domestic violence or public protection)
Offender rehabilitation support worker.

The graduate destinations listed above illustrate potential career paths. You may need to gain additional qualifications or practical experience, pass professional examinations, complete training, cover associated costs and meet specific visa or immigration requirements to secure employment in these fields.

Where our graduates work

Previous graduates have gone on to pursue postgraduate qualifications and work for a range of organisations, including The National Crime Agency, the Independent Police Complaints Commission, HM Prison Service, Coventry Cyrenians, West Midlands Police and the Metropolitan Police.

Further study

Progression routes to courses for further study within Coventry University include:

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How to apply

BA (Hons) with foundation year

Apply via UCAS

C85

Institution code

View our courses on UCAS

Visit UCAS

UK students

Full-time students will be able to apply for this course through UCAS from September 2025. Read our application pages to find out your next steps to apply.

How to apply

Apply via UCAS

If you'd like further support or more information about your course get in touch with us today.

+44 (0)24 7765 2222

ukadmissions@coventry.ac.uk

Complete our contact form

International students

International codes:
HLSU257

How to apply

For further support for international applicants applying for an undergraduate degree view our International hub.

You can also download our International mini guide for an overview of study options and why you should study with us.

Get in touch with us today for further advice and guidance.

+44 (0)24 7765 2152

ioadmissions@coventry.ac.uk

Complete our contact form

Disclaimers

Coventry University together with Coventry University London, Coventry University Wrocław, CU Coventry, CU London, CU Scarborough, and Coventry University Online come together to form part of the Coventry University Group (the University) with all degrees awarded by Coventry University.

¹Accreditations, partnerships and membershipsons

The majority of our courses have been formally recognised by professional bodies, which means the courses have been reviewed and tested to ensure they reach a set standard. In some instances, studying on an accredited course can give you additional benefits such as exemptions from professional exams (subject to availability, fees may apply. See the relevant body website for more details). Accreditations, partnerships, exemptions and memberships are subject to successful renewal in accordance with the relevant bodies’ standard review process and subject to the university maintaining the same high standards of course delivery. If the accreditation, recognition or membership of this course changes, we will seek to notify applicants and students as soon as possible.

²UK and international opportunities

Please note that we are unable to guarantee any UK or international opportunities (whether required or optional) such as internships, work experience, field trips, conferences, placements or study abroad opportunities and that all such opportunities may be unpaid and/or subject to additional costs (which could include, but is not limited to, equipment, materials, bench fees, studio or facilities hire, travel, accommodation and visas), competitive application, availability and/or meeting any applicable travel, public authority guidance, decisions or orders and visa requirements. To ensure that you fully understand any visa requirements, please contact the International Office.

³Tuition fees

The University will charge the tuition fees that are stated in the above table for the first Academic Year of study. The University will review tuition fees each year. For UK (home) students, if Parliament permit an increase in tuition fees, the University may increase fees for each subsequent year of study in line with any such changes. Note that any increase is expected to be in line with inflation.

⁴Facilities

Student Contract

By accepting your offer of a place and enrolling with us, a Student Contract will be formed between you and the university. A copy of the current 2025/2026 contract is available on the website for information purposes however the 2026/2027 contract will apply for the 2026/2027 intake. The Contract details your rights and the obligations you will be bound by during your time as a student and contains the obligations that the university will owe to you. You should read the Contract before you accept an offer of a place and before you enrol at the university.

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Student life

Accommodation

Fees and funding

Criminology BA (Hons)

Course overview

Rated Gold Overall

5 QS Stars for Teaching and Facilities

Top 5 Student City in England (Coventry)

Why you should study this course

What you'll study

Modules

Modules

Modules

Modules

How you'll learn

Teaching contact hours

Teaching hours

Guided and independent study

Online learning

Assessment

Entry requirements

Other qualifications and experience

Contextual offers and Fair Access Scheme

English language requirements

Fees and funding

*Irish student fees

**EU Support Bursary

Facilities

Prison cells

Library

Centre for Academic Writing

Careers and opportunities

Where our graduates work

Further study

Discover Phoenix+

How to apply

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