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The Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice and Criminology at the University of Kent offers a comprehensive and compelling exploration of the criminal justice system, crime, and the social, political, and legal responses to criminal behavior. Designed to equip students with a thorough understanding of the complexities of crime and justice, this programme combines theoretical insights with practical applications to prepare graduates for diverse careers within the criminal justice sector, policy development, research, and beyond. Throughout the course, students will examine key issues such as the causes of criminality, crime prevention strategies, the functioning of law enforcement, the criminal courts, corrections, and the sociological factors that influence criminal behavior and justice processes. The curriculum celebrates interdisciplinary approaches, incorporating perspectives from sociology, law, psychology, and political science, providing a well-rounded foundation for understanding the multifaceted nature of crime and responses to it. Students will have opportunities to develop critical thinking, analytical, and research skills through a variety of modules, seminars, and project work.
The programme encourages active engagement with current debates and issues in criminal justice, fostering an understanding of ethical considerations, human rights concerns, and policy implications. Students can benefit from close links with local criminal justice agencies, opportunities for placements, and guest lectures from professionals working in the field, facilitating practical learning and networking opportunities. The course structure allows for flexibility, including optional modules that enable students to explore particular areas of interest such as policing, criminal law, victimology, or juvenile justice. With a dedicated focus on both theoretical frameworks and real-world applications, graduates of this programme will be well-prepared for careers in police services, criminal investigation, probation, research, policy analysis, advocacy, and other related fields. Additionally, the programme fosters essential skills such as communication, teamwork, and ethical reasoning, all vital for professional success in the criminal justice arena. Whether aspiring to work within the criminal justice system or pursuing further academic research, students will find this degree to be a rigorous and enriching academic pathway.
Detailed Course Facts
Application deadline You are advised to apply as early as possible Tuition fee- GBP 9000 Year (EEA)
- GBP 12450 Year (Non-EEA)
Start date September 2015 Credits (ECTS) 180 ECTS
Credits Total Kent credits: 360
Duration full-time 36 months Languages Take an IELTS test
- English
Course Content
The course structure below gives a flavour of the modules that will be available to you and provides details of the content of this programme. This listing is based on the current curriculum and may change year to year in response to new curriculum developments and innovation. Most programmes will require you to study a combination of compulsory and optional modules, you may also have the option to take wild modules from other programmes offered by the University in order that you may customise your programme and explore other subject areas of interest to you or that may further enhance your employability.
Stage 1
Possible modules may include:
- LW312 - Legal Process for Criminal Justice
- LW314 - Reading Law
- SO306 - Introduction to Sociology
- SO329 - Introduction to Criminology and Criminal Justice
- SO326 - Introduction to Contemporary Britain: Economic and Social History from
- SA311 - Social Problems and Social Policy (UKM)
Stage 2
Possible modules may include:
- SO647 - Research Methods in Sociology
- SO651 - Issues in Criminal Justice
- SO706 - Crime and Punishment in England, 1750-1900
- SO705 - Criminal Justice Practice
- SO681 - Restorative Justice: Concepts, Issues, Debates
- SO685 - VisualSociology
- SO687 - The Politics of Criminal Justice
- SO700 - Contested Cities
- SO650 - Youth, Crime and Criminal Justice
- SO628 - Drugs - Production and Use in their Cultural Context
- SO618 - Women, Crime and Justice
- SO619 - Prisons, Probation and Offender Rehabilitation
- SA550 - Principles and Practice of Social Policy
- SA551 - Key Welfare Issues
- LW508 - Criminal Law
- SO556 - Social Ethics
- SO617 - Britain on Film 1930-1960
You have the opportunity to select wild modules in this stage
Stage 3
Possible modules may include:
- SO551 - BSC Social Sciences Dissertation (UKM)
- SO617 - Britain on Film 1930-1960
- SO556 - Social Ethics
- SA551 - Key Welfare Issues
- SA550 - Principles and Practice of Social Policy
- SO619 - Prisons, Probation and Offender Rehabilitation
- SO618 - Women, Crime and Justice
- SO628 - Drugs - Production and Use in their Cultural Context
- SO650 - Youth, Crime and Criminal Justice
- SO700 - Contested Cities
- SO687 - The Politics of Criminal Justice
- SO685 - VisualSociology
- SO681 - Restorative Justice: Concepts, Issues, Debates
- SO705 - Criminal Justice Practice
English Language Requirements
IELTS band : 6.5 TOEFL iBT® test : 87
To study at this university, you have to speak English. We advice you to
take an IELTS test.Requirements
Home/EU studentsThe University will consider applications from students offering a wide range of qualifications, typical requirements are listed below, students offering alternative qualifications should contact the Admissions Office for further advice. It is not possible to offer places to all students who meet this typical offer/minimum requirement.
Qualification / Typical offer/minimum requirement- A level
BCC
- Access to HE Diploma
The University of Kent will not necessarily make conditional offers to all access candidates but will continue to assess them on an individual basis. If an offer is made candidates will be required to obtain/pass the overall Access to Higher Education Diploma and may also be required to obtain a proportion of the total level 3 credits and/or credits in particular subjects at merit grade or above.
- BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma (formerly BTEC National Diploma)
Distinction, Merit, Merit
- International Baccalaureate
34 points overall or 13 points at HL
International studentsThe University receives applications from over 140 different nationalities and consequently will consider applications from prospective students offering a wide range of international qualifications. Our International Development Office will be happy to advise prospective students on entry requirements. See our International Student website for further information about our country-specific requirements.
Please note that if you need to increase your level of qualification ready for undergraduate study, we offer a number of International Foundation Programmes through Kent International Pathways.
Qualification / Typical offer/minimum requirement- English Language Requirements
Please see our English language entry requirements web page.
Please note that if you are required to meet an English language condition, we offer a number of pre-sessional courses in English for Academic Purposes through Kent International Pathways.
Work Experience
No work experience is required.
Want to improve your English level for admission?
Prepare for the program requirements with English Online by the British Council.
- ✔️ Flexible study schedule
- ✔️ Experienced teachers
- ✔️ Certificate upon completion
📘 Recommended for students with an IELTS level of 6.0 or below.
Related Scholarships*
- Academic Excellence Scholarship
"The Academic Excellence Scholarship can provide up to a 50 % reduction in tuition per semester. These scholarships will be renewed if the student maintains superior academic performance during each semester of their 3-year Bachelor programme. The scholarship will be directly applied to the student’s tuition fees."
- Access Bursary
Bursary for UK students all subjects where the variable tuition fee rate is payable.
- Alumni Bursary
Alumni Bursary for UK Undergraduate students
* The scholarships shown on this page are suggestions first and foremost. They could be offered by other organisations than University of Kent.
Funding
Criminal Justice and Criminology at the University of Kent offers a comprehensive exploration of crime, criminal behaviour, and the criminal justice system. This program is designed to develop students' understanding of the social, psychological, and legal aspects of crime, providing them with critical analytical skills and empirical research techniques. Throughout the course, students examine theories of crime causation, the functioning of law enforcement agencies, judiciary processes, and correctional systems. The curriculum integrates interdisciplinary approaches, combining sociology, psychology, law, and forensic science to offer a holistic view of criminal justice. Students are encouraged to engage in debates about contemporary issues such as policing reforms, human rights, and criminal policy development. The program prepares graduates for careers in criminal investigation, legal services, probation, policy analysis, and further academic research. It emphasizes practical skills through opportunities like placements, seminars, and project-based assessments. The University of Kent’s strong links with criminal justice agencies allow students to gain real-world insights and professional experience. The degree programs are delivered by experienced academics who are actively involved in research and policy advising, ensuring that content remains relevant and up-to-date. The university’s facilities include mock courtroom simulations and access to extensive criminological resources. Overall, the program aims to equip students with a critical understanding of crime-related issues, fostering analytical and ethical perspectives necessary for working in justice-related fields or pursuing postgraduate studies. Opportunities for international exchange and interdisciplinary research further enhance the student experience, making this program a leading choice for those interested in the multifaceted aspects of criminal justice and criminology.