Criminology and American Studies (4 years)

The Criminology and American Studies (4 years) program at the University of Essex offers students a comprehensive interdisciplinary education that combines the study of crime, justice, and social issues within the context of American history and culture. Designed to provide a deep understanding of criminal behavior, law enforcement, and the justice system, this programme also explores the political, social, and cultural developments across the United States. Students will engage with a wide range of modules covering theories of crime, policing practices, criminal justice policies, and the social and racial inequalities prevalent within American society. The curriculum emphasizes critical thinking, research skills, and real-world applications, preparing graduates for careers in criminal justice, policy analysis, social research, or further academic study. Throughout the course, students benefit from the University's strong focus on employability, with opportunities for work placements, internships, and engagement with external organizations involved in criminal justice and American cultural institutions. The diverse learning environment and expert teaching staff foster an inclusive atmosphere where students develop both analytical capabilities and practical skills. The four-year structure includes a foundation year, a year abroad or work placement, and a final year project, offering students a well-rounded educational experience. By the end of the programme, graduates will have gained in-depth knowledge of criminological theories, American societal issues, and the practical skills necessary to contribute meaningfully to their chosen careers or academic pursuits.

Detailed Course Facts

• GBP 9000 Year (EEA)
• GBP 11950 Year (Non-EEA)

• English

Course Content

Our courses are characterised by choice and flexibility. Studying at Essex is about discovering yourself, so your course combines compulsory ('core') and optional modules to ensure you gain key knowledge in the discipline while having as much freedom as possible to explore your own interests. Our modules change from year to year in response to new developments and innovation, but our module directory can show you which modules are available to our current students.

Example structure

Because of our interdisciplinary approach, many of our courses offer a wide selection of available modules, often including options from departments other than your own. Your course content will therefore depend on your own unique interests, but the structure below gives an example of what’s available to you.

Year 1

• The Enlightenment
• Introduction to Crime, Law and Society
• Introduction to US – Sociology
• Introduction to US - Politics
• Introduction to US - Literature
• Introduction to US – History

Year 2

• American Studies 2nd year Seminar
• Social Entrepreneurs, Sustainability and Community Action
• Doing Research for a BA Dissertation
• Sociology of Crime and Control
• Crime, Media and Culture
• Punishment, Justice and Modernity

Year 3

Year abroad at a university in the United States

Year 4

• American Society: Ethnic Encounters in the Making of the USA
• Globalisation and Crime
• The American Presidency
• Final Year Dissertation

English Language Requirements

IELTS band : 6

To study at this university, you have to speak English. We advice you to

Requirements

• A-levels: ABB-BBB, including A-level subjects which require demonstration of essay writing skills
• GCSE English: C
• IB: 32-30 points (we consider IB certificates at the Higher level on a case-by-case basis)
• Achievement of the Access to HE Diploma with a minimum of 6 level three credits at distinction and the remainder at merit (or above) or achievement of the Access to HE Diploma with a minimum of 45 level three credits at merit (or above).

English language requirements for applicants whose first language is not English: IELTS 6.0 overall with minimum 5.5 in each component (or equivalent). Different requirements apply for second year entry.

Work Experience

No work experience is required.

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 Essex.

Funding

For up-to-date information on funding opportunities at the University of Essex please visit: www.essex.ac.uk/funding.

The Criminology and American Studies (4 years) program at the University of Essex is an interdisciplinary course designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of crime, justice, and society in the context of American culture and history. The program combines core modules in criminology—covering topics such as crime types, criminal justice policies, law enforcement, and the sociological theories underpinning criminal behavior—with modules in American Studies that explore American history, politics, culture, and society. This integrated approach enables students to analyze how American societal structures influence patterns of crime and justice, and to critically assess the cultural factors shaping criminal phenomena in the United States.

Throughout the four-year course, students engage with a variety of teaching methods including lectures, seminars, and practical work. They have opportunities to participate in research projects, debates, and experiential learning activities, which enhance their analytical and research skills. The program also emphasizes developing critical thinking, written and oral communication abilities, and an understanding of diverse perspectives within criminology and American Studies. Students often undertake a work placement or professional practice module in their penultimate year, allowing them to gain real-world experience in relevant fields such as law enforcement, community justice, or cultural institutions.

The curriculum is designed to be flexible, allowing students to tailor their studies to specific interests within criminology and American culture. In their final year, students typically complete a dissertation, which involves independent research on a criminological or American Studies topic. The program prepares graduates for careers in criminal justice, policy analysis, community work, or further academic study. It also provides a solid foundation for careers requiring critical analysis of social issues, cultural analysis, and research expertise. Overall, this program aims to produce well-rounded graduates equipped with a deep understanding of criminal justice systems in the context of American society, alongside broader social and cultural insights.