Criminology and Cultural Studies

The BA in Criminology and Cultural Studies at the University of Kent offers students a comprehensive exploration of the social, cultural, and institutional aspects of crime, justice, and social behavior. This interdisciplinary programme is designed to provide a deep understanding of the complexities surrounding criminal activity, law enforcement, and society’s responses to crime, while also examining the cultural contexts that influence perceptions of justice, morality, and social order. Through a combination of theoretical frameworks and empirical research, students will engage with topics such as criminal psychology, victimology, forensic science, human rights, media representations of crime, and cultural diversity. The programme encourages critical thinking and analytical skills, equipping graduates to evaluate the societal implications of criminal justice policies and practices.

Students will have opportunities to participate in case studies, fieldwork, and internships that enhance practical understanding and professional readiness. The curriculum is designed to foster an awareness of the global dimensions of crime and cultural dynamics, preparing students for careers in law enforcement, social services, policy development, academia, and advocacy. As part of the course, students will also explore various cultural theories and practices, gaining insights into how culture influences the construction of criminality and societal reactions. The programme emphasizes experiential learning and research skills, enabling students to carry out independent investigations and contribute meaningfully to debates in criminology and cultural studies. With access to dedicated facilities, expert staff, and a vibrant academic community, students are encouraged to develop their intellectual curiosity and critical perspectives, making this degree an ideal choice for those interested in understanding the complex interplay between crime, culture, and society.

Detailed Course Facts

• GBP 9000 Year (EEA)
• GBP 12450 Year (Non-EEA)

• 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:

• SO305 - Introduction to Criminology
• SO333 - Crime, Culture and Control
• SO334 - Modern Culture
• SO335 - Contemporary Culture
• SO337 - Fundamentals of Sociology
• SO408 - Sociological Theory: The Classics

You have the opportunity to select wild modules in this stage

Stage 2

Possible modules may include:

• SO536 - Criminal Justice in Modern Britain:Development, Issues and Politics
• SO505 - Sociology of Crime and Deviance
• SO506 - Popular Culture, Media and Society

Stage 3

• Possible modules may include:
• SO605 - Crime , Media and Culture
• SO657 - Digital Culture
• SO676 - Cultures of Embodiment
• SO605 - Crime , Media and Culture
• SO683 - Cultural Studies Research Dissertation
• SO689 - Drugs, Culture and Control
• SO710 - War, Atrocity and Genocide
• SO711 - The Sociology of Imprisonment
• SP637 - Forensic Psychology: Theoretical and Applied Perspectives
• TH570 - I:Religion and Film
• TH574 - H:Religion and Film
• SO533 - Gender, Crime and Criminal Justice
• SO534 - Violence and Society
• SO535 - Youth and Crime
• SO594 - Terrorism and Modern Society
• CP518 - The Book and the Film: Adaptation and Interpretation
• CP527 - Medieval Literature and Culture
• CP530 - Marriage, Adultery and Divorce in 19th Century Fiction
• CP531 - The Renaissance
• CP609 - Modernism and the European Avant-Garde
• CP611 - Postmodernism
• CP624 - The Shoah in Literature, Film and Culture
• CP627 - Science Fiction: History and Innovation
• CP629 - Second Thoughts: Women Novelists from Bronte to Jelinek
• CP632 - Reason and Passion in 18th Century European Fiction
• CP636 - European Realism
• CP642 - The Epic: From Homer to Walcott
• CP644 - Creatures of the Night: Vampires in Literature and Film
• CP646 - Prize Winners
• CP647 - Prize Winners
• CP650 - Decadence in Fin-de-Siecle Europe
• CP652 - Postcolonial Images of Africa and South Asia
• CP653 - Comparative Literature and English & Linguistics in the Classroom
• CP656 - Shakespeare's Afterlives
• FR593 - Paris: Myth and Reality in the 19th century
• FR594 - Paris: Myth and Reality in the 20th century
• HA504 - Classicism and Baroque
• HA504 - Classicism and Baroque
• HA554 - Contemporary Art:From Warhol to Whiteread: Postmodernity & Visual Art Pr
• HA556 - Art and Film
• HA595 - Visual Arts Writing
• HA648 - Drawing on History
• HA650 - Russian Painting from the Academy to the Avant-Garde
• HA655 - Photography and Surrealism
• HA661 - Art & Film
• HA666 - Drawing on History
• HA669 - Study of a Single Artist
• HA670 - Study of a Single Artist
• LW542 - Policing
• LW544 - Punishment and the Penal System
• PL526 - Aesthetics
• SA519 - The Social Politics of Food

English Language Requirements

IELTS band : 6.5

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

Requirements

The 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

ABB including B in either Film, English Literature, Politics, Media, Geography or Philosophy (where taken)

• 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)

The university will consider applicants holding BTEC National Diploma and Extended National Diploma Qualifications (QCF; NQF;OCR) on a case by case basis please contact us via the enquiries tab for further advice on your individual circumstances.

• International Baccalaureate

34 points overall or 16 at HL

International students

The 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

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 Kent.

Funding

Kent offers generous financial support schemes to support eligible undergraduate students during their studies. Our 2013 financial support package includes a fee waiver and cash bursary, as well as additional funds on your Kent account to help with accommodation, food, books and other living costs. Find out more on our fees and funding page.

General scholarships

Scholarships are available for excellence in academic performance, sport and music and are awarded on merit. For further information on the range of awards available and to make an application see our scholarships website.

The Kent Scholarship for Academic Excellence

At Kent we recognise, encourage and reward excellence. We have created a new scholarship, The Kent Scholarship for Academic Excellence, which will be awarded to any applicant who achieves a minimum of AAA over three A levels, or the equivalent qualifications as specified on our funding pages.

Criminology and Cultural Studies at the University of Kent is a multidisciplinary undergraduate program designed to explore the complex relationship between crime, culture, and society. This course offers students an opportunity to examine criminal behaviour, social justice, and the ways in which cultural contexts influence perceptions of crime and justice. Throughout the program, students will engage with theoretical perspectives from sociology, anthropology, psychology, and cultural studies, enabling them to develop a nuanced understanding of contemporary issues related to crime and culture. The curriculum includes core modules such as Introduction to Criminology, Crime and Society, and Cultural Theories, along with optional modules that allow students to specialize in areas like policing, human rights, media representations of crime, or cultural identity. The program emphasizes critical thinking, research skills, and the application of academic insights to real-world problems. Students will have access to state-of-the-art facilities, including crime scene investigation labs, cultural archives, and dedicated research centers. Practical components, including placements and internships, are integrated to enhance employability and provide firsthand experience in the field. Graduates of this program can pursue careers in criminal justice, policy analysis, social work, academic research, journalism, or international organizations focused on human rights and justice. The program aims to produce well-rounded, socially conscious graduates capable of analyzing and addressing the complexities of crime within diverse cultural contexts. Teaching methods include lectures, seminars, case studies, group projects, and individual research. Assessment methods typically involve essays, presentations, exams, and research projects. Students are encouraged to develop their own research interests through dissertation projects, which contribute to their final grade. The University of Kent’s campus is located in Canterbury, offering an inspiring environment surrounded by historic sites and modern facilities, supporting both academic and personal growth. Overall, this program prepares students to critically evaluate crime and cultural issues and to contribute thoughtfully to discussions around justice and social change.