Criminology and Youth Studies

Criminology and Youth Studies at the University of Suffolk offers a comprehensive and engaging undergraduate programme designed to explore the complex issues surrounding crime, justice, and youth behavior. This course aims to equip students with a deep understanding of the theoretical frameworks and practical skills needed to analyze criminal activity, understand the social and psychological factors influencing youth, and develop effective approaches to crime prevention and youth engagement. Throughout the programme, students will examine topics such as criminal justice systems, policing, community safety, juvenile delinquency, social inequalities, and youth empowerment. The curriculum combines academic theory with real-world applications, giving students opportunities for hands-on learning through case studies, guest lectures, and placements with local agencies and community organizations. Emphasis is placed on critical thinking, research methodology, and ethical considerations, preparing graduates for careers in criminal justice, youth work, social services, or further postgraduate study. The programme also encourages interdisciplinary approaches, drawing from sociology, psychology, law, and public policy to foster a well-rounded perspective on issues affecting contemporary society. With state-of-the-art facilities, supportive academic staff, and strong links with external organizations, students will benefit from a vibrant learning environment tailored to develop their analytical, communication, and problem-solving skills. The course ultimately aims to produce graduates who are confident, informed, and proactive in their response to crime and youth-related challenges, ready to make a positive impact in their communities and beyond.

Detailed Course Facts

• EUR 9550 Year (EEA)
• EUR 12530 Year (Non-EEA)

UK/EU Fees Students starting at UCS from September 2012 will be charged £8000 for a full-time Bachelors degree or £7500 for a full-time Foundation degree. Tuition fees for full-time International Study: Classroom-based 10,500 GBP (£) Laboratory-based 12,600 GBP (£)

• English

Course Content

First year modules

• Social Science Research Skills (Core)
• Key Thinkers in Criminology
• Law for Criminologists
• Introduction to Youth Studies
• Sociology and the Modern World
• Understanding Social Change

Second year modules

• Quantitative Data in Social Science (C)
• Qualitative Data in Social Science (C)
• Criminological Theory and Social Control
• Youth Justice
• Youth Culture and Identity

With a choice of 1 module from:

• Child Law
• Young People and Social Policy

Third year modules

• Research Dissertation (C)
• Applied Studies (C)
• Contemporary Issues in Criminology

1 (if only 1 youth studies option is chosen) from:

• Penology
• Human Rights
• Victims of Crime

With a choice of 1 or 2 modules from:

• Comparative Youth Studies
• Youth and Development: Selected Issues

Teaching methods combine teacher led and student led activities and include lectures, seminars, small group work, workshops and tutorials.

English Language Requirements

IELTS band : 6 CAE score : 75(Grade B) TOEFL paper-based test score : 550 TOEFL iBT® test : 79

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

Requirements

English language requirements

All students need to be able to understand and express themselves in both written and spoken English. Students whose first language is not English will need to take a recognised English Language test in advance of commencing a course at UCS and before the Confirmation of Acceptance (CAS) letter is issued for visa purposes.
UCS accepts a range of English qualifications, with the following standards required:

IELTS (academic version): 6.0 for all degrees, apart from Diagnostic Radiography,Radiotherapy and Oncology, ODP and all Pre-Registration Nursing and Midwifery courses that require 7.0. Postgraduate courses generally require between 6.5 and 7.0.
TOEFL: 550 on paper-based test; 213 on computer-based test; or 79-80 on the internet-based test for all degrees
Pearson Test of English Academic - Minimum score of 50 is required
Cambridge Proficiency Certificate: Grade C; Cambridge Certificate in Advanced English: Grade B
GCE O-level or GCSE English Language/Use of English: Grade C
Test in English for Educational Purposes (TEEP) International Baccalaureate English Grade B (standard level).
Hong Kong Certificate of English Education

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 Campus Suffolk.

Funding

National Scholarship Programme

As part of the new student finance system, students with households incomes under £25,000 per year will benefit from a new National Scholarship Programme. This new scheme is targeted towards students who most need financial help.
The National Scholarship is funded jointly by the Government and Universities. UCS has been awarded a number of National Scholarships which students can apply for Suffolk Access Champion Scheme
The Suffolk Access Champion Scheme will be open to eligible students currently studying at a Suffolk State Sixth form, College or Academy, and applying to study at UCS on a full-time undergraduate degree programme in 2012-13.
The Suffolk Access Champion will work over two years mentoring Year 10 and 11 students to encourage progression on to higher education.

Scholarships for international students

UCS offers a generous scholarship scheme for all undergraduate students paying international fees.
All international students that are offered and have firmly accepted a place on a full-time undergraduate Foundation or Honours degree course at UCS by the 30 September for the year of entry, will be eligible for a scholarship of £1,000 per year for the duration of their course. This scholarship will be awarded each year once annual fees have been paid in full.
Please note that any international students accepted on a course that requires a practice placement with a Primary Care Trust, for example Nursing, Midwifery or Radiography, will incur an additional £3000 fee per each year of study (this excludes all British Islands students except the Falkland Islands).

The Criminology and Youth Studies program at the University of Suffolk is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the criminal justice system, criminal behavior, youth offending, and social factors influencing crime and youth development. The program combines theoretical knowledge with practical skills, preparing graduates for careers in areas such as law enforcement, social work, youth justice, policy development, and community engagement. Throughout the course, students explore topics including crime prevention, the criminal justice process, restorative justice, juvenile delinquency, and the role of social institutions in shaping behavior. The curriculum is structured to promote critical thinking, research skills, and ethical awareness, enabling students to analyze complex social issues critically. The program emphasizes applied learning through case studies, placements, and project work, often in collaboration with local criminal justice agencies and community organizations. The university offers modern facilities, including dedicated law labs and social research studios, supporting hands-on learning. Entry requirements typically include a relevant academic background and an interest in social issues affecting youth and crime prevention. The program aims to foster a strong foundation for further study or professional work in related fields by equipping students with knowledge, skills, and ethical perspectives vital for making positive contributions to society. The University of Suffolk also emphasizes flexible learning options, including part-time study, to accommodate diverse student needs. Graduates are well-prepared to engage with pressing social challenges and contribute to developing effective strategies for crime reduction and youth support initiatives, making the program a valuable choice for individuals passionate about social justice, community safety, and youth development.