Criminology

The BA (Hons) Criminology programme at the University of Essex offers students a comprehensive understanding of the complex nature of crime, criminal behaviour, and the criminal justice system. This course investigates the social, political, and economic factors that contribute to crime and examines the effectiveness of various responses to criminal activity. Throughout the programme, students explore diverse topics such as police and law enforcement, judiciary processes, prison systems, juvenile delinquency, organized crime, cybercrime, and human rights issues. The curriculum combines theoretical frameworks with practical insights, providing students with critical thinking skills, research expertise, and a nuanced understanding of contemporary criminological challenges.

Students benefit from the University’s strong emphasis on research-led teaching, engaging with current debates and cutting-edge theories in criminology. The programme incorporates a range of teaching methods, including lectures, seminars, workshops, and real-world case studies, fostering an active learning environment. Opportunities for placements and fieldwork are integrated into the degree, enabling students to gain valuable hands-on experience within criminal justice agencies and related organizations. This enhances employability and provides practical insights into careers in policing, forensic analysis, social work, policy-making, and beyond.

The course also encourages critical analysis of issues such as social justice, inequality, and human rights, enabling students to consider the broader impacts of crime and crime prevention strategies. By the end of the programme, graduates are equipped with the skills to undertake independent research, evaluate policies, and contribute meaningfully to ongoing debates within criminology and related fields. The University of Essex’s support services, dedicated academic staff, and extensive library resources create an enriching academic environment for students to thrive. Overall, the BA Criminology at Essex prepares students for a wide range of career paths or further postgraduate study in criminology, law, social sciences, and criminal justice.

Detailed Course Facts

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

• English

Course Content

In all three years you will have 90 credits of compulsory modules and 30 credits of optional modules. For BA Criminology your optional modules can be chosen from across the faculty in first year and from within our Department of Sociology in your second and third year. There is a great deal of choice for these optional modules due to the extensive range of modules offered by our departments. In your final year, as part of your compulsory 90 credits you must take a dissertation, a research project on something which is of interest to you.
With a small number of exceptions, if you successfully complete the first year of your BA, then you are qualified to enter the second year of that course and a range of other courses: for example, if you take economics, politics, philosophy and sociology, then you have a choice of at least nine possible single or joint honours courses at the end of your first year. This means you can change your course, providing you have taken the appropriate pre-requisites and places are available.
We operate a credit framework for our awards, which is based on principles widely used across the UK university sector. Each module has a credit rating attached and our standard three-year course consists of 360 credits (120 credits in your first year, and 240 credits across your second and final years).
Please note that module information on our course finder provides a guide to course content and may be subject to review on an annual basis.

Year 1

Crime, Law and Society;
Researching Social Life 1;
Sociology and the Modern World; and
one social science option

Year 2

Sociology of Crime and Control;
Researching Social Life 2;
Punishment, Justice and Modernity;
Crime, Media and Culture; and
one sociology option

Year 3

Globalisation and Crime;
research project;
Crime, Policy and Social Justice;
Policing and Criminal Justice; and
one sociology option

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
• GCSE English: C
• IB: 32-30 points (we consider IB certificates at the Higher level on a case-by-case basis)
• BTEC qualifications, in relevant disciplines, will be considered on an individual basis, depending on the units studied. The standard required is generally at Distinction level.
• 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 Essex, please visit: www.essex.ac.uk/studentfinance.

Criminology at the University of Essex offers a comprehensive undergraduate program designed to provide students with a deep understanding of criminal behavior, justice systems, and crime prevention strategies. The course combines theoretical frameworks with practical insights, enabling students to critically analyze the causes of crime and the effectiveness of different criminal justice policies. The curriculum covers a wide range of topics including the sociological, psychological, and legal aspects of crime, offering a multidisciplinary approach to criminological study. Students have the opportunity to engage with contemporary issues such as cybercrime, domestic violence, terrorism, and the criminal justice response to these phenomena. The program emphasizes research skills, critical thinking, and ethical considerations, preparing graduates for careers in law enforcement, policy analysis, social research, probation, and related fields. The University of Essex is known for its research-led teaching, and students benefit from access to state-of-the-art facilities and expert academics who are actively engaged in criminological research worldwide. The program often includes options for placements and internships, providing practical experience and networking opportunities within criminal justice organizations and agencies. Additionally, students can participate in seminars, workshops, and conferences to deepen their understanding and stay updated with current developments in criminology. Graduates from the program are equipped with the analytical and practical skills needed to contribute effectively to tackling crime and improving justice policies. The program's flexibility allows students to tailor their studies to specific interests within criminology, ensuring a personalized educational experience aligned with their career aspirations.