Criminology (including Year Abroad)

Criminology at the University of Essex offers an in-depth and comprehensive exploration of crime, criminal behavior, and the social, political, and legal contexts in which crime occurs. This dynamic programme is designed to equip students with a thorough understanding of the causes and consequences of criminal activity, as well as the various methods used to prevent and respond to crime in contemporary society. Throughout the course, students examine a wide range of topics, including the nature of crime, theories of criminal behavior, the criminal justice system, policing, forensic science, victimology, and crime prevention strategies. The curriculum is structured to develop critical thinking, analytical skills, and evidence-based approaches, enabling students to engage with current debates and issues within the field of criminology.

A distinctive feature of the programme is the Year Abroad, which allows students to spend a year studying at a partner university overseas. This international experience enriches students’ understanding of global perspectives on crime and justice, fosters intercultural communication skills, and enhances employability in an increasingly interconnected world. Students are encouraged to select modules that reflect their interests and career aspirations, allowing for a tailored academic experience. The programme also integrates practical elements such as internships, guest lectures from industry practitioners, and research projects, providing valuable insights into professional criminology and related fields.

Graduates of the Criminology programme are well-equipped to pursue careers in criminal justice agencies, law enforcement, social work, probation, victim support organizations, policy-making, and research institutions. The programme also provides a solid foundation for postgraduate study in criminology or related disciplines. As part of the University of Essex, students benefit from a vibrant academic community, state-of-the-art facilities, and a reputation for high-quality research and teaching in social sciences. Overall, the programme aims to produce skilled, informed, and socially responsible graduates ready to make meaningful contributions in addressing crime and justice issues worldwide.

Detailed Course Facts

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

• English

Course Content

The special characteristics of our courses are flexibility and choice. In your first year, you usually take four or five modules that include pre-requisite(s) for your course but, in many cases, mean you can try subjects you have not come across before. If you are taking a humanities or social science, then you have the greatest choice, as most of our first-year modules do not assume any specialist knowledge.
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 offer a range of optional modules in your second- and final-years and most courses allow you to undertake a final-year project, an individual piece of research on a topic that interests you.
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

Year abroad

Year 4

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.
-levels: ABB-BBB
IB: 34-32 points

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 exploration of the causes, effects, and responses to crime in society. The program is designed to equip students with a deep understanding of criminal behavior, the criminal justice system, and the social factors influencing crime. It combines theoretical frameworks with practical insights, encouraging critical thinking and analytical skills. The course covers key topics such as criminal law, policing, criminal investigations, forensics, and the sociological aspects of crime, including issues of ethnicity, gender, and social inequality. One notable feature of the program is the Year Abroad option, allowing students to spend a year studying at a partner university abroad. This experience enhances cultural awareness, international perspectives on crime and justice, and language skills. The course is suitable for those interested in careers in criminal justice, law enforcement, forensic analysis, social work, or academia. The curriculum is regularly updated to reflect current trends and developments in criminology. Students benefit from the university’s strong links with local criminal justice agencies, providing opportunities for placements and applied learning. The teaching staff are experienced researchers and practitioners renowned for their contributions to criminal justice research and policy. The program also emphasizes employability skills through seminars, workshops, and work-based projects, preparing graduates for the competitive job market. In addition, the university’s vibrant campus environment provides a supportive community and numerous extracurricular activities related to criminology and social justice issues. Overall, the program aims to foster critical inquiry, ethical understanding, and practical skills to enable students to contribute meaningfully to society’s efforts to understand and address crime.