History and Criminology

History and Criminology is a multidisciplinary undergraduate degree programme offered by the University of Essex, designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of past societies, historical processes, and the functioning of criminal justice systems. This degree combines traditional historical studies with the modern scientific analysis of crime, its causes, effects, and societal responses. Throughout the programme, students explore key themes such as the development of civilizations, political transformations, social change, and the evolution of law enforcement and criminal behaviour across different contexts and time periods. The curriculum emphasizes critical thinking, research skills, and analytical abilities, preparing graduates for careers in areas such as historical research, policy development, law enforcement, forensic analysis, or further academic study. Students have the opportunity to engage with diverse sources and methodologies, including archival research, interviews, and digital analysis, to develop a nuanced understanding of complex social phenomena. The programme also encourages international perspectives, examining crime and historical events across different regions and cultures. With a combination of lectures, seminars, workshops, and placements, students gain practical skills and real-world insights, ensuring they are well-equipped for employment or postgraduate study. The university's excellent resources, including dedicated archives and research centres, support student coursework and independent projects. Graduates of the History and Criminology programme graduate with a robust knowledge base, analytical capabilities, and a critical understanding of how history shapes contemporary society and legal systems. They are prepared for diverse career paths in areas such as heritage management, criminal justice, security, social policy, or further research. The programme fosters a vibrant academic community and encourages active engagement with current debates and issues surrounding history and crime. Whether you are passionate about understanding the past or exploring the complexities of modern justice systems, this degree offers a stimulating and rewarding educational experience that combines academic rigour with practical skills and a global outlook.

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

• The Making of the Modern World, 1776-1989
• Introduction to Crime, Law and Society
• Researching Social Life I
• And choose 45 credits from a range of History, Sociology, or outside options.

Year 2

• Making Histories: Concepts, themes and sources
• Sociology of Crime and Control
• Researching Social Life II
• And choose from a range of History options.

Year 3

• History Independent Research Project
• Special Topic in Criminology
• And choose from a range of History, Criminology, and Sociology options.

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)
• Achievement of the Access to HE Diploma with a minimum of 6 level three credits at distinction and the remainder at merit (or above).
• We welcome applications from students whose A-levels do not include History.

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.

The History and Criminology program at the University of Essex offers students a comprehensive curriculum designed to provide a broad understanding of historical developments alongside the study of criminological theories and practices. This interdisciplinary degree combines the analysis of past events, societies, and cultures with the exploration of crime, justice, and criminal behavior. Students will engage with a variety of modules that cover key historical periods, thematic studies, and contemporary issues related to crime and punishment. The program aims to develop critical thinking, analytical skills, and a nuanced understanding of social justice and historical contexts.

Throughout the course, students will have opportunities to participate in research projects, internships, and fieldwork, enhancing their practical knowledge and employability. The program is structured to allow flexibility, enabling students to tailor their learning to specific interests within history and criminology. With dedicated academic staff experienced in these disciplines, students receive personalized mentoring and access to extensive resources, including archives, libraries, and online databases.

The university's strong links to criminal justice agencies and cultural institutions provide valuable networking opportunities, supporting students' career aspirations in policing, forensic analysis, academic research, and related fields. The program also emphasizes critical debates surrounding criminal justice policies, human rights, and societal impacts of crime. Graduates from this course are well-equipped to pursue careers in forensic psychology, law enforcement, social research, or further academic study.

The campus facilities at Essex support a vibrant academic environment, promoting undergraduate research, seminars, and collaborative projects. The program also offers optional modules focusing on areas such as international crime, digital forensics, social policy, and human rights, ensuring students gain a diverse and in-depth education. Overall, the History and Criminology program aims to prepare students to become informed, ethical, and active contributors to society, capable of addressing complex historical and criminal justice issues in a global context.