History and Criminology (including Year Abroad)

History and Criminology (including Year Abroad) at the University of Essex offers a comprehensive and stimulating undergraduate degree path that combines the study of historical developments with the understanding of criminal behavior, justice systems, and societal responses to crime. This interdisciplinary programme is designed to develop students’ critical thinking, analytical skills, and research abilities, preparing them for a wide range of careers in areas such as public policy, law enforcement, legal services, education, and academia. The incorporation of a Year Abroad provides students with a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in different cultures, enhance their language skills, and gain valuable international experience that complements their academic studies.

Throughout the course, students will explore key themes in history—from ancient civilizations to modern times—allowing them to understand the social, political, and economic contexts that have shaped societies over centuries. Simultaneously, the criminology component offers insights into the causes of crime, the functioning of criminal justice systems, and contemporary issues such as policing, punishment, and crime prevention. The programme emphasizes both theoretical frameworks and practical applications, encouraging students to critically evaluate existing systems and propose innovative solutions.

Lectures, seminars, workshops, and core modules are supported by opportunities for independent research, culminating in a significant final-year project. The Year Abroad, typically undertaken in a partner university within Europe or beyond, enables students to develop language proficiency and intercultural competencies, broadening their academic perspective and employability. Students also benefit from access to Essex’s excellent research facilities, experienced academic staff, and strong links with professional organizations in the fields of history and criminology.

Graduates of this programme will possess a nuanced understanding of historical contexts and current criminal justice issues, as well as the skills to analyze complex problems and communicate their insights effectively. Whether pursuing further academic study or entering the workforce, students will be well-equipped to contribute thoughtfully and responsibly to society. The programme is suitable for individuals with a keen interest in understanding past societies and contemporary criminal justice challenges, combined with a desire to gain international experience and enhance their career prospects.

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

Year abroad

Year 4

• 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 BA History and Criminology programme at the University of Essex is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of historical processes and criminological theories, incorporating practical skills and critical analysis. The programme combines the study of history and criminology, allowing students to explore the development of societies, criminal behaviour, law enforcement, and criminal justice systems across different periods and cultures. A distinctive feature of this course is the option to include a Year Abroad, which offers students an immersive international experience, enhancing linguistic skills and cultural understanding while gaining academic credits. The curriculum covers core modules in both disciplines, including modules on historical research methods, criminological theories, policing, crime prevention, and social justice issues. Students can tailor their studies through elective modules, engaging with topics like human rights, terrorism, gender and crime, and digital criminology. The programme emphasizes research skills, critical thinking, and analytical abilities, preparing graduates for careers in areas such as law enforcement, legal services, research, policy development, or further academic study. Teaching methods combine lectures, seminars, workshops, and independent research projects, supported by a staff renowned for expertise in both history and criminology. The university’s facilities, including access to extensive archives, digital resources, and dedicated research centres, support students' academic pursuits. Assessment methods include essays, presentations, exams, and dissertations, ensuring a well-rounded academic experience. The inclusion of the Year Abroad abroad not only enhances intercultural competencies but also provides valuable skills in adaptability and communication, highly valued across employment sectors. The duration of the full-time programme is typically three years, with the optional Year Abroad extending the course to four years. Graduates of this programme are well-equipped with critical research skills, a contextual understanding of historical and criminological issues, and practical insights into societal and criminal justice challenges, making them competitive candidates in various professional spheres or for postgraduate postgraduate studies.