BA (Hons) Criminology
Key Details
- Award
- Degree of Bachelor of Arts
- UCAS Course Code
- L311
- Typical Offer
- ABB
- Contextual Offer
- BBC
- Course Length
- 3 years
- Course Start Date
- September 2026
Why you should choose us
Course Overview
If you are fascinated by crime and criminality, consider studying criminology at UEA and enter a field that will challenge, engage and fulfill you. Our BA Criminology course will provide you with an excellent grounding in the study of crime and its application in a variety of professional roles. You will explore the nature and forms of crime, the processes of criminalization, the criminal justice system, explanations of crime, the impact of crime, and responses to it, such as sentencing and punishment. You will seek answers to questions such as: What is crime? How much crime is there? Why do people commit crime? How can we reduce or prevent crime? How should we deal with offenders?
Criminology is not only an exciting and contentious subject to study – it also has real-world relevance. Throughout this course you will learn to engage with key criminological concepts with a critical mind. You will apply your knowledge and understanding of ideas and perspectives to real-life cases and to contemporary events and issues surrounding crime. This course will not only provide you with broad foundational knowledge about crime, criminals and criminal justice, but will help you develop a range of interpersonal and workplace skills in research, writing, critical analysis and constructing a reasoned and evidenced argument. These are transferable skills, helping you build a fulfilling career after graduation.
The UEA criminology degree has been designed to provide you with the knowledge, experience and skills to enable you to secure meaningful employment (or go on to further study) once you have graduated. From day one you will take modules that immerse you in the world of crime. You will have the option to take law-based modules alongside typical criminology topics, providing you with a criminology degree with a legal flavour. Many modules are specifically relevant to working with offenders, ex-offender roles in different sectors of the criminal justice system. In your final year, you will be able to complete your own independent project on an issue of your choice alongside four optional modules. This allows you to build your degree to suit your interests and career goals.
The criminology course is delivered within the UEA Law School, located in historic Earlham Hall where you will find a vibrant, engaging and welcoming community of criminology and legal scholars and students. You will be taught by academics with specialist knowledge and expertise in various fields within criminology and will be supported throughout your course to help you build the skills and confidence to reach your full potential and excel in your chosen career. Field trips to criminal justice sites will help you contextualise and enhance your understanding of crime and justice. You will hear from criminal justice practitioners and other professionals working in various crime and justice-related roles as well as academics from other institutions invited as guest speakers. These experiences will support your employability through exposure to the real-world of criminology, beyond the classroom.
After the course, you will be well-prepared to enter a variety of careers whether within the criminal justice system itself, or in related sectors such as social and healthcare services, the civil service, education or law. You will also be perfectly placed to continue your education with a higher degree.
Study and Modules
Structure
You will begin your degree with some introductory modules where you will develop a strong foundational understanding of many of the key concepts, theories, issues, and debates within criminology before you move on to more specialist areas of study as the course progresses.
In your first year, you will take modules that will challenge your understanding of crime. You will become familiar with the key themes that underpin much of criminology, covering topics that form the building blocks of a criminology degree. You will begin to think critically about what crime is and how we respond to it. To help you achieve your potential on the course, you will also take a module specifically dedicated to developing the academic and research skills you need when studying criminology.
Compulsory Modules
Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring, review and update of modules. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes and their constituent modules, the University will endeavour to consult with students and others. It is also possible that the University may not be able to offer a module for reasons outside of its control, such as the illness of a member of staff. In some cases optional modules can have limited places available and so you may be asked to make additional module choices in the event you do not gain a place on your first choice. Where this is the case, the University will inform students.
Teaching and Learning
The course is delivered by a combination of lectures, seminars, and workshops, as well as some field trips. New and introductory information will usually be received through lectures. These are complemented by seminars or workshops where you will have the opportunity to develop and practise your skills and be more actively involved in the learning process. Seminars will help you engage more deeply with the many current issues, debates and concerns relating to crime through critical discussion.
As well as knowledge and understanding, you will also develop a range of academic, cognitive, practical, and interpersonal skills that will help prepare you for life after university. As you progress through the course, you will encounter increasing emphasis on the application of your knowledge and ideas to real-world cases, and on demonstrating an ability to think creatively and analytically. You will develop skills in finding and assimilating information, critical thinking, problem-solving, making reasoned and evidenced arguments, digital literacy, the ability to communicate effectively, and self-management.
Every module has a dedicated virtual space where you can access learning materials (such as slides, lecture recordings, reading lists and links to additional resources) to support your learning.
As well as attending your timetabled classes, to succeed at university level, you will also need to spend a significant amount of time undertaking self-directed study. You will be supported to become an independent learner by, for example, following up lectures with further reading to consolidate your notes and understanding, and completing any preparation for your seminars or workshops. Furthermore, every student is allocated an Academic Advisor who is there to guide you through your degree.
Academics at UEA are given the freedom to experiment and innovate with their teaching, so while the above describes the general format of modules, some subjects will vary.
Assessment
A variety of assessment types are used throughout the course including, for example, case studies, reports and briefings, mock interviews, blogs, portfolios and presentations as well as essays and exams.
You will receive feedback which will identify what you have done well and will make clear what you can improve on for future assignments. For each module, you will have the opportunity to complete a relevant ungraded piece of work. This gives you the opportunity to practice for the graded assignment and receive relevant feedback.
Given the real-world nature of criminology this course prioritizes assessments that map onto tasks you may be expected to undertake in the workplace to help you prepare for your future career.
Structure
As you progress into your second year, you will study more diverse topics that reflect some of the different fields within criminology. You will expand your understanding of types of crime and examine more contemporary perspectives within criminology that have emerged to help analyse the problem of crime. In addition, you can choose one of two Sociology modules and will continue to develop your skills in understanding, analyzing and conducting research.
Compulsory Modules
Optional A Modules
(Credits: 20)Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring, review and update of modules. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes and their constituent modules, the University will endeavour to consult with students and others. It is also possible that the University may not be able to offer a module for reasons outside of its control, such as the illness of a member of staff. In some cases optional modules can have limited places available and so you may be asked to make additional module choices in the event you do not gain a place on your first choice. Where this is the case, the University will inform students.
Teaching and Learning
The second year of the course continues to be delivered by a combination of lectures, seminars and workshops with regular meetings with your Academic Adviser. There will also be variation in module delivery to reflect the most effective way to teach the topic.
As in your first year you will be expected to spend a significant amount of time studying independently.
Assessment
In your second year you will be assessed entirely by coursework, which may include some of the assessment methods you will have encountered in your first year.
Structure
In your final year, you will undertake an independent project where you will be able to immerse yourself in a topic or issue relating to crime that you feel passionate about. You can choose the remainder of your third-year modules based on your individual interests or intended career path. You can study more advanced topics, further explore various types of crimes or select modules that have a more applied focus and are more specific to working within the criminal justice sector.
Compulsory Modules
Optional A Modules
(Credits: 40)Optional B Modules
(Credits: 40)Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring, review and update of modules. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes and their constituent modules, the University will endeavour to consult with students and others. It is also possible that the University may not be able to offer a module for reasons outside of its control, such as the illness of a member of staff. In some cases optional modules can have limited places available and so you may be asked to make additional module choices in the event you do not gain a place on your first choice. Where this is the case, the University will inform students.
Teaching and Learning
In your third year there is a slight reduction in timetabled classes to allow you to work more independently in completing your final year project. You will continue to meet with your Academic Advisor and will also receive one-to-one supervision on your project.
As in your first and second years you will be expected to spend a significant amount of time studying independently.
Additional Support
The UEA Learning Enhancement team, based in the Student Services Department, are always ready to help you develop your study skills, including research, writing and higher-level thought.
If you have additional needs due to disabilities such as sensory impairment or learning difficulties, please talk to our Student Services about how they can support you.
Assessment
In your third year you will complete an independent project under the guidance of a member of academic staff. Most third-year optional modules are assessed by coursework, but some are assessed by an exam.
Employability
After the Course
Criminology is a degree subject relevant to a wide range of career paths. It provides a foundation that can be used to pursue many different roles and occupations. On successful completion of this course, you might go on to work within the civil service; social, health or welfare services; education; law; or of course, within the criminal justice sector. You could work within the criminal justice system itself or within related agencies or organisations including local and national government departments, think-tanks and reform groups, or the voluntary sector. Many charities work with offenders, ex-offenders, offenders’ families, and victims of crime. Alternatively, you might choose to progress to a higher degree.
The UEA Law School offers a variety of career development opportunities for students and the course has close links with the UEA Careers Service so you can receive support at every stage of your degree to take your next steps in choosing your career.
Careers
Examples of careers that you could enter include:
- Police, Prison or Probation Services
- Youth Justice/Youth Work
- Community Development
- Security and Intelligence
- Social Research
- Crime/Data Analysis
Discover more on our Careers webpages.
Entry Requirements
- This course is open to
UK and International fee-paying students. Choose UK or International above to see relevant information. The entry point is in September each year.
We welcome and value a wide range of qualifications, and we recognise that some students might take a mixture of different qualifications. We have listed typical examples that we accept for entry.
You should hold or be working towards the specified English and Mathematics requirements and one of the examples of typical entry qualifications listed below. If your qualifications aren’t listed, or if you are taking a combination of qualifications that isn’t specified, please contact Admissions.
- English and Mathematics
All applicants must hold or be working towards GCSEs in English Language and Mathematics at minimum grade C or grade 4.
We accept a wide range of English Language qualifications, please see our English Language equivalencies page.
- Contextual Offers
UEA are committed to ensuring that Higher Education is accessible to all, regardless of their background or experiences. One of the ways we do this is through our contextual admissions schemes.
- Typical UK Entry Requirements
A levels
ABB
Contextual offer: BBC
BTEC
Level 3 Extended Diploma: DDM
Contextual offer: DMM
BTEC in Public Services, Uniformed Services and Business Administration are all excluded from our BTEC offers.
Access to HE Diploma
Pass Access to HE Diploma with Distinction in 30 credits at Level 3 and Merit in 15 credits at Level 3
Contextual Offer: Pass Access to HE Diploma with Merit in 30 credits at Level 3 and Pass in 15 credits at Level 3
T levels
Merit
- Further Examples of Typical Entry Requirements
International Baccalaureate
32 points overall
Irish Leaving Certificate
3 subjects at H2, 3 subjects at H3
Scottish Highers
AAABB
Scottish Advanced Highers
BCC
A combination of Advanced Highers and Highers may be acceptable.
- Deferred Entry
We welcome applications from students who have already taken or intend to take a gap year. We believe that a year between school and university can be of substantial benefit. You are advised to indicate your reason for wishing to defer entry on your UCAS application.
- Admissions Policy
Our Admissions Policy applies to the admissions of all undergraduate applicants.
- Progression
Once enrolled onto a course at UEA, your progression and continuation (which may include eligibility for study abroad, overseas experience, placement, or year in industry opportunities) is contingent on meeting the assessment requirements which are relevant to the course on which you are enrolled.
- This course is open to
UK and International fee-paying students. Choose UK or International above to see relevant information. The entry point is in September each year.
We welcome and value a wide range of qualifications, and we recognise that some students might take a mixture of different qualifications. We have listed typical examples that we accept for entry.
You should hold or be working towards the specified English and Mathematics requirements and one of the examples of typical entry qualifications listed below. If your qualifications aren’t listed, or if you are taking a combination of qualifications that isn’t specified, please contact Admissions.
- English and Mathematics
All applicants must hold or be working towards GCSEs in English Language and Mathematics at minimum grade C or grade 4.
We accept a wide range of English Language qualifications, please see our English Language equivalencies page.
- Typical International Entry Requirements
We accept many international qualifications for entry to this course. For specific details about your country, view our information for International Students.
A levels
ABB
BTEC
Level 3 Extended Diploma: DDM
Combinations of BTEC and A levels
Extended Diploma: DDM
Diploma: DD plus B at A level.
Extended Certificate: D plus BB at A level.
BTEC in Public Services, Uniformed Services and Business Administration are all excluded from our BTEC offers
International Baccalaureate
32 points overall
- UEA International Study Centre
If you do not meet the academic and/or English language requirements for direct entry our partner, UEA International Study Centre offers progression on to this undergraduate degree upon successful completion of a preparation programme. Depending on your interests, and your qualifications you can take a variety of routes to this degree.
- English Foreign Language
Applications from students whose first language is not English are welcome. We require evidence of proficiency in English (including writing, speaking, listening and reading):
-
IELTS: 6.0 overall (minimum 5.5 in all components)
We also accept a number of other English language tests. Review our English Language Equivalencies for a list of example qualifications that we may accept to meet this requirement.
Test dates should be within two years of the course start date.
If you do not yet meet the English language requirements for this course, UEA International Study Centre offer a variety of English language programmes which are designed to help you develop the English skills necessary for successful undergraduate study:
English language at UEA International Study Centre
-
- Deferred Entry
We welcome applications from students who have already taken or intend to take a gap year. We believe that a year between school and university can be of substantial benefit. You are advised to indicate your reason for wishing to defer entry on your UCAS application.
- Admissions Policy
Our Admissions Policy applies to the admissions of all undergraduate applicants.
- Progression
Once enrolled onto a course at UEA, your progression and continuation (which may include eligibility for study abroad, overseas experience, placement, or year in industry opportunities) is contingent on meeting the assessment requirements which are relevant to the course on which you are enrolled.
Fees and Funding
Tuition Fees
View our information for Tuition Fees.
Scholarships and Bursaries
We are committed to ensuring that costs do not act as a barrier to those aspiring to come to a world leading university and have developed a funding package to reward those with excellent qualifications and assist those from lower income backgrounds. View our range of Scholarships for eligibility, details of how to apply and closing dates.
Course Related Costs
Please see Additional Course Fees for details of course-related costs.
How to Apply
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Your application does not have to be completed all at once. Register or sign in to UCAS to get started.
Once you submit your completed application, UCAS will process it and send it to your chosen universities and colleges.
The Institution code for the University of East Anglia is E14.
View our guide to applying through UCAS for useful tips, key dates and further information: