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 2027
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Graduate Outcomes Survey 2024-25Course Overview
Why BA Criminology at UEA?
Immerse yourself in the fascinating subject of crime, criminals, and criminal justice and explore its real-world importance. Gain an excellent knowledge base that will prepare you for a range of careers and professional roles.
Why choose UEA
- Prepare for your career: Take a range of modules applicable to a variety of career paths that help you develop relevant workplace skills
- Feel supported: Join a small student cohort. Receive guidance from a team of dedicated criminologists who place students at the centre of what we do. You can get to know us and we can get to know you
- Learn through experience: Benefit from field trips, extra-curricular skills-based workshops, opportunities to work in the Law Clinic and the expertise and experience of professionals that bring criminology to life
What is BA Criminology at UEA?
From day one of your UEA Criminology degree, you will explore important topics such as the nature of crime and the operation and effectiveness of the Criminal Justice System. In addition, you will examine explanations of crime, responses to crime and ways to try to prevent it, as well as who criminals are and how they should be dealt with. You will be taught by academics with specialist knowledge and expertise in various fields within criminology.
Learning is centered around real-life cases, contemporary events and issues surrounding crime and justice. You will develop a variety of academic and interpersonal skills, including the ability to think critically about the social problem of crime and how to tackle it, in a highly supportive and student-focused environment.
The academic home of criminology at UEA is the Law School, located in historic Earlham Hall. Here you will find a vibrant and welcoming community of academics and students. There are dedicated study spaces, regular social events and many opportunities to get involved in voluntary and paid work.
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Careers
Career Pathways
The school has been ranked eighth for Graduate Prospects in Law by the Complete University Guide 2026. With a BA in Criminology the door is open to a wide range of roles and occupations including:
- Probation Officer: work with offenders in the community and in custody to supervise and support their rehabilitation and reintegration to help reduce reoffending
- Police Officer: take on various roles within the police to support their work in maintaining law and order, protecting the public and keeping the peace
- Youth Worker: provide support to, often vulnerable, young people with their personal and social development to help them fulfil their potential
- Crime Intelligence Analyst: work for the government or police and other agencies playing an important role in the detection and prevention of crime by assessing and interpreting various data
- Policy Officer: work for government, think-tanks or charities conducting research and gathering evidence to help decision-makers develop policy
Career Support
Employability is a key focus of UEA Law School and the Criminology degree programme. Not only is it embedded within specific modules, but there are also opportunities to gain valuable experience working on various projects run by the award-winning Law Clinic. Criminology students might be particularly interested in volunteering at the UEA Justice Project, which works with people who have been convicted of serious crimes but maintain their innocence, to see if there are grounds to overturn their convictions.
The Law School has two members of academic staff designated as Employability Directors. As well as one-to-one support, they also run a range of events including skills sessions and talks from criminal justice (and related) professionals. They also organise work experience opportunities with various local organisations.
Criminology at UEA also has close links with the central Careers Service, who organise various career fairs relevant to criminology students throughout the year. You can receive support at every stage of your degree to take your next steps into your career.
Discover more on our Careers webpages.
After the Course
Successful completion of the criminology course will provide the foundation to pursue various career paths. You may go on to work within the Criminal Justice System itself where there are various roles in the police, prison or probation services or within related agencies or organisations. These might include local or national government departments, think tanks and reform groups, or the voluntary sector where you might choose to work with offenders, ex-offenders, or victims of crime. Your degree would also position you well to work within social, health or welfare services, education or law.
Study and Modules
Structure
You will begin your degree with some introductory modules that form the building blocks of a criminology degree. 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, punishment, and criminal justice. 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.
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 justice and types of crime and will examine more psychological and contemporary perspectives to help analyse and tackle the problem of crime. In addition, you can choose one of two sociology modules and will continue to develop your skills in problem-solving, policy development, and understanding 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.
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 four remaining third-year modules based on your individual interests or intended career path. You can study more advanced legal 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, and Assessment
Teaching and Learning
You will learn through a combination of lectures, seminars, and workshops. These are led by our passionate and experienced team of criminology scholars who have expertise in particular fields. Seminars and workshops give you the opportunity to develop and practice skills, as well as engage more deeply with current issues, debates and concerns relating to crime through critical discussion.
One of the aims of the BA Criminology at UEA is to bring criminology to life as much as possible, so you will also learn through field trips and guest talks by practitioners who work in various criminal justice-related roles. You will also learn through independent study guided by your module leaders.
As you progress through the course, there is increasing emphasis on applying your knowledge, understanding and ideas to real-world cases. In addition, we focus on building the ability to think creatively and analytically about crime and how we should respond to it.
In your third year, you will deepen your subject knowledge by choosing from a range of modules, tailoring your learning tailor to areas that inspire you the most. You will continue to receive academic support and guidance to help you achieve your full potential, as well as one-to-one supervision to enable you to complete your chosen project.
Assessment
Assessment is mainly through various kinds of coursework including case studies, briefing papers, reports and presentations. Whilst there are a few remote, open-book exams, the emphasis is on ‘authentic assessment’; this is where the assignments you complete map onto tasks similar to those you may be expected to undertake in the workplace. These types of assessment help you prepare and develop skills relevant to your future career.
Throughout your degree, you will receive regular written and verbal feedback. You will have the opportunity to submit non-assessed assignments during the semester to hone your skills and to receive feedback. These will help build confidence and improve the quality of your graded work.
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(opens in a new window) 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(opens in a new window).
- 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(opens in a new window) 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(opens in a new window).
A levels
ABB
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):
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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(opens in a new window) 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
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- 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.
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Fees and Funding
Tuition fees for the Academic Year 2027/28 are:
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UK Students: £10,050
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International Students: £24,250
We estimate living expenses at £1,171 per month.
Further Information on tuition fees can be found here(opens in a new window).
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(opens in a new window) 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: