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BA (Hons) Criminology (Level 6) — Full-time

Course outline

To reduce crime, we need to try and understand why it happens, how people feel about it, and the impact it has on individuals and society as a whole.

This degree introduces the fascinating and evolving world of criminology, including the criminal justice system and foundations of law, sociology and psychology; moving on to more advanced topics such as criminological theories, white collar and corporate crime, and cybercrime. It also covers contemporary issues in criminology, such as gender, race, and crime, the treatment and rehabilitation of offenders, with an emphasis on research methods, victimology, crime prevention and community safety.

Year 1 (Level 4) Indicative modules:

  • Powers of the Police
  • Offender Profiling
  • Theories of Crime
  • Introduction to Crime Scene Investigation and Photography
  • Study Skills

Year 2 (Level 5) Indicative modules:

  • Criminal Justice
  • Youth Justice
  • Sociological Perspectives of Crime
  • Victimology
  • Crime and Deviance

Year 3 (Level 6) Indicative modules:

  • Dissertation
  • Prison and Punishment
  • Miscarriages of Justice
  • Psychology in the Courtroom
  • Criminal Justice and Inequality

The final-year dissertation/research project allows students to complete an independent body of research on a related topic of their choice. This will require students to demonstrate their ability to conduct original research, analyse data, and present their findings in a clear and concise manner. Students will have the opportunity to apply the knowledge and skills acquired throughout the programme to a real-world issue in the field of criminology.

What does a criminologist do?

Criminologists are social scientists who study crime, criminal behaviour, and the criminal justice system. They analyse crime statistics, conduct research to determine the causes of crime, and develop theories around criminal behaviour. They also study how effectively the criminal justice system responds to crime; including law enforcement, courts, and prisons.

Useful links:

How to apply for this course

Entry onto this course is via UCAS. Alternatively, if you are interested in applying directly to us, you can choose our fast track application option below.

Fast track application
Apply through UCAS
  • Institution code: N30
  • UCAS code: CRM3
UCAS
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Location Date Fees / reductions
Adams Building
Stoney Street
Nottingham
NG1 1NG

Start: Monday 15th September 2025

The tuition fee is per year.

Various bursaries are available for some Higher Education courses.

Tuition fee: £8,250

Course code: C050168 / Q050169

Qualification

Level 6 BA (Hons) Criminology
Duration

3 years
Level Level 6
Entry requirements

You must have a minimum of 64 UCAS points from:

  • At least two A Levels at A2
  • BTEC Diploma or Extended Diploma
  • International Baccalaureate
  • Access to HE Diploma
  • T levels

We expect students to be working at (or to demonstrate competency at) Level 2 or above in English/literacy and maths/numeracy. We accept GCSE passes at grades 9 to 4 (previously A* to C).

You may be invited to attend an informal interview.

Other combinations of qualifications and experience will also be considered, as will Level 3 qualifications not currently listed on the UCAS tariff.

Mature applicants not meeting the standard entry criteria but with relevant industry or life experience are very welcome to apply.
Teaching & assessment

A variety of traditional and innovative methods will be used, designed to provide authentic experiences for students to demonstrate the real-world competencies they will be required to use in a professional context. These include individual and group presentations, discussions, essays, reports, case studies, research and project work, examinations, reflective journals and work-based projects.
Progression

This is a versatile degree providing an excellent basis for a wide range of careers in the public, private and voluntary sectors.

With vital transferable skills that many potential employers are looking for, Criminology graduates will be well-placed to progress to postgraduate education or employment in the criminal justice sector and beyond. Traditional destinations might include the police, probation, prison and courts services and similar roles in HM Revenue and Customs, UK Border Force, social services, victim support, youth services and offender management. Graduates could also consider a career in broadcast media, journalism or teaching.
Additional information
The Open University logo


Nottingham College is approved by The Open University as an appropriate organisation to offer higher education programmes leading to Open University validated awards.

You can view the Open University Students Guide 2022 here.

In addition, you can view the OU Validated Award Regulations here.

About the Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF)

The TEF is a national scheme run by the Office for Students (OfS) that aims to encourage higher education providers to improve and deliver excellence in the areas that students care about the most: teaching, learning and achieving positive outcomes from their studies.

Learn more about the TEF