BA (Hons) Criminology with Foundation Year

This Criminology degree helps you understand crime, justice, and society. You'll explore why crime happens, how the criminal justice system works, and develop the research, analytical, and critical thinking skills needed for a range of careers.

This Criminology degree is designed for students who want to understand crime, criminal behaviour, and the criminal justice system. Throughout the course, you will explore the social, psychological, and legal factors that influence crime while examining how society responds to offending and social harm.

You will study topics including policing, prisons, youth crime, punishment, criminal justice, and victimisation, developing the ability to think critically about contemporary issues. Learning is interactive and combines classroom discussions with real-life case studies, educational visits to courts and prisons, and guest speakers from across the criminal justice sector.

The course encourages you to question different perspectives, analyse evidence, and develop informed opinions. Alongside subject knowledge, you will build valuable skills in research, communication, teamwork, critical thinking, and problem-solving, preparing you for a wide range of careers or further study in criminology and related fields.
We welcome applications from students with a wide range of educational and professional backgrounds. Whether you are progressing directly from education or returning after a break, we consider every application individually.

Standard Entry

Applicants will normally need a relevant Level 3 qualification (or equivalent) that meets the course entry requirements.

Applicants whose first language is not English may also need to meet the institution's English language requirements.

Mature Applicants (21+)

If you are aged 21 or over and do not meet the standard academic entry requirements, you may still be able to apply through our assessment-based admissions process. We recognise that work, volunteering, and life experience can provide valuable skills relevant to the course.

As part of your application, you will need to:

Submit a 500-word personal statement.

Complete an English language test with a minimum score of 60% (equivalent to IELTS 5.5).

Complete a Maths test with a minimum score of 50%.

Complete a Screening for Accreditation of Prior Experience (SAPE) assessment.

Attend an interview as part of the admissions process.

This flexible approach allows applicants from a variety of backgrounds to demonstrate their potential and readiness for university study.
Police Officer

Probation Officer

Prison Officer

Youth Justice Worker

Crime Analyst

Community Safety Officer

Victim Support Worker

Intelligence Analyst

Border Force Officer

Civil Service Officer

Local Government Officer

Housing or Community Support Worker

Security and Risk Consultant

Criminal Justice Researcher

Modules

Year 0 (Foundation Year)

Developing Disciplinary Thinking 1

Education and Society

Developing Disciplinary Thinking 2

Being human in a Digital World

Year 1

Media and Crime

Understanding the Criminal Justice System

The Sociology of Crime

Youth Offending and Justice

Criminal Minds

Criminological Research Methods

Year 2

Designing Quantitative and Qualitative Research Projects

Penology: Punishment and Prisons

The Psychology of Criminal Behaviour

Gender and Violence

Global Perspectives in Criminal Justice

Year 3

Equality, Diversity and Criminal Justice

Crime, Harm and Victimisation

Cyber Crime: Digital Policing and Challenges

Rehabilitation and Desistance

Undergraduate Project

Location

Birmingham (B) - Digbeth campus, 84 Bordesley Street, Birmingham, B5 5PN, Croydon (C) - 5th Floor, Stephenson House, 2 Cherry Orchard Road, Croydon, CR0 6BA, Leicester (L) - 1B St Georges Way, Leicester LE1 1SH.

Please note that the campuses and locations listed are subject to availability and may change at any time. For the latest information, please get in touch with us and we will be happy to assist.

FAQs

No. All of our services are completely free. From your initial consultatioin through to application support and admission, we’ll guide you every step of the way at no cost.
Yes. We work with a range of recognised and respected higher education institutions, and the qualifications they offer are widely recognised both in the UK and internationally.
Our consultations are free and designed to help you find the right course for your goals. We'll discuss your interests, career ambitions, previous qualifications, and any relevant experience to recommend the most suitable study options for you.
Not necessarily. Many of our partner institutions offer flexible study options to suit different lifestyles. Depending on the course, you may be able to study during weekdays, evenings, weekends, online, or through a blend of in-person and independent learning. If you're working or have other commitments, our team can help you find a course that fits your schedule.

What our Students Say

Resources

Exploring Course Options

For prospective students deciding which university course to enrol in, we recommend starting by evaluating your interests, strengths, and career aspirations. Consider the subjects you're passionate about and where your skills lie—choosing a course aligned with these factors can lead to a more rewarding academic and professional journey.

We can help you review course descriptions and explore unique opportunities such as internships, industry connections, and special projects. Understanding what each program offers will support you in identifying the course that best fits your career goals.

Finally, we encourage you to reflect on personal preferences such as the university’s location, campus facilities, and overall environment, as these can greatly influence your university experience.

Student Stories

Valerian discovered us through personal connections and his own independent research. He appreciated the ease of dropping in for a conversation with one of our student advisors, which helped him clarify his goals.

Valerian was seeking a program that offered a strong balance between practical and theoretical training in drama. Equally important to him were the campus environment, student life, and location. He wanted a university that provided valuable networking opportunities.

With our guidance, Valerian was able to carefully weigh these factors and ultimately choose a course and university that aligned with all of his priorities.

What should I expect during the initial consultation & FAQs

The initial consultation begins with a discussion about your academic background, career goals, and personal interests. This allows the advisor to understand what you're looking for. They’ll then provide information on suitable universities and courses, share insights into campus life and career opportunities, and guide you through the application process—including key deadlines and entry requirements. They also offer tips for writing a strong personal statement. Students should be ready to provide personal details, academic records, an up-to-date CV, and a personal statement explaining their reasons for applying. Our students say we were fully transparent about potential challenges, offered various campus options and teaching styles, and made them feel like a priority. They appreciated having enough time to choose their course and university without pressure.

Student Stories

Our students consistently say they would recommend our services to future applicants. They felt supported and at ease throughout the entire process, from the initial consultation to the final stages of choosing a course and submitting their application. Many appreciated the friendly, approachable nature of our team and the clear, honest advice they received at every step. We ensure each student feels listened to, valued, and never rushed into making a decision. Our support is tailored to individual needs, providing guidance, reassurance, and encouragement along the way—helping students move forward with clarity and confidence.