Name: BSc (Hons) Criminology
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BSc (Hons) Criminology

UCAS CODE: M930 (Full-time) or M931 (Foundation Year)

TARIFF: 88 - 112 (Full-time) or 32 - 56 (Foundation Year)

Overview
Course Details
Entry Requirements
Modules
Fees
Employability
Teaching Team

Study Mode: Full Time
Location: High Wycombe
Duration: Three or Four Years
Start Date: September 2025

Develop skills that enhance your employability, such as data interpretation and analysis. Learn more about forensic science and the skills needed to evaluate evidence. You'll be able to present reasoned arguments and expand upon policies, theories and issues related to criminology. We will build on academic theory with information from a range of different perspectives and empower you to thrive in the career path you choose to take.

No. 1 in the UK for Student Satisfaction*

*Positivity ranking amongst registered students (NSS 2024)

No. 1 Students' Union in the UK*

*Based on responses from registered students (NSS 2024)

Why study BSc (Hons) Criminology?

Great employability prospects

Buckinghamshire New University works with a wide range of organisations to support your learning and employability. We often reach out to local institutions to give talks and host events, and you will have the opportunity to network and speak to external speakers and a range of people with experience in the justice system, prison, police, social care and the courts.

Have an impact on others

As a criminologist there are a diverse range of careers you could get into. Every one of them has an impact on someone. Whether you want to help victims, prevent crime, change policies and procedure, or help people change their lives, there is a career for you after BNU.

Prepare for change

Gain an insight into the frameworks government and organisations use to make decisions, change policy, and inform research. We focus on applying solutions to problems and empowering you to solve them. We will take this approach throughout our degree to give you a skillset that is in demand and most importantly, highly employable.

Multiple career options

You can choose to stay on BSc (Hons) Criminology or switch to BSc (Hons) Criminology and Forensic Studies or BSc (Hons) Criminology and Law after your first year. The number of years you need to do remain the same but you have more freedom to make your degree your own as you go through it. These specialisms are also offered as Foundation Years. The Foundation Year will allow you to develop your academic study skills and build confidence in your abilities, identifying your own strengths and development needs for progression onto an undergraduate programme and these are available if you didn't meet the entry requirements.

Gain the benefits of BNU

BNU has a top rated student union, links to local employers and great facilities, your course has a passionate teaching team made up of former industry professionals. With the ability to simulate real world scenarios and with professional links to key employer organizations, we keep up to date with latest research and professional demands.

no.1 ranked student union in the UK with free 100s of free societies to get involved in. Feel at home with the BNU family.
links to local employers in Buckinghamshire to provide you opportunities to network with local employer organisations including employer events.

Criminology and Forensic Studies working at table with items

table of items for criminology and forensic studies sessions

Criminology and Forensic Studies students in protective clothing

student holding criminology items during forensic studies

Criminology and Forensic Studies students acting out a scenario

What will I study?

A degree in Criminology could lead to a career in the police, prison and probation services, or charities that work with young offenders. You'll study topics related to crime, criminals, criminal behaviour, corrections, and the development of society. Our course equips you with a scientific and societal perspective and gives you the latest evidence, research and information about the unintended consequences that crime and justice produces for society.

Current issues and challenges within criminology are all discussed within a scientific and evidence-based framework with a focus on applying solutions to problems you will encounter throughout the course of your career. You’ll be able to benefit from skills, experience and our knowledge from industry, as we prepare you with the confidence and ability to pursue a career in the subject you love. We will ensure you leave BNU prepared the best you can be to chase your dreams after graduation.

Criminology testing equipment of table shown as evidence

What facilities can I use?

Our criminology degree has a wealth of opportunities for you to get stuck into thanks to our diverse range of facilities. You can get access to a simulated crime scene and learn how to collect forensic evidence or can test your own theories and get to grips with VR, police interviews and more.

We have a full range of facilities that can help prepare you for whatever career you choose to pursue within criminology. Our library is packed with all the information you need for your assessments and there’s plenty of room to knuckle down for some quiet study.

You can also use our AppsAnywhere web service, which provides access to many of the software applications you use for learning and studying. AppsAnywhere can be used from your own device or from a University owned PC or laptop, from any location.

Why study this subject?

Who commits crimes, why do they do it, what is the impact on victims and themselves, and how do we prevent them? Studying Criminology means investigating all these questions and understanding the place crime and criminal justice has in our societies.

After graduation you could be entering a role that is fulfilling and providing high value to society. You could be tackling crime, investigating why people break the law and improving the policies and systems within education, rehabilitation, law and crime policy. If you want to play a big part in keeping people safe, this could be the subject you’ve been looking for.

How will I be taught and assessed?

Assessments vary according to modules and are designed to test your understanding of the modules. Some of the ways you will be assessed include:

reports
exams
presentations
workshops

BSc (Hons) Criminology Programme Specification

students walking around in the high wycombe library

Two male students reading at the library

BNU female student in library with lots pf books round her and laptop

What are the course entry requirements?

A typical offer will require a UCAS tariff score of: 88 - 112 (Full-time) or 32 - 56 (Foundation Year)

UCAS points can be obtained through qualifications such as A levels, T levels, BTEC or an Access to Higher Education course in a relevant subject. Please list all your qualifications on the application form as you will be asked to provide copies when we receive your application.

For details of our international English entry requirements, please visit our .

Those with no previous study, work experience, or who do not meet the specified entry requirements, including demonstrating the necessary knowledge and understanding, are welcome to apply for the 3-year BA (Hons) degree, however may be offered the four-year programme which includes a Foundation Year.

Modules

This provides a guide of the modules that make up your course. You can find more information about how your course is structured on our Academic Advice section.

Foundation Year

Core Modules

Human Behaviour

Learn the key principles of human behaviour and how they relate to other fields of study and practice. Discover more about the cognitive and social aspects of human behaviour such as how we perceive, remember and think, what motivates us, and how we interact with others. You will also develop your academic writing skills for research.

Research Matters

Discover how research drives the fundamentals of science degrees. You will explore the fascinating world of research and its different types, such as: Quantitative and qualitative research, Primary and secondary research, Experimental and observational research. You will also learn how to apply research methods in your studies.

Human Science – Dissecting the details

Dive into the core principles and theories that form the foundation of education, sport, psychology, criminology, health and social sciences. This module will enable you to identify the principles of human science across different disciplines and apply them as you progress to your chosen pathway.

Human Communication

��Ӱ�� the theoretical underpinnings of communication. We equip you with the skills to navigate various communication scenarios. You will develop an understanding of effective communication techniques, the influence of context, and the nuances of verbal and non-verbal cues. You’ll be better able to present your ideas to others.

Exploring Intersections

Make the connections between multiple subjects within human and social science with this module. You will explore the theories at the intersection of human sciences. This will provide you with a platform to examine how different theories shape our understanding and contribute to the complexities of shared human experience.

Knowledge Unleashed

Focus on applying theoretical knowledge to real-world scenarios, testing your problem-solving abilities. The module will see you taking part in industry focused studies in a group project. By the end of this module, you will learn how to think on your toes, lead and innovate to get the knowledge you learned from your degree into practice.

Year 1

Core Modules

Credits

Crime, Criminology and Criminal Justice

Credits: 20

This module introduces you to the core concepts of ‘crime’, ‘harm’ and ‘justice’, and debates around these that form the foundation of understanding in criminology. You’ll explore key criminological approaches/theories to understanding ‘crime’, ‘harm’ and ‘justice’ and the impact of the historical and social contexts within which they have emerged.

Making Sense of Society

Credits: 20

This module has two strands, the first introduces you to issues in contemporary British (and other) societies. You’ll explore debates relating to society, identity and diverse social groups. The second strand is the ‘Academic Skills’ programme which introduces you to the use of academic evidence and integrity as well as other key academic skills.

Policy and Society

Credits: 20

On this module, you’ll examine the scope of policy and the policy-making process. You’ll discuss what is meant by a ‘social problem’ by examining political ideologies and the shifting relationship between state and citizen. We’ll explore policy issues and how research is used to produce evidence to influence governments and other agencies.

Media, Communication and Society

Credits: 20

This module introduces you to the key debates, issues and relevance of the character, role and impact of all forms of media in contemporary societies. You’ll explore the many ways in which media infiltrates and shapes our social worlds, giving you a working understanding of the social science of the many-sided facets of media.As most workplaces nee...

Punishment, Justice and Victims

Credits: 20

This module covers the core concepts of ‘punishment’, ‘justice’ and ‘victimisation’ and debates around these that form the basis of understanding in criminology and criminal justice. A history of punishment and penology will focus in particular on the question of how and why punishment has changed over time including the ways in which punishment fo...

Year 2

Core Modules

Credits

Crime Harm and Power in Late Modernity

Credits: 20

This module covers ‘forms of crime’ in contemporary late modern societies. Taking a critical approach to the notion of ‘crime’, we’ll explore role of power in processes of criminalisation, crime, social harm and responses to ‘crime’. You’ll analyse ways criminal justice and societal processes are implicated in hierarchies of crime and criminality.

Employability and Professional Development

Credits: 20

On this module, we’ll support your work-related learning activities and encourage you to reflect on your development as future graduate employees. You’ll apply learning from your degree to practice and set goals for your development as future professionals. You’ll be supported in setting goals and developing plans for your work-related activities.

Contemporary Social Research

Credits: 20

This module builds your knowledge of research methods. You’ll examine key concepts from social research and discuss the important contribution of research to your discipline area. You’ll be introduced to research issues and gain a foundation for the understanding of research methods required for your dissertation and career development.

Optional Modules

Credits

Ethical Issues in Social Science

Credits: 20

This module allows you to analyse ethical issues within the social sciences and apply ethical principles to moral dilemmas. It draws on every-day experiences and case studies to explore contemporary problems, conflicts and tensions for individuals, agencies and practitioners in optimising individuals’ autonomy alongside the needs of wider society.

Social Diversity: Race, Gender and Sexuality

Credits: 20

This module explores the concepts, significance and lived realities of social diversity in contemporary societies. It draws on everyday experiences of social diversity. The module makes sense of these by critically engaging with academic work on discrimination, late modernity, feminisms, social harm, and multi-culturalism/integration and identity.

Contemporary Criminology

Credits: 20

Building on your understanding of theoretical perspectives in criminology, on this module you’ll apply the analytic and investigative skills developed in the first year. We emphasises lecturer-learner interaction, introducing cross fertilization of contemporary theoretical perspectives in the mainstream and on the maverick fringes of criminology.

Year 3

Core Modules

Credits

Comparative Criminal Justice Policy

Credits: 20

The module deepens your understanding of criminal justice and penal systems through the analysis of policy issues in criminal justice systems, in particular parts of the UK, Europe, the USA and east Asia. You’ll consider the usefulness of studying cross-national issues, understanding different ways that justice is operationalised around the world.

Dissertation

Credits: 40

This module provides a supportive framework for undertaking an independent extended research study. You’ll choose which type and methodology of research to follow in this project, such as a literature-based project; an empirical project using various methods; or an applied dissertation. The bulk of teaching involves individual supervision sessions.

Optional Modules

Credits

Cybercrime OR

Credits: 20

On this module, you’ll explore the rise of technology, its impact on criminal behaviour, attempts to use it to reduce crime, and the debate on the extent to which it can be used as a form of social control and correction. We’ll identify examples of emerging forms of human activity classified as criminal as a result of developments in technology.

Disability, Mental Health and the Criminal Justice System OR

Credits: 20

This module critically examines the issue of vulnerability in relation to the criminal justice system. It focuses on issues pertaining to disability and mental health, both in the context of offenders and victims. You’ll develop a critical analytical approach by applying relevant concepts to contemporary practices to aid understanding.

Environmental Justice OR

Credits: 20

The aim of this module is to allow you to explore and analyse contemporary environmental issues within the framework of green criminology and social harm. The changing nature of the planet is one of the most pressing issues facing humanity and you’ll examine the nature of environmental changes alongside the consequences of environmental change.

Radicalisation

Credits: 20

This module introduces you to the study of radicalisation, including gaining an understanding of the evolution of the concept and related concerns about, different manifestations of radicalisation, terrorism and threats to security. We’ll explore and challenge your knowledge of the controversial aspects of this subject.

What are the tuition fees

Home

Home Foundation Year, Academic Year 2025 - 2026: £5,760 *
Home, Academic Year 2025 - 2026: £9,535 per year *

International

Overseas/International Foundation Year, Academic Year 2025 - 2026: £15,150 *
Overseas/International, Academic Year 2025 - 2026: £15,150 per year *

Following the Government’s announcement of 4 November 2024, we will be increasing our full-time undergraduate tuition fees for UK students to £9,535 per year from the start of the 2025/26 academic year. Our part-time fees for UK undergraduate students will increase to £7,145 per annum. Please visit , on the Government’s website, for more information about the changes.

Tuition fees for Home undergraduate students (including with foundation year) may increase in subsequent years for both new and continuing students in line with an inflationary amount determined by the Government.  

Tuition fees for both new and continuing international students may be subject to an inflationary increase based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI) for the 12-month period to 31 January each year.  

Tuition fees for postgraduate courses and CPD may be subject to an inflationary increase based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI) for the 12-month period to 31 January each year. This increase will apply to both new and continuing students.  

We understand, and really appreciate, the significant financial commitment our students make when they choose to study at BNU. We take our responsibilities to our students very seriously, and are ambitious for each to reach their full potential and succeed in their chosen career. Our fees help us to continue providing our students with a high-quality education, and to invest in the services and facilities which create an excellent student experience at BNU.

The following factors will be considered by the University when we set the annual fees: measures of inflation such as the retail price indices; projected increases in University costs; and any changes in the level of funding for teaching received from the Government.

Additional course costs and financial support

Most courses will involve some additional costs that are not covered by your fees.
You could benefit from financial support through a bursary or scholarship during your time as a student. For more details visit our financial support, bursaries and scholarships section.

What are my career prospects?

Throughout your time with us we’ll support you on the route to your chosen career. We’ll help you to develop crucial skills, encouraging you to become enterprising, employable and good leaders. We also help you find employment after graduation. Have a look at our Careers and Employability pages to find out more.

Our Criminology programme is a springboard for entry into probation and related roles in the criminal justice system, whether that’s in the police, the court, probation, prison or crime related research organisation. Some of the careers you could pursue include: