UWE Bristol - BA Hons Criminology

UWE Bristol

BA Hons Criminology

Explore crime from multiple angles, and arm yourself with the specialist knowledge and skills that will get you noticed by employers when you graduate.

Why study criminology?

To tackle crime, we need to understand it why it happens, what people feel about it, and how it impacts on individuals and society.

Exploring these issues from different angles is an essential part of discovering more effective deterrents and better forms of rehabilitation.

Studying this subject will give you the knowledge and skills to play your part in that work whether you choose to move into the criminal justice system itself or a related field.

Why study at UWE Bristol?

BA(Hons) Criminology teaches you about crime and the criminal justice system, drawing on sociology, law, psychology and philosophy, and applying theories, knowledge and research to real, contemporary issues.

Work with inspirational practitioners and researchers to explore the different perspectives of victims, offenders, the criminal justice system and the cultural forces at play.

Learn how to think critically, write reports, interpret data, formulate arguments, and make ethical judgements.

You'll carry out your own research, hear from guest speakers, and take part in work-based learning through our links with organisations such as the Bristol Young Offenders Scheme, the Institute of Psychotherapy and the police.

Activities such as volunteering, placements and internships will deepen your professional skills and knowledge further, to make you highly sought after when you graduate.

Where can it take me?

Criminology studies society in all its forms so it's the ideal platform for many careers.

You could work in government, the police and prison services, the court services, the NHS, educational institutions or non-governmental organisations (NGOs) working with young offenders or victims of crime.

You could also go into social welfare or the private sector, working in private security or law.

Entry Requirements

  • Tariff points: 120
  • GCSE: Grade C/4 or above in English Language or Literature and Mathematics, or equivalent. We do not accept Level 2 Key Skills, Functional Skills or Certificate in Adult Literacy and Numeracy as alternatives to GCSEs.
  • English Language Requirement: International and EU applicants are required to have a minimum overall IELTS (Academic) score of 6.0 with 5.5 in each component 
  • A-level subjects: No specific subjects required

Career Prospects

This course provides the ideal platform for many careers. Employers will value you for your strong research, IT and communication skills, your ability to think critically, and your in-depth understanding of individuals, social institutions and processes.

Students go into careers in research, education, social work, counselling, charity work, healthcare, prison and court services, the police and the legal sector.

You could also go on to postgraduate study or a research degree

Course Details

Study exchange (if applicable) 

If you choose the study exchange option, you'll spend the first and/or second semester of Year two studying at another university. 

If you study on the four year (sandwich) course, you'll spend a year away from the University on a work or study placement after Year two.

You'll complete a placement learning module.

Year 1

Introduction to Criminological Theory
Introduction to Criminal Justice
Understanding Crime
Critical Thinking
Social Issues and Social Problems
Researching Crime and Society.

Year 2

Contemporary Perspectives in Criminology
Criminology in Action: Engaging in the Real World
Nature and Use of Research.

Optional modules
Criminal Psychology
Angels and Demons: Understanding and Managing Youth Offending
Drugs, Crime and Society
Prisons
Crime, Media and Culture
'Difference': Race, Ethnicity and Diversity in Contemporary Society
Contemporary Issues in Policing.

Placement year

Final Year

International Crime and Criminology
Criminology Project or Criminology Placement.

Two optional modules
Victims and Victimology
Terrorism
Risk and Risk Management
Punishment and Human Rights
Protest, Policing and Public Order
Hate Crime: Offending, Victimisation and Policing
Gender, Sex and Control
Green Criminology: Environment, Crime and Justice
Illegal Drugs: Problems, Markets and Policy.

*The information’s are correct at the time of publishing, however it may change if university makes any changes after we have published the information. While we try our best to provide correct information, It is advisable to call us or visit university website for up to date information.

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