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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)
  • Study Mode: Full Time
  • Location: High Wycombe
  • Duration: Three or Four Years
  • Start Date: September 2024

You can also study this course:

Develop skills that enhance your employability, such as data interpretation and analysis. Gain the ability to explain more about forensic science and the skills needed to evaluate evidence and write reports. 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.

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No. 1 in England for Student Satisfaction*
*Measured by % of positivity across all questions within the larger providers only: taught or registered population (NSS 2023)
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No. 1 Students' Union in the UK*
*As ranked among taught students at non-specialist HEIs (NSS 2023)
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Top for our response to the cost-of-living-crisis*
*Whatuni Student Choice Awards 2023
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5th for learning opportunities*
*NSS 2023
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Top 10 for student support*
*Whatuni Student Choice Award 2023

Why study at Buckinghamshire New University?

If you are interested in criminology, BNU gives you a unique opportunity to identify your own unique career goals and go on an educational path to achieving them. Our university is close to London and perfect if you want to commute to university while remaining close to friends and family.

In addition to all the great benefits to studying at BNU, your course has a passionate teaching team made up of former industry professionals, great facilities to simulate real world experience and professional links to key employer organizations that keep us up to date with the latest research and professional needs.

With opportunity to apply the skills you learn to practice; you can graduate from BNU with the experience you need to succeed, as we work with our academics to provide you with what is required to fulfil national and local demand with employers.

Specialisms

We believe in giving you the freedom to make your career your own. That's why we introduce you to various different subjects in your first year, and then allow you to choose a course after you've got a taste of them all, if your goals change. You can choose to stay on BSc (Hons) Criminology or switch to BSc (Hons) Criminology and Forensic Studies or BSc (Hons) Criminology and Law.

These specialisms are also offered as four-year programmes, including an initial Foundation Year. 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 are available if you didn't meet the entry requirements.

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. The course is studied within scientific and societal perspectives to equip you with evidence, the latest research and the consequences that 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. 

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police

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

Opportunity modules are a key part of the BNU curriculum. You’ll choose modules in both your first and second year from a broad selection in areas such as sustainability, entrepreneurship, creativity, digital skills, personal growth, civic engagement, health & wellbeing and employment. 

Opportunity modules are designed to enable you to develop outside the traditional boundaries of your discipline and help you to further stand out from the crowd to future employers.

BSc (Hons) Criminology Programme Specification

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 international pages.

Applicants who do not meet the minimum requirements for the three-year undergraduate programme, or those who do not feel fully prepared for a degree course, can apply for a four-year programme including a Foundation Year; find out more.

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.

This course has Opportunity modules.

Opportunity modules are a key part of the BNU curriculum. You’ll choose modules in both your first and second year from a broad selection in areas such as sustainability, entrepreneurship, creativity, digital skills, personal growth, civic engagement, health & wellbeing and employment. Opportunity modules are designed to enable you to develop outside the traditional boundaries of your discipline and help you to further stand out from the crowd to future employers. Find out more.

What are the tuition fees

Home
  • Home, Academic Year 2024 - 2025: £9,250 per year
International
  • Overseas/International, Academic Year 2024 - 2025: £15,150 per year

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.

Questions about fees?

If you have any questions about the fees above, contact our Enquiries team by calling 0330 123 2023 or emailing advice@bnu.ac.uk.

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:

  • probation services
  • national security
  • police force
  • cybercrime and prevention
  • criminal justice
  • law and forensics

Graduates can also choose to study for a postgraduate course at BNU.

Course leader

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Dr Keelin Howard
  • Senior Lecturer
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Dr George Clerk
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Dr Anne Chappell
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Elaine Welsh
  • Senior Lecturer
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Laura Williams
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BSc (Hons) Criminology