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Criminology Courses in UK- Top University & Eligibility Criteria

Updated on 15 April, 2024

Neha Uppal

Neha Uppal

Sr. Content editor

Criminology is the scientific study of the different elements of causes, consequences, prevention, and regulations connected to criminal incidents. The degree in Criminology aims to stimulate one’s logical reasoning abilities, which constitute the foundation of the profession, by studying the social and domestic ramifications of criminal behavior and crimes. As this is an interdisciplinary domain, students will cover a broad range of subjects in criminology courses in the UK.

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Top Universities Offering Criminology Courses in the UK

Here are the top universities offering criminology courses in the UK:

University Course level Course name Duration Tuition fees QS World University Ranking 2023
Oxford Brookes University Master’s degree B. Sc. (Hons) in Criminology 3 years £14,600 per year 438
Coventry University Bachelors degree B. A. (Hons) Criminology 3 years £16,800 per year 651-700
Cardiff University Master’s degree International Criminology and Criminal Justice (M.Sc.) 1 year £20,950 per year 166

 

University of Hull

Bachelors’ degree B.A. (Hons) Criminology 3 years £15,400 per year 651- 700
Lancaster University Bachelors’ degree

Criminology

 

B.A.(Hons)

3 years £21,980 per year 146

Criminology Courses in UK Eligibility

The best criminology courses in the UK requirement vary for each university. 

Some of the basic criminology courses in UK eligibility requirements are:

  • Candidates with a higher secondary degree in the sciences or arts are favored.
  • A 2:1 undergraduate honors degree in a relevant field, such as criminology, law, or a similar social sciences or humanities area, is required.
  • Criminology courses in UK admission require A level- AAB
  • All candidates to the University (from the UK and abroad) must demonstrate English language competency. The following are the minimal English language requirements for this course:
  • IELTS 7 with at least 6.5 in each subtest
  • International Baccalaureate- 35 points overall

Levels of Criminology Education in the UK

Criminology courses in UK universities are available at different levels, including Certificate, Diploma, Undergraduate, Postgraduate, and Doctoral programs.

Students can pursue the courses as per their education qualifications and criminology courses in UK admission criteria.

Top criminology courses in the UK are:

  • Diploma of Criminology
  • BA Criminology
  • Criminology BSc
  • BA (Hons) Criminology, and Sociology
  • Criminology and Criminal Justice, BSc (Hons)
  • Criminology MSc
  • MA Criminology
  • Law with Criminology
  • MPhil in Criminology
  • Ph.D. in Criminology
  • Global Crime, Justice and Security MSc
  • Sociology, Social Policy, and Criminology Ph.D.

Specializations

As Criminology courses are a subset of Sociology, there are several specialized courses available at both the bachelor’s and master’s levels. Some of these are listed below:

  • Criminal Justice
  • Criminal Law
  • Penology
  • Cyber Crime
  • Global Criminology
  • Forensic Criminology
  • Criminalistics
  • Feminist Criminology
  • Bio criminology

Scope of Criminology Courses in UK

Students will learn a wide range of subjects in this discipline depending on their education level and specialization. Here are the primary criminology courses in UK subjects covered by various UK universities 

  • Laws of Crime and Minor Acts
  • Police Administration
  • Forensic Medicine
  • Criminal Psychology
  • Cyber Crime
  • Penology
  • Forensic Science
  • Police Administration and Procedural Law
  • Laws and Jurisdictions
  • Research Methodologies

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Criminology Courses in UK Fees

The table below shows the approximate criminology courses in UK fees and living costs in UK universities: 

University Annual Fees
Oxford Brookes University £15,200
Coventry University £16,800
Cardiff University £20,450
University of Hull £20,749
Lancaster University £12,529

Cost of Living in UK

Factors Cost Per Month
Accommodation £500- £700
Food £100 – £200
Transportation £30- £40
Household Bills £40 – £50
Miscellaneous £200

Job Prospects after Finishing Criminology Course in the UK

Some of the top career scopes after taking the best criminology courses in the UK are as follows:

  • Criminologist

A criminologist deals with offenders directly by interviewing them. It assists them in comprehending the criminal’s mindset as well as the fundamental reason for the crime committed. 

  • Crime Analyst

The Crime Analyst assists in the examination of evidence by collecting fingerprints, fluids, and other objects that can be utilized in the laboratory for further investigation.

  • Forensic Psychologist

Addressing the criminal mentality is the sole responsibility of a forensic psychologist. They utilize their understanding of human psychology to assess whether or not an accused has a mental disorder and whether or not they are mentally capable of standing prosecution.

  • Criminal Lawyer

A criminal lawyer specializes in the defense or prosecution of a person accused of a crime. A degree in criminology would assist a lawyer in properly interviewing witnesses, presenting evidence in court, and negotiating with offenders. Understanding the societal aspects of crime helps lawyers pursue justice.

  • Digital Forensic Analyst

A digital forensic analyst’s primary responsibility is to acquire and catalog digital evidence.

  • Fraud Analyst

A Fraud Analyst is expanded to reporting any harmful or suspicious behavior in a customer’s account, bank, or any other financial institution.

  • Police detectives

Police detectives are in charge of solving crimes, apprehending offenders, and maintaining community peace. They must comprehend how criminals think, why they do what they do, and how to stop them from accomplishing their duties effectively. Criminology majors thrive in this position because they can utilize their extensive knowledge of offenders to properly resolve their cases.

Expected Remuneration Salary

After completing criminology courses in UK universities, students will most likely find several work opportunities in different sectors. They will have the chance to work in a wide range of environments and with a diverse group of individuals.  

Job Role Salary
Surveillance Officer £34708
Correctional Officers and Bailiffs £23,386
Social Worker £30470  
Paralegals and Legal Assistant £26,106
Private Investigators £43009
Forensic Scientist £27112
Financial Examiner £34070
Information Security Analyst £32485

Source: Payscale

Wrapping up

Hopefully, after reading this guide, students will be more aware of the top criminology courses in the UK and the job prospects after completing the degree. A career in criminology encourages  one to delve into the intricacies of crime and explore one’s investigative brilliance by improving logical reasoning abilities.

Read More About Studying in UK

Buckinghamshire New University Leeds Trinity University Ulster University UK
Glasgow Caledonian University University of Southampton Brunel University London
Architecture colleges Liberal Arts University of Suffolk
Newman University University College Birmingham University of the Highlands and Islands

FAQs

Are criminologists well-rewarded after finishing the criminology courses in the UK?

In the United Kingdom, the national average pay for a criminologist is £33,979.

What can you do with a criminology United Kingdom degree?

You can make the best career in the following job roles:

  • Criminologist.
  • Criminal Intelligence Analyst
  • Crime Scene Investigator
  • Private Investigator
  • Police Officer
  • Social Worker
  • Probation Officer.

How long does it take to become a criminologist in the United Kingdom?

To become a criminologist, individuals must first finish a three-year bachelor’s degree, then a one-year master’s degree, and a year of field experience. It will require around five years to become a fully accredited criminologist.

What disciplines are required for criminology in the UK?

  • Applicants must be studying at least one of the following A-level subjects: Accounting; 
  • Finance; 
  • Economics
  • Business Studies; 
  • Government and Politics; 
  • Development Studies; 
  • Economic and Social History; 
  • Mathematics; 
  • Sociology; 
  • Anthropology; 
  • Philosophy; 
  • Religious Studies; 
  • Geography
  • English Language; 

When should I begin applying to criminology courses in UK admission?

The dates for applying to UK universities vary depending on the intake. The application date for September intake is generally between June and July. The application date for January admission is normally between June and September.

Did you find this article helpful?

Neha Uppal

Sr. Content editor

Neha Uppal is a passionate content creator and editor. She carries 7.5+ years of experience working with leading edutech companies where she worked as a Faculty, Community Manager, and Content Marketeer. At upGrad, she is helping out people keep informed about the scopes and opportunities of studying abroad via informational articles/blogs.

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