BA Criminology

Year of entry: 2024

Overview

Degree awarded
Bachelor of Arts (BA)
Duration
3 or 4 years
Typical A-level offer
AAB
Typical contextual A-level offer

ABB

Find out more about contextual admissions.
Refugee/care-experienced offer
Applicants who have been in local authority care for more than three months or have refugee status may be eligible for an offer two grades below the standard requirements.
Find out more about contextual admissions.
Typical International Baccalaureate offer
6,6,5 at Higher level, 35 points overall.

Full entry requirements

How to apply
Apply through UCAS

Course overview

  • Ranked eighth for Criminology in the UK (Guardian league table for best UK universities for criminology, 2022).
  • Engage with theories of criminal and deviant behaviour and locate these theories within wider political, social and economic contexts.
  • Take inspiration from our team across sociology, psychology, law, social work and probation practice.
  • Learn on field trips including Manchester Crown Court and seminars in a local prison.
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Study Criminology at The University of Manchester

Open days

Please see open days for the dates, registration, and other information.

If you're a prospective student, you can also find out more about student life by chatting with our student ambassadors at a time that suits you, and ask any questions you may have about life at Manchester.

You can also look at our virtual open day content to help you learn more about the University.

Fees

Tuition fees for home students commencing their studies in September 2024 will be £9,250 per annum. Tuition fees for international students will be £25,500 per annum. For general information please see the undergraduate finance pages.

Policy on additional costs

All students should normally be able to complete their programme of study without incurring additional study costs over and above the tuition fee for that programme. Any unavoidable additional compulsory costs totalling more than 1% of the annual home undergraduate fee per annum, regardless of whether the programme in question is undergraduate or postgraduate taught, will be made clear to you at the point of application. Further information can be found in the University's Policy on additional costs incurred by students on undergraduate and postgraduate taught programmes (PDF document, 91KB).

Scholarships/sponsorships

Scholarships and bursaries, including the Manchester Bursary , are available to eligible home/EU students.

Some undergraduate UK students will receive bursaries of up to £2,000 per year, in addition to the government package of maintenance grants.

You can get information and advice on student finance to help you manage your money.

Contact details

School/Faculty
School of Social Sciences
Contact name
School of Social Sciences Admissions Office
Telephone
+44 (0) 161 543 4029
Email
Website
https://www.socialsciences.manchester.ac.uk/criminology/
School/Faculty overview

Courses in related subject areas

Use the links below to view lists of courses in related subject areas.

Compare this course

Entry requirements

A-level

  • AAB
  • We do not accept two A/S Levels grades in place of one A Level.
  • Applicants must be studying at least one of the following A Level subjects: Law; Accounting; Economics; Finance; Business Studies; Development Studies; Government and Politics; Economic and Social History; Mathematics; Anthropology; Sociology; Philosophy; Religious Studies; English Language; English Literature; Geography; Psychology; Classical Civilisation; History; Archaeology; Communication Studies; Environmental Studies; World Development; Biology; Chemistry; Physics; Modern Languages.
  • We accept native language A Levels providing they are taken in the same sitting as your other subjects. We will not accept the combination of Mathematics, Further Mathematics and a native language.
  • We accept the Level 3 Diploma in Financial Studies (DipFS) as equivalent to an A-level if taken alongside two full A-levels from the list of acceptable subjects above

AS-level

AS level results are not considered as part of the standard admissions process at The University of Manchester.

Unit grade information

The University of Manchester welcomes the provision of unit information where available.  Like all other information provided by applicants this may be taken into consideration when assessing your application.  Unit grades will not normally form part of an offer conditions.

GCSE

Applicants must demonstrate a broad general education including acceptable levels of Literacy and Numeracy, equivalent to at least Grade C or 4 in GCSE/iGCSE English Language and Mathematics. GCSE/iGCSE English Literature will not be accepted in lieu of GCSE/iGCSE English Language. We would normally expect to see a good GCSE profile with minimum grades across all subjects of A*/8 to C/4.

Please note that if you hold English as a second language iGCSE qualification, we may also require you to offer one of our acceptable equivalent English Language qualifications or achieve a higher grade in your iGCSE than the one stated above. Please contact the academic School for clarification.

International Baccalaureate

6,6,5 at Higher level, 35 points overall.

Other international entry requirements

We accept a range of qualifications from different countries. For detailed information please refer to our  country-specific requirements and requirements for foundation years  .

For general requirements not listed above see   Accepted entry qualifications from your country  .

Still need help? Email us at   ug-law@manchester.ac.uk .

Scottish requirements

We typically ask for grades of AABBB in Scottish Highers. In addition, we accept Scottish Advanced Highers and Highers in one of the following combinations:

Three Advanced Highers at grades ABB.

or

Two Advanced Highers at grades AB, plus two additional Highers at grades BB.

Applicants taking a different combination of Highers and Advanced Highers should contact   socialsciences@manchester.ac.uk   for further advice. Applicants not taking English language or Mathematics at Higher level must achieve grade C in English language and Grade B in Mathematics at SCQF Level 5.

Welsh Baccalaureate

The University welcomes and recognises the value of the Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced Diploma/Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate and requires two A Levels or equivalent to be included within this. We consider the Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced Diploma/Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate as equivalent to an A-level on a grade-for-grade basis.

European Baccalaureate

The University of Manchester welcomes applicants with the European Baccalaureate. Acceptable on its own or in combination with other qualifications, applications from students studying for this qualification are welcome and all applicants will be considered on an individual basis.

We normally require a minimum of   80% overall including a minimum of 8 in English.

AQA Baccalaureate

The University recognises the benefits of the AQA Baccalaureate and the opportunities it provides for applicants to develop independent study and research skills.

In making offers, the University will focus on the three A Levels taken within the AQA Baccalaureate. Students need to check the standard A Level requirements for their chosen course.

The units of broader study, enrichment activities and the Extended Project are considered to be valuable elements of the AQA Baccalaureate and we would therefore strongly encourage students to draw upon these experiences within their personal statement.

Foundation year

The University recognises a number of foundation programmes as suitable for entry to this undergraduate programme:

Applicants completing the INTO Manchester in partnership with The University of Manchester international foundation programme in Humanities or Business are required to achieve grades AAB and an EAP score of A.

Applicants completing the NCUK International Foundation year in Humanities or Business are required to achieve grades AAB and an EAP score of A.

For all other foundation programmes please see our full   list of approved UK foundation programmes  .

Pearson BTEC qualifications

The School accepts Pearson BTEC Level 3 qualifications for entry as long as it is in a relevant subject and takealongside A-levels. The A-level you are taking must be included in the list of subjects found in the A-level entry requirements above.

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma   - accepted with grades   DMM   in combination with an   A-level at grade A   in a different subject area to the diploma.

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma   - accepted with grades   DD   in combination with an   A-level at grade A   in a different subject area to the diploma.

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Foundation Diploma   - accepted with grade   M   in combination with   two A-levels at grade AB   in different subject areas to the diploma.

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate   - accepted with grade    in combination with   two A-levels at grade AB   in different subject areas to the diploma.

We do not accept the Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Certificate.

The University of Manchester welcomes applications from students who have achieved legacy BTEC qualifications (pre-2016) such as the BTEC Extended Diploma, BTEC Diploma and BTEC Subsidiary Diploma. The grades required are likely to be the same or vary similar to the new BTEC qualifications (first teaching 2016, awarded 2018). Please contact the Academic School for clarification.

OCR Cambridge Technical qualifications

The School accepts OCR Cambridge Technical (CTEC) Level 3 qualifications for entry as long as it is in a relevant subject and taken alongside A-levels. The A-level you are taking must be included in the list of subjects found in the A-level entry requirements above.

Cambridge Technical Extended Diploma   - accepted with grades   DMM   in combination with an   A-level at grade A   in a different subject area to the diploma.

Cambridge Technical Diploma -   accepted with grades   DD   in combination with an   A-level at grade A   in a different subject area to the diploma.

Cambridge Technical Foundation Diploma   - accepted with grades   MM   in combination with   two A-levels at grade AB   in different subject areas to the diploma.

Cambridge Technical Extended Certificate   - accepted with grade   D   in combination with   two A-levels at grade AB   in different subject areas to the diploma.

We do not accept the Cambridge Technical Certificate.

The University of Manchester welcomes applications from students who have achieved legacy CTEC qualifications (pre-2016) such as the CTEC Extended Diploma, CTEC Diploma, and CTEC Subsidiary Diploma.  The grades required are likely to be the same or vary similar to the new CTEC qualifications (first teaching 2016, awarded 2018). Please contact the Academic School for clarification.

Access to HE Diploma

We require a QAA-recognised Access to HE Diploma (a minimum of 60 credits overall with at least 45 at Level 3), with merit or distinction in a subject area relevant to the chosen course.

  • Typical applicant - A mature student returning to education after a number of years.
  • Typical offer - Pass Access to HE Diploma with 45 level 3 credits (39 Distinctions / 6 Merits).

Cambridge Pre-U

Applicants are expected to achieve D3, D3, M1 in the Cambridge Pre-U. Applicants can either take three Pre-U qualifications or study them in conjunction with A-level subjects.

Extended Project Qualification (EPQ)

The University recognises the benefits of the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) and the opportunities it provides for applicants to develop independent study and research skills. Although the Extended Project will not be included in the conditions of your offer, we strongly encourage you to provide information about the EPQ in your personal statement and at interview. A number of our academic Schools may also choose to take your performance in the EPQ into account should places be available in August for applicants who narrowly miss the entry grades for their chosen course.

Core Maths

The University welcomes and recognises the value of Level 3 core mathematics qualifications (e.g. AQA Certificate in Mathematical Studies). 

Core Mathematics is not a compulsory element of post-16 study and as a result we will not normally include it in the conditions of any offer made to the student. However, if a student chooses to undertake a core mathematics qualification this may be taken into account when we consider their application, particularly for certain non-science courses with a distinct mathematical or statistical element.

We advise students to contact the academic School, who will clarify whether their specific portfolio of qualifications is acceptable for entry on to their chosen course.

Home-schooled applicants

If you are a student who has followed a non-standard educational route, e.g. you have been educated at home; your application will be considered against the standard entry criteria of the course for which you are applying. You will be required to demonstrate that you meet the specified academic entry requirements of the course. We will also require a reference from somebody who knows you well enough, in an official capacity, to write about you and your suitability for higher education. If you are a home schooled student and would like further information or advice please contact the academic School for your chosen course who will be able to help you. 

Non-standard educational routes

Mature students are some of our most well-equipped learners, bringing skills and attributes gained from work, family and other life experiences.  Students come from a whole array of backgrounds, study every kind of course, undertake full-time and part-time learning and are motivated by career intentions as well as personal interest.  There is no such thing as a typical mature student at Manchester.

The application process is the same as for other prospective undergraduates.  If you require further clarification about the acceptability of the qualifications you hold please contact the academic School(s) you plan to apply to.  Further information for mature students can be found here ( http://www.manchester.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/mature-students/ )

English language

All applicants to the University (from the UK and Overseas) are required to show evidence of English Language proficiency.  The minimum English Language requirement for this course is either:

  • IELTS 7 with a minimum of 6.5 in each subtest 
  • An acceptable equivalent qualification.

Please note that if you hold English as a second language iGCSE qualification, we may also require you to offer one of our acceptable equivalent English Language qualifications or achieve a higher grade in your iGCSE than the one stated above. Please contact the academic School for clarification.

The UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) requires that every student from outside the UK and the EU must show evidence of a minimum level of English Language in order to be granted a UK visa (Tier 4 visa) to study at undergraduate or postgraduate level. This level is often referred to as the 'B2 level'.

Additionally, our individual Schools may ask for specific English Language proficiency levels that are necessary for their academic programmes. In most cases these requirements are likely to be higher than the B2 level. Further information about our English Language policy, including a list of some of the English Language qualifications we accept, can be found  here .

English language test validity

Some English Language test results are only valid for two years. Your English Language test report must be valid on the start date of the course.

Application and selection

How to apply

Apply through UCAS

Advice to applicants

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Dr Rose Broad offers advice on preparing and submitting your application.

Any exceptional circumstances (eg illness surrounding your exams) should be included in your personal statement and backed up in your academic reference or the School should be informed in writing prior to your examination results.

How your application is considered

Your UCAS application is always considered as a whole; taking into account your qualifications, personal statement and reference. 

We consider the Widening Participation status of applicants while assessing applications; borderline candidates holding a WP or WP Plus flag are given further consideration.

Deferrals

Applications for deferred entry are normally considered. The admissions tutor will be looking for valid reasons for deferral (eg financial, relevant work experience, charity work).

Policy for applicants who resit their qualifications

If you have re-sat individual modules to improve your grades, we will consider your application according to the standard selection process. If you are planning to re-sit the final Year 13 examinations, or have already done so, the University will consider your application, but we may require further information in order to make an informed judgment on your application.

Re-applications

If you applied in the previous year and your application was not successful you may apply again. Your application will be considered against the standard course entry criteria for that year of entry.  In your new application you should demonstrate how your application has improved.  We may draw upon all information from your previous applications or any previous registrations at the University as a student when assessing your suitability for your chosen course.If you are applying for a place for the same year of entry through UCAS Extra, you should provide additional evidence of your suitability for the course. If you are applying through clearing you are required to meet the clearing requirements. In both UCAS Extra and clearing the places will be subject to availability.

Course details

Course description

One of the most interesting parts so far has been the Foundations of Criminal Justice course, getting a glimpse into how the Criminal Justice System operates.

The underlying issues that challenge its credibility such as Police Powers or Miscarriages of Justice have been carefully analysed throughout our lectures, but also in conferences where speakers delivered powerful messages.

Vlad-George Zaha / BA Criminology
Our BA Criminology course enables you to understand how and why crime has become viewed as a dominant social problem and how issues of crime and deviance relate to other social issues.

Understanding the causes and consequences of crime will enable you to contribute to discussions about how some of these problems might be remedied.

Learn about how we can research the challenges that face the criminal justice system.

Under the guidance of our team of criminology experts, you will develop analytical skills to assess complex data related to experiences of crime.

You can take part in field trips and discussions with professionals to gain a real insight into how criminological knowledge is applied in a variety of sectors.

You will develop skills relevant to a variety of key professions concerned with criminal justice and crime reduction, including the police, prisons, offender management, youth justice and victimisation.

Special features

In Year 2, I was fortunate enough to take part in a Q-Step internship at the Home Office in London.

I had an eight-week paid placement where I worked on current projects around domestic homicides, child sexual abuse and cyber bullying. This really opened my eyes to the importance of social research and the influence this can have on policy.

Hannah Watts / MRes Criminology student and BA Criminology graduate
Societies

Benefit from networking and professional development opportunities through our student societies.

The Manchester University Criminology Society (MUCS) is a long-established society for those who have an interest in crime and criminal justice.

The Society promotes greater integration between students on different courses studying criminology.

Learning Criminology Inside

Learning Criminology Inside enables you to take your weekly seminars in a local prison to study a final year option alongside prison-based students.

Paid placement opportunity

Apply for a paid summer Q-Step internship between Years 2 and 3.

This is an excellent opportunity to gain work experience and make contacts, while putting the skills you learn into practice.

Recent placements include the Home Office, the Ministry of Justice, and the College of Policing.

Professional Experience Year

You apply in Year 1 to boost your employability through a paid Professional Experience Year. If you meet the criteria, the Professional Experience Team and Careers Service will work with you to find a suitable placement in Year 2.

You will complete your Professional Experience Year in Year 3 extending your degree to four years, before returning to University to finish your final year.

Your degree title will include 'with Professional Experience', giving you an advantage of work experience when entering the graduate jobs market.

Teaching and learning

Lectures are delivered to a large group of students, covering an overview of a particular subject.

Tutorials are small groups where you discuss in greater depth a topic you are learning.

You need to prepare in advance and submit written work for each subject.

We offer skills sessions to enhance your academic learning and employability.

If you apply to study abroad, you will complete course units in your host university, taught in English, which focus on criminology subjects or other topics of interest.

You will spend around 40 hours per week studying, inclusive of lectures and tutorials.

Coursework and assessment

Methods of assessing your work are:
  • essays;
  • oral presentations;
  • short exercises or written pieces, for example blogs and learning portfolios;
  • project work;
  • exams.

We provide helpful and detailed feedback on all written and oral work.

Course content for year 1

Compulsory course units allow you to develop an understanding of the sociological and psychological explanations for crime and criminal behaviour.

Study the criminal justice system and criminal law alongside theories of criminal behaviour.

Begin to appreciate the methods used to research crime and deviance.

Course units for year 1

The course unit details given below are subject to change, and are the latest example of the curriculum available on this course of study.

TitleCodeCredit ratingMandatory/optional
Crime and Society CRIM10001 20 Mandatory
Criminological Research Methods CRIM10072 20 Mandatory
Foundations of Criminal Justice CRIM10421 20 Mandatory
Psychology, Crime and Criminal Justice CRIM10432 20 Mandatory
Foundations of Criminological Scholarship CRIM10441 20 Mandatory
Criminal Law (Humanities) LAWS10082 20 Mandatory

Course content for year 2

Extend your understanding of criminological theory and your knowledge of the practices and techniques used in contemporary criminal justice systems.

Develop your knowledge of specific patterns of crime and criminality, as well as your understanding of research methods.

Course units for year 2

The course unit details given below are subject to change, and are the latest example of the curriculum available on this course of study.

TitleCodeCredit ratingMandatory/optional
Policing and the Police CRIM20051 20 Mandatory
Explaining Crime and Deviance CRIM20412 20 Mandatory
Making Sense of Criminological Data CRIM20441 20 Mandatory
Modelling Criminological Data CRIM20452 20 Mandatory
Understanding Punishment CRIM20692 20 Mandatory
Criminology and Criminal Justice in Action CRIM20701 20 Optional

Course content for year 3

Continue to extend your understanding of criminological theory and your knowledge of the practices and techniques used in contemporary criminal justice systems.

Study a unique range of optional subjects delivered by leading experts teaching from original research projects.

Topics include drugs and society, the criminal psychopath, and serious and organised crime.

Hone your research and project management skills with a dissertation on a criminological topic of your choosing.

Course units for year 3

The course unit details given below are subject to change, and are the latest example of the curriculum available on this course of study.

TitleCodeCredit ratingMandatory/optional
Drugs and Society CRIM30601 20 Optional
Long Dissertation CRIM30610 40 Optional
Short Dissertation CRIM30620 20 Optional
Journeys out of Offending CRIM30662 20 Optional
Victims, Crime and Justice CRIM30791 20 Optional
Serious and Organised Crime CRIM30811 20 Optional
Criminology and Mass Violence CRIM31051 20 Optional
Youth, Crime and Justice CRIM31101 20 Optional
White-Collar, Corporate and Environmental Crime CRIM31142 20 Optional
Crime Mapping: an introduction to GIS and spatial analysis CRIM31152 20 Optional
The Criminal Psychopath CRIM31172 20 Optional
Displaying 10 of 11 course units for year 3

Course content for year 4

If you are selected to take up the Professional Experience opportunity in Year 3, then you will take Year 3 course content in Year 4.

What our students say

Read profiles of our students to find out about their experiences of studying at Manchester.

Facilities

While you study with us, you have access to first-class facilities to interact, work, and practice your skills. 

You can also volunteer to work in our award-winning Legal Advice Centre

Here, you can work on real legal cases with solicitors and barristers to refine your practical application of law.  

Volunteering in our Miscarriages of Justice Review Centre enables you to work to support clients' claims of innocence.

Working alongside legal experts, you will gain access and review real case files.

This unique first-hand experience of criminal justice allows you to connect and engage with experienced practicing lawyers.

Disability support

Practical support and advice for current students and applicants is available from the Disability Advisory and Support Service. Email: dass@manchester.ac.uk

Careers

Career opportunities

The University of Manchester has an excellent reputation for employability, and we are one of the most targeted universities by the nation's top employers (The Graduate Market in 2021, High Fliers Research).

Our graduates pursue a variety of careers, including:

  • criminal justice system-related professions; 
  • police and offender management (such as Probation Service); 
  • community justice; 
  • national intelligence and security agencies; 
  • charity and voluntary sector organisations; 
  • government;
  • teaching.

The BA Criminology course has employability skills embedded throughout.

You will have access to specialist careers events covering a broad range of professions and opportunities for you to meet professionals working in criminal justice-related areas

The University has its own dedicated Careers Service that you will have full access to as a student and for two years after you graduate.

At Manchester, you will have access to a number of opportunities to help boost your employability , further study, research degrees (PhD), and research jobs across sectors.