
Overview
- Degree awarded
- Bachelor of Arts (BA)
- Duration
- 3 or 4 years
- Typical A-level offer
-
ABB
- Typical contextual A-level offer (what is this?)
-
BBB
- Typical International Baccalaureate offer
-
6,5,5 at Higher level, 34 points overall. Applicants taking English Language A must achieve grade 4 at Higher or Standard level. Applicants offering English Language B must achieve grade 5 at Higher level and grade 6 at Standard level.
Changes to International Baccalaureate Diploma Mathematics Courses from September 2019, first examination 2021. We are aware of the planned changes to the IB Mathematics curriculum. IB students will be able to choose from: Mathematics: analysis and approaches and Mathematics: applications and interpretation from September 2019.
For this programme of study we will accept: Mathematics: analysis and approaches or Mathematics: applications and interpretation at SL or HL
- How to apply
Apply through UCAS
- UCAS course code
- M901
- UCAS institution code
- M20
Course overview
- Study at a top ten UK university for law (Times Higher Education World University rankings 2020).
- Connect with professionals in criminal justice.
- Take inspiration from our team across sociology, psychology, law, social work and probation practice.
- Apply to take seminars in a local prison.
- Learn on field trips including Manchester Crown Court.
Open days
The university organises open days every year in June, September and October.
You find out more about the course, meet students and staff, tour the campus, accommodation, finance, study abroad, and facilities.
If you receive an offer, we will invite you to a visit day where you learn about the School of Social Sciences, teaching and learning, study opportunities and student life.
Fees
Tuition fees for home students commencing their studies in September 2021 will be £9,250 per annum. Tuition fees for international students will be £19,500 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).
Contact details
- School/Faculty
- School of Social Sciences
- socialsciences@manchester.ac.uk
- Website
- https://www.socialsciences.manchester.ac.uk/criminology/
- School/Faculty overview
-
See: School Subjects
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
- ABB
- We do not accept two A/S Levels grades in place of one A Level.
- We accept the Level 3 Diploma in Financial Studies (DipFS) as equivalent to an A-level if taken alongside two full A-levels that are in different subject areas of the Diploma.
AS-level
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
6,5,5 at Higher level, 34 points overall. Applicants taking English Language A must achieve grade 4 at Higher or Standard level. Applicants offering English Language B must achieve grade 5 at Higher level and grade 6 at Standard level.
Changes to International Baccalaureate Diploma Mathematics Courses from September 2019, first examination 2021. We are aware of the planned changes to the IB Mathematics curriculum. IB students will be able to choose from: Mathematics: analysis and approaches and Mathematics: applications and interpretation from September 2019.
For this programme of study we will accept: Mathematics: analysis and approaches or Mathematics: applications and interpretation at SL or HL
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 ABBBB in Scottish Highers. In addition, we accept Scottish Advanced Highers and Highers in one of the following combinations:
Three Advanced Highers at grades BBB.
or
Two Advanced Highers at grades BB, 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
We normally require a minimum of 80% overall including a minimum of 8 in English.
AQA Baccalaureate
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 are required to achieve ABB in academic subjects and grade B in the EAP with writing and speaking grade B and listening and reading grade C.
Applicants completing the NCUK International Foundation year are required to achieve ABB in academic subjects and grade B in the EAP with writing and speaking grade B and listening and reading grade C.
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 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.
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma - accepted with grades MMM 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 DM 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 BB in different subject areas to the diploma.
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate - accepted with grade D in combination with two A-levels at grade BB 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 MMM in combination with an A-level at grade A in a different subject area to the diploma.
Cambridge Technical Diploma - accepted with grades DM 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 BB in different subject areas to the diploma.
Cambridge Technical Extended Certificate - accepted with grade D in combination with two A-levels at grade BB 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 (36 Distinctions / 9 Merits).
- 'Pass' in Level 2 English and Mathematics.
Contact: Tom McCunnie, tom.mccunnie@manchester.ac.uk.
Cambridge Pre-U
Applicants are expected to achieve D3, M1, 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)
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
Non-standard educational routes
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
Application and selection
How to apply
Apply through UCAS
Advice to applicants
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
We consider the Widening Participation status of applicants while assessing applications; borderline candidates holding a WP or WP Plus flag are given further consideration.
Potential applicants are welcome to contact the School of Law Admissions Office to discuss their eligibility.
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
Re-applications
Course details
Course description

Choosing to study criminology at The University of Manchester was easy because it has a great location and high employment rate for graduates.
It also contains a broad range of research material for students and the course content is slightly different from other universities which focus on different aspects of the criminal justice system.
Karen Kei Ching Ho / BA Criminology
Our BA Criminology course enables you to understand why crime has become a dominant social problem, and how crime and criminal behaviour relating 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.
You will learn 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 criminality.
You have the opportunity to 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
Learning Criminology Inside
Learning Criminology Inside enables you to take seminars in a local prison to study a final year option alongside prison-based students.
Study abroad
You can apply to study abroad between Years 2 and 3, gaining experience of another culture and valuable connections.
Paid placement opportunity
You'll have the opportunity to apply for a paid Q-Step internship during the summer between the second and third year of your course.
Societies
Benefit from networking and professional development opportunities through our student societies .
Teaching and learning
Lectures are delivered to a large group of students, covering an overview of a particular subject.
Seminars are small groups where you discuss and present aspects of a legal topic which you are learning. You are expected to prepare in advance and submit written work for each subject.
We offer skills sessions with local and international lawyers and our Careers Service to enhance your academic learning and employability.
If you apply for study abroad, you will complete course units in your host university, taught in English, which focus on Criminology subjects or other topics of interest.
Also, weekly classes are offered to help you with English research and essay-writing skills.
You will spend about 40 hours per week studying inclusive of lectures and seminars.
Coursework and assessment
Methods of assessing your work are:
- exams;
- essays;
- oral presentations;
- short exercises or written pieces ie book reviews; and
- project work.
We provide helpful and detailed feedback on all written and oral work.
Course content for year 1
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.
Title | Code | Credit rating | Mandatory/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 (Criminology) | 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 quantitative and qualitative 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.
Title | Code | Credit rating | Mandatory/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.
Develop your knowledge of specific patterns of crime and criminality, as well as your understanding of quantitative and qualitative research methods.
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.
Title | Code | Credit rating | Mandatory/optional |
---|---|---|---|
Drugs and Society | CRIM30601 | 20 | Optional |
Long Dissertation | CRIM30610 | 40 | Optional |
Short Dissertation | CRIM30620 | 20 | Optional |
Serious and Organised Crime | CRIM30811 | 20 | Optional |
Criminology and Mass Violence | CRIM31052 | 20 | Optional |
Youth, Crime and Justice | CRIM31101 | 20 | Optional |
Crime Mapping: an introduction to GIS and spatial analysis | CRIM31152 | 20 | Optional |
Prisons: Exploring the Carceral World in the UK | CRIM31212 | 20 | Optional |
Understanding Violence | CRIM31222 | 20 | Optional |
What our students say
Read profiles of our students to find out about their experiences of studying at Manchester.
Facilities
You will have access to first-class facilities to work and practice your skills.
With a world-class library, outstanding student-focused learning spaces (for example, the Alan Gilbert Learning Commons), well-provisioned computing labs, and `gold standard' lecture spaces, your learning experience will be second to none.
Criminology is one of the smaller departments, ensuring there are excellent opportunities for staff and students to interact and build a sense of identity and belonging.
Disability support
Careers
Career opportunities
We have an excellent reputation for employability, we are currently the joint most targeted university by top graduate recruiters in the UK.
Our graduates pursue a variety of careers, including:
- criminal justice system-related professions;
- police and offender management (eg Probation Service);
- community justice;
- national intelligence and security agencies;
- charity and voluntary sector organisations;
- government; and
- teaching.
The BA Criminology programme has employability skills embedded throughout.
You have access to specialist careers events covering a broad range of professions, and provide opportunities for you to meet professionals working in criminal justice related areas .
The University has its own dedicated Careers Service that you would 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 .
Solicitors Qualifying Exam preparation
The Law School has partnered with a global legal education provider, BARBRI , to offer our students and alumni a comprehensive preparation programme for the Solicitors Qualifying Exam (SQE). This partnership creates a pathway to qualification as a solicitor and means that you will benefit from BARBRI's industry-leading legal education to prepare to pass the SQE.
The SQE Prep courses will begin at The University of Manchester from Summer 2021, in preparation for the first SQE exams in November 2021. They are available to both law graduates and those with a non-legal background.
We will be offering the prep courses at least twice per year on a full-time and part-time basis to support those working alongside their studies.