- UCAS course code
- M901
- UCAS institution code
- M20
Bachelor of Arts (BA)
BA Criminology
Duration: 3 or 4 years
Year of entry: 2026
UCAS course code: M901 / Institution code: M20
- Key features:
Study abroad
Industrial experience
Scholarships available
Field trips
- Typical A-level offer: AAB
- Typical contextual A-level offer: BBB
- UK refugee/care-experienced offer: BBC
- Typical International Baccalaureate offer: 35 points overall with 6,6,5 at HL
Overview
Course overview
- 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.
A study experience that makes a difference
We place social responsibility at the heart of your learning which means you can take advantage of unique ways to make a difference while studying with us, through your course or through extra-curricular activities.
- Complete our Ethical Grand Challenges to learn how you can create a better world and become more socially responsible.
- Work with an external organisation to tackle real-world sustainability problems through our University Living Lab.
- Discover subjects that broaden your horizon with our interdisciplinary learning opportunities.
Explore how you'll make your mark
Every course at Manchester contributes towards the UN's Sustainable Development Goals, so no matter what you're studying you'll be playing an active role in the protection of people and planet.
You will explore the following goals in your course:
- Goal 1: No poverty
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.
Contact details
- School/Faculty
- School of Social Sciences
- Contact name
- School of Social Sciences Admissions Office
- Telephone
- +44 (0) 161 306 0100
- ug-law@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.
Entry requirements
A-level
AAB, including at least one of the following A-Level subjects (preference will be given to applicants studying two of these subjects):
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 thecombination 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
Practical skills are a crucial part of science education and therefore will be a requirement to pass the practical element of any science A Level taken.
Applicants taking A Levels are normally expected to offer three full A Levels. If you’re taking more than three A Levels, these won’t be included in your offer. We will only make offers consisting of three A Levels.
A-level contextual offer
BBB, including at least one of the following A-Level subjects (preference will be given to applicants studying two of these subjects):
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 thecombination of Mathematics, Further Mathematics and a native language.
Practical skills are a crucial part of science education and therefore will be a requirement to pass the practical element of any science A Level taken.
Applicants taking A Levels are normally expected to offer three full A Levels. If you’re taking more than three A Levels, these won’t be included in your offer. We will only make offers consisting of three A Levels.
Contextual offers are available for applicants who:
- live in the UK and will be under the age of 21 on 1 September of the year they will start their course; and
- live in an area of disadvantage or with low progression into higher education; and
- have attended a UK school or college for their GCSEs or A-levels (or equivalent qualifications) that has performed below the national average over multiple years.
See our contextual admissions page for full details and to check your eligibility.
UK refugee/care-experienced offer
BBC, including at least one of the following A-Level subjects (preference will be given to applicants studying two of these subjects):
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 thecombination of Mathematics, Further Mathematics and a native language.
Practical skills are a crucial part of science education and therefore will be a requirement to pass the practical element of any science A Level taken.
Applicants taking A Levels are normally expected to offer three full A Levels. If you’re taking more than three A Levels, these won’t be included in your offer. We will only make offers consisting of three A Levels.
UK refugee/care-experienced offers are available for applicants who:
- have been looked after in care for more than three months; or
- have been granted refugee status by the UK government or have been issued a UK visa under one of the Ukrainian schemes (Homes for Ukraine, Ukraine Family Scheme or Ukraine Extension Scheme).
See our contextual admissions page for full details and to check your eligibility.
International Baccalaureate
35 points overall. 6,6,5 in Higher Level subjects
Applicants studying the International Baccalaureate Career Related Programme (IBCP) should contact the admissions team prior to applying so that their academic profile can be considered.
GCSE/IGCSE
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.
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 admissions team in your academic School for clarification.
Other entry requirements
Other entry requirements exist for this course. You may view these by selecting from the list below.
Country-specific 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 requirementsnot listed abovesee accepted entry qualifications from your country .
Still need help? Email us at ug-law@manchester.ac.uk .
English language requirements
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:
- IELTS7 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.
If you need to improve your English language skills to meet the entry requirements for your academic course, the University Centre for Academic English (UCAE) summer pre-sessional courses can help. Check if your academic course offers the option of taking a pre-sessional course on the UCAE page .
The UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) requires that every student requiring a visa to study in the UK must show evidence of a minimum level of English Language (common European Framework (CEFR B2 level) to be granted a Student Route visa (previously known as a Tier 4 visa) to study at undergraduate or postgraduate level.
In addition, our academic Schools/Departments may require applicants to demonstrate English proficiency above 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
Fees and funding
Fees
Fees for entry in 2026 have not yet been set. For entry in 2025 the tuition fees were £9,535 per annum for home students, and are expected to increase slightly for 2026 entry.
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.
Application and selection
How to apply
Advice to applicants
Any exceptional circumstances (e.g. 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.
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 .
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.
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, workshops 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.
| Title | Code | Credit rating | Mandatory/optional |
|---|---|---|---|
| CRIM10002 | 20 | Mandatory | |
| CRIM10071 | 20 | Mandatory | |
| CRIM10421 | 20 | Mandatory | |
| CRIM10432 | 20 | Mandatory | |
| 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.
| Title | Code | Credit rating | Mandatory/optional |
|---|---|---|---|
| CRIM20051 | 20 | Mandatory | |
| CRIM20412 | 20 | Mandatory | |
| CRIM20441 | 20 | Mandatory | |
| CRIM20452 | 20 | Mandatory | |
| CRIM20692 | 20 | Mandatory | |
| 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.
| Title | Code | Credit rating | Mandatory/optional |
|---|---|---|---|
| CRIM30610 | 40 | Mandatory | |
| CRIM30601 | 20 | Optional | |
| CRIM30642 | 20 | Optional | |
| CRIM30661 | 20 | Optional | |
| CRIM30792 | 20 | Optional | |
| CRIM30811 | 20 | Optional | |
| CRIM31051 | 20 | Optional | |
| CRIM31101 | 20 | Optional | |
| CRIM31142 | 20 | Optional | |
| CRIM31152 | 20 | Optional | |
| Displaying 10 of 11 course units for year 3 | |||
| Display all 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.
For more information, please 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.
Regulated by the Office for Students
The University of Manchester is regulated by the Office for Students (OfS). The OfS aims to help students succeed in Higher Education by ensuring they receive excellent information and guidance, get high quality education that prepares them for the future and by protecting their interests. More information can be found at the OfS website.
You can find regulations and policies relating to student life at The University of Manchester, including our Degree Regulations and Complaints Procedure, on our regulations website.