- UCAS course code
- LM69
- UCAS institution code
- M20
Overview
- Degree awarded
- Bachelor of Arts (BA)
- Duration
- 3 or 4 years
- Typical A-level offer
-
ABB
- Typical contextual A-level offer
-
BBCFind out more about contextual admissions.
- 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.
Find out more about contextual admissions. - Typical International Baccalaureate offer
-
34 points overall. 6,5,5 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.
- How to apply
- Apply through UCAS .
- UCAS course code
- LM69
- UCAS institution code
- M20
Course overview
- Explore political and moral issues affecting different societies, and engaging, real-world research.
- Develop a comparative understanding of criminology, drawing on perspectives from social anthropology about global societies and cultures.
- Study at a UK Top 5 university for Anthropology (Complete University Guide 2027).
- Enjoy the opportunity to study abroad or complete a professional placement on a four-year optional course.
Open days
There’s no better way to get a feel for your future home than an open day.
You can join subject-level information sessions alongside talks about the student experience. You can explore our campus, facilities, and student accommodation. And you’ll get to meet current students, academics, and admissions staff for a chat and to ask them your questions.
It’s an invaluable opportunity to explore, discover, and enjoy some of the vibes that attract so many students to Manchester.
You can find out more about our upcoming open days here.
Not in the UK or can’t make it? Not a problem. Check out our virtual open day content here.
Fees
Tuition fees for home students commencing their studies in September 2027 will be £10,050 per annum. Tuition fees for international students will be £29,200 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
- Social Sciences Undergraduate Admissions
- Telephone
- +44 (0) 161 306 0100
- socialsciences@manchester.ac.uk
- Website
- https://www.socialsciences.manchester.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/about-bass/
- 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, 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.
Contextual 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.
Duration of A-level study
If you have studied an advanced curriculum, where the examinations are spread over three years or more, please contact the academic School/Department for clarification on acceptability prior to applying. For some courses, offer will normally be based on three A Levels taken in the same sitting (normally within a two-year period).
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 4 or C 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.
International Baccalaureate
34 points overall. 6,5,5 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.
Other international entry requirements
Scottish requirements
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
We welcome and recognise the value of the Baccalaureate Wales and accept the Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales (replacing the Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate from September 2023)
The minimum grade required will normally be the same as the lowest grade listed in the A Level entry requirements.
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 typically require 77% overall in the European Baccalaureate.
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 are required to achieveABB 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.
Applicants studying other Foundation programmes should contact the academic School to check if their qualification is recognised for entry to this programme and for specific entry requirements.
Pearson BTEC qualifications
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma
Entry requirements are based on achievement of the full National Extended Diploma 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
Entry requirements are based on achievement of the full National Diploma 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
Entry requirements are based on achievement of the full National Foundation Diploma with grade M in combination with two A-levels at grades BB in different subject areas to the diploma.
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate
Entry requirements are based on achievement of the full National Extended Certificate with grade D in combination with two A-levels at grades BB in different subject areas to the diploma
The University of Manchester welcomes applications from students who have achieved legacy BTEC qualifications (pre-2016) such as the BTEC Extended Diploma, BTEC Diploma, BTEC Subsidiary Diploma, and BTEC Certificate. The grades required are likely to be the same or vary similar to current BTEC qualifications. Please contact the Academic School for clarification.
If you require further clarification about the acceptability of this qualification, please contact the academic School(s) you plan to apply to.
OCR Cambridge Technical qualifications
Cambridge Level 3 Technical Extended Diploma (CTEC)
Entry requirements are based on achievement of the full Technical Extended Diploma with grades MMM in combination with an A-level at grade A in a different subject area to the diploma.
Cambridge Level 3 Technical Diploma (CTEC)
Entry requirements are based on achievement of the full Technical Diploma with grades DM in combination with an A-level at grade A in a different subject area to the diploma.
Cambridge Level 3 Technical Foundation Diploma (CTEC)
Entry requirements are based on achievement of the full Technical Foundation Diploma with grades MM in combination with two A-levels at grade BB in different subject areas to the diploma.
Cambridge Level 3 Technical Extended Certificate (CTEC)
Entry requirements are based on achievement of the full Technical Extended Certificate with grade D in combination with two A-levels at grade BB in different subject areas to the diploma.
Cambridge Advanced National (AAQ) Extended Certificate
Entry requirements are based on achievement of the full CTEC Advanced National Extended Certificatewith grade D in combination with two A-levels at grade BB in different subject areas to the diploma.
The University of Manchester welcomes applications from students who have achieved legacy CTEC qualifications (pre-2016) such as the CTEC Extended Diploma, CTEC Diploma, CTEC Subsidiary Diploma, and CTEC Certificate. The grades required are likely to be the same or vary similar to current CTEC qualifications. 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.
The specific course requirements are - Pass Access to HE Diploma with 45 level 3 credits (36 at Distinctions and 9 at Merit).
Applicants should typically be mature students returning to education after a minimum of 3 years.
Cambridge Pre-U
T Level
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
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:
- GCSE/iGCSE English Language grade C.
- IELTS 6.5 overall with no lower than 6 in any component.
- TOEFL (IBT) 90 overall with minimum of 20 in each subset.
- iGCSE English (Second Language) grade B
- An acceptable equivalent qualification.
Please note we accept in-person IELTS tests taken in official IELTS test centres only. You should review our English Language requirements page for a list of acceptable IELTS tests.
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/Department for clarification.
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 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
Application and selection
How to apply
Advice to applicants
Applicants submitting mitigating circumstances
If you are submitting information about mitigating circumstances that have affected, or are likely to affect, your academic performance, you should include this in the referee's report.
We cannot take into account information that is supplied after an adverse decision has been made on an application.
(Examples of mitigating circumstances include family illness, problems with school facilities or an unusual curriculum followed by your school of college.)
How your application is considered
Interview requirements
Returning to education
Overseas (non-UK) applicants
Applicants classed as international students who are studying foundation year programmes will be considered on the basis they have completed their high school education in full.
Please see our list of approved UK foundation programmes and entry requirements for more information.
We also accept a number of qualifications from around the globe. For further information please see our country-specific information pages.
If you still need help please email socialsciences@manchester.ac.uk .
Deferrals
NB Some English Language test results, such as IELTS of TOEFL, are only valid from two years from the test date.
Policy for applicants who resit their qualifications
Contact: socialsciences@manchester.ac.uk
Re-applications
If you applied in the previous year and your application was not successful you can 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 refer back to previous applications or registrations at the University.
If you are applying for a place for the same year of entry through UCAS Extra, you should include additional evidence of your suitability for the course.
If you are applying through clearing you will need to meet the clearing requirements. In both UCAS Extra and clearing places will be subject to availability.
Course details
Course description
The BA in Social Anthropology and Criminology is one of the pathways within the BA Social Sciences degree.
It is ideal if you want to keep your options open or study specific topics such as race, class, crime or religion from different perspectives.
This flexible degree lets you study at least three subjects in Year 1, and then in Years 2 and 3 you deepen your understanding of the subjects you feel passionate about.
The six subject areas are:
- Criminology - The study of the causes and consequences of crime.
- Philosophy - The study of the nature of knowledge, truth and values. It also encourages greater consideration of our reasoning, judgement and ethics.
- Politics - The study of human organisation, government and power. It examines and evaluates political systems and institutions.
- Data Analytics - The study of data and analysis to understand the social world.
- Social Anthropology - The study of societies and cultures across the globe in comparative perspective.
- Sociology - The study of society. It examines such issues as social inequalities and forms of everyday life.
You are not tied to the course code you apply to through UCAS and have the option to change after Year 1.
Special features
Professional Experience Year Opportunity
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 your 2nd year.
You will then complete your Professional Experience Year in 3rd year extending your degree to four years, before returning to University to finish your final year.
Your degree title will be extended to include 'with Professional Experience', giving you the added advantage of relevant work experience when entering the competitive graduate jobs market.
Paid placement opportunity
You can apply for a paid Q-Step internship between Years 2 and 3.
Study abroad
If you would like to broaden your horizons and your degree, you can apply to study overseas for a year at one of our partner universities. You apply in Year 2 to spend a year abroad in Year 3. If successful, you will put together a programme of study at the host university in consultation with your Academic Exchange Advisor, to complement your studies at Manchester. You will then come back to Manchester to study for a fourth year and graduate with a degree title including ‘with International Study'. See The University of Manchester Study Abroad pages for more information, including eligibility criteria, destinations, costs and funding.
Teaching and learning
Course units feature formal lectures supported by smaller tutorials or seminars, where you explore the contents of lectures and recommended reading in greater depth.
Tutorials and seminars are key in improving your written and oral communication skills through group discussions, essay-writing, and presentations.
You are assigned an Academic Advisor who takes a friendly interest in your progress, and can advise you on selecting course units and career opportunities.
Coursework and assessment
The way that you study and are assessed will depend on which course units you choose. Our methods are designed to promote in-depth learning and understanding, including:
- essays, coursework, and other mid-term evaluations;
- dissertations;
- presentations;
- group projects;
- exams.
Course content for year 1
Year 1 provides you with a strong foundation in key concepts, approaches and questions.
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Key Ideas in Social Anthropology | SOAN10321 | 10 | Mandatory |
| Intro to Ethnographic Reading | SOAN10322 | 10 | Mandatory |
| Engaging With Social Research | SOCS10111 | 20 | Mandatory |
| Crime and Society | CRIM10002 | 20 | Optional |
| Criminological Research Methods | CRIM10071 | 20 | Optional |
| Foundations of Criminal Justice | CRIM10421 | 20 | Optional |
| Psychology, Crime and Criminal Justice | CRIM10432 | 20 | Optional |
| Making Sense of Criminological Data | CRIM14442 | 20 | Optional |
| An Introduction to Development Studies | ECON10002 | 10 | Optional |
| Microeconomics 1 | ECON10221 | 10 | Optional |
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Course content for year 2
In Year 2, you begin to specialise. If you specialise in one subject you take 60 to 80 credits in it.
If you specialise in two subjects you take 40 credits in each.
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 | Optional |
| Explaining Crime and Deviance | CRIM20411 | 20 | Optional |
| Modelling Criminological Data | CRIM20452 | 20 | Optional |
| Understanding Punishment | CRIM20692 | 20 | Optional |
| Criminology and Criminal Justice in Action | CRIM20701 | 20 | Optional |
| Qualitative Research in Criminology | CRIM20802 | 20 | Optional |
| Understanding Violence and Social Disorder | CRIM22111 | 20 | Optional |
| Islamic Philosophy | PHIL20002 | 20 | Optional |
| Philosophy of Religion | PHIL20021 | 20 | Optional |
| Philosophy of Race | PHIL20042 | 20 | Optional |
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Course content for year 3
In Year 3, you pick your final areas of specialisation. If you specialise in one subject you take 60 to 80 credits in it.
If you specialise in two subjects you take 40 credits in each.
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 |
| Comparative Criminology | CRIM30641 | 20 | Optional |
| Journeys out of Offending | CRIM30662 | 20 | Optional |
| Victims, Crime and Justice | CRIM30792 | 20 | Optional |
| Understanding and Responding to Organised Crime | CRIM30811 | 20 | Optional |
| Criminology and Mass Violence | CRIM31051 | 20 | Optional |
| White-Collar and Corporate Crime | CRIM31142 | 20 | Optional |
| Crime Mapping: an introduction to GIS and spatial analysis | CRIM31152 | 20 | Optional |
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Course content for year 4
If completing a year professional placement, you will take the Year 3 course content in Year 4.
If completing a year abroad, you will take the Year 3 course content in Year 4.
Disability support
Careers
Career opportunities
The University of Manchester has an excellent reputation for employability. For the past 5 years, we have been in the UK's Top Two most targeted universities by the UK's top 100 employers (High Fliers Graduate Market Report, 2020-2024).
Our graduates pursue a variety of careers including journalism and media, charities, consultancy, civil service, finance, marketing, social work, teaching, law and postgraduate study.
Recent graduates have gone on to work at:
- Friends of the Earth;
- Department of Work and Pensions;
- Manchester City Council;
- Royal Bank of Scotland;
- Teach First;
- Manning Gottlieb.
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 .
We work with students and the Careers Service to embed employability into our courses through careers and networking events.
You can also boost your employability by choosing course units in Year 2 from the University College for Interdisciplinary Learning .
Find out more on the careers and employability page.
