University of Exeter United Kingdom

BSc Criminology

Integrated Masters with deeper specialization and research focus
Taught in English
Duration 3 Years
Mode On Campus
Level Undergraduate
Degree Bachelors Degree
Closing soon September 2026

Course Overview

The BSc Criminology at the University of Exeter offers you a comprehensive exploration into the complex world of crime, justice, and social deviance. This undergraduate degree is ideal if you are driven to understand the root causes of criminal behaviour, the societal impacts of crime, and the effectiveness of various justice systems. You will engage with core concepts in criminology and social theory, developing essential analytical techniques. This program provides a robust academic foundation for those aspiring to careers in criminal justice, policy, research, or related fields, equipping you with a critical understanding of contemporary social issues.

You will study this programme full-time on campus over three years, building your knowledge from foundational social data analysis and crime theories in your first year to more specialised topics in your second and final years. The curriculum includes compulsory modules in areas like international criminal justice and research design, alongside a wide array of optional modules covering subjects such as forensic anthropology, victimology, and crimes of the powerful. In your final year, you will complete a significant quantitative dissertation, allowing you to delve deeply into a research question of your choice. You will graduate with advanced research, analytical, and critical thinking skills, prepared for diverse career paths.

Course Curriculum & Details

Detailed information for serious evaluators

Program Overview

This BSc Criminology program offers a comprehensive exploration of crime, deviance, and the criminal justice system. Across three years, students will engage with foundational social science concepts, delve into specific criminological themes, and analyze various aspects of criminal justice. The curriculum includes modules on data analysis, research design, comparative criminology, and specialized topics such as victimology, policing, and the sociology of imprisonment, culminating in a dissertation.

1 Year 1

Introduction to Social Data Compulsory
Data Analysis in Social Science 1 Compulsory
Social Analysis Compulsory
Social Issues: Part I - Introducing Crime and Deviance Compulsory
Social Issues: Part II - Themes in Criminology Compulsory
Media and Society
Introduction to Social Anthropology
Traditions of Anthropological Inquiry
Contemporary Society: Themes, Perspectives and Case Studies
Contested Concepts in Social Research
Introduction to Criminal Justice

2 Year 2

International Criminal Justice: Comparative Criminology Compulsory
International Criminal Justice: Application of Theory to Transnational and International Crime Compulsory
Research Design in the Social Sciences Compulsory
Data Analysis in Social Science 2 Compulsory
Forensic Anthropology
Forensic Science
Philosophy of Law
Power and Domination
Policy Analysis in Criminology
Race, Ethnicity and Criminalisation
Crimes of the Powerful
Sociology of Imprisonment
Police and Policing
Victimology
The Anthropology of Prisons
Forensic Cultures
Deprivation of liberty: Imprisonment and beyond
Addiction
Forensic Science, Conflict and Justice
Organised Crime and Criminal Networks
Security Studies

3 Final year

Quantitative Dissertation Compulsory
Experimental Approaches to Forensic and Archaeological Investigations
Philosophy of Law
Psychology and Law
International Criminal Justice: Comparative Criminology
International Criminal Justice: Application of Theory to Transnational and International Crime
Sociology of Imprisonment
Police and Policing
Victimology
Policy Analysis in Criminology
Race, Ethnicity and Criminalisation
Crimes of the Powerful
Forensic Science, Conflict and Justice
The Anthropology of Prisons
Forensic Cultures
Deprivation of liberty: Imprisonment and beyond
Addiction
Evidence-Based Policing
Deception
Organised Crime and Criminal Networks

Cost & Affordability

A clear picture of what this course will cost you

Program Costs

First Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 33,724.00
Second Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 33,724.00
Third Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 33,724.00
Total Program Cost Estimated total tuition
USD 101,174.00

Currency note: Program costs shown in USD based on the available tuition breakdown.

Living Costs

Food & Groceries USD 2,417.00 - USD 4,028.00
Transport USD 645.00 - USD 1,289.00
Utilities & Bills USD 1,128.00 - USD 1,934.00
Estimated Total USD 4,190.00 - USD 7,251.00

Living cost estimates are based on Streatham Campus.

Outcomes & Employability

What happens after you graduate

92%
Graduate Employment Rate Within 6 to 12 months of graduation

Common Graduate Roles

Adult & Continuing EducationEdTech & E-LearningEducational Support ServicesHealthcare Administration & ManagementHealthcare ConsultingHigher Education & UniversitiesLivestock & Animal HusbandryMaritime & ShippingPublic Health & EpidemiologySpecial & Inclusive Education

Top Employers Hiring for this course

Devon County Council

NHS

National Health Service

University of Portsmouth

Waitrose & Partners

Why Study BSc Criminology at University of Exeter

What makes this program stand out

September 2026 Closing soon

Next intake is in September 2026

Life at University of Exeter in United Kingdom

What daily life looks like for international students

Language

English

Primary language everywhere

Climate

Mild & Rainy

10-20°C average, pack layers

Safety (Numbeo Safety Index)

Very Safe

Exeter is one of UK's safest cities

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about BSc Criminology at University of Exeter

Can I work while studying?

Degree students can work up to 20 hours per week during term time and full-time during breaks. No separate work permit is required.

What English language score do I need for this course?

Applicants must meet specific English language requirements. Options include a minimum Duolingo score of 120 overall or an IELTS score of 6.5 overall, with no individual band lower than 6.0.

What jobs can I get after studying this course?

Graduates can pursue careers as criminologists, policy analysts, law enforcement professionals, researchers, or victim advocates.

What will I actually study in this course?

The BSc Criminology at the University of Exeter covers key topics such as crime theories and international criminal justice. This program is designed for those interested in understanding crime's root causes and societal impacts, equipping you with essential analytical techniques.

When can I start — what are the intake months?

The BSc Criminology program has an intake in September each year. Make sure to prepare your application ahead of this date.
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