University of Bristol 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 Bristol offers you a deep dive into the complex world of crime, harm, and justice, blending sociological, legal, and policy perspectives. This undergraduate degree is ideal if you are keen to understand not only criminal behaviour and the justice system but also broader social harms that impact individuals and society, even when not criminalised. You will explore critical criminological theories, research methods, and contemporary debates, developing a nuanced understanding of how societies respond to deviance and inequality.

This full-time, on-campus programme is structured over three years, guiding you through foundational concepts in Year 1, essential research methods and key thinkers in Year 2, and culminating in a significant dissertation in Year 3. You will engage with diverse topics such as social research methods, punishment, and critical studies of harm, violence, and oppression. Graduates from the University of Bristol's BSc Criminology are well-prepared for careers in criminal justice, policy analysis, social research, and related fields, equipped with analytical skills and a critical understanding of societal challenges.

Course Curriculum & Details

Detailed information for serious evaluators

Program Overview

This BSc Criminology program offers a comprehensive exploration of crime, harm, and societal responses. Across three years, students will engage with foundational theories, research methods, and critical analyses of criminal justice systems. The curriculum delves into diverse topics such as representations of crime, global challenges, punishment, and specialized areas like youth justice and violence. The program culminates in a dissertation, allowing for in-depth independent research.

1 Year 1 (2025/26 entry cohort)

Understanding Crime, Harm and Society Mandatory
Critical Skills for Social Scientists: Criminology Mandatory
Responding to Crime and Social Harm Mandatory
Criminological Theory: An Introduction Mandatory
Representations of Crime and Harm Mandatory
Collective Action and Policy Change Optional
Segregation and Inequality in International Perspective Optional
Contemporary Debates in Global Childhood Optional
Global Challenges Optional
Choose open units Optional

2 Year 2 (2025/26 entry cohort)

Social Research Methods Mandatory
Key Thinkers in Criminology Mandatory
Globalisation, Crime, Harm and Justice Mandatory
Punishment in Society Mandatory
Colonialism, Sexual Offences and Law Optional
Activist Criminology and Social Policy Optional
Crime, Harm and Money Optional
Youth, Sexualities and Gendered Violence Optional
Youth Justice Optional
Work and Work Placements: Criminology Optional

3 Year 3 (2025/26 entry cohort)

Dissertation Mandatory
Critical Studies of Harm, Violence, and Oppression Mandatory
Violence, Migration and Borders Optional
Leisure, Pleasure and Harm Optional
Sex Power and Consumption Optional
Gender based Violence Optional
Global Illicit Drug Markets Optional
Children and Social Harm Optional
Quantitative Data Analysis for Policy Research Optional
Children and Young People in the Law A Optional
Childhoods in a Global Context Optional
Child Nutrition, Activity and Health Optional
Climate Emergency Optional
Disability in Society Optional

Cost & Affordability

A clear picture of what this course will cost you

Program Costs

First Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 34,468.00
Second Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 34,468.00
Third Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 34,468.00
Total Program Cost Estimated total tuition
USD 103,405.00

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

Living Costs

Accommodation
USD 1,285.00 - USD 2,164.00
Food & Groceries USD 1,048.00 - USD 1,402.00
Transport USD 355.00 - USD 693.00
Utilities & Bills USD 10,471.00 - USD 13,967.00
Estimated Total USD 11,874.00 - USD 16,062.00

Living cost estimates are based on Clifton campus.

Outcomes & Employability

What happens after you graduate

95%
Graduate Employment Rate Within 6 to 12 months of graduation

Common Graduate Roles

Adult & Continuing EducationCorporate & Commercial LawEducation Policy & AdministrationForensic Science & Criminal JusticeInternational & Human Rights LawMental Health & CounselingPrivate Security & Risk ManagementPublic Health & EpidemiologySecondary & High School EducationWealth Management & Financial Advisory

Top Employers Hiring for this course

Burges Salmon LLP

Ministry of Justice UK

NHS

North Bristol NHS Trust

Osborne Clarke

PwC

TLT LLP

University Hospitals Bristol and Weston NHS Foundation Trust

Why Study BSc Criminology at University of Bristol

What makes this program stand out

September 2026 Closing soon

Next intake is in September 2026

Life at University of Bristol 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 Bristol

Can I work while studying?

As an international student enrolled in a degree course, you can work up to 20 hours per week during term time and full-time during breaks. No separate work permit is needed.

What English language score do I need for this course?

To meet the English language requirements, you can choose from several tests: TOEFL (88 overall), IELTS (6.5 overall), or PTE (67 overall). Specific scores in listening, reading, speaking, and writing are also required.

What jobs can I get after studying this course?

Graduates may pursue careers as criminologists, criminal justice analysts, policy advisors, or social researchers.

What will I actually study in this course?

This course delves into criminal behavior, laws, and justice, incorporating sociology, psychology, and philosophy. You will explore both conventional crimes and socially harmful behaviors that may not be criminalized.

When can I start — what are the intake months?

The BSc Criminology program at the University of Bristol has an intake in September each year. Ensure you apply in advance to secure your place.
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