Birmingham City University United Kingdom

Criminology - BA (Hons)

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 Criminology - BA (Hons) at Birmingham City University offers you a comprehensive exploration into the complex world of crime, its causes, and societal responses. This undergraduate degree is designed for individuals keen to understand the dynamics of criminal behaviour, the workings of the criminal justice system, and the societal impact of crime and victimisation. You will delve into key debates in criminological theory, crime and the media, and policing and investigation, gaining a robust academic foundation and critical perspective essential for analysing contemporary social issues and developing informed solutions.

This full-time, on-campus degree is structured over three years, providing a progressive learning journey. You will engage with core modules covering topics such as understanding criminal behaviour, prisons and punishment, and human rights, alongside a wide array of optional modules allowing you to specialise in areas like cybercrime, youth justice, or organised crime. The curriculum emphasises research-informed teaching and offers opportunities for a professional placement year, enabling you to apply your knowledge in practical settings. You will graduate with a strong understanding of criminology and transferable skills, preparing you for diverse career paths within criminal justice, policy, research, and social welfare.

Course Curriculum & Details

Detailed information for serious evaluators

Program Overview

This BA (Hons) Criminology program offers a comprehensive exploration of crime, its causes, and societal responses. Across three years, students will engage with key theoretical debates, examine the criminal justice system, and analyze various aspects of crime and punishment. Optional modules allow for specialization in areas such as youth crime, race and crime, cybercrime, and the harms of the powerful, culminating in an extended project and a focus on human rights and rehabilitation.

1 First Year

Key debates in criminological theory Compulsory
Crime and the media Compulsory
Crime, punishment and society Compulsory
The criminal justice system Compulsory
Policing and investigation Compulsory
Security, conflict and justice Compulsory

2 Second Year

Understanding crime and criminal behaviour Compulsory
Experiencing harm Compulsory
Prisons and punishment Compulsory
Research proposal Compulsory
Crime in the city Optional
Youth crime and justice Optional
Issues in criminal investigation Optional
Race and crime Optional
Making sense of homicide Optional
Substance use, crime and deviance Optional

3 Professional Placement (Optional)

Professional placement year Optional

4 Final Year

Human rights: theory and practice Compulsory
Rehabilitation and desistance Compulsory
The extended project Compulsory
Emotions in crime and criminal justice Optional
Everyday surveillance Optional
Local to global organised crime Optional
Deviant leisure Optional
Gender and crime Optional
Cybercrime Optional
Hate crime Optional
Harms of the powerful Optional

Cost & Affordability

A clear picture of what this course will cost you

Program Costs

16% off
First Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 21,076.00 USD 25,101.00
Second Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 25,101.00
Third Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 25,101.00
Total Program Cost Estimated total tuition
USD 71,278.00 USD 75,303.00

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

Living Costs

Accommodation
USD 607.00 - USD 1,191.00
Food & Groceries USD 3,222.00 - USD 4,028.00
Transport USD 806.00 - USD 3,222.00
Utilities & Bills USD 4,028.00 - USD 5,034.00
Estimated Total USD 8,056.00 - USD 11,278.00

Living cost estimates are based on Birmingham City Campus.

Outcomes & Employability

What happens after you graduate

97%
Graduate Employment Rate Within 6 to 12 months of graduation

Common Graduate Roles

Corporate & Commercial LawEnergy Policy & RegulationEnergy Storage & TechnologyHealthcare Administration & ManagementHealthcare ConsultingNuclear EnergyOil & Gas Exploration & ProductionReal Estate & Property LawRefining & PetrochemicalsRenewable Energy (Solar & Wind)

Top Employers Hiring for this course

Global Legal Law Firm

LVI Associates

NHS

Why Study Criminology - BA (Hons) at Birmingham City University

What makes this program stand out

September 2026 Closing soon

Next intake is in September 2026

Moderate Application response time

Birmingham City University typically responds to applications within 1 - 2 weeks, giving you clarity on your options quickly.

Life at Birmingham City University 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 Criminology - BA (Hons) at Birmingham City University

Can I work while studying?

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

What English language score do I need for this course?

To enroll, you need to meet specific English proficiency scores: TOEFL overall score of 80, IELTS overall score of 6.0, or PTE overall score of 59. Ensure your scores meet or exceed these requirements for a successful application.

What jobs can I get after studying this course?

Graduates may pursue careers as criminologists, police officers, probation officers, social workers, or crime analysts.

What will I actually study in this course?

Looking to study a criminology degree at university? Our BA (Hons) Criminology course is supported by our close links with local criminal justice organisations in the voluntary, public, and private sectors, including West Midlands Police Force.

Make sense of the world of criminal justice by getting the big picture perspective on crime, punishment and victimisation.

This course aims to develop knowledge and understanding of the core schools of criminological thought, their

When can I start — what are the intake months?

The BA (Hons) Criminology course has an intake in September. Be sure to check the application deadlines to secure your spot for this exciting program.
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