University of Portsmouth United Kingdom

Criminology and Criminal Justice BSc (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

Embark on a compelling academic journey with the Criminology and Criminal Justice BSc (Hons) at the University of Portsmouth, designed for those eager to understand the complex dynamics of crime and societal responses. This undergraduate degree delves into critical areas such as criminal justice, understanding criminology, and the essential skills required for success in this field. You will explore the intricate relationship between crime and society, examining historical developments and contemporary issues. This course is ideal for aspiring professionals seeking to make a tangible impact within the justice system and beyond.

This full-time, on-campus degree is studied over three years, offering a comprehensive curriculum that includes foundational modules like 'Crime and Society' and 'Criminal Justice', alongside opportunities for specialisation through optional subjects such as 'Forensic Linguistics' or 'Green Crime'. You will develop vital research skills, culminating in a final-year dissertation, and gain practical experience through opportunities like the 'Professional Experience' module. Graduates from the University of Portsmouth's Criminology and Criminal Justice programme are well-prepared for diverse career paths in policing, probation, policy development, and private sector roles.

Course Curriculum & Details

Detailed information for serious evaluators

Program Overview

This BSc (Hons) Criminology and Criminal Justice program offers a comprehensive exploration of crime, its societal impact, and the workings of the justice system. You will develop essential research and analytical skills, examining core criminological theories and comparative criminal justice approaches. The curriculum allows for specialization through a wide array of optional modules, covering diverse topics such as forensic linguistics, youth crime, global security, and the psychology of crime. The program culminates in a dissertation, providing an opportunity for in-depth independent research.

1 Year 1

Crime and society Compulsory
Criminal justice Compulsory
Essential skills for criminologists Compulsory
Psychology for criminologists Compulsory
Understanding criminology Compulsory

2 Year 2

Questioning criminology Compulsory
Comparative criminal justice Compulsory
Researching criminology Compulsory

3 Optional modules

Drugs and society Elective
Forensic linguistics: language as evidence Elective
Gang crime Elective
Global environmental justice Elective
Hate crime Elective
Introduction to teaching Elective
Psychology and security Elective
Underworlds: crime, deviance and punishment in Britain, 1500-1900 Elective
Victims of crime: key players in criminal justice Elective
Youth crime, youth justice Elective
Empire and its afterlives in Britain, Europe and Africa Elective
Engaged citizenship in humanities and social sciences Elective
Global security Elective
Intercultural perspectives on communication Elective
Marketing and communication Elective
Modernity and globalisation Elective
Nationalism and migration: chaos, crisis and the everyday Elective
News, discourse and media Elective
Principles of economic crime investigation Elective
Puritans to postmodernists: American literature Elective
Transitional justice and human rights Elective
Wildlife crime: threats and response Elective
Contemporary terrorism and the global response Elective
Crimes of the powerful Elective
Fundamentals of forensic investigation Elective
Missing persons: issues and investigation Elective
Penology and prison Elective
Policing and society Elective
Professional experience Elective

4 Year 3

Dissertation (criminology) Compulsory
Criminal justice and human rights Compulsory
Contemporary criminologies Compulsory

5 Optional modules

Crime and new technologies: theory and practice Elective
Dangerous offenders and public protection Elective
Economic crime and fraud examination Elective
Green crime and environmental justice Elective
Introduction to teaching Elective
Management of criminal investigations Elective
Policing: law, policy and practice Elective
Political extremism Elective
Professional development: recruiters and candidates Elective
Black criminology, race and the criminal justice system Elective
Contemporary terrorism and the global response Elective
Forensic linguistics: language and the law Elective
Forensic psychology: investigation - 2024 Elective
Gender and crime Elective
Information security management Elective
Miscarriages of justice Elective
Money laundering and compliance Elective
Policing: communities, intelligence and information Elective
Professional experience Elective
Treatment and rehabilitation of offenders Elective
True crime - the making of a genre Elective
Understanding and addressing sexual offending Elective

Cost & Affordability

A clear picture of what this course will cost you

Program Costs

First Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 24,195.00
Second Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 24,195.00
Third Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 24,195.00
Total Program Cost Estimated total tuition
USD 72,586.00

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

Living Costs

Accommodation
USD 912.00 - USD 2,400.00
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 Portsmouth Campus.

Outcomes & Employability

What happens after you graduate

94%
Graduate Employment Rate Within 6 to 12 months of graduation

Common Graduate Roles

Accreditation & Assessment ServicesEconomic Research & PolicyFood Marketing & Brand ManagementHealthcare Administration & ManagementHealthcare ConsultingHome Health & Long‑Term CareMental Health & CounselingRehabilitation & PhysiotherapySecondary & High School EducationVocational & Technical Training

Top Employers Hiring for this course

Legal & General

NHS

Nuffield Health

Tesco

University of Portsmouth

Why Study Criminology and Criminal Justice BSc (Hons) at University of Portsmouth

What makes this program stand out

September 2026 Closing soon

Next intake is in September 2026

Life at University of Portsmouth 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 and Criminal Justice BSc (Hons) at University of Portsmouth

Can I work while studying?

International degree students 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 enroll, you need to meet specific English language requirements: TOEFL total score of 79, IELTS overall score of 6.0, or PTE overall score of 62. Each test has individual score requirements for listening, reading, speaking, and writing.

What jobs can I get after studying this course?

Graduates can pursue careers as police officers, probation officers, criminologists, victim support workers, or policy advisors.

What will I actually study in this course?

Why do people commit crimes? And what should we do about it? From offender to victim, punishment to rehabilitation, this BSc (Hons) Criminology and Criminal Justice degree asks questions about the causes and consequences of crime. The answers may surprise you. They’ll certainly help you choose the right career path.

As you become an expert on criminology and the criminal justice system in England and Wales, you’ll develop skills for a range of careers – from policing and prisons, to

When can I start — what are the intake months?

The Criminology and Criminal Justice BSc (Hons) program accepts students every September. It's an excellent opportunity to start your career in criminology and justice during the academic year.
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