Overview

Course overview

  • World-leading teaching: Learn from researchers, policy makers, specialist practitioners and individuals with lived experience, offering perspectives you won’t get from a textbook.
  • Gain skills relevant to employers: Build a strong skillset in critical thinking, problem solving, active reasoning, verbal communication, research and data analysis as you study topics such as criminal justice systems, policing function, public policy and human rights.
  • Top ranking Criminology department: We offer specialist training in the latest data analysis, Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and research methods.
  • Take the opportunity to apply for a Professional Experience Year, paid summer Q-Step internship or to study abroad. There are also experiential learning opportunities available such as spending time in a prison supporting prisoners to gain qualifications.
  • Benefit from a flexible course structure and choose to study the subject areas that most interests you in the second and third years.
  • The University of Manchester is the most targeted university by top employers (High Fliers, The Graduate Market Report 2026) - an excellent place to learn and set yourself up for a successful career.

Open days

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It’s an invaluable opportunity to explore, discover, and enjoy some of the vibes that attract so many students to 91Ö±²¥.

Find out more about our upcoming open days .

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Contact details

School/Faculty
Contact name
School of Social Sciences Admissions Office
Telephone
+44 (0) 161 306 0100
Email
Website
School/Faculty overview

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Course details

Course description

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BA Criminology - Ellie's Experience

What is Criminology?
Criminology is the scientific study of crime and deviance. Rather than focusing solely on legal definitions of crime, it explores the wider social issues that shape criminal behaviour and society's response to it. You'll examine topics such as why people commit crimes, how crime affects individuals and communities, media portrayals of crime, inequalities within the criminal justice system, and approaches to policing, punishment and rehabilitation.

It brings a wide range of disciplines together, including:

  • Sociology
  • Politics
  • Economics
  • Law
  • History
  • Geography

91Ö±²¥ing criminology opens up a broad selection of criminal justice professions such as, police, probation, youth justice; voluntary sector; policy analyst which provide opportunities to have a positive impact in society.

Why you should study Criminology at 91Ö±²¥
The BA Criminology course at The University of Manchester is for students that want to discover what causes people to commit crimes, and what the consequences of these causes are for both the individual and society, and what we can do to stop it. It’s for those who want to make real-world change in the global criminal justice system.

91Ö±²¥ has a strong background of research into criminal behaviour and the effects of rapid growth on society. As a department, our research is helping shape policy and social change.

We also have excellent links between academics and practitioners in the local area - this collaboration between experts and students provides great learning benefits.

As part of your studies, you’ll:

  • Discover how criminologists investigate complex problems, work with data and generate evidence to shape policy, practice and public understanding.
  • Be supported by a learning environment that promotes discussion, debate and independent critical thinking.
  • Benefit from networking and professional development opportunities via our student societies, like The 91Ö±²¥ University Criminology Society (MUCS).
  • Learn from leading criminology experts in examining how crime intersects with wider political, social and economic factors - such as gender, class, ethnicity and inequality.
  • Boost your employability through placements within the course, allowing you to gain work experience and make contacts, while putting the skills you’ve learned into practice.

The BA Criminology course will give you highly employable skills, such as:

  • Critical thinking
  • Teamwork
  • Problem solving
  • Data analysis
  • Research
  • Communication skills

Special features

Join a student society

Benefit from networking and professional development opportunities through our student societies. The 91Ö±²¥ University Criminology Society (MUCS) is a long- established society for those who have an interest in crime and criminal justice. The Society promotes greater integration between students on different courses studying criminology with a range of events available, from career-related panels to escape rooms and quizzes.

Expand your network and enrich your experience with a placement opportunity

Apply for a paid summer Q- Step internship between Years 2 and 3. This is an excellent opportunity to gain work experience and make contacts while putting the skills you’ve learnt into practice, which is great for interviews. Recent placements include the Home Office, the Ministry of Justice, and the College of Policing.

Enhance your employability with a professional experience year

You will apply in Year 1 to 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 Year 2.

You will complete your Professional Experience Year in Year 3, extending your degree to four years, before returning to university to finish your final year.

Your degree title will include 'with Professional Experience', giving you an advantage of real- world work experience when entering the graduate job market.

Teaching and learning

You’ll spend around 12 hours per week learning via a mixture of lectures, workshops and tutorials. The rest of your time will be used as part of self-directed study.

  • Lectures are delivered to a large group of students, covering an overview of a particular subject.
  • Tutorials are small groups where you’ll discuss topics you’re studying in more detail.

  • Lab sessions and workshops are also delivered as part of your learning.

  • We offer skills sessions to boost your academic learning and employability.

If you apply to study abroad in your second year, you’ll complete course units in your host university - taught in English - that focus on criminology subjects or other topics of interest.

Coursework and assessment

You’ll be assessed using a number of formats, including:

  • Essays
  • Short exercises or written pieces - for example: blogs and learning portfolios
  • Project work
  • Individual and group presentations
  • Written exams
  • Oral exams

Helpful and detailed feedback will be given for all written and oral work.

Course content for year 1

In your first year, you’ll:

  • Have an introduction to the sociological and psychological explanations for crime and criminal behaviour.
  • 91Ö±²¥ the criminal justice system and criminal law.
  • Learn about things crime is shaped and impacted by such as politics and the media, as well as thinking about how different groups experience crime.

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.

TitleCodeCredit ratingMandatory/optional
CRIM10002 20 Mandatory
CRIM10071 20 Mandatory
CRIM10421 20 Mandatory
CRIM10432 20 Mandatory
CRIM14442 20 Mandatory
LAWS10081 20 Mandatory

Course content for year 2

In your second year of study, you’ll:

  • Improve your understanding of criminology theory, and the practices and techniques used in contemporary criminal justice systems.
  • Look in depth at theory and current issues around policing and punishment.
  • Deepen your knowledge of research methods and quantative and qualitative analysis.

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.

TitleCodeCredit ratingMandatory/optional
CRIM20051 20 Mandatory
CRIM20411 20 Mandatory
CRIM20452 20 Mandatory
CRIM20692 20 Mandatory
CRIM20802 20 Mandatory
CRIM20701 20 Optional
CRIM22111 20 Optional

Course content for year 3

In your third year, you’ll:

  • Tailor your course around your interests and career ambitions with a unique range of optional units delivered by leading experts on original research projects. Some example topics include Drugs and Society, White Collar and Corporate Crime, Journeys Out of Offending, and The Criminal Psychopath.
  • Develop your research and project management skills with a dissertation on a criminology topic of your choosing.

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.

TitleCodeCredit ratingMandatory/optional
CRIM30610 40 Mandatory
CRIM30601 20 Optional
CRIM30641 20 Optional
CRIM30662 20 Optional
CRIM30792 20 Optional
CRIM30811 20 Optional
CRIM31051 20 Optional
CRIM31101 20 Optional
CRIM31142 20 Optional
CRIM31152 20 Optional
CRIM31171 20 Optional
Displaying 10 of 11 course units for year 3
Display all course units for year 3

Course content for year 4

For students that choose to do the Professional Experience year, you’ll take on the learning from the Year 3 course content in Year 4 (see above).

What our students say

Read to find out about their experiences of studying at 91Ö±²¥.

Facilities

While you study with us, you have access to first-class facilities to interact, work, and practice your skills.

You can also volunteer to work in our award-winning . Here, you can work on real legal cases with solicitors and barristers to refine your practical application of law.

Volunteering in our Miscarriages of Justice Review Centre enables you to work to support clients' claims of innocence.

Working alongside legal experts, you will gain access and review real case files. This unique first-hand experience of criminal justice allows you to connect and engage with experienced practicing lawyers.

Disability support

Practical support and advice for current students and applicants is available from the Disability Advisory and Support Service. Email: dass@manchester.ac.uk

Careers

Career opportunities

The University of Manchester has an excellent reputation for employability. We are currently the UK's most targeted university by the top 100 employers in the UK and have remained in the top two for over 10 years (High Fliers Graduate Market Report, 2015- 2026).

Our graduates pursue a variety of careers, including:

  • criminal justice system- related professions;
  • police and offender management (such as Probation Service);
  • community justice;
  • national intelligence and security agencies;
  • charity and voluntary sector organisations (especially those working with groups that have had contact with the criminal justice system);
  • government;
  • teaching.

You will gain key employability skills, such as critical thinking, teamwork and problem- solving. So, it's no surprise that graduates from our Criminology BA are highly sought after by top employers.

You will have access to specialist criminology careers events covering a broad range of professions and opportunities for you to meet professionals working in

Careers Service

The University has its own dedicated and award- winning that can provide specialist advice tailored to you, offering insights into careers in a range of sectors. You will have full access to the Careers Service as a student and for two years after you graduate, providing further opportunities to help boost your employability.

You will also benefit from optional personal development schemes, such as or .

Are you ready to shape your future at the UK’s most employable university?

Your journey starts here.

Entry requirements

A-level

  • AAB or ABB and EPQ with a minimum grade C
  • We do not accept two A/S Levels grades in place of one A Level.
  • Applicants must be studying at least one of the following A Level subjects: Law; 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

Please check for specific GCSE/IGCSE subject entry requirements below

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).

A-level contextual offer

  • BBB
  • We do not accept two A/S Levels grades in place of one A Level.
  • Applicants must be studying at least one of the following A Level subjects: Law; 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

Please check for specific GCSE/IGCSE subject entry requirements below

Contextual offers are available for applicants who:

  • live in the UK and will be under the age of 21 on 1 September of the year they will start their course; and
  • live in an area of disadvantage or with low progression into higher education; and
  • have attended a UK school or college for their GCSEs or A-levels (or equivalent qualifications) that has performed below the national average over multiple years.

See our contextual admissions page for full details and to check your eligibility.

UK refugee/care-experienced offer

  • BBC
  • We do not accept two A/S Levels grades in place of one A Level.
  • Applicants must be studying at least one of the following A Level subjects: Law; 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

Please check for specific GCSE/IGCSE subject entry requirements below

UK refugee/care-experienced offers are available for applicants who:

  • have been for more than three months; or
  • have been granted refugee status by the UK government or have been issued a UK visa under one of the Ukrainian schemes (Homes for Ukraine, Ukraine Family Scheme or Ukraine Extension Scheme).

See our contextual admissions page for full details and to check your eligibility.

International Baccalaureate

35 points overall. 6,6,5 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.

GCSE/IGCSE

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/Department for clarification.

Other entry requirements

Other entry requirements exist for this course. You may view these by selecting from the list below.

English language requirements

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 a 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 requires that every student requiring a visa to study in the UK must show evidence of a (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  .

English language test validity

Some English Language test results are only valid for two years. Your English Language test report must be valid on the start date of the course.

Fees and funding

Fees

Fees for entry in 2027 have not yet been set. For entry in 2026 the tuition fees were £9,790 per annum for home students, and are expected to increase slightly for 2027 entry.

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 (PDF document, 91KB).

Scholarships/sponsorships

We know that student finance can be complicated. The links below provide further information to help guide you.

Learn more about student finance options for UK students.

Learn more about fees and finance for international students .

As an international student you may be eligible for our Global Futures Scholarships . This is open to students starting their studies in September 2026.

Application and selection

How to apply

Apply through .

Home-schooled applicants

If you are a student who has followed a non-standard educational route, e.g. you have been educated at home; your application will be considered against the standard entry criteria of the course for which you are applying. You will be required to demonstrate that you meet the specified academic entry requirements of the course. We will also require a reference from somebody who knows you well enough, in an official capacity, to write about you and your suitability for higher education. If you are a home schooled student and would like further information or advice please contact the academic School for your chosen course who will be able to help you. 

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 91Ö±²¥.

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/ )

Regulated by the Office for Students

The University of Manchester is regulated by the Office for Students (OfS). The OfS aims to help students succeed in Higher Education by ensuring they receive excellent information and guidance, get high quality education that prepares them for the future and by protecting their interests. More information can be found at the .

You can find regulations and policies relating to student life at The University of Manchester, including our Degree Regulations and Complaints Procedure, on our .