Intakes
October, January, July
Duration
Location
London, Birmingham, Leeds, Manchester
Awarded Degree
BA (Hons) Criminology With Foundation Year
Course details and modules
The foundation year modules are designed to offer a supportive and tailored introduction to university-level study. This initial year equips students with essential academic skills and subject-specific knowledge to prepare for success in criminology.
Subsequent modules provide a practical and applied understanding of real-world criminal justice skills required for future careers. Topics span state and corporate crime, intelligence policing, terrorism, human trafficking, organized crime, cybersecurity, serial offenders, and contemporary policing issues.
Highlighted modules include:
Crimes of the Powerful
Delve into illegal activities involving state and corporate actors, such as police misconduct and corporate corruption. Investigate complex cases like genocide and white-collar crime to understand the power dynamics at play.
Defending the Realm
Examine the role of intelligence policing in crime prevention and decision-making. Analyze the challenges of intelligence operations through real-world cases, including Operational Forte and the Morecambe Bay Cockling Disaster.
Policing Priorities
Explore the evolution of policing from historical origins to modern practices. Study key issues such as policing by consent, safeguarding, police culture, and the evolving challenges facing law enforcement today.
Modules
The course starts with a focus on developing essential academic study skills, providing a strong foundation for higher education. At Level 4, students are introduced to core concepts in both criminology and cybercrime.
At Level 5, students can specialize by selecting one of these pathways, where the remaining modules are designed to build sector-specific knowledge and practical skills aligned with current industry demands.
Foundation year modules
- Preparing for University Success
- Exploring the Social World
- Advancing your Academic Skills
- Examining Social Justice
- Planning for Your Future Success
- Investigation & Innovation Project
Level 4
- Becoming a Criminologist (20 credits)
- A History of Crime and Punishment (20 credits)
- Crime, Media, and Culture (20 credits)
- Cybercrime: The Essentials (20 credits)
- Policing Priorities (20 credits)
- Working within the Criminal Justice System (20 credits)
Level 5
- The Prison (20 credits)
- Youth Crime and Justice (20 credits)
- Defending the Realm (20 credits)
- Green Criminology (20 credits)
- Researching the Field (20 credits)
- Crimes of the Powerful (20 credits)
Level 6
- Serial Killers (20 credits)
- Victimology (20 credits)
- Miscarriages of Justice (20 credits)
- Professional Practice: A case study (20 credits)
- Dissertation (40 credits)
Eligibility
A minimum of 3 GCSEs or 45 credits at Level 2 or an equivalent qualification. If qualifications are over three years old, a professional CV may be required.
Applicants without these qualifications may still be considered if they have at least 12 months of relevant professional work experience, supported by a CV and reference.
This course is also available as a standard bachelor’s degree without a foundation year.
English proficiency
An IELTS score of 6.0 (with no less than 5.5 in any component) or a TOEFL iBT score of 80, or an equivalent qualification, is required.
Alternatively, evidence of prior education in English, such as a letter confirming English as the medium of instruction, may be accepted.
Contact Us Today
Career Path for BA (Hons) Criminology With Foundation Year
A BA (Hons) Criminology with Foundation Year can lead to various careers in criminal justice and social services, including:
- Police Officer – Work in law enforcement.
- Probation Officer – Manage offenders and assist with rehabilitation.
- Criminal Investigator – Investigate and solve crimes.
- Forensic Psychologist – Apply psychology to criminal cases.
- Criminal Lawyer/Paralegal – Support criminal legal practices.
- Social Worker – Work in child protection or community services.
- Cybercrime Specialist – Prevent and investigate online crimes.
- Victim Support Worker – Assist victims of crime.
- Criminologist/Researcher – Conduct research on crime trends and policy.
- Youth Offending Team Member – Work with young offenders.