You'll learn hands-on through case studies, the latest research and interactive sessions – and might have the chance for field trips to courts, prisons and sites such as Auschwitz.
Consider the causes of crime, the effectiveness of punishment, and how crime and victimisation are represented in the media.
By learning how sociologists, psychologists, political theorists and law experts approach crime and complex social problems, you’ll challenge your existing opinions, and develop skills in evaluating contrasting evidence, critical thinking, and crafting arguments.
Prepare for your future career from the first semester: build a portfolio and CV, attend volunteer and employment fairs, take part in our annual Criminology conference, and hear from key figures in criminal justice.
Our links to local and national organisations, including Essex, Cambridgeshire and Bedfordshire police forces, will give you the chance to gain work experience and build your network.
You’ll be well-equipped for a career in a number of public services. These include:
probation service
prison service (officers and governors)
police (crime scene and victim liaison officers)
Home Office (researchers and policy analysts)
Crown Prosecution Service
the Court Service
youth offending teams
crime reduction partnerships.
The multidisciplinary nature of this course, and its focus on employability and transferable skills, can also open doors elsewhere for example in adult guidance work, charity work, counselling, local government, political analysis, and legal careers.
Graduation doesn’t have to be the end of your time with us. You might choose to stay at ARU and study for a Masters, such as our MA Criminology. Take advantage of our Alumni Scholarship and get 20% off your fees.
Past students have taken up volunteering placements with organisations such as Romsey Mill, or completed their Undergraduate Major Project research with a number of police forces including Essex, Cambridgeshire and Bedfordshire.
Lauren Tabbinor graduated from our BA (Hons) Criminology, and has since worked mostly in the education sector – including a role with the Prince’s Trust. Read more about Lauren's experience.
We want you to be a step ahead when you graduate, so we offer:
We’re here to help you develop your CV and find that all-important role after graduation. Our Employability Service offers tailored career appointments, advice on writing your CV, help to complete job applications, and much more. You’ll have 24/7 access to an online Careers Centre too, which is packed with useful resources.
The support continues after you graduate, with lifelong access to our Alumni Career Centre.
Start by studying media representation and perception of crime and how religion, the state and society have shaped criminal justice.
You’ll also learn how the various criminal justice organisations work and interact, and the roles available within them.
In Year 2, you’ll develop your knowledge of the English and Welsh court system, including its more controversial aspects, as well as exploring how you can make a difference in the world.
Finally you’ll learn more about the youth justice system and how agencies use criminological theories, before pooling your learning in a Major Project.
Environmental Criminology - A 60 Second Seminar by Lecturer Dr Alex Neag.
Emma works as a Probation Officer in Cambridge after graduating from our Criminology degree.
Dani studied on our BA Criminology and MA Criminology as a mature student, and has since taught at a local secondary school as well as working as an Associate Lecturer at ARU. Hear how Criminology at ARU helped Dani follow her interests.
You can choose to take an optional placement year as part of this course. Placements typically happen in Year 3, and your course will take four years overall. Find out more about placement years.
You’ll show your progress through methods including case studies, presentations, essays, short, weekly pieces of writing, portfolios, poster presentations, data analysis exercises, examinations and group projects, as well as your individual Major Project. You’ll receive constructive feedback throughout the course to help you improve your work.
A foundation year prepares you for the rest of your course, and focuses on general skills such as researching and referencing, numeracy and ICT, and communication. We'll also start to look at some more subject-specific topics.
Your placement year is a chance to put everything you’ve learnt in Years 1 and 2 into practice. Spend typically 9-12 months working for an organisation, developing your skills and gaining valuable work experience. Our Placements Team is here to help you secure a placement.
Read profiles of teaching and research staff on this course.
Our published entry requirements are a guide only and our decision will be based on your overall suitability for the course as well as whether you meet the minimum entry requirements.
Other equivalent qualifications may be accepted for entry to this course; please email [email protected] for further information. Applicants to undergraduate courses can also check our information about undergraduate entry qualifications.
You'll need a computer and reliable internet access to successfully engage with your course.
We don't accept AS level qualifications on their own for entry to our undergraduate degree courses. However for some degree courses a small number of tariff points from AS levels are accepted as long as they're combined with tariff points from A levels or other equivalent level 3 qualifications in other subjects.
Important additional notes
Our published entry requirements are a guide only and our decision will be based on your overall suitability for the course as well as whether you meet the minimum entry requirements.
Other equivalent qualifications may be accepted for entry to this course; please email [email protected] for further information. Applicants to undergraduate courses can also check our information about undergraduate entry qualifications.
You'll need a computer and reliable internet access to successfully engage with your course.
We don't accept AS level qualifications on their own for entry to our undergraduate degree courses. However for some degree courses a small number of tariff points from AS levels are accepted as long as they're combined with tariff points from A levels or other equivalent level 3 qualifications in other subjects.
Important additional notes
Our published entry requirements are a guide only and our decision will be based on your overall suitability for the course as well as whether you meet the minimum entry requirements.
Other equivalent qualifications may be accepted for entry to this course; please email [email protected] for further information. Applicants to undergraduate courses can also check our information about undergraduate entry qualifications.
You'll need a computer and reliable internet access to successfully engage with your course.
We don't accept AS level qualifications on their own for entry to our undergraduate degree courses. However for some degree courses a small number of tariff points from AS levels are accepted as long as they're combined with tariff points from A levels or other equivalent level 3 qualifications in other subjects.
International students
We welcome applications from international and EU students, and accept a range of international qualifications.
This course includes an optional placement year. The placement year fee is:
£1,500 (2025-26)
£1,700 (2026-27)
You will be responsible for covering the cost of travelling to your placement during your placement year. This cost could vary significantly depending on where your placement is located, where you live during your course and how you travel.
Living at university
We understand that affordability is an important issue when you’re thinking about studying at university.
The overall cost of university can vary depending on where you’re studying and which course you’re taking.
Costs may also be lower if you're living at home. However, some of the main costs you’ll want to think about include:
accommodation
bills
internet, mobile phone and calls
travel
food and drink
socialising and going out
study materials.
Most full-time UK students can apply for a Maintenance Loan to help cover living costs. More about maintenance loans.
Our Money Advice Service is on hand if you’d like to chat about living costs, budgets and managing your money. You can also find out more about student finance at one of our Open Days.
We offer a range of scholarships and bursaries, which provide extra financial support while you’re at university.
If you're eligible for a scholarship, you'll generally receive it automatically – there's no need to apply.
Our campus employment bureau, ARU Temps, can help you find part-time work that fits around your studies. It's a great chance to enhance your CV and boost your income while you study.
Vicky Gadd
Dr Michael Mills
John Greenan
Dr Paul Nelson