Writtle University College and ARU have merged. Writtle’s full range of college, degree, postgraduate and short courses will still be delivered on the Writtle campus. See our guide to finding Writtle information on this site.

BA (Hons) Criminology

  • Placement year available
How to apply Come to an Open Day

Introduction to our Criminology degree

Which ARU Criminology and Policing course is right for you?

Studying Criminology at ARU

Explore the nature of crime, justice and punishment and prepare for a career in criminal justice and crime prevention by studying for our Criminology degree in Cambridge. Find out what makes this course unique with our short video.

Times Higher Education (THE) Awards 2023 logo

Study at an award-winning university

We're the Times Higher Education (THE) University of the Year. We've also been awarded a Gold rating in the Teaching Excellence Framework – a reflection of the outstanding education we offer our students.

Explore the causes of crime, the effectiveness of punishment, and how crime and victimisation are represented in the media.

In doing so, you’ll challenge your existing opinions. You’ll also develop skills in evaluating contrasting evidence, critical thinking and crafting arguments by learning how sociologists, psychologists, political theorists and law experts approach crime and complex social problems.

Our BA (Hons) Criminology course places value on hands-on learning. You'll learn through case studies, the latest research and interactive sessions – and you might also have the opportunity for field trips to courts, prisons and sites such as Auschwitz.

Course options

Course options

Key facts

Looking for different course options?

Entry requirements

Loading...

Entry requirements are not currently available, please try again later.

Fees and paying for university

Facilities and showcase

Hands-on learning

All our BA (Hons) Criminology students have the opportunity to:

Outstanding student support

Join our student community and:

  • benefit from award-winning learning facilities, including extensive library and IT resources
  • learn from expert staff who will guide your research interests and career development
  • access support, should you need it, with study skills, careers advice, health and wellbeing, and more.

Take a closer look

Our Creative Showcase shines a spotlight on what makes ARU creative and cultural – our spaces, places and people. Find out more about our community, the difference we make, the stories we tell, and the things that inspire us.

Meanwhile, Present is an exhibition that you curate for yourself. Explore the work of our graduating students in this eye-catching virtual degree show.

Alternatively, take a guided tour and meet our students.

Careers – What can you do with a degree in criminology?

As a BA (Hons) Criminology graduate you’ll be well-equipped for a career in a number of public services. These include the probation service, prison service (officers and governors), police (crime scene and victim liaison officers), the Home Office (researchers and policy analysts), the Crown Prosecution Service, the Court Service, youth offending teams and 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.

Our 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.

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.

Employability and personal career development

Informed by employers, our courses support an integrated approach to employability. You’ll have opportunities to develop the skills and abilities they are looking for and gain a deeper understanding of how your academic learning relates to the world of work through Live Briefs and Ruskin Modules.

To amplify your career ambition, you will need to actively dedicate time outside of your studies, whether you choose to explore placements, internships or volunteering. Or you could make a social impact by collaborating with our partner organisations through our volunteer scheme Students at the Heart of Knowledge Exchange (SHoKE). These all give you an edge, providing you with experience that you will be able to evidence on your CV and talk about in interviews.

Our Employability and Careers Service offers a range of expert advice and support to build your unique professional profile, including tailored career appointments, advice on writing your CV, and help to complete job applications. You’ll have 24/7 access to the Careers Centre, our comprehensive online digital resource, which empowers you to start building a Personal Career Development Plan from the very start. Design your future at ARU.

Apply now for BA (Hons) Criminology

Life in Cambridge

Our friendly, bustling campus is a stone’s throw from the centre of Cambridge, often described as the perfect student city.

Our favourite places in Cambridge Did you know...? Facts about Cambridge Watch: Our Cambridge

Want to talk to someone?

Do you have a question that we haven't answered so far? Talk to our application experts. You can also ask our Student Ambassadors about life at ARU.

We're here Monday-Thursday 9am-5pm (please note we close at 3.30pm on the first and third Thursday of the month for staff training), and Friday 9am-4.30pm.

Foundation year available

This course offers a foundation year – an extra year of study to help you prepare for university, and build your knowledge and skills.

More about foundation years

Loading...