BA (Hons) Criminology
Course Overview
Are you interested in the causes and consequences of crime and deviant behaviour in modern society? Arden University’s BA (Hons) Criminology will equip you with the knowledge and tools to understand the ever-evolving concept of crime within society and the intricate mechanisms of the criminal justice system.
Our criminology programme empowers you to develop a theoretical grasp of behaviour, victimisation, the socio-legal landscape, and societal responses to crime. You’ll also examine the inner workings of the criminal justice system, media portrayals of crime and victimisation, the societal approach to crime, and the future of social control. All these dimensions, and more, are comprehensively explored through the lens of global criminological theories, complemented with insights from related disciplines like psychology and sociology.
Throughout the course, you’ll delve into a diverse spectrum of criminal activities, victimisation experiences, and miscarriages of justice. From in-depth examinations of serial killers and violent offenders to probing pivotal cases such as Zahid Mubarak, Stephen Lawrence, Sarah Everard, and Mark Duggan, our programme offers a comprehensive exploration of today’s criminal justice system. This will prepare you for potential careers as a police or probation officer, or roles in human rights, criminal investigation, or intelligence services.
The team behind the course are academics, practitioners, and researchers with experiences encompassing a wide spectrum of areas such as victim support, crime prevention, case management, social care, and much more. This dynamic blend of experience guarantees you’ll acquire the competencies needed to not only address the present challenges of the sector but also anticipate its future demands.
Course details and modules
The course has been designed with a clear applied focus to reflect the real-world criminal justice skills you need to succeed. Your modules cover areas such as state and corporate crime, intelligence policing, terrorism, human trafficking, serious and organised crime, cybersecurity, serial killers, contemporary policing issues, and more. This holistic approach ensures you gain the practical insights necessary to excel in the ever-evolving landscape of criminal justice.
Just some of the fascinating modules you’ll study on this course include:
Crimes of the Powerful
Examine state-driven and state-corporate illegal activities, from police brutality to corporate corruption. Investigate hidden aspects of criminology through cases like genocide and white-collar crime, shedding light on the dynamics of power.
Defending the Realm
Explore intelligence policing, its role in decision-making, and its challenges in combating global crime. Understand the complexities of intelligence operations by analysing real-world cases like Operational Forte and Morecambe Bay’s Cockling Disaster.
Policing Priorities
Trace the evolution of policing through history to the present day. Navigate issues like policing by consent, police culture, safeguarding, and the changing landscape of policing, providing a comprehensive understanding of modern policing dynamics.
Modules
You have between 3 to 9 years to complete this course, which means you can take up to 3 years to complete each level. Most of our students, however, aim to complete their studies within 3 to 6 years.
Your studies will begin at Level 4 with an introduction to both criminology and cybercrime. You’ll then have the opportunity to choose one of these pathways at Level 5, in which your remaining modules will help you learn the latest sector-specific skills needed by employers.
- 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)
- 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)
- Serial Killers (20 credits)
- Victimology (20 credits)
- Miscarriages of Justice (20 credits)
- Professional Practice: A case study (20 credits)
- Dissertation (40 credits)
Entry requirements
What you need to study with us
Our aim is to make learning as accessible as possible by ensuring that you can study your degree in a flexible and convenient way. That’s why we keep our requirements simple. All you need is a laptop or desktop PC (we recommend one running the latest version of Windows), and a good internet connection. Through ilearn, our online university campus in the cloud, you’ll be able to access your course calendar, support services, learning materials, and our online library containing thousands of ebooks, as well as tools for creating assignments, keeping notes, and collaborating with other students on your course.
Eligibility
To be eligible for our BA (Hons) Criminology, you should normally have:
- Two subjects at GCE A level or equivalent, plus passes at grade C or above in three subjects at GCSE level or equivalent; OR
- Completed a recognised Access Programme or equivalent.
- If you don’t currently hold the above qualifications, we also offer this course with an additional foundation year, designed for students who need extra support when starting their degree course.
We’re also happy to consider an application from you if you can show us that you have relevant work experience that required critical thinking and analysis skills. We’ll ask you for a personal statement that demonstrates your motivation and ability to study this degree, along with references and evidence of your previous work experience.
English proficiency
English proficiency
- IELTS 6.0 (no less than 5.5 in any element); or TOEFL iBT 80; or equivalent
- Alternatively, evidence you have previously studied in English, such as a letter to show that the Medium of Instruction was in English, can be accepted.
We also offer an internal English test for applicants who are unable to provide the above evidence of English proficiency.
Course fees and funding
Course fee breakdown
Course fee breakdown
| Studying Online | Fee |
|---|---|
| Fee per level: | |
| Level 4 fee: | £5,500 |
| Level 5 fee: | £5,500 |
| Level 6 fee: | £5,500 |
Please note: Fees quoted relate to the intake that you enrol on (i.e. when you start your course), NOT your application date.