BA (Hons) Criminology and Policing

Our BA (Hons) Criminology and Policing degree combines our expertise in contemporary criminology and professional policing to provide a comprehensive understanding of criminological theories that can be applied to current socio-economic policies and conditions. Combining criminology study with policing modules which cover aspects of the national policing curriculum, this three-year course is for those interested in pursuing a career in the criminal justice sector, police service or associated fields. In addition to gaining knowledge in both criminology and policing, this practice-focused course will enable you to gain a wide range of analytical, research, problem-solving and communication skills. In the 2021 National Student Survey, The University of Law has been ranked first amongst universities in England for the category of 'teaching on my course'. We have an overall 5 Star rating from QS World University Rankings and 5 stars in Teaching, Employability, Online Learning, Academic Development and Inclusiveness. Please note: this programme does not qualify as a pre-join degree to enable direct entry into police service. Students wishing to pursue a career as a police officer after studying this degree would need to enter a service via the degree holder entry route.

Course Requirements

• BBC at A Level and Grade C/4 or above in GCSE English Language or equivalent qualifications.
• Students who will be under the age of 18 but no younger than 17 at the commencement of the course are permitted.
• International requirements: An English language level equivalent to IELTS 6.5 or above with a minimum of 6.0 in each component.

Career Path

Careers in the criminal justice system, policing, security, probation service, customs, immigration, social researcher, housing sector and the NGO and charity sector.

Course Details

UCAS code: LN31

This three-year degree allows you to combine criminology study with policing modules which cover aspects of the national policing curriculum. You'll look at areas such as drugs, cybercrime, migration, terrorism, and trafficking in detail. You’ll consider how these areas are viewed by groups from various backgrounds, including how gender, race and cultural perspectives can impact opinion.

Students will be taught by experts in criminology who have worked directly with government departments, as well as former police officers for practical, hands-on education. This course sets students up for a career in the criminal justice sector, the police service or the NGO and charity sector, among others.

Please note that this programme does not qualify as a pre-join degree to enable direct entry into the police service. Students wishing to pursue a career as a police officer on graduation would need to enter a service via the degree holder entry route.

You will learn through a variety of group sessions, workshops, digital media and a wide range of learning resources, completing a research methods module and a dissertation or research project in your final year. In addition to your knowledge of criminology and policing, you will gain a wide range of analytical, research, problem-solving and communication skills, which are in high demand by employers.

You will also learn through realistic scenarios and the use of a crime scene suite or pop-up facilities.

Course Structure

Year 1

Semester 1

• Foundations of Criminology
• Understanding the Police Constable Role and Professional Standards
• The Criminal Justice System: Key Legislation, Offences and Civil Matters

Semester 2

• Drugs in the Criminal Justice System
• Core Principles of Evidence-Based Policing, Information and Intelligence
• Contemporary Criminology

Year 2

Semester 1

• Gender, Sexuality and Crime
• Community Policing, Antisocial Behaviour and Introduction to Road Policing
• Public Protection: Understanding Abuse and Impact

Semester 2

• Cybercrime
• Forensic and Criminal Psychology
• Response Policing and Police Investigations

Year 3

Semester 1

• Research Methods and Dissertation (double module across both semesters)
• Urban Criminology
• Responding to Major and Critical Incidents

Semester 2

• Research Methods and Dissertation (double module across both semesters)
• Investigating Serious Crime and Understanding Terrorism and Transnational Organised Crime

Choose one:

• Race, Ethnicity and Religion
• Politics of Policing
• Terrorism
• Counter-Terrorism and Advanced Road Policing

Course Information

Assessment

A wide range of assessment methods will be used across all modules to ensure that all programme outcomes can be demonstrated by students. These include unseen essay type exams, written coursework assignments, oral presentations, role plays and a dissertation module.

This variety of approaches reflects the diversity of the curriculum and enables students a greater chance of success. It also helps to remove barriers to some students who may find that more traditional assessment methods do not truly reflect their abilities.

Classification

You must pass each module to be awarded your degree. A pass mark is 40% and above.

• 70% : 1
• 60-69%:2.1
• 50-59%: 2.2
• 40-49%: 3

How to Apply

Applications for all our undergraduate courses for September 2022 entry are open.

Fees

Sep 2024

• UK - £9,250 per annum / International - £17.550 per annum (London), £16,700 (non-London)
• Fees are locked for future study years i.e. the student will pay the same price each year.

The University of Law has campuses in London, Birmingham, Bristol, Chester, Guildford, Leeds, Manchester and Nottingham, as well as our GDL and LPC courses being taught in the University of Exeter, the University of Reading and the University of Liverpool, and our LPC course also being taught at the University of East Anglia from September 2019. Previously The College of Law, we were granted university status in November 2012. Our Business School operates out of The University of Law campuses in London Bloomsbury, Birmingham, Leeds and Manchester.

What really sets us apart from other universities is our belief that our students should learn in a realistic, professional and contemporary context. We focus on practice-based training and give students access to our extensive careers service and jobs vacancy database as soon as they accept a place with us. Through our pro bono programme, law students can hone their skills by working on real cases before they graduate.

Multiple campuses across the UK:

With campuses based in eight of the UK’s most vibrant and interesting cities, The University of Law offers a diverse choice of locations to study in. All are close to thriving commercial centres, law firms and transport links. We also offer various courses online.

For undergraduate Law, Policing and Criminology courses: you can choose from up to eight campuses in eight cities across the UK. We also have our unique switching facility* which allows undergraduate LLB students to choose to study at one, two or more campuses to sample life in different cities during their studies (*T&Cs apply). Courses available vary by campus location.

Innovative Teaching:

We specialise in teaching and focus our energy on developing innovative, highly effective teaching and learning methods that equip students for their professional careers. We have more than 250 qualified and experienced solicitors, barristers and judges as our tutors, enabling us to help you develop the practical skills that can make all the difference when starting your career in law.

Careers and Employability:

We have one of the largest legal careers and employability services in the UK, with a team of over 30 experts.

The University of Law’s dedicated Employability Service gives students access to work experience and pro bono opportunities and legal vacancies as soon as they accept their place. The result is excellent employability statistics:

• 92% of our full-time UK LLB students graduating in 2017 secured employment or further study within six months of successfully completing their course.

Supportive Environment:

We aim to support more students from across a variety of backgrounds than ever before to achieve their career ambitions, which is why we offer a comprehensive range of scholarships and law bursary schemes, including law work experience opportunities, with a substantial fund available across our courses.

All students are given the opportunity to take full advantage of our facilities and services.

The Disability Support Service is dedicated to managing any requirements you may have during your studies, including temporary assistance due to injury or illness.

Our comprehensive and experienced Employability Service gives in-depth help with CV writing, interview techniques and general career guidance, as well as offering a wealth of opportunities to boost your experience and skills. Meanwhile, our pro bono clinics give you the chance to work with practising lawyers on real legal cases while you’re studying.

Library and Study Facilities:

Our well-equipped IT suites, comprehensive law libraries, quiet study areas and vibrant social spots cater to all your study needs. Our library service provides access to over 20,000 eBooks on and off-campus to find what you need when you need it.

Student Life:

You’ll enjoy a range of interactive and lively activities both inside and outside of the classroom. Business games, mock trials and negotiation competitions are just some of the practical exercises you’ll take part in to develop your legal skills. In your spare time, you can join a range of clubs and societies, sports teams and fundraising committees, or even start your own, as well as enjoying the more relaxed side of student social life.

Student Association:

All students are automatically members of the University’s Student Association (SA). The SA is tasked with enhancing your student and academic experience by having a strong representation of the student cohort.

There is a broad range of clubs and societies across each of our campuses managed by the SA. Here are just some examples of the clubs that we’ve run recently:

• Adventure Sports Club
• Cake Club
• Charities Society
• Football
• Women’s Network
• Yoga

Courses:

Undergraduate Law, Policing and Criminology:

Our undergraduate LLB courses combine academic rigour with practical legal skills to provide you with the essential groundwork needed to begin your journey into a variety of careers.

Over 90% of our LLB tutors are qualified lawyers, bringing extensive practical experience to your studies. Our courses are available as full-time, accelerated, or online courses, so you can choose the study method that best suits your needs. Many of our courses also come with a Foundation Year option. In addition, we now offer undergraduate degrees in Policing and Criminology.

International Leadership Summer School, Berlin:

As part of our ongoing commitment to supporting your ambitions, we are offering our 2019 undergraduate students the opportunity to attend our International Leadership Summer School in Berlin, where you can develop key employment skills and explore this exciting city with your fellow ULaw students.

This is open to all University of Law and ULaw Business School undergraduate students. If you apply to start your studies with us in September 2019, on a three-year degree course, you will be able to apply for our Leadership Summer School at the end of your second year of studies.

Entry Requirements and Fees:

Entry requirements and Fees vary by course - for more information on entry requirements, fees, funding options and, Scholarships and Bursaries, visit The University of Law website.

International Students:

If you study at The University of Law, you will be joining students from over 120 different nationalities, who contribute to a thriving international community throughout our campuses.

We have a Student Support Services team that is here to provide welfare related advice and guidance, and information about Visa requirements can be found on The University of Law website.

Accommodation - Undergraduate:

For our undergraduate students, we’ve arranged accommodation with specialist UK student accommodation providers, to ensure you have a comfortable place to live whilst you’re studying with us. Accommodation is usually in shared flats, or in some cases self-contained studios.

For undergraduate students, we guarantee you an offer of accommodation in the first year of your degree, if you’ve accepted us as your firm choice and applied for accommodation by 30 March in the year of entry*. (*T&Cs apply, details on The University of Law website, Undergraduate Accommodation page.)

Open Days and Events:

Our Open Days are a great way to find out about our courses, check out our facilities, and meet our tutors and current students. There’ll be talks, taster sessions and tours, and you will have the chance to ask your questions. We’ll make your day as interesting and interactive as possible.

From time to time, we’re also offering Online Open Days for our courses. So if you can’t make it to one of our on-campus Open Days, you still have the opportunity to find out what it’s like to study at The University of Law and ask your questions online.

For International Students, you may wish to find out more about studying with us, by visiting us at an overseas event.

UK locations:

Undergraduate Law courses are available at up to eight campuses: Birmingham, Bristol, Chester, Guildford, Leeds, London Bloomsbury, Manchester and Nottingham. Courses available vary by location.

Further details about all our locations are on The University of Law website, Locations page.