BSc (Hons) Criminology at Birmingham City University

Make sense of the world of criminal justice by getting the big picture perspective on crime, punishment, and victimisation on our BSc (Hons) Criminology course. Supported by close links with local criminal justice organisations in the voluntary, public, and private sectors. Our degree course addresses the six core schools of criminological thought, equipping you with knowledge and understanding that covers their social and historical foundations, and how they can be applied in practice.

Faculty: Faculty of Business, Law and Social Sciences  |  Department: Sociology and Criminology  |  Duration: 3 years full-time; 5 years part-time  |  Study mode: full-time/part-time (optional professional placement)  |  Intake: September 2027  |  Location: Birmingham, England, United Kingdom

What you will study

During your first year you will gain a firm grounding in criminological theory, the criminal justice system and applied research methods, which will provide a basis on which you can build your knowledge, Our curriculum offers you a variety of subjects, which will allow you to explore and develop your interests before focusing on specialised fields within criminology, randing from homicide to crimes of the powerful. You will also have the option to take a placement module during your second year of study. Modules include Introduction to Criminological Theory, Crime and the Media, Crime, Punishment and Society, The Criminal Justice System, Applied Research Methods in Criminology, Prisons and Punishment, Experiencing Harm, Criminology Careers.

Career pathways

This course is suitable if you wish to embark on a criminal justice-related career, including jobs in the police, revenue and customs, probation, youth justice, community safety and the Prison Service as well as the voluntary sector. It’s also suitable for serving police officers and civilian support staff, customs officers, prison officers and those working in the Immigration and Nationality Service.

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