BA (Hons) Criminology at University of Essex

Programme overview

The BA Criminology examines the nature of crime, criminal justice and punishment within wider social contexts. Topics include organised crime, terrorism, migration, environmental harm, surveillance and policing and social control, with training in survey, interview and quantitative research methods.

Department: Sociology and Criminology | Duration: 3 years (4 years with an optional placement or study abroad year) | Intake: October 2027 | Study mode: full-time; year abroad option, placement year option | Location: Colchester, England, United Kingdom

What you will study

Year 1 covers Introduction to Crime, Law and Society, Researching Social Life, The Sociological Imagination and Unlocking Your Academic Potential. Later modules include Policing, Punishment and Society, Race, Class and Gender, New Directions in Criminology, Globalisation and Crime, Crime, Policy and Social Justice, and a Capstone Project.

Career pathways

Graduates can enter criminal justice and policing (police, probation, prisons, youth justice), public policy and government, research and social analysis, charities and third-sector organisations, or postgraduate study and professional training in criminology, sociology, law and social work.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

UK applicants: 112 UCAS tariff points from a minimum of 2 full A-levels. IB: 29 points in the IB Diploma or 112 UCAS tariff points to include a minimum of 2 Higher Level subjects. Essex accepts A-levels, AAQs, BTECs, Access to HE Diploma, T-levels and most other qualifications that hold UCAS tariff points; acceptability of some non-A-level qualifications such as BTECs may depend on the subject studied and units taken. Contextual offer (UK-resident applicants from underrepresented groups): 96 UCAS tariff points from a minimum of 2 full A-levels. International applicants whose first language is not English: IELTS 6.0 overall with a minimum of 5.5 in each component, or a specified score in an equivalent accepted test; a pre-sessional English pathway is available for those who do not meet the IELTS requirement. Applications are made through UCAS (Essex institution code E70).

Domestic applicants: GBP 10,050 a year. Home/UK tuition fee per year; fees increase for each academic year of study. Placement year: 20% of the standard tuition fee for that year; full year abroad: 15%. Source

International applicants: GBP 22,575 a year. International tuition fee per year; fees increase for each academic year of study. Placement year: 20% of the standard tuition fee for that year; full year abroad: 15%. Source

Intake: October 2027

Duration: 3 years (4 years with an optional placement or study abroad year)

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