BA Criminology at University of Manchester

Explore how crime and criminal behaviour are related to other social issues. World-leading teaching: Learn from researchers, policy makers, specialist practitioners and individuals with lived experience, offering perspectives you won’t get from a textbook. Gain skills relevant to employers: Build a strong skillset in critical thinking, problem solving, active reasoning, verbal communication, research and data analysis as you study topics such as criminal justice systems, policing function, public policy and human rights.

Faculty: Faculty of Humanities  |  Department: School of Social Sciences  |  Duration: 3 or 4 years  |  Study mode: full-time  |  Intake: September 2027  |  Location: Manchester, England, United Kingdom

What you will study

In your first year, you’ll: Have an introduction to the sociological and psychological explanations for crime and criminal behaviour. Study the criminal justice system and criminal law. Year 1 compulsory units include Crime and Society, Criminological Research Methods, Foundations of Criminal Justice, Psychology, Crime and Criminal Justice, Making Sense of Criminological Data, Criminal Law (Humanities).

Career pathways

The University of Manchester is the most targeted university by the UK’s top graduate employers (High Fliers Graduate Market Report, 2026). Our graduates are highly sought after and go on to pursue careers in the following: Criminal justice system-related professions Police and offender management (for example, the Probation Service) Community justice Youth justice Victimisation National intelligence and security agencies Charity and voluntary...

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