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Criminology with Criminal Law

  • BA (Hons)
  • 3 Years
  • Full-time
  • October 2026
  • Undergraduate
Colchester Campus
More about University of Essex

Course options

2026-20272027-2028
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Course summary

What is BA Criminology with Criminal Law?
BA Criminology with Criminal Law is a three-year degree, or four years with an optional placement or study abroad year.

You’ll explore how crime is understood, how criminal law is shaped in theory and practice, and how justice systems respond to harm. Criminologists and lawyers engage with some of the most pressing issues facing societies today, and this course examines crime, criminal law, and criminal justice within wider social contexts.

Why this course
How do we understand crime? Why should crime be punished? How can harms be restored? What shapes criminal law in principle and in practice? These are central questions that guide your studies throughout this degree.

This course brings together criminology and law to help you understand how legal systems define crime, how justice is administered, and how social contexts influence both criminal behaviour and legal responses.

You’ll study in a lively and supportive academic environment with opportunities to explore a wide range of topics, including cybercrime, terrorism, illegal migration, policing, criminal justice policy, and the principles of criminal law.

You’ll be taught by academics from both the Department of Sociology and Criminology and Essex Law School, giving you an interdisciplinary perspective grounded in both social science and legal expertise.

Who should apply
Students interested in crime, law, justice, and social policy
Those curious about how legal systems define and respond to criminal behaviour
Learners who enjoy analysing complex social and legal issues from multiple perspectives
Future legal professionals, criminologists, policymakers, or researchers

What you’ll learn
Crime and criminal justice: Explore theories of crime, punishment, and justice systems
Criminal law: Study the principles, structures, and application of criminal law in practice
Cybercrime and global threats: Examine emerging forms of crime including cybercrime, terrorism, and illegal migration
Policing and public policy: Investigate how law enforcement and policy shape criminal justice outcomes
Research methods: Develop criminological and legal research skills, including surveys, interviews, focus groups, and crime mapping

Your learning experience
Interdisciplinary teaching: Learn from experts in both criminology and law
Flexible study options: Explore a wide range of specialist topics across crime, law, and justice
Practical research training: Gain skills in criminological and legal research methods
Placement or study abroad opportunity: Enhance your experience through international study or workplace learning
Independent dissertation: Complete a supervised research project on a topic of your choice

Careers and outcomes
A BA Criminology with Criminal Law degree can prepare you for careers in:

Legal professions: Law, legal practice support, and paralegal roles
Criminal justice system: Policing, probation, courts, and youth justice services
Public policy and government: Policy development, criminal justice policy, and public administration
Cybersecurity and investigative roles: Roles addressing cybercrime and digital security challenges
Further study: Postgraduate study in law, criminology, criminal justice, or related disciplines

Modules

You can tailor your learning experience to your future career with a choice of optional modules. More information about these can be found on the University of Essex website.

This course is available in Clearing. If you have submitted an application, you can add this course. If you haven’t sent us an application yet, you can do this until 24th September 2026.

This course is subject to validation. You can still apply for this course while it is being approved.

Ways to study this course

Campuses

  • Colchester Campus

Study options

  • BA (Hons) • Full-time • 3 Years

Start dates

  • October 2026

Apply by
14 January

This is the equal consideration deadline. You can still apply after this date, but your application may not receive guaranteed consideration.

Application codes

Course code:
LM11
Institution code:
E70
Campus name:
Colchester Campus
Campus Code:
-
Points of Entry:
Year 1

University of Essex has participated in the Teaching Excellence Framework. These ratings were awarded in 2023, for four years.

See why these ratings were awarded
What does this TEF outcome mean?

How to apply

Apply by
14 January

This is the deadline for applications to be completed and sent for this course. If the university or college still has places available you can apply after this date, but your application is not guaranteed to be considered.

Application codes

Course code:
LM11
Institution code:
E70
Campus name:
Colchester Campus
Campus Code:
-

Points of entry

The following entry points are available for this course:

  • Year 1

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Entry requirements

UCAS Tariff
112 - 120 points

Offers will be made from a minimum of the equivalent of 2 full A-levels.
We accept A Levels, BTECs, Access to HE Diploma, International Baccalaureate, T Levels, AAQs and most other qualifications within the UCAS Tariff.
Whilst International A-levels and BTECs aren't on the tariff calculator, we assign them the same tariff points as their UK counterparts.

Find out more about qualification requirements for this course.

Contextual admissions

Universities and colleges consider more than grades when assessing applications and may make offers based on a range of criteria. Learn more about contextual offers.

At Essex we consider your whole application – not just grades. If you don’t meet the exact grade requirements, you may still be considered.
We’re dedicated to helping students from underrepresented groups to access an Essex education. We may give you a Contextual Offer up to two A-Level grades below our standard conditional offer based on where you live, your school, and other details from your application.

Learn more on the University of Essex website

Historical entry grades data

This section shows the range of grades that students who received offers were previously accepted on to this course with (learn more).

It is designed to support your research but does not guarantee whether you will or won't get a place.

Admissions teams consider various factors, including interviews, subject requirements, and entrance tests. Check all course entry requirements for eligibility.

Not enough data available

We are unable to show previous accepted grades for this course. This could be because the course is new, it's a postgraduate course, there isn't enough historical data, or the provider has opted out of sharing their entry grades data for this course - learn more.

Fees and funding

Tuition fees

Per year tuition fees

LocationFeeYear

Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website.

Additional fee information

Fees displayed are for the 2026-27 academic year. Fees may increase for each academic intake and each academic year of study.

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