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Criminology

  • Bachelor of Science (with Honours)
  • 3 Years
  • Full-Time
  • 27 September 2027
  • Undergraduate
Main Site
More about Loughborough University

Course options

2026-20272027-2028
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Course summary

Our BSc Criminology degree will help you to develop a comprehensive understanding of crime and its causes, and a comprehension of the complex motivations and experiences of both those engaged in crime and those involved with its prevention.

Criminology explains the criminal justice system and the complex challenges of how we respond to crime, and punish or rehabilitate criminals. We explore traditional and contemporary approaches to crime prevention, helping students to develop a nuanced understanding of the impact of social problems – like poverty, inequality and social exclusion on criminal behaviour and rehabilitation – and understand the roles of forensic psychology, gender-based violence and the rise of illicit drugs.

You will address some of the most pressing issues facing contemporary societies. Why do people commit particular crimes? What effects does crime have on individuals, communities and society? Can crime be reduced or prevented? If so, what role do the police, the criminal justice system and policy makers play in tackling crime and social harm? Can offenders be rehabilitated in society? If so, how? And how can society help or hinder the rehabilitation process?

Our Criminology degree brings together theories and methods used to understand crime, deviance and inequality and equips students to critically evaluate the role of policing, criminal justice and offender rehabilitation in addressing the impact of crime on society. Throughout the course you will explore issues of social justice and learn about the ways in which crime and criminal justice policy and practice can be used to support and protect, but also further marginalise, some of the most vulnerable groups in society.

Modules

Course Modules

For a full list of areas studied, see the 'What You'll Study' section of the course page on our website.

Assessment method

You will be assessed using a range of methods.

These include essays and exams, in-class tests and group presentations, blogs and policy briefs as well as a final year dissertation which evaluates your research and writing skills.

Ways to study this course

Campuses

  • Main Site

Study options

  • Bachelor of Science (with Honours) • Full-Time • 3 Years

Start dates

  • 27 September 2027

Apply by
13 January 2027

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:
M901
Institution code:
L79
Campus name:
Main Site
Points of Entry:
Year 1

Loughborough University 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
13 January 2027

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:
M901
Institution code:
L79
Campus name:
Main Site

Points of entry

The following entry points are available for this course:

  • Year 1

Entry requirements

Typical qualification requirements

A level
ABB

ABB

T Level

Considered on a case by case basis. Please contact Loughborough University directly.

UCAS Tariff
Not accepted

Access to HE Diploma

Pass Access to HE Diploma with 60 credits overall including 45 at Level 3. Please obtain: 23 Level 3 Credits at Distinction, rest at Merit.

GCSE/National 4/National 5

GCSE English Language grade 4/C

Scottish Advanced Higher
AB

AB, plus majority B grades in Highers

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)
DD

BTEC Level 3 National Diploma: DD plus 1 A Level at Grade B

Extended Project

We recognise the benefit of the Extended Project in developing independent research and critical thinking skills. We would consider this as evidence of motivation to study a specific subject in more depth, and while we do not generally include it as part of our offer conditions, it may be used to further consider an application upon receipt of final examination results. www.lboro.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/apply/entry-requirements/

International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme
Offer: 34

34 (6,5,5 HL)

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)
DDM

BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma: DDM

Leaving Certificate - Higher Level (Ireland) (first awarded in 2017)

We accept a wide range of international qualifications for entry as outlined on our website – please view the individual course typical offers on our website and choose Ireland in the Country/region drop down field for more information.

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate (first teaching from September 2016)
D

BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate: D plus 2 A Levels at Grades BB

Welsh Baccalaureate - Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate (first teaching September 2015)

Applicants taking the Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced Diploma will be asked to achieve the A level requirements for their course as part of their qualification. The Skills Challenge Certificate will be accepted alongside two A levels as long as individual course entry and subject requirements are met. www.lboro.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/apply/entry-requirements/

Cambridge International Pre-U Certificate - Principal

This qualification is accepted in combination with other qualifications. For details please contact Loughborough University.

Loughborough accepts a wide range of qualifications for entry as outlined on our website www.lboro.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/getting-started/applying/entrance-requirements/. This information details the general requirements and should be read in conjunction with the information given for each course.

We accept a wide range of international qualifications such as the European Baccalaureate, French Baccalaureate, German Abitur, Hong Kong DSE, and Indian Standard XII among many others worldwide, on top of well-established International Foundation Programmes. Please view the individual course typical offers on our website and choose your country in the Country/region drop down field for more information.

Loughborough uses contextual data in the admissions process to provide insights into the context in which your academic qualifications have been achieved. This may influence the typical offers outlined in the information given for each course. www.lboro.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/getting-started/applying/contextual-data/ https://www.lboro.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/apply/entry-requirements/

Additional entry requirements

Other
Applicants are usually selected solely on the basis of their UCAS application, but in exceptional cases, an interview may be required. If applicants are made an offer of a place, they will be invited to visit the department giving them the opportunity to meet staff and students, see facilities and get an insight into what it is like to be a student at Loughborough. Many of our courses receive a large number of applications for each available place. We cannot unfortunately always make offers to all applicants who are predicted to achieve/have achieved grades in line with our advertised typical offers.

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.

We consider contextual information as part of the assessment of an application to provide us with further insight into your achievements. This may lead to reduced offers, up to two grades lower than the typical offer requirements, as well as additional consideration when your results are received. For further information about Contextual Admissions at Loughborough including our Access Loughborough Contextual Offer please visit our website.

Learn more on the Loughborough University 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
EU & InternationalTBC
England, Scotland, Wales & Northern Ireland£10050

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

The fees stated above are for the 2027/28 academic year; international fees are still to be approved. We will update this information as soon as it is available. Fees are reviewed annually and are likely to increase to take into account inflationary pressures.

While the cost of your tuition covers lots of things, it doesn’t cover everything. For instance this course doesn’t cover the cost of any stationery, printing, books or re-assessments which you might need.

UK tuition fees align with the applicable fee caps set by the UK government, and as such they are subject to changes made to the agreed cap in a specific year.

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