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Criminology with Foundation Year

  • BA (Hons)
  • 4 Years
  • Full-time
  • 14 September 2026
  • Undergraduate
University College Birmingham
More about University College Birmingham

Course options

2026-2027
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Course summary

OVERVIEW
Criminology at University College Birmingham is about more than just crime. It examines the social conditions, inequalities, and power structures that shape how crime and justice are understood. This course looks at who creates laws, how they are enforced, and how different communities experience harm and respond to it.
The foundation year provides a supportive introduction to university study. You will develop essential academic skills while beginning to explore key ideas about society, justice, and inequality. It’s an ideal starting point if you want additional preparation or a confidence building route into higher education.
As you progress into the degree, you will investigate the political, cultural, and economic forces that influence crime and examine real issues affecting our city and its diverse communities. Practical activities, fieldwork, and applied projects help you connect theory with real world challenges.
This pathway prepares you to make a meaningful contribution to society. Whether your goal is shaping policy, supporting communities, or working in the criminal justice system, the foundation year route equips you with the knowledge and skills to begin your journey.

WHY CHOOSE THIS COURSE?

  • EXPERT TUITION – You will be taught by seasoned criminologists and those with a mixture of industry experience, including policing

  • NO EXAMS – If you are not keen on exams, this course is for you. Unlike many degrees, you will have no written exams during or at the end of the course

  • ENRICHMENT – Learn from experts through real-world simulations, workshops, and guest lectures

  • STUDENT-CENTRED - Designed to reflect the real world, the programme is underpinned by diverse and inclusive reading lists and module content

  • MAKE AN IMPACT – Develop a global outlook by exploring issues across cultures, preparing you to make an impact in an increasingly globalised world

CAREERS AND PROGRESSION
Examples of careers you could pursue following this course:

  • Social science researcher

  • Probation officer

  • Prison officer

  • Youth offending team officer

  • Intelligence analyst

  • Political risk analyst

You could also progress onto one of our postgraduate courses at University College Birmingham.

  • Please refer to our website www.ucb.ac.uk for the latest updates to this course

Modules

Full course breakdown, including modules, coming soon.

Assessment method

Coming soon

Ways to study this course

Campuses

  • University College Birmingham

Study options

  • BA (Hons) • Full-time • 4 Years

Start dates

  • 14 September 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:
M91F
Institution code:
B35
Campus name:
University College Birmingham
Campus Code:
-
Points of Entry:
Foundation

University College Birmingham 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:
M91F
Institution code:
B35
Campus name:
University College Birmingham
Campus Code:
-

Points of entry

The following entry points are available for this course:

  • Foundation

Open days

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Entry requirements

UCAS Tariff
32 points

A level
DD

Access to HE Diploma
P: 45 credits

Access to Higher Education Diploma: 32 UCAS Tariff points.

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

English language requirements

TestGradeAdditional details
Cambridge English AdvancedLevel B2BA/BSc - Minimum 170 with no less than 160 in any skill FdA/FdSc - Minimum 160 with no less than 150 in any skill
IELTS (Academic)BA/BSc - Overall score of 6.0 with no less than 5.5 in each component FdA/FdSc - Overall score of 5.5 with no less than 5.0 in each component
Institution's Own TestBA/BSc - Overall score of B2 with no less than B2- in in each component FdA/FdSc - Overall score of B2- with no less than B1+ in in each component
To apply for all undergraduate degrees, if your first language is not English, you will need to sit an approved test in English.

UCB English Language Requirementshttp://www.ucb.ac.uk/our-courses/international/english-language-requirements/english-language-requirements-table.aspx

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

UK:
If you are a UK student enrolling on a Foundation Degree or a BA/BSc at University College Birmingham, your fee for this academic year will be £9,250. A half year tuition fee is £4625.
This is a yearly fee, and will increase with inflation in subsequent years (in line with the government’s permitted rise).
If you are an English student studying your first higher education qualification, you can apply for a tuition fee loan from the Student Loans Company. You will not start repaying this loan until you leave the course and are earning over £25,000 a year.
If you live in Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland, you should apply to Student Finance Wales, Student Finance Northern Ireland, or SAAS. The loans and grants available to you will differ from those available from Student Finance England.
UCB does not charge for 24 or 48 week placements.
More information about UK Fees please go to our website here -
https://www.ucb.ac.uk/study/fees-and-funding/undergraduate-fees/

EU and International:
More information about International Fees please go to our website here - https://www.ucb.ac.uk/our-courses/international/tuition-fees-and-scholarships.aspx

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