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Criminology

Course details
  • BA (Hons)
  • 3 Years
  • Full-time
  • September 2026
  • Undergraduate
Course location
Leicester Campus

Course summary

Examine the impact of crime on society and become empowered to question, challenge, and reshape the systems that surround it.

This course brings together sociology, law, philosophy, and social policy to deepen your understanding of criminology in today’s world—locally, nationally, and globally.

You’ll develop essential, transferable skills such as critical thinking, ethical reasoning, and reflexivity, preparing you for impactful careers across criminal justice, social justice, and advocacy sectors. From foundational theory to real-world application, this course equips you to confidently address the complexities of social change and contribute meaningfully to society.

  • Study at an SDG Global Hub: DMU is the only university in the UK to be a global hub for one of the UNs Sustainable Development Goals - SDG 11, Sustainable Communities and Cities.

  • Industry-informed learning: Be taught by experienced criminologists with strong professional links to the British Society of Criminology and other criminal justice organisations.

  • Personalise your learning: You can choose from a range of optional modules including: Domestic Violence and Abuse, Animals and Criminology, Genocides and Mass Atrocities, and Alcohol and Other Drugs, Crime and Society.

  • Become career ready: Our graduates thrive in roles such as probation service officer, detective constable, police officer, and business analyst - making an impact at organisations like His Majesty's Prison and Probation Service, the Metropolitan Police Service, West Midlands Police, South Yorkshire Police, Lichfield District Council, and Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust.

  • Tailor your degree: Undertake an independent research project shaped by your own interests, values, and career ambitions within criminology.

  • Build key skills: Develop key personal, professional and criminological investigation skills that employers are looking for.

  • Global experience: As part of DMU Global, previous students have studied state crime at Auschwitz, subcultures in Chicago, and genetic education in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Modules

FIRST YEAR:
Block 1: Studying at university
Block 2: Principles of social research
Block 3: Contemporary issues in Criminology
Block 4: Journeys through justice

SECOND YEAR:
Block 1: Explaining criminological issues
Block 2: Communities of justice
Block 3: TBC
Block 4: Researching justice journeys

THIRD YEAR:
Block 1: Planning social research
Block 2: Justice in a globalised world
Block 3: Emerging issues in Criminology
Block 4: Final year project

Assessment method

Over the whole programme, there is a varied mix of assessment that incorporates diverse learning styles including: group presentations, case study analysis, reflective essays, essays, multiple choice exams, individual presentations, posters. There will also be a range of formative assessments including weekly knowledge checks through quizzes and similar variations. Moreover, to help students prepare their skills for future assessments in upcoming blocks, teaching activities will include those that connect to future assessments.

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:
L390
Institution code:
D26
Campus name:
Leicester Campus
Campus Code:
Y

Points of entry

The following entry points are available for this course:

  • Year 1

Entry requirements

UCAS Tariff
112 points

A level
BBC

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

Access to HE Diploma

Pass with 30 Level 3 credits at Merit

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.

Here at DMU we welcome all applications, no matter what your background. To make sure you get fair and equal access to higher education, when looking at your application we consider more than just your grades–we take into account any challenges that you may have faced in your education. Contextual Offers will be offered to candidates who are in receipt of Free School Meals, who are Care Experienced or who are deemed to live in areas of low HE participation neighbourhoods (POLAR Quintiles 1 & 2).

Learn more on the De Montfort 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

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

Please note, this fee is subject to parliamentary procedure and will also be subject to a compounded annual inflationary increase. It is expected to be confirmed in early 2026 and may change in future years of study.

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