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BSc (Hons) Criminology

Understand the causes of crime and how society responds to it. Investigate current issues, debates, and trends surrounding crime and the criminal justice system. Gain real-world experience volunteering in roles within the criminal justice system and graduate with a qualification in criminology.

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Two students looking at a laptop together in a lesson
UCAS codeM930
Duration3 years
Fee (UK)£9,535
Fee (Int)£17,500
LocationOn campus

Course summary

The BSc (Hons) Criminology course explores key issues surrounding crime and victimisation, examining the causes, consequences, and societal responses to crime. It covers current issues, policy, and practices in the criminal justice system, with a focus on equipping you to work with vulnerable or high-risk individuals.

Strong links with organisations like Northumbria Police and HM Prison Service offer valuable placement and volunteering opportunities to help you gain career-relevant experience. You'll also have the chance to take part in our Local Appropriate Adult Scheme, where you can volunteer as someone's appropriate adult and achieve an additional professional qualification.

Your learning will be shaped by current research from our lecturers who specialise in topics such as domestic violence, offender risk management, gender based violence, desistance from crime, the criminalisation of sex work, and disability and vulnerability.

Criminology is a diverse field and you’ll be able to choose from three strands for your optional modules – justice, human rights and vulnerability, or violence – to tailor your studies to your interests and career goals.

Kayleigh Atkins

I couldn’t be happier that I’ve managed to secure a job in crime prevention and that studying for my degree in criminology has paid off! My whole experience of studying at the University of Sunderland has made me a new and better person.

Kayleigh Atkins

Read Kayleigh Atkins's story

What you'll study

Many of our courses include a range of modules you can choose from. Some of these options may only be available if you’ve already studied specific required modules. If you’re not sure what you need before picking a module, your course leader can help.

Undergraduate module credits should total 120 credits per academic year. If optional modules are available alongside core modules on your course, you should choose an amount that totals 120 credits.

How you'll learn

A typical week on this criminology course will include a range of lectures, seminars, workshops, group work, computer-based learning, and independent study. You'll be assessed by methods such as written coursework, essays, research projects, and presentations.

Throughout your studies, you'll have a designated personal tutor and one-to-one support from academic staff to help you develop your skills and get the best out of your assignments.

Entry requirements

Fees and finance support

UK£9,535
International£17,500

Undergraduate fees are set according to rules from Government in line with forecast inflation. The fee for your first year of study for 2026/27 will be £9,535. You'll pay tuition fees for every year of study. Fees may increase every year based on the Retail Price Index.

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UK students

International students

Disclaimer

We want to make sure you have clear and accurate information about our courses. Our website always shows the latest updates. If you’ve applied and been offered a place, we’ll contact you in writing if anything important changes.

View our programme specifications(opens in new tab) for further information about what the course covers, learning outcomes and the skills you'll gain when you graduate.