Course summary
Explore the nature of crime, justice and punishment and prepare for a career in criminal justice and crime prevention by studying for our Criminology degree in Cambridge. Explore the causes of crime, the effectiveness of punishment, and how crime and victimisation are represented in the media. In doing so, you’ll challenge your existing opinions. You’ll also develop skills in evaluating contrasting evidence, critical thinking and crafting arguments by learning how sociologists, psychologists, political theorists and law experts approach crime and complex social problems. Our BA (Hons) Criminology course places value on hands-on learning. You'll learn through case studies, the latest research and interactive sessions – and you might also have the opportunity for field trips to courts, prisons and sites such as Auschwitz. We have a supportive community of staff and students at ARU. Throughout your BA (Hons) Criminology degree, you’ll benefit from one-to-one personal tutoring and dedicated Criminology social media groups. Together, we’ll explore the causes of, responses to, and media representation of the most relevant crimes of today. These include violence against women and girls, crimes of the powerful, opportunistic crimes, war crimes, corruption and urban culture. You’ll prepare for your future career from the first semester: building a portfolio and CV, attending volunteer and employment fairs, taking part in our annual Criminology conference, and hearing from key figures in criminal justice debates and the authors of important criminology texts. What’s more, our links to local and national organisations, including Essex, Cambridgeshire and Bedfordshire police forces, give you the chance to gain work experience, and lay the groundwork for your final-year research project. You could also take up a volunteering placement with organisations like Romsey Mill, a local charity committed to overcoming disadvantage, challenging injustice and promoting social inclusion with young people, children and families. You could enhance your CV by studying abroad for a semester – with funding on offer to help cover the cost. Once you’ve graduated, you can continue to develop your skills with one of our Masters degrees, such as MA Sociology or MA Criminology. Hands-on learning All our BA (Hons) Criminology students have the opportunity to:
- go on field trips in the UK and overseas
- study abroad for a semester, with funding available to help cover the cost
- choose from a range of optional modules and pursue your own areas of interest.
Modules
Year 1 core modules: Introduction to Contemporary Issues in Criminology; Criminal Justice in England and Wales; Media, Society and Crime; The Evolution of Crime and Criminology. Year 2 core modules: Making A Difference; Revolving Doors: Punishment and Rehabilitation; Ruskin Module; Violence and Confrontation. Year 2 optional modules: Lessons Learned: Inquests, Tribunals and Truth; Cybercrime and Policing; Sociology of Health Inequalities; Spirituality, Religion and the Secular; Hanging, Prisons and Community Service: Crime and Punishment in Britain throughout the Ages; Using Linguistics: An Introduction to Forensic; Clinical and Computational Linguistics; Violence, Gender and Victimisation; Dark Web Policing and Control; Intoxicants and Intoxication; Introduction to Youth Work and Safeguarding; Anglia Language Programme. Year 3 core modules: Undergraduate Major Project - Criminology; Youth, Crime and Aggression; Criminology and Policing in Policy and Practice. Year 3 optional modules: Exploitation, Trafficking and Sexual Violence; Race, Racism and Ethnic Identity; Investigative Psychology; Global Feminisms; Politics and Social Media; Concepts of Good and Evil; Organised Crime; Sexuality and Social Control; Police and Counter-terrorism; Comparative and Global Criminal Justice; Crime and Data Science; Anglia Language Programme. Modules are subject to change and availability.
Assessment method
We’ll assess your progress using a range of methods, including case studies, presentations, essays, short, weekly pieces of writing, portfolios, poster presentations, data analysis exercises, examinations and group projects. You’ll receive constructive feedback throughout the course to help you improve your work.
How to apply
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:
- L370
- Institution code:
- A60
- Campus name:
- Cambridge Campus
- Campus code:
- C
Points of entry
The following entry points are available for this course:
- Year 1
International applicants
We welcome applications from international and EU students, and accept a range of international qualifications.
Entry requirements
Qualification requirements
UCAS Tariff - 96 points
A level
Access to HE Diploma
GCSE/National 4/National 5
2025 entry requirements have been published using the current cycle information however, due to a current review these are subject to change. Please check back here for updates.
Please click the following link to find out more about qualification requirements for this course
Student Outcomes
The number of student respondents and response rates can be important in interpreting the data – it is important to note your experience may be different from theirs. This data will be based on the subject area rather than the specific course. Read more about this data on the Discover Uni website.
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
England | £9250 | Year 1 |
Northern Ireland | £9250 | Year 1 |
Scotland | £9250 | Year 1 |
Wales | £9250 | Year 1 |
Channel Islands | £9250 | Year 1 |
Republic of Ireland | £9250 | Year 1 |
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
Provider information
Anglia Ruskin University
East Road
Cambridge
CB1 1PT