Undergraduate Course
Criminology BA (Hons)
Challenge traditional notions of crime, explore the social context of criminality, and engage with practitioners of criminal justice.
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The study of Criminology is about more than just crime. It's an exploration of how crime impacts the world. On this course you will learn about victimology and the social responses to different crimes, considering crime prevention, punishment, rehabilitation, and the role of the criminal justice system. We will also challenge you to think about how crime is shaped by society and represented in the media.
94% Criminology students responded with a 94% positivity score for how good teaching staff are at explaining things. (National Student Survey 2023)
1 in Yorkshire and Humber for student satisfaction in Sociology and Criminology (9th in the UK). (Complete University Guide 2024)
York campus
- UCAS code – L6L1
- Duration – 3 years full time, 6 years part time
- Start date – September 2024, September 2025
- School – York Business School
Minimum entry requirements
104 UCAS Tariff points
3 GCSEs at grade C/4 (or equivalent) including English Language.
Tuition fees
UK 2024 entry £9,250 per year full time
International 2024 entry £11,500 per year full time
Discover Social Sciences
Dr Rosie Binfield-Smith, Senior Lecturer in Sociology and Criminology, and Dr Steven Hirschler, Senior Lecturer in Criminology introduce us to the Social Sciences courses at York St John University.
Course overview
As society evolves, crime changes too. From your first day on our course you will consider how criminological theory, and crime itself, is changing.
We will start by looking at the history of criminological thought. This will help you understand different types of deviance and how they are shaped by developments in society. Then as you progress through the course you can choose from a diverse range of modules covering varied topics. This means you can tailor your degree to your interests and future career ambitions.
On specialist modules you will learn the qualitative and quantitative research methods used by criminologists and apply them to your own research. We will also introduce you to the different theoretical perspectives you will use to analyse topics such as:
- Victimisation
- Sex Work
- Crime and the media
- Gender, class, ethnicity and criminal justice
You will also have opportunities to engage with professionals working in different sectors. You can learn from their experiences and ask advice to help you prepare for the future.
We will help you to develop your critical thinking skills so you can back up your ideas with evidence and reason. The staff who will support you as you study are all active in social research, meaning the material you cover is the most relevant it can be.
Course structure
Year 1
Our academic year is split into 2 semesters. How many modules you study each semester will depend on whether you are a full time or part time student.
In your first year, if you are a full time student, you will study:
- 3 compulsory modules in semester 1
- 3 compulsory modules in semester 2
If you are a part time student, the modules above will be split over 2 years.
You can find out which modules are available in each semester on the Course Specifications.
Modules
Credits: 20
Compulsory module
Gain the knowledge and skills you need for successful study at university. We will introduce you to different approaches in social science research, and support you to develop an awareness of the philosophical, practical and ethical debates that inform them. You will gain skills in academic reading, researching, writing and presenting. By building these skills at the start of your studies you will be equipped to make the most of your course and succeed in the field of social science.
Credits: 20
Compulsory module
This module is your introduction to theories of crime, deviance and transgression. You will study the history of criminological thought from the Enlightenment to the present day, and consider how it has evolved. We will start by looking at classicism, and move on to study positivistic theories and later critical forms of criminological theory. You will consider all of the theories alongside the social contexts in which crime and deviance occur today. Through this you will investigate the nature, cause and treatment of crime.
Credits: 20
Compulsory module
On this module you will develop your understanding of contemporary social issues that can have an impact on crime and deviance. You will become familiar with new forms of deviance and how developments in contemporary societies make the evolution of crime possible. Topics you will cover include:
- Cyber crime and the internet
- Social media
- Environmental crime
- Drug related deviance
Credits: 20
Compulsory module
On this module you will explore the idea that criminal behaviour can be prevented and, where that is not possible, can be justifiably punished. You will study the social construction of punishment, the purpose of punishment, and how we can evaluate its success. You will also consider different approaches to crime prevention, paying attention to both formal and societal approaches to policing. As part of your exploration of prevention, you will also consider rehabilitation techniques and how this can prevent reoffending.
Credits: 20
Compulsory module
On this module you will consider how some people are socially and culturally constructed as more vulnerable. You will also think about how society and the justice system interacts with these victims. This will allow you to recognise and evaluate the factors, such as age and gender, that can contribute to experiencing crime. This includes an exploration of how ignoring a victim can weaken attempts to handle crime.
Credits: 20
Compulsory module
On this module you will explore the delivery of justice in England and Wales. You will examine the main agencies and processes involved, such as:
- The police
- Prisons
- Probation
- Courts
- Community justice
As you explore these institutions we will introduce you to issues, questions and debates about their operation and success. We will encourage you to think critically about criminal justice and injustice, and to identify problems and controversies in these institutions.
Year 2
In your second year, if you are a full time student, you will study:
- 2 compulsory modules and 1 optional module in semester 1
- 1 compulsory module and 2 optional modules in semester 2
If you are a part time student, the modules above will be split over 2 years.
You can find out which modules are available in each semester on the Course Specifications.
Optional modules will run if they receive enough interest. It is not guaranteed that all modules will run every year.
Modules
Credits: 20
Compulsory module
On this module you will build on the skills you gained in the first year module, Research and Presenting, further developing your knowledge, skills and techniques in qualitative research. You will examine and evaluate a range of qualitative methods, considering their strengths and weaknesses. Throughout the module we will encourage you to reflect on the ethical issues involved in qualitative research.
Credits: 20
Compulsory module
On this module you will focus on your employability. You will consider career opportunities that interest you, and plan how to gain the experience you need to secure employment after graduation. Not only will you consider your future in the workplace, you will apply your knowledge to discuss the changing nature of work and employment, and how power and inequality affect it. Guest lectures from experts in different professions will give you the chance to learn from their experiences and explore careers you may not have considered before.
Credits: 20
Optional module
On this module you will build on your knowledge of the criminal justice system as you study some of the ethical issues and controversies facing the institution. You will discuss claims that suspects' rights have been eroded over time, and address the ways victims are treated by the criminal justice system. You will discuss competing theories of punishment and social control, and consider how crime is becoming increasingly political.
Credits: 20
Optional module
On this module you will explore the relationship between crime and the economy. We will introduce you to the key themes in economic thought and the practices that are used to explain crime. Topics covered in the module include:
- Social class, poverty, and crime
- Crime and economic recession
- Economic theory and crime
- Austerity and crime
- Environmental crimes
- International finance and crime
Credits: 20
Optional module
On this module you will explore the issues of race, ethnicity and structural inequality in society and criminal justice systems. We will introduce you to different theoretical perspectives on ethnicity, crime, victimisation and patterns of punishment. This will allow you to reflect on the policing and social control of minority groups across the world. You will study historical and contemporary accounts of minority groups' exposure to social control practices and experiences of criminal justice systems across the UK, Europe and the USA.
Credits: 20
Compulsory module
On this module you will study quantitative research. You will look at the different sources relevant to sociological study, learn about the quantitative research process, and identify the most commonly used methods. We will support you to obtain your own primary data through surveys and to access and evaluate secondary data. You will also perform basic descriptive statistics on the data you gather, and write up your findings.
Credits: 20
Optional module
On this module you will explore the culture of contemporary policing through a series of case studies addressing key issues in modern police practice. It offers an insight into the culture of the Police as an organisation, both locally and nationally within England and Wales. You will consider:
- The roots of cultural awareness
- Issues such as language, misogyny and racial bias
- The importance of subcultures within Policing
- How cultures are researched
- Multi Agency working
- Policing by consent or by legislation
- How to implement change
Year 3
In your third year, if you are a full time student, you will study:
- Your Criminal Investigation module across semesters 1 and 2
- 2 optional modules in semester 1
- 2 optional modules in semester 2
If you are a part time student, the modules above will be split over 2 years.
You can find out which modules are available in each semester on the Course Specifications.
Optional modules will run if they receive enough interest. It is not guaranteed that all modules will run every year.
Modules
Credits: 40
Compulsory module
On this module you will apply your knowledge and focus your studies on the topic that interests you the most to produce an extensive investigation. You will choose an issue that is of sociological importance and conduct detailed social research as you follow your line of enquiry. Your research will need to be conducted in a systematic and ethical way, drawing on the skills learnt in previous modules. You will have the support of an academic tutor throughout the module who will give 1 to 1 advice and guidance on your research.
Credits: 20
Optional module
On this module you will examine the historical, legal, social and cultural elements of the sex industry. You will develop an understanding of the current politics of sex work reform, both locally and globally, evaluating research studies on crime, justice and the sex industry. In seminar groups you will investigate and debate the major criminological approaches to sex work, including feminist and queer theories.
Credits: 20
Optional module
On this module you will gain an understanding of the theoretical foundations of critical criminology. You will examine new views of crime, power and control and consider how you can use these to understand local and global crimes. You will analyse power structures, inequalities and surveillance systems through the perspectives of feminism, Marxism and abolitionism.
Credits: 20
Optional module
This module will give you the skills needed to analyse the relationship between the social and the spatial. You will consider different theoretical positions on the value, issues and ideas of space. From this you will explore how space is connected to other social concerns such as power, culture, the everyday, and deviance.
Credits: 20
Optional module
On this module you will study crime in the media in a way that goes beyond traditional topics. You will draw on new developments in criminology to explore how crime is presented in video games, wound culture, and the aesthetics of crime. You will also think about the role crime plays in stories, about voyeurism, and the impact the media has on policymaking.
Credits: 20
Optional module
On this module you will focus on imprisonment and penal policy. You will engage with debates about the value of prison as you critique arguments on its value as punishment, as a deterrent, and as rehabilitation. By engaging with the theory, practice and history of imprisonment you will evaluate the development and use of prisons within the justice system. You will also examine the philosophy of punishment and consider how social control is fundamental to aspects of social relations.
Credits: 20
Optional module
Understanding youth is an essential part of understanding societal vulnerabilities, policies, cultures and inequalities. This module gives you the opportunity to build that understanding. You will engage in discussion about the nature and construction of youth and explore the cultural aspects of young peoples' lives. Focusing on youth justice, you will also analyse aspects of contemporary youth policy and consider different sociological perspectives on youth and resistance.
Credits: 20
Optional module
On this module we will introduce you to the sociological understanding of migration through the ages, considering migration alongside political and economic processes. This will allow you to understand how migration has shaped and challenged the formation of states and the concept of nationhood. You will also consider how it impacts national and local economies.
Credits: 20
Optional module
This module gives you the chance to study the sociology of health and illness, a key area of sociological study. You will apply your knowledge of sociological concepts to discuss topics like:
- Illness and self identity
- The doctor-patient relationship
- Therapy cultures
- Power and privilege in healthcare
- The placebo effect
- Heath inequalities
Credits: 20
Optional module
On this module you will explore the social context of death by analysing how societies define, interact with and portray death. You will develop an understanding of the role death plays in contemporary cultures and societies, examining how attitudes to death are changing. You will cover a range of themes including:
- Death tourism and death in museums
- Consuming death, murder, and murderabilia
- How death is managed on social media
- Obituaries and the cultural dissemination of death
- Corpses, cremation, burial and disposal
Credits: 20
Optional module
Investigate a contemporary and growing area of criminology. Environmental harm often stems from legal practices such as coal-fired power stations and dumping hazardous wastes in international waters. On this module you will think critically about illegal and legal practices that impact our ecology and develop your understanding of theories that support green criminologists who place environmental harm as their main focus for enquiry. You will cover a range of topics including:
- Ecological justice (non-human environments)
- Special justice (non-human animals)
- Environmental justice (social justice impacts)
- Capitalism, globalisation and corporate crime
- Wildlife trafficking
Teaching and assessment
Teaching and learning
You will learn through:
- Lectures - explore different Criminology themes and issues
- Seminars - discuss, debate and analyse material from your lectures
- Workshops - discuss a topic with your peers
You will usually study 3 modules per semester. Each has 2 to 4 hours of contact time a week. We schedule our taught sessions between 9.00am and 8.00pm, Monday to Friday.
You will be expected to conduct independent study outside of this time. This might include reading, writing tasks and research. You can also arrange academic tutorials with your module tutors throughout the year to receive feedback on your work and discuss the course content.
Our teaching draws on both our research and professional experience. This means your learning is informed by the most current thinking in the subject area. You can find out more about our research and backgrounds by visiting our staff pages.
Assessment
Assessment types vary from module to module. Some of your assessments might include:
- Annotated bibliography
- Essay
- Online portfolio
- Podcast
- Presentations
- Research proposal
For each assessment you will have the chance to talk to a tutor about your work before submission. Each assessment will be marked and returned with feedback so you can improve your academic writing.
Career outcomes
Your future with a degree in Criminology
On this course you will gain valuable skills which can lead to a variety of different career paths, some of which are directly related to criminology, and some which allow you to apply your skills more broadly. You will gain research, analytical and presentation skills that are in high demand in a range of careers.
This degree could be the first step toward your career as a:
- Civil service administrator
- Community development worker
- Crime scene investigator
- Prison officer
- Probation officer
- Youth worker
Discover more career options on Prospects careers advice pages.
You could also progress onto a postgraduate degree and take your learning even further.
Whatever your ambitions, we can help you get there.
Our careers service, LaunchPad provides career support tailored to your ambitions. Through this service you can access:
- Employer events
- LinkedIn, CV and cover letter sessions
- Workshops on application writing and interview skills
- Work experience and volunteering opportunities
- Personalised career advice
This support doesn't end when you graduate. You can access our expert career advice for the rest of your life. We will help you gain experience and confidence to succeed.
Entry requirements
Qualifications
Minimum entry requirements
104 UCAS Tariff points
3 GCSEs at grade C/4 (or equivalent) including English Language.
Calculate your UCAS Tariff points
International students
If you are an international student you will need to show that your qualifications match our entry requirements.
Information about international qualifications and entry requirements can be found on our international pages.
If English is not your first language you will need to show that you have English Language competence at IELTS level 6.0 (with no skill below 5.5) or equivalent.
International entry requirements
Mature Learners Entry Scheme
If you have been out of education for 3 years or more and have a grade C GCSE in English Language or equivalent, you are eligible for our entry scheme for mature learners. It's a scheme that recognises non-traditional entry qualifications and experience for entry onto this course. Information on how to apply can be found on our dedicated page.
This course is available with a foundation year
If you do not yet meet the minimum requirements for entry straight onto this degree course, or feel you are not quite ready for the transition to higher education, this is a great option for you. Passing a foundation year guarantees you a place on this degree course the following academic year.
Terms and conditions
Our terms and conditions, policies and procedures contain important information about studying at York St John University. You can read them on our Admissions page.
Fees and funding
To study for an undergraduate degree with us, you will need to pay tuition fees for your course. How much you pay depends on whether you live inside the UK, or internationally (outside the UK). Tuition fees may be subject to inflation in future years.
UK 2024 entry
The tuition fee for 2024 entry onto this course is:
- £9,250 per year for full time study
- £6,935 per year for the first 4 years if you study part time
These prices apply to all UK, Jersey, Guernsey and Isle of Man students
You can find out more about funding your degree by visiting our funding opportunities page:
Placement year funding
If you choose to take a placement year, and your course offers it, you can apply for the Tuition Fee and Maintenance Loan for your placement year. How much you are awarded is based on the type of placement being undertaken and whether it is a paid or unpaid placement. The tuition fee for your placement year will be reduced.
Tuition fees
UK 2024 entry £9,250 per year full time
International 2024 entry £11,500 per year full time
International 2024 entry
The tuition fee for 2024 entry to this course is £11,500 per year for full time study.
This price applies to all students living outside the UK.
Due to immigration laws, if you are an international student on a Student Visa, you must study full time. For more information about visa requirements and short-term study visas, please visit the International Visa and Immigration pages.
Find out more about funding your degree:
Additional costs and financial support
There may also be some additional costs to take into account throughout your studies, including the cost of accommodation.
Course-related costs
While studying for your degree, there may be additional costs related to your course. This may include purchasing personal equipment and stationery, books and optional field trips.
Study Abroad
For more information on tuition fee reductions and additional costs for studying abroad, please visit our study abroad pages.
Accommodation and living costs
For detailed information on accommodation and living costs, visit our Accommodation pages.
Financial help and support
Our Funding Advice team are here to help you with your finances throughout your degree. They offer a personal service that can help you with funding your studies and budgeting for living expenses.
For advice on everything from applying for scholarships to finding additional financial support email fundingadvice@yorksj.ac.uk.
Course highlights
Engage with employers
As part of the Working with Criminology module, you will have the opportunity to work with employers and gain valuable experience.
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Active in research
Work with tutors who are publishing work in the fields of death and media, immigration and social control, video game violence, gender, and sex work.
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Find your specialism
Build a degree that suits your interests and career aspirations. Choose your modules in year 2 and 3.
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Cherie Criminology
I found the Criminology degree to be challenging and well structured. I liked the variety of theories and theorists included on the course, among the opportunities it gave me to enhance my skills in critical thinking, research and analysis.
Anna Criminology
In Criminology we look at how various factors about a person or group of people might affect how they function in society. I think I can take this skill and understand how to best lead a team of, presumably, very different people and have them run successful operations. We had a module called ‘Working with Criminology’ and it's highlighted some different career paths that could be open to me after I graduate. It’s also opened my eyes to the world of further academic study and I will probably consider doing a masters at some point in the future.
More to explore
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Join us in 2024
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Open Days
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