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Undergraduate course
BSc (Hons)
Criminology
Get under the skin of the criminal justice system and learn how criminology can have an impact on promoting change. Immerse yourself in live-action and virtual reality crime scenes, and tackle face-to-face suspect interviews.
Our typical offer
104 - 120 UCAS points
Hands-on learning
Enter the Murder House and take part in live-action and virtual reality crime scenes to gain practical experience in multiple types of criminal investigations.
Investigate real cases
Join the Plymouth Cold Case Unit to test your research skills and gain hands-on experience investigating unsolved missing persons cases.
Delve into current issues
Develop an understanding today's societal issues and social justice to help develop solutions for a more socially equitable and fairer society.
About
Why do people commit a crime, and how do we deal with criminality? You will get under the skin of the criminal justice system and learn about how criminology can have an impact on promoting change. As one of the first universities to offer criminology, Plymouth has stayed at the cutting edge and goes far beyond the theoretical. You will immerse yourself in live-action and virtual reality crime scenes, and tackle face-to-face suspect interviews.
A Top 10 provider of Criminology education - Guardian University League Table 2025
Professor Zoë James
Professor of Criminology
Professor of Criminology
This course is for you if...
you're fascinated by the causes of crime and how the criminal justice system works
you want to get hands-on, taking part in live-action and virtual reality crime scene simulations
you're motivated to put skills into practice with local and national criminal justice agencies
you're committed to promoting social justice and aspire to make a meaningful impact in your community
Details
Year 1
In your first year you’ll explore various criminological perspectives examining theories on the causes of crime and deviance. You will develop an understanding of the criminal justice process in England and Wales, and examine crime in the context of economic, political and social frameworks. You’ll look at policy and practice to develop your knowledge and deepen your understanding of the criminal justice processes, gaining a grounding in criminal justice research. You’ll explore how key concepts and theories shed light on topics including poverty and social exclusion, community, media, education, globalisation, and consumer culture and their relationship to crime, deviance and criminal justice.
Core modules
CRM4001
Being a Criminologist
20 credits
This module is organised around the idea of the competent criminologist. It informs students about the constituent elements of competence, which include knowledge of crime, crime control and the wider contexts in which these are constructed; skills that facilitate the collection, use and critical analysis of academic, official and mediated sources of knowledge about crime; and values and ethics that inform both understandings and debates about crime and crime control. It seeks to provide students with a grounding of what it means to be a competent criminologist.
100% Coursework
CRM4002
Introduction to Criminological Theory
20 credits
This module introduces students to criminological theory. The module addresses the importance of theory in criminology, critically examines a range of criminological theories, and applies criminological thought to a variety of practical concerns throughout history, including contemporary social life.
100% Coursework
CRM4003
21st Century Crime Problems
20 credits
This module introduces students to crime issues that criminologists scrutinise in the 21st century. The module examines local, regional and national problems by using a range of specific examples to explore what we see as problematic in society and how we deal with those things through crime control measures. In doing so, the module considers topics such as changing crime rates and patterns, serious offenders, terrorism and social unrest. The module provides students with the opportunity to consider the relative impact of crime problems in contemporary society.
70% Coursework
30% Practicals
CRM4004
Forensic Criminology: Police Investigations
20 credits
This module introduces students to the processes, techniques and methods of criminal investigations which focuses on the police role from the crime scene to the courtroom. Students will be able to use skills learnt to carry out their own criminal investigation of a staged murder scenario. Important areas, such as crime scene investigation, forensic science and the use of evidence, are contextualised within the construction and prosecution of criminal cases. Students will also engage with criminal investigation topics such as professionalization, ethics, accountability, legitimacy, profiling and the media.
100% Coursework
CRM4005
Responses to Crime: An Introduction
20 credits
This module provides an overview of responses to crime in contemporary Britain. It examines responses to crime primarily in England & Wales, drawing upon comparative examples to explore similarities and differences. Its main focus is upon the criminal justice process, but the focus is also extended to approaches to crime founded upon different rationalities, such as restorative justice and risk management. This module will include two 2-hour talks that introduce our School and programme level employability related opportunities and support, including details of the optional placement year.
100% Coursework
SOC4005
Social Science Research Methodologies
20 credits
This module introduces students to the theory and practice of social research. Students also gain introductory knowledge of the social research process, particularly in relation to formulating a research question and conducting literature reviews. With an emphasis on matching research questions to appropriate methods, students also learn about core qualitative and quantitative social research methodologies.
100% Coursework
Year 2
In your second year you’ll advance your awareness of criminological theory to enhance your analytical skills to understand contemporary and global issues connected to harm, crime, justice and the social world. You’ll also extend your critical reasoning skills as you examine processes of social change and explore consumer culture, ethnicity, globalisation, politics and the State, within a historical and contemporary perspective. Your training in research methods will provide you with an insight into research preparing you early for your final year dissertation project. You will also have the opportunity to apply for place on the 'Inside Knowledge' module that partners students with learners at Exeter prison in a rewarding environment of collaborative learning.
Core modules
CRM5002
Theorising Crime and Harm
20 credits
This module takes recent developments in criminological theory and analyses the potential for criminology as a discipline to contribute to understanding, contextualising and countering some of the greatest challenges facing society and the planet today. The emphasis on harm tests the boundaries of mainstream criminology, and encourages students to think beyond social and legal constructions of crime.
100% Coursework
CRM5004
Critical Perspectives on Crime Control
20 credits
This module examines a range of critical social scientific perspectives which have sought to make sense of crime control within its wider social context and in terms of its wider social significance. It considers the contributions of key social science theorists such as Stanley Cohen, David Garland, and Loic Wacquant and others whose work has focused upon crime control, and it seeks to apply their core ideas in order to illuminate our understanding of contemporary features of policy and practice.
100% Coursework
CRM5006
Forensic Criminology: Social Investigations
20 credits
This module focuses on how social science can contribute to criminal investigations. This involvesforensically investigating the backgrounds and experiences of individuals involved in criminal or deviantbehaviour. The sociology of the police who are tasked to conduct investigations is also analysed. Students will be encouraged to apply criminological techniques and theory to scenario-based examples which will focus on victims, offenders and the police, and their positions in society.
100% Coursework
SOC5008
The Social Science Research Process
This module builds on the Level 4 module ‘Social Science Research Methodologies’. In this module, students develop their knowledge and practical skills in qualitative and quantitative social research methodologies. The students also learn how to use computer software packages to help with the collection and analysis of data. In addition, students gain knowledge of how to create a research proposal.
Optional modules
SSC500
Stage 2 Professional Development, Placement Preparation and Identifying Opportunities
0 credits
This module is for students in the School of Society and Culture who are interested in undertaking an optional placement in the third year of their programme. It supports students in their search, application, and preparation for the placement, including developing interview techniques and effective application materials (e.g. CVs , portfolios, and cover letters).
CRM5009MX
Crime, Harm and Culture
20 credits
The module aims to provide students with a critical appreciation of harm and crime by exploring relevant issues from film, television, music, fiction literature and art. By applying a criminological lens to different forms of popular culture, students will be able to examine a variety of media forms in terms of its content and its contemporary political, social and economic context using different theories and concepts.
100% Coursework
CRM5007
Contemporary Issues in Criminology
This module focuses upon a contemporary criminological or criminal justice-related issue that has received attention in the media and in official reports but may not be well covered yet in an established academic literature. The purpose of the module is for students to collect data on the issue and to subject it to a criminological analysis appropriate to the topic.
CRM5008
Security and Policing Today: Debates and Issues
This module provides students with a contemporary overview of debates and issues in policing and security environments that inform practice and development in the field. The module examines how modern policing and security function, the impact of professionalization on all aspects of policing tasks and the tensions and benefits attained from multi-agency working. The module considers policing legitimacy, the ethics of crime control and associated engagement with the diversity of contemporary society, competing community interests and professional practice.
Optional placement year
Gain valuable on-the-job experience through our optional placement year. We will support you in your second year in deciding whether to take this opportunity, and assist you in finding a placement and being prepared for it. The placement could be in any appropriate external setting. Alternatively, you can gain this experience by selecting our Work-Based Learning module in your final year.
Core modules
SSC601
School of Law, Humanities and Social Sciences Placement Year
Students have the opportunity to gain work experience that will set them apart in the job market when they graduate by undertaking an optional flexible placement year. The placement must be a minimum of 24-weeks (which can be split between a maximum of two different placement providers) and up to a maximum of 48-weeks over the course of the academic year. The placement is flexible and can be undertaken virtually, part or full time and either paid or voluntary. Students will have the option to undertake their placement year abroad. This year allows them to apply and hone the knowledge and skills acquired from the previous years of their programme in the real world.
Final year
In your final year, you’ll design and implement your own research project to produce your dissertation, working independently with the support of a member of the academic team. You will also study modules that reflect new, emerging trends in criminology that utilise current local, national and world issues. This includes green criminology, leisure and deviancy, violence and harm, justice in practice, social change and global issues such as state crime, war and terrorism.
Core modules
CRM6006
Working for Justice
20 credits
This module supports students to reflect on the knowledge, skills and experience that they have acquired throughout their degree/extra-curricular activities, in order to focus on their vision for future employment and related activities. Students will engage with academics, careers and employability staff and practitioners working within the criminal justice field, and so develop concrete ideas for their pathways into employment and/or ongoing study.
70% Coursework
30% Practicals
SOC6005
Dissertation
This module provides students with the opportunity to undertake their own sociological, criminological or anthropological research project, working independently but under the supervision of an academic member of staff.
Optional modules
CRM6002
Systems of Oppression: violence and influencing for change
20 credits
The module will review key systems of oppression. Students will consider the social, political and economic forces that shape systems of oppression and harm, critically examining oppression as violence. The module explores racism, classism, patriarchy and ableism as systems of oppression by examining the processes and structures which underpin and sustain them. Over the course of the module students consider the community impact, institutional responses and undertake ongoing reflection on opportunities and practices which challenge violence and influence change.
100% Coursework
CRM6003
Social Change and Justice
20 credits
This module examines how attitudes towards crime and justice have changed and developed over time. It will demonstrate the importance of historically and socially contextualising specific crimes in order to increase the understanding of their contemporary relevance, alongside examining the political and economic context.
100% Coursework
CRM6008
Leisure, Consumerism and Harm
20 credits
This module explores contemporary developments within the study of leisure and consumerism, offering a theoretically informed understanding of key issues at the forefront of the discipline. Students will have the opportunity to study the changing nature of criminology’s engagement with leisure against a backdrop of global consumer capitalism.
100% Coursework
CRM6009
Fear, Crime and Control in the City
20 credits
This module critically examines steadfast and emergent social issues at the interplay between social control and the social, providing students with a critical understanding of how the social is regulated socially, culturally and legally. We will do this by looking as social issues in urban space. We will explore meanings, cultural significance, and political consequences from a criminological perspective.
100% Coursework
CRM6012
Critical Hate Studies
20 credits
This module presents the problem of ‘hate crime’ to students by identifying legislation, policy and practice that has been framed within its context in the UK and abroad. It will deconstruct the notion of hate crime and provide a critical reflection on the notion of ‘hate’ and its manifestations in late modernity.
100% Coursework
CRM6013
Building Resilience: Countering Terrorism
20 credits
This module provides students with an opportunity to explore the nature and contours of contemporary terrorist threats in a domestic and international context, and the infrastructures, policy frameworks, practices and technologies through which such threats are countered and responded to, both in the real and virtual worlds.
100% Coursework
CRM6015
Global Conflict, Genocide and Crimes of the State
This module explores the issue of global (in)security in the context of state and non-state conflict. Theoretical and conceptual understandings of crime, violence, victimisation and justice will be used to interrogate acts such as war crimes and terrorism. The module will address the history of such crimes and will critically explore State and international responses.
CRM6016MX
Green Criminology: Climate Justice and the Planetary Crisis
This module will address theoretical perspectives, methodological issues, and empirical research related to the field of green criminology, including applied concerns, such as policy and social/political praxis, through a range of concepts, topics, and themes that are central to green criminology.
Personalise your degree
At Plymouth, your degree really is what you make it.
You can tailor your studies to focus on what fascinates you. By taking different options, you will gain a thorough grounding in your areas of interest – whether it be criminology related or a completely different subject such as history, politics or sociology. Whatever your passion, you will have the freedom to explore it.
I knew that Plymouth was very good for the course I wanted to do. They offered a flexible choice of modules, and I felt like I could choose modules I was interested in, and which fitted the career I wanted.
Kayleigh, National Probation Service
BSc (Hons) Criminology graduate
BSc (Hons) Criminology graduate
All our degrees have a wide range of optional modules and there is even the opportunity to study modules from any of the
School of Society and Culture
's subject areas.
You could graduate with one of the following personalised course title combinations:
Criminology with Anthropology
Modules
ANT5008MX
Brave New Worlds: Ethnography of/on Online and Digital Worlds
20 credits
This module teaches students how to use ethnographic methods to make sense of the internet, which we now increasingly inhabit. Students learn how to navigate and analyse platforms such as Facebook or TikTok. They study how these technologies transform our relationships, identities, and ideas of truth. The module also examines the socio-cultural and ethical aspects of digital worlds (e.g. Second life).
100% Coursework
ANT6008MX
Coastal Cultures: Marine Anthropology in the age of climate change and mass extinction.
20 credits
Using ethnography, we analyse how coastal communities use the sea – not only as a source of livelihood, but as a key ingredient in the construction of their identity and place in world. Drawing on a range of cases from across the world – from Polynesian sorcerers, to Japanese whale mourners, to Cornish surfers – we study how coastal communities are responding to climate change, sea level rise, pollution, and extinction.
100% Coursework
Criminology with Art History
Modules
ARH5002MX
Imagery in Online and Offline Worlds: Film, Television and Video Games
20 credits
This module provides students with a comprehensive understanding of current approaches towards mass media and visual culture. Particular emphasis will be put on medium-specificity, content analysis and audience studies.
100% Coursework
ARH6002MX
Questions in Contemporary Art
20 credits
The module introduces and examines selected questions raised in the last three decades in contemporary art. Case studies drawn from art history, critical and cultural theory, and where appropriate related disciplines, will be examined.
100% Coursework
Criminology with Creative Writing
Modules
ENG5010MX
Writing Creative Nonfiction: Autobiography, Travel Writing, Reportage
20 credits
This module introduces students to the key concepts and issues in contemporary works of creative nonfiction, or 'life writing'. Included in our readings will be works of memoir and autobiography, travel writing, personal essays and reportage. The module is entirely taught in workshops where we experiment with producing our own works of creative nonfiction and learning to refine them, as well as critically evaluate and contextualise them.
100% Coursework
ENG6008MX
Features Journalism Workshop
20 credits
This module offers students an in-depth experience of professional writing. We will explore technique in features and literary journalism; music reviews, opinion columns and longer immersion features as well as other contemporary works of non-fiction feature writing, both short- and long-form, from sub-genres including profiles and interviews, autobiography and columns, travel writing, and reportage. We will learn to research and produce our own works of professional nonfiction and critically evaluate them.
100% Coursework
Criminology with English
Modules
ENG5002MX
Gothic Fictions: Villains, Virgins and Vampires
20 credits
This module looks at eighteenth- and nineteenth-century novels to trace the variety and scope of literary contributions to the Gothic. It begins by discussing the origins of the Gothic novel, then moves to the heyday of the genre in the revolutionary 1790s, on to authors writing in the early and mid-nineteenth century, through to the decadence of the 1890s.
100% Coursework
ENG6005MX
American Crime Writing
20 credits
This module considers the development of twentieth-century American crime fiction from hard-boiled detectives, to myths of the mafia, and postmodern reinventions of the genre. This module will explore the cultural contexts of American crime writing, prevailing conventions of the genre, as well as challenges to those conventions.
100% Coursework
Criminology with History
Modules
HIS5009MX
Middle Kingdoms: Themes in Early Modern Asia
20 credits
This module introduces the history of early modern Japan (c.16th-19th centuries). At one level, it explores key questions shaping the histories of the late Sengoku (‘Warring States’) and Tokugawa Japan. Building on these questions, it then situates the Japanese experience in a trans-regional perspective with reference to early modern China, Korea, Ryukyu, as well as Europe.
Explore this module100% Coursework
HIS5014MX
Dunkirk to D Day: The Second World War in Europe
20 credits
The module examines the Second World War in Europe and the Atlantic Ocean from 1940 to late 1944.
Explore this module100% Coursework
HIS6002MX
Piracy and Privateering, c.1560-1816
20 credits
This module explores piracy and privateering activity in the seas around the British Isles and further afield from the reign of Queen Elizabeth to the end of the second Barbary War in 1816. This course focuses on the social history of piracy and privateering, the organisation of pirate society, and the economic impact of piracy and privateering.
Explore this module100% Coursework
HIS6006MX
America, the United Nations and International Relations 1945 to the present
20 credits
This module provides a detailed examination of the relationship between the United States of America and the United Nations in the management of international relations from 1945 to the present.
Explore this module100% Coursework
Criminology with International Relations
Modules
PIR6009MX
Mao to Now: the Politics of Modern China
This module introduces students to politics in China. It provides them with the analytical skills and historical understanding to examine the structure of the contemporary Chinese state, looking in particular at Maoist legacies, nationalism and ideology, the relationships between party, law, state and market, and China’s involvement in international affairs.
PIR6007MX
Global Environmental Politics
20 credits
This module examines the problem of environmental degradation and its implications for our global political economy. It discusses the major debates in political thought around the primary causes of environmental degradation. The module outlines the major attempts to build international regimes for global environmental governance, and the difficulties and obstacles that such attempts have encountered. A range of ideas, critiques, policy proposals, innovations in governance, and templates for political activism within the environmental movement are critically evaluated.
100% Coursework
PIR5009MX
Refugee Studies
20 credits
This module focuses on the political, economic and social context of forced migration and considers the complex and varied nature of global refugee populations. It analyses responses at international, national and regional level and engages with a range of challenging questions around international co-operation, the framework of international protection, humanitarianism and the causes of displacement.
100% Coursework
Criminology with Politics
Modules
PIR6009MX
Mao to Now: the Politics of Modern China
This module introduces students to politics in China. It provides them with the analytical skills and historical understanding to examine the structure of the contemporary Chinese state, looking in particular at Maoist legacies, nationalism and ideology, the relationships between party, law, state and market, and China’s involvement in international affairs.
PIR5013MX
Politics Beyond Parliaments
20 credits
This module analyses the role of civil society and the public sphere in democratic governance and in democratization from a variety of theoretical perspectives.
100% Coursework
Criminology with Sociology
Modules
SOC5005MX
Globalisation and Social Justice
20 credits
This module investigates the key debates of globalisation and critically evaluates, in terms of its economic, political, socio-cultural and legal dimensions, the causes and consequences of a globalising world. It furthermore explores a range of international social justice issues to examine the relationships (causative and ameliorative) between policies and (in)justice
60% Coursework
40% Practicals
SOC6004MX
Health, Medical Power and Social Justice
20 credits
This module considers a range of issues concerning health, illness and medical power in contemporary society. The module seeks to develop an understanding of the impact of ‘medicalisation’ on everyday life, as well as the importance of social divisions, such as age, gender, ethnicity and socio-economic status. There will be a focus on a range of sociological perspectives on health with an opportunity to focus upon areas of particular interest.
100% Coursework
Criminology with Law
Modules
LAW5009MX
Environmental Law
20 credits
The module provides an examination of key themes in environmental law, with a focus on the generation, application and enforcement of this law within a critical and applied context.
100% Coursework
LAW5011MX
Intellectual Property Law
This module focuses on the law and concepts of intellectual property, examining in addition related legal themes of information access, dissemination and control.
LAW6018MX
Law, Literature and the Screen
To introduce students to fictional and factional representations of the legal order in prose, film and TV, and to examine the inter-connections between law, literature and the screen.
LAW6012MX
Public International Law
20 credits
A module that focuses on the primary legal principles of the public international legal order, before exploring a range of substantive areas, such as, for example, the use of force, the law regulating the conduct of war, International Human Rights, International Criminal Law and International Environmental Law.
100% Coursework
Criminology with Policing and Security Management
Modules
CRM6011MX
Security Management
20 credits
This module provides students with a critical insight into the professional domain of security management. It provides an overview of the theories, policies, procedures and practices that underpin the work of the security manager, and focuses upon a career-relevant knowledge and understanding of this significant area of expertise.
70% Coursework
30% Tests
CRM5003MX
Harm in the 21st Century
20 credits
This module explores the global challenges of harmful behaviours and activities in contemporary society by considering specific areas of concern for criminologists. By drawing on real-world examples in everyday life, the module examines how social problems and issues have arisen due to processes of globalisation that have changed the social, political and economic landscape of the 21st century.
100% Coursework
CRM5009MX
Crime, Harm and Culture
20 credits
The module aims to provide students with a critical appreciation of harm and crime by exploring relevant issues from film, television, music, fiction literature and art. By applying a criminological lens to different forms of popular culture, students will be able to examine a variety of media forms in terms of its content and its contemporary political, social and economic context using different theories and concepts.
100% Coursework
Optional pathways
We offer a variety of criminology courses allowing you to choose your specialist field.
We also offer
BSc (Hons) Criminology with Foundation
The modules shown for this course are those currently being studied by our students, or are proposed new modules. Please note that programme structures and individual modules are subject to amendment from time to time as part of the University’s curriculum enrichment programme and in line with changes in the University’s policies and requirements.
Experience
Investigate 'The Murder House' Crime Suite
Examine simulated crime scenes and real missing persons cases
Learn by doing in scenarios that are based on real-life investigations in our state-of-the-art crime, interview and simulated policing suite. You'll be able to explore physical crime scenes, harvest forensic material, learn and practise police interview techniques and analyse CCTV footage.
The unique combination of immersive learning and our staff expertise sets us apart as the only university in the South West peninsula providing this exceptional student experience.
Witness mock trials and observe the justice system
Situated inside The Box, Plymouth's £40 million cultural hub, the University uses The Foulston Room for its moot court facility.
In our very own mock courtroom, you can gain an insight into the criminal justice system through observing mock trial scenarios.
The Foulston Room offers our criminology students such a unique and valuable experience. To set foot in such a historic building, walk up its grand staircase and enter into an environment that authentically looks and feels like a real courtroom, provides our students with insights into how a courtroom in the UK criminal justice system looks and operates.
Ms Soozi Baggs
Lecturer in Criminology
Become an investigator
By joining the Plymouth Cold Case Unit (PCCU), you can investigate a range of unsolved missing persons cases.
Uncover new evidence which can be used by the police to solve these cases while gaining experience and skills – including investigative, analytical and social – to help launch you into a rewarding career. As part of this student-led, expert-guided group, you'll have access to international connections alongside facilities and training at both the University of Plymouth and Locate International.
Your work will give families of missing people comfort from knowing their loved ones have not been forgotten.
Applications are open to all foundation and year 1 students in the School of Society and Culture.
After hearing the details about cold cases and how there are not enough resources to revisit them, and knowing that I could help bring resolution to the families and friends of missing people, I felt it was my duty to help – the PCCU gave me a chance to do that.
Innovative teaching led by experts
We believe in the importance of integrating our strong national and international research within our teaching.
Our innovative teaching methods incorporate contemporary technologies such as VR, AI, and the exploration of forensic techniques and analysis – actively encouraging students to challenge the boundaries of criminological ideas.
Ms Soozi Baggs
Lecturer in Criminology
Dr Sharon Beckett
Lecturer in Criminology (Education)
Dr Iain Channing
Lecturer in Criminology
Enrich your studies – join CrimSoc
The Criminology Society is open to anyone studying or interested in criminology and related fields. The society organises events, socials, and study groups, capitalising on the theme of crime and the police, to foster community and engagement among members. Make friends, develop skills and enjoy new experiences.
Life in Plymouth
Plymouth's maritime history and coastal location have an undeniable influence on life in the city. The walk from our main campus to the seafront is only about one mile, providing loads of opportunity to relax and unwind during your studies. You don’t need to leave the city to get to the coast!
The overall vibe of the city is perfect. You are by the sea so it is still laid back, but you have all the conveniences of living in a city.
Jenna
Current student
Current student
Coming from London to the coastal city of Plymouth, I have enjoyed settling into a new environment, meeting new people and facing new challenges. I chose Plymouth because I wanted to be in a place where it’s not always busy and challenging to travel around. It is a great place to stay as everything is within walking distance and I have not had to worry about spending money on travel to the city centre or the sea.
Sidney, BSc (Hons) Criminology student
Life in the city
Discover what Plymouth and its unique geographical location have to offer
Explore your accommodation options
Discover our range of student accommodation options and find out how you can get a guaranteed place in halls
Get involved with one of our many student groups
Our large student population, active Students' Union, and abundance of student-led clubs and societies blend to create a busy and vibrant student scene
Careers
When I started university I didn't know exactly what I wanted to do as a career. Studying at Plymouth, I developed a deeper understanding of the different career paths I could go down. The knowledge of my lecturers meant they could give me real advice on what it is like to be a Probation Officer, which helped me make the decision I did.
Kayleigh, National Probation Service, BSc (Hons) Criminology graduate
Criminology graduates gain a broad skill set that appeals to employers. This interdisciplinary degree develops practical, analytical, and emotional intelligence skills, opening diverse career opportunities. Direct links to criminology within the public sector include the criminal justice system and its agencies, local government, policy making and police work. Working with people is a key requirement, so working as a PCSO, welfare worker, paralegal or probation support worker are also exciting options.
Our students receive support from an Employability and Community Knowledge Exchange Projects Officer, connecting you to networking events and collaborations with criminal justice agencies. Through the Sustainable Social Justice Initiative, you can engage with stakeholders on projects like online scam awareness and community-based social justice campaigns.
The placement experience
We offer an extensive range of voluntary and paid opportunities to engage and work with organisations that support people whose lives have been affected by crime, either as victims or perpetrators.
This includes agencies dealing with addiction, victims of crime, homelessness, substance misuse, domestic violence issues, drug rehabilitation and sexual violence; as well as reoffending units, young offenders institutes, prisons and probation.
These opportunities develop resilience, adaptability, and life-experience, as you learn how handle difficult issues, make a difference to people's lives for the better and thrive in challenging environments.
"I know the experience I got from volunteering at LandWorks will benefit me in the future. Not only will it look good on my CV, but it has also taught me skills I wouldn't learn elsewhere."
Amber volunteered one day a week over the summer at LandWorks, an award-winning charity that helps creates a support route back into the community and employment for people in prison or at risk of going to prison.
*Data is from the Graduate Outcomes Surveys covering the three years of 2019/20 – 2021/22. Graduates were surveyed 15 months after graduating. Data displayed is for UK-domiciled, first degree, full-time graduates who are working, studying or looking for work.
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
Tuition fees for full-time UK students starting in 2025-2026 academic year
Full-time study
£9,535 per year
£9,535 per year
Part-time study
£795 per 10 credits
£795 per 10 credits
Tuition fee price changes
Following an announcement in November, the government has confirmed its intention to increase undergraduate tuition fees for the 2025/26 academic year. Following final Parliamentary approval in March 2025, the tuition fee for UK students is increasing to a maximum of £9,535 from 1 August 2025. This change applies to current and new students at the University of Plymouth. The Student Loans Company (SLC) has confirmed loans for tuition fees will be increased accordingly.
Our fees are reviewed on an annual basis. Fees and the conditions that apply to them are the most up to date but are still subject to change in exceptional circumstances. More information about
fees and costs of studying
.
Tuition fees for full-time international students starting in 2025-2026 academic year
Full-time study
£17,600 per year
£17,600 per year
Optional placement year completed in the UK
£1,850
Optional placement year completed outside the UK
£1,385
Tuition fee price changes
Our fees are reviewed on an annual basis. Fees and the conditions that apply to them are the most up to date but are still subject to change in exceptional circumstances. More information about
fees and costs of studying
.
Additional costs
This course is delivered by the Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Business. Studying a course in this faculty may incur additional costs relating to placement or equipment requirements.
Fund your studies
As an undergraduate at Plymouth, there are plenty of funding options available, including tuition fee loans, living cost loans, scholarships, bursaries and support funds.
Supporting students with the cost of living
The cost of living in the UK has risen faster than household income, meaning that most people will have less to spend on essential goods and services. This is an ongoing situation that is likely to affect everyone in some way.
The University provides advice and guidance and has a range of services, facilities and offers to help students with rising everyday costs.
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Secure your place this September
Use our helpful application support tool at any time to find out what you need to do to secure your place at the University of Plymouth.
Entry requirements
Our typical offer
104 - 120 UCAS points
104 - 120 UCAS points
You may be eligible for a contextual offer
GCSE
All applicants must have GCSE (or equivalent) mathematics and English at grade 4/C or above.
A levels
104 - 120 points from a minimum of 2 A levels. Excluding general studies.
18 Unit BTEC Extended Diploma
DMM in any subject.
BTEC National Diploma modules
If you hold a BTEC qualification it is vital that you provide our Admissions team with details of the exact modules you have studied as part of the BTEC. Without this information we may be unable to process your application quickly and you could experience significant delays in the progress of your application to study with us. Please explicitly state the full list of modules within your qualification at the time of application.
All Access courses
Pass a named Access to HE Diploma in any subject with at least 33 credits at merit/distinction.
T level
Merit in any subject.
International Baccalaureate
26-30 overall to include 4 at any Higher Level subject. English and Maths accepted within: Higher Level = 4 Standard Level = 5.
Other
14-19 Diploma accepted – please enquire. Other combinations and non-A level qualifications also considered.
Extended entry requirements
To be accepted onto a degree course with us, you must have a suitable English language qualification.
Ready to apply?
All applications for undergraduate courses are made through UCAS.com. Please refer to the course facts below when completing your application for this course.
UCAS course code
L614
L614
Institution code
P60
P60
Duration
3 years
(+ optional placement)
Course type
Full-time
Study location
Plymouth
Plymouth
Other routes into this course
The following courses are available as routes into this programme.
BSc (Hons) Criminology with Foundation
Get under the skin of the criminal justice system and learn how criminology can have an impact on promoting change. Choosing Criminology with Foundation will ensure you are confident and prepared to take the next step onto the Criminology degree.
Entry requirements
We welcome applicants with international qualifications and we accept a range of qualifications from across the globe.
Our typical offer
104 - 120 UCAS points
104 - 120 UCAS points
BSearch entry requirements for your country
5
English language requirements
To be accepted onto a degree course with us, you must have a suitable English language qualification.
Ready to apply?
As an international student, you can apply for this course through UCAS or an agent in your country.
Need support with your application?
- Personal statement guidance
- student visa support
- travel and arrival information
- and more.
UCAS course code
L614
L614
Institution code
P60
P60
Duration
3 years
(+ optional placement)
Course type
Full-time
Study location
Plymouth
Plymouth
Visit us at an undergraduate on-campus open day
Open days are the best way to get a feel for studying an undergraduate degree at the University of Plymouth.
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The results of the National Student Survey (NSS) and the Graduate Outcomes survey (GO) are made available to prospective students and their advisors through the Discover Uni website.