Criminology and Law BA (Hons)

Study level: Undergraduate
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Have you ever wanted to understand how crime impacts society and how the legal system allows for due process, fair trials and offender management in England and Wales?

Course option

Year of entry

Location

Coventry University (Coventry)

Study mode

Full-time
Sandwich

Duration

3 years full-time
4 years sandwich

UCAS codes

M930

Start date

September 2025

How to apply
Book an Open Day
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The information on this page is for 2024-25 entry and should be used as guidance for 2025-26 entry. Please keep checking back on this course page to see our latest updates.

Course overview

This course explores all aspects of crime and justice with a particular focus on both national and international criminal law. Our graduates leave equipped with practical legal skills for rewarding careers within the criminal justice system and beyond, including roles within the courts and the legal system; crime investigation and prevention; public protection; offender management and rehabilitation; intelligence; and witness/victim services.

You will have the opportunity to:

  • Connect important theoretical viewpoints to current problems and discussions, applying these theories in real-world situations.
  • Analyse and evaluate various topics and new developments related to the legal system in England and Wales, crime and the management of crime, both at the local and global levels.
  • Use imaginative and innovative approaches to address issues related to crime and the criminal justice system.
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Why you should study this course

  • Develop practical skills required for graduate employment in criminal justice roles.
  • Specialise in a range of areas of crime, such as victimology, criminal justice, law and advocacy.
  • Expert speakers from agencies involved in criminal justice help provide further context for how you can apply the knowledge you gain and skills you develop (subject to availability).
  • Get a global perspective of crime, allowing you to compare different methods and ideologies.
  • Authentic prison cells to enhance the study of penal methods of punishment. 

More than just a degree

During my time at university, I have found the modules on the Criminology and Law course interesting which has made my studying time even better. The lecturers have also been very helpful when I have had any questions about the assignments.

Ellesse Donaldson, Criminology and Law BA (Hons) student, quoted February 2022
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What you'll study

This course has a common first year.

The common first year enables you to work alongside students doing similar courses to you, to widen your knowledge and exposure to other subject areas and professions. You will have the opportunity to collaborate with other students, so you can share your insights and experience which will help you to develop and learn.

If you discover an interest in a specific subject you have studied, upon successful completion of your first year, you could swap degrees with another course in your common first year (subject to meeting progression requirements).

Common first year courses

  • Criminology BA (Hons)
  • Criminology and Law BA (Hons)
  • Criminology and Psychology BA (Hons)

Your first year aims to give you a thorough grounding in the study of crime, criminal behaviour, justice and the law in a global context. Working with students from Criminology, and Criminology and Psychology, you will not only develop the knowledge you need to progress in your degree, but also be encouraged to think critically about the issues, see crime from legal and moral viewpoints, and be creative in finding solutions to problems.

Modules

  • This module is designed to introduce students to basic investigative concepts, issues and approaches. The focus is on the nature of formal investigation, what investigation focusses upon, investigative mindset, the methods, processes, management, and accountability that govern investigators and investigations. The module aims to equip students with a theoretical and practical understanding of the development of investigative practices and how investigations are administered.

    Compulsory

  • This module explores criminal behaviour in the context of a range of criminal activities and events drawing on key criminological and psychological theoretical perspectives. You will examine different concepts and how individuals can impact their criminal behaviour, these concepts can include social identity, cognitive development, self-regulation and free will. You will be expected to develop a critical awareness of the advantages and disadvantages of the different theories and perspectives in terms of their power to explain criminal behaviour. 

    Compulsory

  • This module introduces and evaluates criminal justice systems and the roles of legal personnel. It will provide you with an insight into the sources, institutions, and structures of the English legal system perspective by comparing it to similar cases. You should be able to develop a critical awareness of the wider political and social context in which the law operates, and the principles and values underpinning legal systems. Concepts of truth, justice and jurisdiction will be discussed. This module also highlights increasing challenges to national and international criminal justice systems in defining, preventing, and prosecuting criminal acts that increasingly occur at a transnational level.

    Compulsory

  • This module aims to equip you with a grounded knowledge of different types of criminal activity, with a particular focus on the relationship between types of crimes, criminals and representations in the media. It will examine patterns and trends of violence, acquisitive crimes, public order offences, and organised crime and consider the impact of globalisation and technological development on the nature of these types of offences. It will also encourage you to think critically regarding methods of measuring crime.

    Compulsory

  • This module offers a critical and theoretical exploration of the intersection between mental health, crime and justice. The module draws on theory from across disciplinary boundaries including criminology, psychology, sociology, and forensic psychiatry to analyse the relationship between serious mental illness, violence, victimisation, and (in)justice.

    Compulsory

  • This module introduces you to the practice of researching and formulating structured ideas about criminal law cases. It focuses on legal investigation research in terms of methods, processes and skills for finding information about crimes, particularly the retrieval and use of primary and secondary legal sources. Emphasis will be placed on the links between theory, policy, and practice and preparing you for assessing their impact on criminal law issues. You will be encouraged to develop a critical and evaluative approach to the issues raised.

    Compulsory

In your second year, you will continue to build on your knowledge and understanding of crime and criminal justice by looking deeper at key institutions such as criminal law, policing, and systems of punishment. You will also be introduced to the concept of victimology and develop practical legal skills. Finally, you will begin preparing for your final year research project by exploring methods and processes for researching crime.

Modules

  • The aim of this module is to develop your knowledge and understanding of the theory and practice involved in researching crime. You will be provided with the tools to develop your own thoughts and ideas about criminological matters, review criminological literature, plan and conduct research, and present research outcomes to diverse audiences. In addition, you will seek to acquire digital literacy and transferable skills that will benefit you in other learning and employment environments.

    Compulsory

  • This module focuses on political, social, cultural, and popular constructions of victims of crime and wider social harms. The module places particular critical focus on the victimisation experiences of marginalised social groups, demonstrating that certain individuals and groups are more readily ascribed victim status than others. You will consider the international context, including how technology and global insecurity can affect the way people experience being victims of crime today.

    Compulsory

  • This course starts by helping you understand the rules and factors that determine if someone can be held accountable for breaking the law. It involves looking at what makes a person responsible for their criminal actions. After learning these fundamental concepts, the course will teach you about different types of crimes, such as murder, assaults, sexual offences and theft. You'll also learn about the defences people can use when accused of a crime and how these defences can affect their legal responsibility.

    Compulsory

  • The goal of this course is to give you practical knowledge of important legal skills while also making you aware of the ethical responsibilities in the legal profession in the areas of advocacy, drafting, interviewing and negotiations.

    Compulsory

  • This module introduces you to key issues relating to policing democratic societies. This will include a critical evaluation of the relationships between the police, the state, and the citizen. The independence of the police and their interdependence within the wider criminal justice system will be assessed, and concepts such as consensus, legitimacy, and accountability in relation to policing practice will be explored. Topics to be debated range from policing protest and disorder to the role of the media in representing the police.

    Compulsory

  • This module focuses on historical developments and contemporary issues surrounding the use of criminal sanctions. The course covers the theory behind punishments and risk management. It aims to help you explore important topics related to punishment and control, such as managing a diverse prison population, privatisation, and reintegration. You will demonstrate your understanding through group exercises in an assessment centre environment.

    Compulsory

There’s no better way to find out what you love doing than trying it out for yourself, which is why a work placement2 can often be beneficial. Work placements usually occur between your second and final years of study. They’re a great way to help you explore your potential career path and gain valuable work experience, whilst developing transferable skills for the future.

If you choose to do a work placement year, you will pay a reduced tuition fee3 of £1,250. For more information, please go to the fees and funding section. During this time you will receive guidance from your employer or participating institution, along with your assigned academic mentor who will ensure you have the support you need to complete your placement.

Modules

  • This module2 provides you with an opportunity to reflect upon and gain experience for an approved placement undertaken during your programme. A placement should usually be at least 26 weeks or equivalent; however, each placement will be considered on its own merits, having regard to the ability to achieve the learning outcomes.

    Optional

  • This module2 provides you with an opportunity to reflect upon and gain experience for an approved international study/work placement undertaken during your programme. A work/study placement should usually be at least 26 weeks or equivalent; however, each placement will be considered on its own merits, having regard to the ability to achieve the learning outcomes.

    Optional

In your final year, you will apply the knowledge from your first two years into the more specialised areas of violence and exploitation, organised crime, criminal advocacy, and law of evidence. You will also have the opportunity to develop specific interests and expertise to suit your career plans through a research project in which you will produce a research paper on your own analysis in an area that interests you. 

Modules

  • This module aims to provide you with a comprehensive understanding of contemporary global organised crime. It will examine organised crime as a transnational phenomenon and the need for major organised criminal activities, such as drugs, weapons, and human trafficking, to cross borders. A broader analysis will explore how the expansion of global trade and lowering of barriers to free movement that have enabled the world economy to grow have also provided parallel opportunities for illegal trade. A detailed comparative analysis will also be made of traditional criminal organisations, such as the American and Sicilian mafia, Japanese Yakuza, and Chinese Triads, and new organised criminal groups in the Balkans, Eastern Europe, Africa, South America, and the United Kingdom as well as terrorist groups. Particular attention will be given to international and domestic organisations involved in fighting organised crime and the impact of globalisation on organised criminal groups.

    Compulsory

  • This module examines Rehabilitation in the Criminal Justice System and responses to the criminogenic factors impacting offenders from diverse backgrounds. It will critically explore, applying crime desistance research, the role of preventive rehabilitation with people at risk of becoming offenders and factors that reduce criminal behaviour which include ties to family and community, meaningful occupation and employment, hope, self-efficacy, recognition, and self-worth. The module further examines legislation such as the Offender Rehabilitation Act 2014, courts and rehabilitation activity and treatment requirements in sentencing and the role of multi - agency professionals in probation, prison, and allied services.

    This module aims to equip you with graduate attributes that enable you to work effectively when undertaking roles in the process of preventative and restorative rehabilitation, related to the criminal justice system such as jobs with prison and probation services, charities, and private providers of recognised treatment and activity programmes.

    Compulsory

  • This module aim is to provide you with a realistic insight into how a criminal advocate prepares for and fulfils their role representing either the Crown Prosecution Service or a client in a range of criminal proceedings. The module will have a practical focus and is designed to enable you to develop the skills required to be a successful advocate within a criminal law setting. It will cover all of the relevant skills required for a range of criminal hearings, including bail application, sentence hearing, legal argument and trials. 

    Compulsory

  • Law of Evidence's aim is to provide you with an insight into how the rules of evidence work in practice. Primarily focusing on a criminal case (but with comparisons to civil cases) you will investigate the practical impact of rules of evidence. The law of evidence where rules and regulations are used to decide what facts will be used in a case as proof. You will examine who in the system will investigate criminal cases and the methods of investigating cases including the means and methods of gathering evidence, the rules of admissibility and how evidence can be challenged. This modules will challenge the methods and rules and will place emphasis on the historical development and look at how statute, secondary legislation and case law have interacted in developing the law of evidence.

    Compulsory

  • This module aims to help you build and use the skills needed to thoroughly study a crime-related topic while also concentrating on a particular aspect of criminology. Throughout this module you should conduct independent learning, communicate effectively and appropriately retrieve, and use information from a variety of sources, and develop time management skills.

    Compulsory

We regularly review our course content, to make it relevant and current for the benefit of our students. For these reasons, course modules may be updated.

How you'll learn

Teaching and the way you learn will be provided in various ways, including the following:

  • Lectures are normally up to one-hour in duration and may be delivered online or face-to-face plenary-style.
  • Seminars involve smaller groups and include working with problems or holding discussions and debates about issues arising in the lectures.
  • Workshops may involve a combination of content delivery and group working.
  • Individual tutorials may also be arranged.

The current teaching team come from a range of specialist backgrounds including mental health, psychology, sociology, law and criminal justice to name a few and these feed in to a rich and varied range of teaching and learning approaches (staff may be subject to change). The course also emphasises a global perspective on criminological, law, and criminal justice issues.

Teaching contact hours

As a full-time undergraduate student, you will study modules totalling 120 credits each academic year. A typical 20 credit module requires a total of 200 hours study. This is made up of teaching contact hours, guided and independent study.

Teaching hours:

Teaching hours vary each semester, year of study and due to module selection. During your first year you can expect 15-18 teaching hours each week. You will also have the option to attend optional sessions including time with a progress coach or to meet with staff for advice and feedback. As you progress through your studies, teaching hours may reduce.

Guided and independent study:

Throughout your studies, you will be expected to spend time in guided and independent study to make up the required study hours per module. You'll be digging deeper into topics, review what you've learnt and complete assignments. This can be completed around your personal commitments. As you progress through your studies, you'll spend more time in independent study.

Online learning:

As an innovative university, we use different teaching methods including online tools and emerging technologies. So, some of your teaching hours and assessments may be delivered online.

Since COVID-19, we have delivered our courses in a variety of forms, in line with public authority guidance, decisions, or orders and we will continue to adapt our delivery as appropriate. Whether on campus or online, our key priority is staff and student safety.

Assessment

This course will be assessed using a variety of methods which will vary depending upon the module. Assessment methods may include for example:

  • short writing exercises such as abstracts, opinion pieces, and precis
  • extended writing exercises such as essays, reports, and research papers
  • group and individual presentations
  • posters and infographics
  • problem solving scenarios such as assessment centre exercises.

The Coventry University Group assessment strategy ensures that our courses are fairly assessed and allows us to monitor student progression towards achieving the intended learning outcomes.

International experience opportunities

Emphasising inter-cultural awareness in all our students, the course content situates issues in a global context. It offers the opportunity for international experience through collaborative international online learning projects where students work on a task jointly with students from an institution abroad. Study abroad forms part of the optional sandwich year which students normally take after successful completion of their second year2. If you choose to do a work placement year, you will pay a reduced tuition fee3 of £1,250. For more information, please go to the fees and funding section.

Please note that all international experience opportunities may be subject to additional costs, competitive application, availability, and meeting applicable visa and travel requirements, and are therefore not guaranteed2.

The Criminology degrees at Coventry University really offer students a unique and exciting opportunity to delve into a range of fascinating topics, from criminal behaviour, policing and the prison system to global issues like the corrupt, illicit activities of states and other powerful actors. With an extensive and diverse collective experience in teaching and working in the field, the academic team bring a passion for helping students to achieve their potential from start through to graduation.

Dr Gabrielle Nugent-Stephens, Lecturer in Criminology, quoted February 2022
Lecturer Dr Gabrielle Nugent-Stephens tutoring a class

Entry requirements

Typical offer.

Requirement What we're looking for
UCAS points 112
A level BBC excludes General Studies
GCSE 5 GCSEs at grade 4 / C or above to include English and Mathematics
BTEC DMM
IB Diploma 27 points
Access Diploma The Access to HE Diploma in a Science, Social Science or Health subject to include 30 Level 3 credits at Distinction. Plus GCSE English and Mathematics at grade 4 / C or above.

Other qualifications and experience

Our students come from a variety of backgrounds, each with a unique story. We recognise a breadth of qualifications. If your qualifications differ from the above, contact our Admissions Team who will be happy to discuss your qualifications and routes into your chosen course.

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Contextual offers and Fair Access Scheme

If you meet the criteria for our Fair Access Scheme, you could automatically receive a contextual offer that may be up to 24 UCAS points lower than our standard entry requirements. View the criteria for our Fair Access Scheme.

Select your region to find detailed information about entry requirements:

Europe

Americas

Middle East

South Asia

South East Asia

East Asia

Africa

Russia and Central Asia

 

You can view our full list of country specific entry requirements on our Entry requirements page. For information regarding specific requirements, please ask a question.

Visit our International hub for further advice and guidance on finding in-country agents and representatives, joining our in-country events and how to apply.

English language requirements

  • IELTS: 6.0 overall (with at least 5.5 in each component area)

If you don't meet the English language requirements, you can achieve the level you need by successfully completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course.

For more information on our approved English language tests visit our English language requirements page.

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Not got the required grades? We offer this degree with an integrated foundation year.

Fees & funding

Student Full-time Part-time
UK, Ireland*, Channel Islands or Isle of Man 2025/26 fees TBC
2024/25 fees - £9,250 per year		 Not available
EU 2025/26 fees TBC
2024/25 fees - £9,250 per year with EU support bursary**
2025/26 fees TBC
2024/25 fees - £16,800 per year without EU support bursary**		 Not available
International 2025/26 fees TBC
2024/25 fees - £16,800 per year		 Not available

If you choose to do a work placement2, you should consider travel and living costs to cover this. There is also a tuition fee3 of £1,250 that will cover your academic support throughout your placement year.

For advice and guidance on tuition fees and student loans visit our Undergraduate Finance page and see The University’s Tuition Fee and Refund Terms and Conditions.

The University will charge the tuition fees that are stated in the above table for the first Academic Year of study. The University will review tuition fees each year. For UK (home) students, if Parliament permits an increase in tuition fees, the university may increase fees for each subsequent year of study in line with any such changes. Note that any increase is expected to be in line with inflation.

For international students, we may increase fees each year, but such increases will be no more than 5% above inflation. If you defer your course start date or have to extend your studies beyond the normal duration of the course (e.g. to repeat a year or resit examinations) the University reserves the right to charge you fees at a higher rate and/or in accordance with any legislative changes during the additional period of study.

We offer a range of International scholarships to students all over the world. For more information, visit our International Scholarships page.

Tuition fees cover the cost of your teaching, assessments, facilities and support services. There may be additional costs not covered by this fee such as accommodation and living costs, recommended reading books, stationery, printing and re-assessments should you need them. Find out what's included in your tuition costs.

The following are additional costs not included in the tuition fees:

  • Any optional field trips or visits: £50+ per trip.
  • Any costs associated with securing, attending or completing a placement (whether in the UK or abroad).

*Irish student fees

The rights of Irish residents to study in the UK are preserved under the Common Travel Area arrangement. If you are an Irish student and meet the residency criteria, you can study in England, pay the same level of tuition fees as English students and utilise the Tuition Fee Loan.

**EU Support Bursary

Following the UK's exit from the European Union, we are offering financial support to all eligible EU students who wish to study an undergraduate or a postgraduate degree with us full-time. This bursary will be used to offset the cost of your tuition fees to bring them in line with that of UK students. Students studying a degree with a foundation year with us are not eligible for the bursary.

Facilities

Teaching and learning take place in modern facilities on the main Coventry University campus near to the University Hub, Students Union and library4. Extensive use is made of seminar and workshop rooms for smaller groups to facilitate active group learning.

Facilities are subject to availability. Access to some facilities (including some teaching and learning spaces) may vary from those advertised and/or may have reduced availability or restrictions where the university is following public authority guidance, decisions or orders.

mock prison cells

Prison cells

Two prison cells, one single and one double, are in the Richard Crossman Building on main campus and used to give a sense of the real-life experiences of inmates, and for role play learning.

lanchester library entrance

Library

Our dedicated subject librarian on main campus will provide guidance on searching and retrieving academic sources using the library systems and databases, as well as assistance and support with individual enquiries.

Centre for Academic Writing

Centre for Academic Writing

The Centre for Academic Writing next to the Library will offer individual advice on developing writing skills or dealing with writing problems.

 

 

Careers and opportunities

With a view to shaping your prospects as a graduate, teaching, learning, and assessment take a problem-based approach which means you get to deal with real-world issues and scenarios combining theory and practice delivered by a team with a diverse range of experience including mental health, sexual offending, imprisonment, and probation to name a few. External speakers and visiting lecturer/practitioners also bring expertise to the classroom (subject to availability).

Assessments are coursework based and varied to test independent and team-working, communication, analytical and critical thinking, and other transferable skills designed to enhance your employment prospects within or outside the criminological sphere. With an emphasis on inter-cultural awareness, the course also offers opportunity for overseas experience through study abroad2 with the aim of making you a strong contender for a graduate level career in the global jobs market.

Criminology and Law not only provides you with the knowledge and skills for working within the criminological sphere – in areas such as the police in uniformed and civilian roles, courts, prison staff and outreach, probation, victim support, security, and community safety – but also develops transferable skills that equip you for a wide range of graduate level careers. For example, some roles recent students have undertaken have included teaching, retail management, and fraud investigation for the financial industry. Many students opt for postgraduate level study.

Where our graduates work

Previous graduates have gone on to pursue postgraduate qualifications and work for a range of organisations, including The National Crime Agency, the Independent Police Complaints Commission, HM Prison Service, Coventry Cyrenians, West Midlands Police and the Metropolitan Police.

Further study

Progression routes to courses for further study within Coventry University include:

Studying Criminology and Law at Coventry has helped develop and improve my skills. The course explores various interesting topics taught by experts in the subject. Learning is applied by a wide range of assessments designed to test specific skills that employers value. Trips are also offered on the course and has given me the opportunity to go to Krakow in Poland. I am now more prepared for graduate-level employment from studying this course.

Harry Brown, Criminology and Law BA (Hons) student, quoted February 2022
Students talking in a breakout area

How to apply

  • Coventry University together with Coventry University London, Coventry University Wrocław, CU Coventry, CU London, CU Scarborough, and Coventry University Online come together to form part of the Coventry University Group (the University) with all degrees awarded by Coventry University.

    1Accreditations

    The majority of our courses have been formally recognised by professional bodies, which means the courses have been reviewed and tested to ensure they reach a set standard. In some instances, studying on an accredited course can give you additional benefits such as exemptions from professional exams (subject to availability, fees may apply). Accreditations, partnerships, exemptions and memberships shall be renewed in accordance with the relevant bodies’ standard review process and subject to the university maintaining the same high standards of course delivery.

    2UK and international opportunities

    Please note that we are unable to guarantee any UK or international opportunities (whether required or optional) such as internships, work experience, field trips, conferences, placements or study abroad opportunities and that all such opportunities may be unpaid and/or subject to additional costs (which could include, but is not limited to, equipment, materials, bench fees, studio or facilities hire, travel, accommodation and visas), competitive application, availability and/or meeting any applicable travel, public authority guidance, decisions or orders and visa requirements. To ensure that you fully understand any visa requirements, please contact the International Office.

    3Tuition fees

    The University will charge the tuition fees that are stated in the above table for the first Academic Year of study. The University will review tuition fees each year. For UK (home) students, if Parliament permit an increase in tuition fees, the University may increase fees for each subsequent year of study in line with any such changes. Note that any increase is expected to be in line with inflation.

    For international students, we may increase fees each year, but such increases will be no more than 5% above inflation. If you defer your course start date or have to extend your studies beyond the normal duration of the course (e.g. to repeat a year or resit examinations) the University reserves the right to charge you fees at a higher rate and/or in accordance with any legislative changes during the additional period of study.

    4Facilities

    Facilities are subject to availability. Access to some facilities (including some teaching and learning spaces) may vary from those advertised and/or may have reduced availability or restrictions where the university is following public authority guidance, decisions or orders.

    Student Contract

    By accepting your offer of a place and enrolling with us, a Student Contract will be formed between you and the university. A copy of the current 2024/2025 contract is available on the website for information purposes however the 2025/2026 contract will apply for the 2025/2026 intake. The Contract details your rights and the obligations you will be bound by during your time as a student and contains the obligations that the university will owe to you. You should read the Contract before you accept an offer of a place and before you enrol at the university.

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