Criminology and Law BA (Hons)

Undergraduate

Explore crime, its causes, societal impact and criminal law, and equip yourself with the knowledge and skills needed for a career within the criminal justice system, both nationally and internationally.

Course option

Degree with foundation year

Year of entry

2026-27 2027-28

Location

Coventry University (Coventry)

Study mode

Full-time
Sandwich

Duration

3 years full-time
4 years sandwich

UCAS codes

M930

Start date

September 2027
November 2027
January 2028
March 2028
May 2028
July 2028

How to apply

Your UCAS Guide

Download a prospectus

The information on this page is for 2026-27 entry and should be used as guidance for 2027-28 entry. Please keep checking back on this course page to see our latest updates.

Course overview

Bridge the gap between theory and practice, applying legal and criminological frameworks to real-world challenges. With a focus on rigorous analysis and evaluation, you’ll explore developments within the legal system and learn how to address crime management.

Modern curriculum: promotes the development of forward-thinking strategies to address current challenges such as cybercrime and criminal justice reform, allowing you to gain the analytical skills needed to navigate the rapidly changing landscape of crime and justice.
Industry-focused learning: analyse and evaluate a range of topics and recent developments concerning the legal system in England and Wales and the management of crime at both local and global levels.
Real-world learning: our mock courtroom allows you to take on a range of legal roles during teaching, helping you to develop the practical skills needed for future roles in criminal justice.⁴

Rated Gold Overall

Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) 2023

5 QS Stars for Teaching and Facilities

QS Stars University Ratings

Top 5 Student City in England (Coventry)

QS Best Student Cities Index 2026

Why you should study this course

Project-based learning: actively engage in real-world, meaningful projects. Work on complex problems, create tangible solutions and develop essential skills such as critical thinking, collaboration and communication. Assessment is designed to replicate the work and tasks carried out by criminology and law graduates, allowing you to showcase your expertise and real-world readiness.
Contemporary issues: course content covers a range of areas within criminology, such as victimology, criminal justice, law and advocacy.
Academic and industry insights: you will have the opportunity to attend lectures/events led by expert speakers from agencies involved in criminal justice.² Their insights should help provide further context on how you can apply the knowledge and skills you gain throughout the course. Some modules are also taught by our law lecturers.
Global perspective: get a global perspective of crime and compare different methods and ideologies regarding crime prevention, management and justice.
Build your experience: take part in authentic simulations to enhance the study of penal methods of punishment.

What you'll study

Your first year is shared with students from closely related courses. This approach allows you to learn alongside other disciplines, broaden your perspective and develop strong collaboration skills from the very start.

The common first year also offers flexibility. If you discover a stronger interest in another subject area, you may have the opportunity to transfer to a related course at the end of the year, subject to meeting progression requirements.

Common first year courses:

Criminology BA (Hons)
Criminology and Forensic Investigations BA (Hons)
Criminology and Law BA (Hons)
Criminology and Psychology BA (Hons)
Criminology and Youth Justice BA (Hons)

Modules

The Psychology of Criminal Behaviour – 30 credits

This module examines criminal behaviour through criminological and psychological theories, exploring decision-making, rationalisation and criminogenic risk factors. Key concepts include social identity, cognitive development and self-regulation. You will critically assess various perspectives, evaluating their strengths and limitations in explaining offending and societal responses to crime.

Compulsory

The Criminal Justice System – 30 credits

This module introduces the English legal system, focusing on sources of law, criminal justice institutions and legal personnel. You will critically explore the wider contextual landscape of the law, examining key issues like truth, justice and the rule of law. This module also introduces key legal research skills, particularly the retrieval and use of appropriate primary and secondary legal sources.

Compulsory

Criminal Law and Justice - 30 credits

Learn key principles of criminal law and the operation of the criminal justice system in England and Wales. Unravel the principles of criminal liability, exploring how the law defines and responds to wrongdoing. From serious crimes like homicide to non-fatal offences against the person and property-related crimes, you’ll examine the legal boundaries of criminal behaviour.

Delve into defences, attempts, and the complexities of justice in practice and gain a deeper understanding of how the law balances punishment, responsibility and fairness in a modern society. Understand the criminal process, from investigation and prosecution to trial and sentencing, considering the roles of key institutions such as the police, the Crown Prosecution Service, and the courts.

Compulsory

Principles of Investigation: Theory and Practice – 30 credits

This module is designed to introduce you to investigative concepts, issues and approaches. You will learn about the nature of formal investigations, the focus of investigations, investigative mindset, methods, processes, management and accountability that govern investigations. This module aims to help you get a theoretical and practical understanding of the development of investigative practices and how investigations are administered.

Compulsory

Modules

Youth, Crime and Justice – 30 credits

Develop your understanding of a range of perspectives within youth justice work. Explore sociological concepts of childhood and youth and the criminological issues associated with both life stages. Examine how youth crime is dealt with as a social and criminological problem. Through discussion of recent research, legislation and policy action, you will critically consider the response of the criminal justice agencies to youth crime, the wider debates over the age of criminal responsibility and welfare versus justice approaches.

Compulsory

Policing – 30 credits

This module introduces you to key issues relating to policing democratic societies, including a critical evaluation of the relationships among the police, the state and the citizen. It aims to assess the independence of the police and their interdependence within the wider criminal justice system. This module will also explore concepts such as consensus, legitimacy and accountability in relation to policing practice. Topics to be debated range from policing protest and disorder to the role of the media in representing the police.

Compulsory

Understanding Evidence – 30 credits

The rules of evidence decide what evidence will and will not be presented to a court for your evaluation. Evaluate evidence in several settings at various stages of the investigatory and criminal court process. This module should bring together and build on the knowledge, skills and understanding of the investigative process you acquired earlier in the course.

Learn the processes involved in understanding and evaluating evidence within an investigation. Study the role and importance of evidence in investigations and the criminal justice system. Examine the strengths and weaknesses of differing types of evidence, debating and evaluating the applied use of evidence in practice. Throughout this module, you will continually consider why some investigations succeed and others fail.

Compulsory

Criminal Practice and Evidence – 30 credits

Gain practical experience in the role of the criminal advocate, focusing on the preparation and representation involved in key criminal hearings, such as bail applications, sentencing hearings, legal arguments and trials. Module content emphasises the real-world application of evidence law, examining the processes of gathering, utilising and challenging evidence in criminal cases. Develop a deep understanding of the law of evidence, including its evolution and the impact of statute, secondary legislation and case law on current practices.

Compulsory

A placement year² provides optional first-hand industry experience and helps you discover where your skills and interests truly lie. Taken between your second and final years, it allows you to step into a professional environment, apply your learning and gain valuable insight into your chosen sector.

By spending an extended period in industry, you should develop confidence, build professional networks and strengthen the transferable skills that employers value most. This experience offers a powerful way to explore career paths and return to your final year with real-world expertise and a clearer sense of direction.

Key opportunities

Complete an approved work placement: gain practical experience aligned with your course and career ambitions, typically lasting at least 26 weeks.
Reflect on professional development: recognise and document the specific skills, knowledge and experience you gain during your time in industry.
Broaden your global perspective: optionally undertake an international work or study placement to experience a different professional or cultural context.

While this optional year is non-credit-bearing, successful completion ensures your experience is formally recognised on your final degree certificate to showcase your expertise to future employers.

Students sponsored by the University who opt for an international work placement must ensure they comply with the UKVI immigration regulations and should contact us for further guidance.

Modules

Rehabilitation and Criminal Justice – 30 credits

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. 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, prisons and allied services.

Compulsory

Victimology – 30 credits

This module focuses on political, social, cultural and popular constructions of victims of crime and wider social harms. It places 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 how technology and global insecurity affect the way people experience being victims of crimes today on an international scale.

Optional

Violence and Exploitation – 30 credits

This module explores violence and exploitation in childhood and adulthood worldwide. Investigate incidence, prevalence, reporting and theoretical frameworks. Develop an understanding of concepts, current debates and theoretical approaches to violence and exploitation. Discussions cover research ranging from individual crimes to global organised crime, examining impacts on victims/survivors, national and international justice systems, support services and prevention strategies.

Compulsory

Crime, Advice and Advocacy – 30 credit

This module examines principles and practices in criminal justice advice, intermediary work and advocacy. It emphasises ethical standards and understanding of diverse needs. Gain practical experience advocating for individuals and groups through problem-based learning, including vulnerable adults and children in the criminal justice system. Develop your ability to communicate effectively and appropriately, provide well-informed guidance, offer independent support and assistance, refer people to specialist services, and advise, advocate and negotiate reasonable adjustments.

Compulsory

We regularly review our course content to keep it relevant and current for our students. Consequently, we may update modules to reflect the latest industry standards.

How you'll learn

Learn through hands-on activities and real-world examples, using the same approaches professionals use in the field. It’s all about helping you build the skills you need to feel confident and prepared for your future career. Teaching methods may include:

interactive lectures that may be delivered online or face-to-face
seminars involving smaller groups working on problems or holding discussions and debates about issues arising in the lectures
workshops involving a combination of content delivery and group work
working together on projects to help develop critical skills such as problem-solving, teamwork and creative thinking
simulations, enabling you to apply theoretical knowledge to practical scenarios.

Teaching contact hours

As a full-time undergraduate student, you will study modules totalling 120 credits each academic year. A typical 30-credit module requires 300 hours of study. Study hours are made up of teaching contact hours and guided and independent study.

Teaching hours

Teaching hours may vary, depending on where you are in your studies, but on average, you will have between 12 and 15 teaching and learning hours each week. You will also have the option to attend additional 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 will be digging deeper into topics, reviewing what you’ve learnt and completing assignments. This can be completed around your personal commitments. As you progress to the end of your studies, you’ll spend more time on independent learning.

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.

Assessment

This course incorporates new and innovative assessment methods aligned with current industry standards, providing you with practical, real-world skills designed to advance your professional readiness and career prospects.

Assessment methods may include:

writing exercises such as essays, reports, policy reviews and briefings
live simulations and reflective journals about them
group and individual presentations
posters and infographics
problem-solving scenarios such as case studies
podcasts, academic posters and vlogs.

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

Entry requirements

Typical entry requirements:

Requirement	What we're looking for
UCAS points	112
A level	BBC excludes General Studies
GCSE	GCSE maths and English at grade 4 / C or Functional Skills Level 2, or other equivalent Level 2 awards
BTEC	DMM
T level	Overall grade of Merit in the T level qualification in any subject.
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.

Contextual/Fair Access Offers

If you meet the criteria for our Fair Access Offer, you could automatically receive a contextual offer which is 16 UCAS points lower than our standard entry requirements. View the criteria for our Fair Access Offer.

Select your region to find detailed information about entry requirements:

You can view our full list of country specific entry requirements on our Entry requirements page.

Alternatively, 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.

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

Fees and funding

Student	Full-time	Part-time
UK	2027/28 fees TBC 2026/27 fees: £9,790 per year	Not available
International	2027/28 fees TBC 2026/27 fees: £17,600 per year	Not available

If you choose to study this course with a professional placement² or study abroad year, you will need to pay a tuition fee³ to cover your academic support throughout your placement year. As an indication, students commencing their professional placement in the academic year 2028/29 will pay £1,575 if they are paying UK fees, or £1,900 if they are paying international fees. The University will charge the tuition fees stated above for those on a placement during Academic Year 2028/29. The University will review professional placement tuition fees each year. For UK (home) students, the University may increase fees for each subsequent year of study, but such that it will be no more than 5% above inflation.

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 overseas ﬁeld trips or visits: £400+ 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.

How do you know if you need to pay UK or international tuition fees?

We assess your fee status using the information in your application. This status determines your tuition fees and the scholarships or financial support you can get. The Department for Education sets the rules for who pays UK (home) or international (overseas) fees in England.

The regulations list which students can pay the home fee rate. Because these rules are complex, the UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA) provides fee status guidance to help you find the right category. If you meet all the criteria for one category, your institution must charge you the home rate.

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.

Take a virtual tour

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.

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

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

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.

Careers and opportunities

Throughout the course, you should develop a broad range of highly valued skills to reflect the changing and dynamic needs of industry, including exceptional communication, project planning, critical thinking and analysis, problem-solving, and powerful presentation and listening skills.

On successful completion of the course, you should be a globally and interculturally aware graduate ready to make a dynamic difference in the world. You could find yourself working in the following roles and areas:

Solicitor (law graduates can now qualify through the new Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE) training route which requires further study)
Legal executive
Witness support officer
Advocacy, campaigns or legal advice officer for a charity
Corporate social responsibility advisor
Police (including specialist units like victim or witness liaison)
Criminal justice policy officer.

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:

Criminology and Criminal Justice MA

For those wishing to go onto the solicitor route, consider the following courses:

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How to apply

BA (Hons) with foundation year

Apply via UCAS

C85

Institution code

View our courses on UCAS

Visit UCAS

UK students

UCAS applications will open for this course from May 2026. Read our application pages to find out your next steps to apply.

How to apply

Apply via UCAS

If you'd like further support or more information about your course get in touch with us today.

+44 (0)24 7765 6565

ukadmissions@coventry.ac.uk

Complete our contact form

International students

International codes:
CASU002

How to apply

For further support for international applicants applying for an undergraduate degree view our International hub.

You can also download our International mini guide for an overview of study options and why you should study with us.

Get in touch with us today for further advice and guidance.

+44 (0)24 7765 6565

ioadmissions@coventry.ac.uk

Complete our contact form

Disclaimers

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, partnerships and memberships

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. See the relevant body website for more details). Accreditations, partnerships, exemptions and memberships are subject to successful renewal in accordance with the relevant bodies’ standard review process and subject to the University maintaining the same high standards of course delivery. If the accreditation, recognition or membership of this course changes, we will seek to notify applicants and students as soon as possible.

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. For more information, read our visa advice page.

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 the 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.

⁴Facilities

Student Contract

By accepting your offer of a place and enrolling with us, a Student Contract will be formed between you and the university. The current 2025/26 contract is available for information purposes. The 2027/28 contract will apply to the 2027/28 intakes. 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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Student life

Accommodation

Fees and funding

Criminology and Law BA (Hons)

Course features

Course option

Year of entry

Location

Study mode

Duration

UCAS codes

Start date

Course overview

Rated Gold Overall

5 QS Stars for Teaching and Facilities

Top 5 Student City in England (Coventry)

Why you should study this course

What you'll study

Modules

Modules

Modules

How you'll learn

Teaching contact hours

Teaching hours

Guided and independent study

Online learning

Assessment

International experience opportunities

Entry requirements

Other qualifications and experience

Contextual/Fair Access Offers

English language requirements

Fees and funding

*Irish student fees

Facilities

Take a virtual tour

Prison cells

Library

Centre for Academic Writing

Careers and opportunities

Where our graduates work

Further study

Discover Phoenix+

How to apply

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