Leeds Beckett University - City Campus,
Woodhouse Lane,
LS1 3HE
Undergraduate BA (Hons)
Question crime. Challenge justice. Create a fairer future. Discover what drives criminal behaviour and how power, policy, and people shape justice systems.
How do we define crime? Why do people offend? And what can society do to prevent it? On BA Criminology, you'll tackle big questions about justice, inequality, and social change, while building the practical research and analytical skills to really make a difference.
We'll dive into the causes and effects of crime, the criminal justice system, and the social, political, and cultural forces that shape responses to harm. Moving beyond the headlines, you'll engage with contemporary issues, such as desistance, recovery, terrorism, and community safety, connecting theory to real lives, policy, and practice.
As part of this course, you'll:
You'll graduate ready to make an impact across criminal justice, social policy, community work, and research, equipped to question, challenge, and contribute to a fairer society.
Learn criminology with purpose and direction
At Leeds Beckett, criminology is designed to take you somewhere. Throughout the course, you'll build a clear understanding of the career pathways open to you, from criminal justice and social policy to community work, research, and postgraduate study. You'll explore how your learning connects to real roles and professions, ensuring you graduate with clarity and confidence.
Study that prepares you for your future
Your learning goes beyond traditional essay writing. Many modules use employability-focused assessments, such as case analyses, research reports, presentations, and policy-style briefings. These help you develop the skills employers value and understand how criminological knowledge is applied in professional settings.
Research that reflects real issues
Research is central to your degree. You'll complete an independent research project on a topic you care about - planning your study, analysing data, and evaluating evidence, before concluding your findings. This prepares you for research-led careers and postgraduate study, including our MSc Criminology or a research degree.
Go beyond the classroom
A blend of work experience, volunteering, and practitioner-led teaching give you first-hand insight into how crime and justice are managed in practice. You'll learn from professionals working in policing, courts, probation, charities, and community organisations, helping you connect theory to lived experience.
Study criminology in a connected city
Leeds offers access to a wide network of justice, legal, and third-sector organisations. Studying criminology here means learning in a city where policy, practice, and social change are actively shaped, giving your degree real-world relevance from day one.
Criminology at Leeds Beckett | Course Overview Curious about studying criminology? Hear from staff and students as they give you an inside look at what our criminology course offers. Discover what makes our course unique.
My Defining Moments: Why you should study Criminology at Leeds Beckett University Tamara, a graduate from our Criminology course, shares her most memorable moments studying at Leeds Beckett University.
Criminology assessment centre - student view Final year students from BA (Hons) Criminology and BA (Hons) Criminology with Psychology share their experiences of taking part in an assessment centre to get on to the ‘Prison Education’ module.
points required
If you’re unsure how to work out your UCAS points we have a UCAS Tariff Calculator which will do it for you. All you need to do is enter your qualifications and let the UCAS Tariff Calculator do the maths.
We have welcomed students from over 140 countries to study at Leeds Beckett University. If you are interested in studying with us you can find all the information you need about entry requirements and how to apply on our country specific pages.
points required
UCAS Tariff Points: 104-112 points required.
(Minimum 64-72 from two A Levels or equivalent, excluding General Studies).
If you're applying via UCAS, find out more about how your qualifications fit into the UCAS tariff.
IELTS 6.0 with no skills below 5.5, or an equivalent qualification. The University provides excellent support for any applicant who may be required to undertake additional English language courses.
We may use selection criteria based on your personal attributes; experience and/or commitment to the area of study. This information will be derived from your personal statement and reference and will only be used if you have met the general entry requirements.
*We operate a contextual admissions policy, which means we consider a range of additional factors when we assess a student’s application. Applicants who meet at least one of our contextual admissions criteria may be offered a place on this course with lower (predicted or achieved) UCAS Tariff Points than our published tariff.
We have welcomed students from over 140 countries to study at Leeds Beckett University. If you are interested in studying with us you can find all the information you need about entry requirements and how to apply on our country specific pages.
If you're applying via UCAS, find out more about how your qualifications fit into the UCAS tariff.
IELTS 6.0 with no skills below 5.5, or an equivalent qualification. The University provides excellent support for any applicant who may be required to undertake additional English language courses.
We may use selection criteria based on your personal attributes; experience and/or commitment to the area of study. This information will be derived from your personal statement and reference and will only be used if you have met the general entry requirements.
Independent study is a crucial part of learning at university and you will be required to undertake many hours of self-directed research and reading, and preparation and writing of assessments. Your course is delivered through a number of modules, which will help you to plan your time and establish a study routine. Outside of your lectures, workshops and tutorials, a range of support is available to assist with your independent study. Our subject-specific librarians will be on hand to direct you to the specialist learning and study-skill resources. You’ll also be assigned an academic advisor to give you tailored feedback and support.
The tabs below detail what and how you will study in each year of your course. The balance of assessments and overall workload will be informed by your core modules and the option modules you choose to study; the information provided is an indication of what you can expect and may be subject to change. The option modules listed are also an indication of what will be available to you. Their availability is subject to demand and you will be advised which option modules you can choose at the beginning of each year of study.
UK
The annual tuition fee for students entering in the 2026/27 academic year is anticipated to be £9790 (the maximum annual tuition fee cap announced by the UK Government, which is subject to parliamentary approval).
For each subsequent year of study, the University may charge up to the maximum annual tuition fee cap set by the UK Government, which may increase in line with any uplift determined by the UK Government by law or government policy (such increases are expected to be linked to inflation).
International 2026
The tuition fee for the year for students entering in 2026/27 is £16840.
For students entering in 2026
The annual tuition fee for students entering in the 2026/27 academic year is anticipated to be £9790 (the maximum annual tuition fee cap announced by the UK Government, which is subject to parliamentary approval).
For each subsequent year of study, the University may charge up to the maximum annual tuition fee cap set by the UK Government, which may increase in line with any uplift determined by the UK Government by law or government policy (such increases are expected to be linked to inflation).
Your tuition fees cover the cost of registration, tuition, academic supervision, assessments and examinations.
The following are also included in the cost of your course:
In many cases, costs associated with your course will be included in your course fee. However, in some cases there are ‘essential’ additional costs (those that you will be required to meet in addition to your course fee), and/or ‘optional’ additional costs (costs that are not required, but that you might choose to pay). We have included those essential or optional additional costs that relate to your course, below.
Other study-related expenses to consider: materials that you will need to complete your course such as books (whilst the library provides access to readings recommended for your modules, you may wish to purchase your own copies of some books); you can also make suggestions for books to be added to Library stock; placement costs (these may include travel expenses and living costs); student visas (international students only); printing, photocopying and stationery (you may need to pay for multiple copies of your dissertation or final project to be printed and bound); events associated with your course such as field trips; study abroad opportunities (travel costs and accommodation, visas and immunisations). Other costs could include academic conferences (travel costs) and professional-body membership (where applicable). The costs you will need to cover for graduation will include gown hire and guest tickets, and optional extras such as professional photography.
As well as your mobile phone, you will also need access to a desktop computer and/or laptop to complete assignments and access university online services such as MyBeckett, your virtual learning environment. You can book and borrow AV equipment through the media equipment service accessed online via the student hub and located in the library at each campus. Equipment includes: 360 Cameras, iPads, GoPros, MacBooks, portable data projectors, portable projection screens, flipchart stands, remote presenters, digital cameras and camcorders, SLR cameras, speakers, microphones, headphones, headsets, tripods, digital audio recorders and PC/laptops (a laptop loans service is provided on campus in the library on both campuses). Student laptops are also available from the laptop lockers located in the libraries.
This list is not exhaustive, costs are approximate and will vary depending on the choices you make during your course. Any rental, travel or living costs are also in addition to your course fees. If you choose to study via distance learning, you may not be able to access all of the facilities listed if you are not able to visit us on campus.
For students entering in 2026
The tuition fee for the year for students entering in 2026/27 is £16840.
Your tuition fees cover the cost of registration, tuition, academic supervision, assessments and examinations.
The following are also included in the cost of your course:
In many cases, costs associated with your course will be included in your course fee. However, in some cases there are ‘essential’ additional costs (those that you will be required to meet in addition to your course fee), and/or ‘optional’ additional costs (costs that are not required, but that you might choose to pay). We have included those essential or optional additional costs that relate to your course, below.
Other study-related expenses to consider: materials that you will need to complete your course such as books (whilst the library provides access to readings recommended for your modules, you may wish to purchase your own copies of some books); you can also make suggestions for books to be added to Library stock; placement costs (these may include travel expenses and living costs); student visas (international students only); printing, photocopying and stationery (you may need to pay for multiple copies of your dissertation or final project to be printed and bound); events associated with your course such as field trips; study abroad opportunities (travel costs and accommodation, visas and immunisations). Other costs could include academic conferences (travel costs) and professional-body membership (where applicable). The costs you will need to cover for graduation will include gown hire and guest tickets, and optional extras such as professional photography.
As well as your mobile phone, you will also need access to a desktop computer and/or laptop to complete assignments and access university online services such as MyBeckett, your virtual learning environment. You can book and borrow AV equipment through the media equipment service accessed online via the student hub and located in the library at each campus. Equipment includes: 360 Cameras, iPads, GoPros, MacBooks, portable data projectors, portable projection screens, flipchart stands, remote presenters, digital cameras and camcorders, SLR cameras, speakers, microphones, headphones, headsets, tripods, digital audio recorders and PC/laptops (a laptop loans service is provided on campus in the library on both campuses). Student laptops are also available from the laptop lockers located in the libraries.
This list is not exhaustive, costs are approximate and will vary depending on the choices you make during your course. Any rental, travel or living costs are also in addition to your course fees. If you choose to study via distance learning, you may not be able to access all of the facilities listed if you are not able to visit us on campus.
We are committed to ensuring that an education at Leeds Beckett University is open to all. If you're thinking of joining us for undergraduate study, you may be eligible for a non-repayable scholarship or bursary to help with the cost of university. To find out if you are be eligible visit our scholarships and bursaries page.
We also offer a range of non-repayable scholarships for international students. To find out if you may be eligible visit our scholarships for international students page and select your home country from the drop-down list.
93%
of students on BA (Hons) Criminology were positive about the availability of specialist facilities
Whether you want to influence policy, work directly with communities, or investigate crime, BA Criminology at Leeds Beckett equips you with the skills to make a difference. You'll graduate with strong analytical, research, and communication skills, plus hands-on experience and the latest industry insight.
You could go on to work in roles spanning criminal justice, social policy, youth and community work, probation, victim support, and research. Specific career paths include:
You can also continue into postgraduate study in criminology, law, and social work, or specialise in professional areas such as offender management, digital policing, or restorative justice.
Studying Criminology at Leeds Beckett means learning from critical scholars who are passionate about both their subject and their students. Students gain academic and practical skills which prepares them to succeed in their chosen careers within and outside of the criminal justice system."
Alexandria specialises in Trauma-Informed and Responsive approaches across the Criminal Justice System and within Educational settings.
Alongside Dr Bill Davies, Alexandria is a co-director of the Leeds Beckett Educational Alliance with HMP Full Sutton (LEAF)- providing Higher Education to men in prison.
Alexandria worked in partnership with One Small Thing to develop the first Working with Trauma Quality Mark to provide a national benchmark for practitioners, schools, third sectors services and criminal justice institutions.
We have a dedicated team of people who will support you with all aspects of your career planning, from day one until 18 months after you graduate.
Getting you career ready is an integral part of your university life and this is embedded throughout your lectures and seminars. Outside of your course there is a wide range of support available to help you achieve your career goals, including:
We’re ranked in the Top 10 universities in the UK for job prospects
(Student Crowd, 2025 - the only awards based entirely on student reviews).
Find out why...
Step inside our immersive 360° virtual tour and discover cutting-edge facilities, dynamic learning spaces, and everything our campus has to offer.
With great music venues, culture, shopping and parks – we’ve got it all. Voted no.1 student city in the UK* and the Best Place to Live in the North and Northeast**.
*StudentCrowd, Best Student Cities UK, 2024
**The Sunday Times Best Place to Live guide, 2024.
Still thinking about your uni choices? Discover Uni has official information to help you decide. They provide statistics for courses taken from national surveys and data collected from universities about their students.
