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Leeds Beckett University - City Campus,
Woodhouse Lane,
LS1 3HE
Undergraduate BA (Hons)
Criminology
Explore why people commit crime, the cause and effect of deviant behaviour, and the response of society.
Course Overview
-
M900 -
L27 -
City Campus -
Full-Time -
3 Years -
20 Sep 2021
Explore crime as a vast political and cultural topic that concerns and affects everyone.
As part of this course you’ll:
- Be introduced to a range of perspectives on crime and its impact on society
- Develop a solid grounding in the theories that sit at the core of criminology
- Cultivate a deeper understanding of our current responses to crime with a view to helping shape more effective policies and legislation in the future
- Develop the academic, personal and professional skills needed to forge a successful career in a variety of roles, whether you want to work with offenders, the victims of crime or in organisations tasked with reducing offending
You’ll learn from a teaching team working at the forefront of criminological theories such as policing, prostitution studies, domestic violence, sexual offending, as well as race and crime.
Why study Criminology at Leeds Beckett University...
- Benefit from industry expertise
- The course is informed by the latest research
- 92% of Criminology students said staff were good at explaining things*
*National Student Survey 2020
BA (Hons) Criminology BA (Hons) Criminology student Nusrat talks about her experiences at Leeds Beckett.
Everything you need to know
Discover all there is to know about the course, from entry requirements and fees to exploring the school you’ll be joining - we’ve got it covered.
Entry requirements
112
points required
If you're applying via UCAS, find out more about how your qualifications fit into the UCAS tariff.
Entry requirements
112
points required
UCAS Tariff Points: 112 points required.
(Minimum 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.
GCSEs:
GCSE English Language at Grade C or above (Grade 4 for those sitting their GCSE from 2017 onwards) or equivalent. Key Skills Level 2, Functional Skills Level 2 and the Certificate in Adult Literacy are accepted in place of GCSEs.Access to HE Diploma:
Pass overall with a minimum of 112 UCAS tariff points.Scottish Awards:
Minimum of 5 subjects at Grade B at Higher Level.Irish Leaving Certificate:
Minimum of 5 subjects at Grade C1 or above at Higher Level of which at least 3 must be at B2.Selection Criteria
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.
International baccalaureate
24 Points
IELTS
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.
Mature Applicants:
Our University welcomes applications from mature applicants who demonstrate academic potential. All students will be considered through the contextual admissions policy described above. If you do not meet the requirements through the contextual admissions policy, we may still be able to make you an offer if you have recent relevant work experience through our ‘Recognition of Prior Learning’ policy. Please ensure that you list both your qualifications and any relevant work experience in your application so that we can consider you under both schemes where applicable..
All applicants are required to meet our standard English language and Maths requirement of GCSE grade C or equivalent, for example we accept some Functional Skills Tests.
If you're applying via UCAS, find out more about how your qualifications fit into the UCAS tariff.
Selection Criteria
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.
International baccalaureate
24 Points
IELTS
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.
Additional entry requirements:
Verify your qualifications
If you are an international student, we can help you to compare and verify your qualifications. Please contact our International Office on +44 (0)113 812 1111 09.00 to 17.00 Mon-Thurs / 09.00 to 16.30 Fri GMT or email internationaloffice@leedsbeckett.ac.uk.Need to improve your English Language skills?
Don't worry if you don't have the level of English required for your chosen course. We offer a wide range of courses which have been designed to help you to improve your qualifications and English language ability, most of which are accredited by the British Council. Check your English and find out more about our English courses.More questions?
No matter what your questions, we are here to answer them, visit our International website to get more information and find out about our online open days.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.
Our silver status in the latest Teaching Excellence Framework, reflects our commitment to deliver high-quality teaching, learning and outcomes for our students.
Teaching & Learning
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.
Due to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic we are currently unable to advise on the mode of teaching for September 2021, however we will keep you updated and provide more information as soon as we can. We continue to follow government guidance and your teaching and learning will reflect the restrictions in place at the time of delivery. We currently anticipate that you may experience a blended approach – this is a mix of face-to-face, on campus and online teaching and learning. You can keep up to date with teaching and learning at Leeds Beckett via our Covid-19 website. Updated course specifications will be available in August 2021. In the meantime, our existing course specifications are available.
What you'll learn
Build on your understanding and knowledge on a broad foundational level concerning the problem of crime.
Learn about the criminal justice process within England & Wales; the actors and institutions that make up this system, along with some underlying social theories.
Study how the concept of crime is socially constructed and allows individuals to categorise behaviour. The meaning of 'crime' is promoted through the use of mediated images. You will examine the way in which our classifications of others are shaped by the sharing of such images and how those categories generate support for the criminalisation process.
Understand what it means to be a criminologist. Through a series of lectures on the course team's specialist areas of criminological expertise, students will develop an understanding of criminology as an academic discipline in an interesting and diverse context.
Explore the key concepts of criminological theories and the core expressions of explanatory and descriptive criminological theory. Theory is introduced as a sense making tool in the attempt to understand or explain crime.
Study the social construction of crime and deviance through an examination of the historical, socio-economic and political processes by which particular acts of behaviour, or particular social groups become defined, formally or informally as deviant' and/or 'criminal'.
What you'll learn
Examine the main types of research design, with a focus on qualitative research, looking at the key techniques as well as ethical and safety considerations.
Gain a detailed knowledge of prisons, detention centres, immigration removal centres or any institution that houses people for punishment.
Gain an informed and critical exploration of how social control is exercised in society, particularly through policing functions, focusing on elements of change and continuity.
Following on from the part 1 module, focus on quantitative research, looking at the main research methods and key statistical techniques.
Option modules may include
Focus on the study of children, youth and crime by examining patterns of offending and desistance from crime amongst children and young people. You will consider the ways in which notions of childhood and youth offending have been depicted in academic, political and popular discourses and assess the extent to which these various discourses have influenced the response of youth justice systems to address both children as offenders and also the victims of crime.
Trace the historical, economic and social contexts wherein 'race' and ethnicity come to be associated with crime, victimisation and disproportion in the criminal justice system. From individual racist violence to state crime, you will examine 'race' and ethnicity in relation to both visible and hidden victimisation and as a source of fears of criminality and threat to social order.
Explore the relationship between crime, victims, harm and justice; how victimisation is conceptualised within and out with the criminal justice system; and how responses are increasingly required to show awareness of the reach and impact of harm.
Study the varying relationships between the media and crime. Using an interdisciplinary approach by drawing on literature and research from criminology, sociology and film and media studies, you will critically examine the ways in which different types of media shape public perceptions of crime and justice, constructs deviance and impacts on responses to crime.
Explore the role that sociology has had in exploring the role, work and symbolism of police work, looking at the broad area of 'police culture'.
Understand the theoretical and applied knowledge underpinning crime science and criminalistics.
Apply knowledge from the criminology of place to different sorts of urban neighbourhoods and cities to understand the problem of crime.
Consider the experience of vulnerable people within all areas of the criminal justice system including the police, courts, probation and the prison service. You will engage in critical debates about the criminal justice process and explore how each stage can impact on vulnerable groups including people with mental health difficulties, young people, older people, mothers and people with drug and alcohol dependency.
Enlighten and expand your criminological knowledge by learning how the artificial distinction between crimes depending on the status of the criminal has been deliberately constructed through the historical development of law and its application by the state institutions. You will understand the debate about the constitution and definition of what is 'crime'; the socio-legal status of 'crimes' and 'harms'; legal, regulatory and enforcement bias; and questions of power in crime.
Gain theoretical and practical understanding of the nature of gender, crime and criminal justice in both domestic and international contexts.
What you'll learn
Develop an understanding in contemporary theoretical developments in criminology.
Design and develop a research project in criminology and carry out investigations within a chosen area of interest by collecting existing or generating new data.
Option modules may include
Examine the social-psychology of aggression and killing, and explore the types of aggression within social contexts i.e. individual face-to-face interactions and also overlooked large scale and sanctioned conflict contexts such as law enforcement, gang contexts and armed conflict settings.
Critically explore the complexities of the sex industry, with a particular focus on social control. You will consider the motivations of both those who purchase sexual services and those who sell sex on and off street. To do this, you will look at different theoretical understandings of sex work/prostitution and the way the industry is controlled in different geographical areas.
Conduct a critical, sociological exploration of the prison - more specifically, the experience of imprisonment. You will deal with concepts such as time & liminality, renegotiations of identity and masculinities, coping, and negotiations of gender to unpack the implications of being in the prison environment on individual prisoners.
Explore a range of competing explanations for gendered violence with a particular focus on domestic violence.
Critically examine terrorism, policing and security from an interdisciplinary perspective. You will analyse how terrorism, policing and security have emerged as political and law enforcement priorities and analyse the impact this has had in the respective areas of human rights, civil liberties and the criminalisation of particular groups in society. You will be equipped with the ability to think independently and critically about terrorism, policing and security while at the same time challenging orthodox understandings of the subject matter.
Study the historical and socially constructed nature of freedom, crime and criminality within the law. You will look at examples of social movements that illuminate how the law itself is a field of contestation, including piracy, file sharing and poll tax rebellion.
Taught at HMP Full Sutton as part of the Learning Together Network initiative, you will explore the core elements of penology with a specific focus on the philosophy of punishment, the prison as a total institution and prison sociology.
Further your understanding of theory and analysis of crime and related insecurity by applying already acquired knowledge to the international level by using a comparative, critical and interdisciplinary angle. You will use the case of Europe and the European Union to exemplify the different ways in which crime and insecurity may develop in different contexts and the outcomes of different conceptual understandings of those issues. You will also develop new knowledge in the practical and ideological imperatives behind the development of common European policies, and your ability to apply a global perspective in analysing local processes in crime and social anxiety, and respective developments in criminal justice and security policies.
Look into competing explanations for acts of violent and sexual offending in both domestic and institutional settings, touching on gender, ethnicity and age issues.
Gain a critical understanding of the lived experiences of individuals who are seeking support to stop offending and recover from substance abuse. You’ll explore the connections between theory, policy and practice, in order to support desistance and recovery, to reduce reoffending and improve resettlement.
Further your understanding of theory and analysis of crime through a critical analysis of the role of culture and literature.
Discover the crimes that have shaped the 20th and 21st century, including war crimes, crimes against humanity and genocide.
Look at the cultural and social relationship between tattoos and crime, including the symbolism of tattooing and criminal identity.
Engage with the development of criminal justice policies at a national and global level, drawing on sociological, social policy and socio-legal perspectives. You will investigate the complex inter-relationships between theory, policy and practice in the field of criminal justice. You will be encouraged to evaluate different sources of knowledge about crime and criminal justice, and focus on the role of academic research in shaping and evaluating criminal justice policies.
Fees & Funding
£9,250
Home / EU 2021
The tuition fee for the year for students entering in 2021/22 is £9250. The amount you will pay may increase each year to take into account the effects of inflation.
£13,000
International 2021
The tuition fee for the year for students entering in 2021/22 is £13000. The amount you will pay is fixed at this level for each year of your course.
Fees & Funding
£9,250
For students entering in 2021
The tuition fee for the year for students entering in 2021/22 is £9250. The amount you will pay may increase each year to take into account the effects of inflation.
Additional course costs
Tuition Fees
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:
- 24/7 Library and student IT support
- Free wifi via eduroam
- Skills workshops and resources
- Library membership, giving access to more than 500,000 printed, multimedia and digital resources
- Access to software, including five free copies of Microsoft Office 365 to install on your PC,laptop and MAC, and access to free high-end software via the Leeds Beckett remote app
- Loan of high-end media equipment to support your studies
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.
Access to course resources, equipment and facilities, including:
- Clinical skills suite with specialist equipment in purpose-built rooms enabling a variety of sessions to be carried out in a suitable and safe environment.
Optional Costs
- Educational visits; the details and location will vary but the costs you will need to pay could include travel, accommodation and subsistence
- A research methods book to use across multiple modules
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.
Additional information
For further information on financing your studies or information about whether you may qualify for one of our bursaries and scholarships, follow the links below:
£13,000
For students entering in 2021
The tuition fee for the year for students entering in 2021/22 is £13000. The amount you will pay is fixed at this level for each year of your course.
Additional course costs
Tuition Fees
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:
- 24/7 Library and student IT support
- Free wifi via eduroam
- Skills workshops and resources
- Library membership, giving access to more than 500,000 printed, multimedia and digital resources
- Access to software, including five free copies of Microsoft Office 365 to install on your PC,laptop and MAC, and access to free high-end software via the Leeds Beckett remote app
- Loan of high-end media equipment to support your studies
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.
Access to course resources, equipment and facilities, including:
- Clinical skills suite with specialist equipment in purpose-built rooms enabling a variety of sessions to be carried out in a suitable and safe environment.
Optional Costs
- Educational visits; the details and location will vary but the costs you will need to pay could include travel, accommodation and subsistence
- A research methods book to use across multiple modules
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.
Additional information
For further information on financing your studies or information about whether you may qualify for one of our bursaries and scholarships, follow the links below:
92%
of Criminology students said staff were good at explaining things
Your future in our hands
There’s a lot to consider when choosing a course. Take a look at the team you’ll be working with, employability statistics and career prospects to help make up your mind.
My course allowed me to increase my knowledge of fraud and insurance and enter a career I'm really interested in. My job requires me to investigate potential fraudulent claims and I find I'm able to understand them in-depth because of the specialist knowledge I gained on my degree.
Vicky Maycock
Claims Negotiator Fusion Insurance
My aim is to be a Probation Officer and this course is relevant to help me achieve this in the future
Nusrat
BA (Hons) Criminology
Dr Linda Asquith
Course Director / Leeds School Of Social Sciences
Linda is an experienced teacher and researcher who has a special interest in victimisation and state harms.
Career Prospects
On completion of your degree, you could apply for a range of fast-track graduate training schemes within the criminal justice system. You could also get involved in crime prevention and campaigning activities, working with families, young people, offenders, victims and community groups. You could also extend your expertise by studying our MSc Criminology.
- Police Officer
- Prison Officer
- Probation Officer
- Community Worker
Scholarships and bursaries
We are committed to ensuring that the opportunity to experience an education here at Leeds Beckett University is open to all. If you're thinking of joining us to study for your undergraduate degree, you may be eligible for a scholarship or bursary.
Bursaries are usually awarded depending on household income, whilst scholarships are available for a number of areas, and are based on sporting or academic excellence. For more information visit our scholarships and bursaries page.
Beckett Careers Team
Our Beckett Careers Team will support you with all aspects of your career planning, throughout university and beyond. Whether you’re looking for a part-time job or want to gain experience alongside your studies, need help preparing an application or exploring graduate job options, we can provide expert support every step of the way!
Throughout your university journey and up to five years after you graduate you'll have access to a broad range of support and tools to help you with:
- Getting ready to apply for jobs
- Working on your CV
- Preparing for an interview
- Applying for a graduate vacancies or placements
- Connecting with employers and organisations
Your Beckett experience
At Leeds Beckett your experience is important to us, find out more about what to expect from your time on this course and life at uni.
Student blog, Criminology Criminology student Courtney talks about her experience of studying Criminology.
Experience Leeds Beckett
Explore our specialist teaching facilities and premium accommodation that you’ll be proud to call your second home.
