Funding
Find out more about financing your studies and whether you may qualify for one of our bursaries and scholarships
Money MattersCrime and punishment, law and order, justice and injustice. Criminology turns a spotlight onto the intriguing facets of our social landscape.
BSc (Hons) Criminology is aimed at students fascinated by crime, criminality, and criminal justice system processes. It offers an exciting opportunity to explore the causes and patterns of crime, and its true impact. You will learn about why people commit crime, how can crime be reduced or prevented, as well as how offenders and victims are involved in the criminal justice system.
The first year introduces you to the essential principles of criminology: key concepts and theories explaining crime, key institutions of the criminal justice system, crime policy, law, and practice. You will receive training in a wide range of research methods during the first two years, to become equipped to undertake your own independent research project in the final year.
Our large, multi-discip...
3 year full-time
4 year full-time with placement
4 year full-time with study aboard
Patrick WilliamsI’ve been engaged in research and the critical evaluation of criminal justice policies for 20 years. I’ll teach you that criminology should be concerned with the continuous and rigorous appraisal of society’s understanding of ‘crime’ and deviance to inform and, where necessary, to challenge justifications for punishment.
Senior Lecturer in Criminology
BSc (Hons) Criminology allows you to think about and address a variety of questions, from what are the causes and consequences of crime, through to how are crime and law-breaking defined. The course provides you with an excellent understanding of national and global trends in contemporary British society and situates crime within this context.
You will be introduced to up-to-date and critical knowledge of the criminal justice processes and policies, as well as the key agencies operating within it, such as the police, courts and prisons. As you progress through this course, you will have increasing flexibility to pursue your own specific criminological interests through a range of optional units. The course is supported by the use of innovative teaching methods, particularly interactive learning, and you will develop a wide range of transferable skills, which will prove valuable for an array of graduate careers inside the criminal justice system and beyond.
National Student Survey 2023 (NSS)
Teaching Excellence Framework 2023-2027
In year 1, you will study core subjects which address criminological theory and the philosophies and policies of punishment, as well as wider sociological theory and research methods.
Crime and Society focuses on the foundations of criminological and sociological perspectives. Through exploring contemporary challenges in the world such as poverty, crime, education and internationally based topics, you will consider how theoretical perspectives are used to help observe and explain some of the complex issues facing society.
Using both qualitative and quantitative methods, this module will teach you how data can transform lives, whilst equipping you with specific techniques to use data and evidence to tell sociological and criminological stories and interpret complex social problems. Important national and global issues, including but not limited to crime, poverty, health and education are observed and explored.
Criminology and Sociology in Action provides the opportunity to apply current research and theory to real examples of injustice and inequality -presented to you by visiting external experts in the field, from public sector to private corporations.
The world we live in is marked with injustice and inequality; Global Social Justice will allow you to explore these issues by applying what you learn in the classroom to the real world. You will explore current social injustices taking place in society, be it an issue right here in the city of Manchester, or something on the other side of the globe.
With support from the dedicated placement team, you can research and apply for a wide range of roles available both in the UK and abroad.
While the emphasis is on the student to secure a position, the placement team will provide links to employers through presentations, events, and fairs, and provide a specialist programme of guidance on recruitment procedures including CV and interview preparation, as well as work readiness and working overseas.
In year 2, the core subjects that you will undertake will further develop your social research skills and address how crime and deviance relate to wider social forces.
Two central questions concern all societies: why do people commit crime,
and what can be done about it? In Decoding Crime, you will engage with
challenging questions to encourage deeper thinking around what a crime
is, who says so, who commits crimes, and whether crime is a choice.
Building on your growing awareness of social science research methods, this module provides you with the knowledge and skills to engage, analyse, manage and interrogate complex data that is used to make decisions in wider world settings. Developing your abilities to tell criminological and sociological stories you will select and engage with relevant qualitative and quantitative methods to help bring research to life.
Building on from Criminology and Sociology in Action in year 1, this module provides students with the opportunity to collaboratively engage with organisations, academic staff, and peers to bring your discipline to life. Taking a problem-based learning approach, live social action projects, set by experts in and outside the University, will be explored that tackle wider world issues in a local, national and global context.
With support from the dedicated placement team, you can research and apply for a wide range of roles available both in the UK and abroad.
While the emphasis is on the student to secure a position, the placement team will provide links to employers through presentations, events, and fairs, and provide a specialist programme of guidance on recruitment procedures including CV and interview preparation, as well as work readiness and working overseas.
In year 3, you will be able to select a specialism in Justice Studies, Quantitative Methods or Global Youth Justice, or continue on with core BSc (Hons) Criminology. You will also conduct an independent research project and the opportunity to work alongside industry experts.
If you take the four-year study abroad route, year 3 will be spent studying overseas.
This professional module prepares you for your graduate future by applying your criminological imagination to create a proposed solution to a current criminological problem in the world. Working alongside experts, you will have the opportunity to engage with current innovation and research whilst bringing your own expertise and knowledge developed from your undergraduate studies.
Building on your skills and knowledge from all three years of study, you will work with your supervisor to decide a topic to explore. You will critically assess a criminological issue of your choice. Examples could include the criminal justice system and institutional, victims, inequality, race, poverty, government policies or current issues you believe require action. You will create tangible evidence for your future study or career through a portfolio-based assessment centred on research and engagement with your chosen topic.
Pathway A: Justice Studies
You will take this module if you choose a specialism in Justice Studies.
This module will be delivered by the ‘Justice’ research group. You will critically explore the causes of crime, deviance and harm through consideration of the relevance of structural relations of gender, class, and race(ism).
Pathway A: Justice Studies
You will take this module if you choose a specialism in Justice Studies.
In this module, you will be encouraged to work independently, and with the support of an academic mentor from the Justice Project, to develop and research a self-identified focus related to justice and social change.
Pathway B: Quantitative Methods
You will take this module if you choose a specialism in Quantitative Methods.
This module will be delivered by the Manchester Met Q-Step team. It will equip you with knowledge and application of quantitative research design, specifically regression modelling. It will provide you with the essential skills for entering the data analytics sector, not just relevant to sociology and criminology, but other sectors such as education, psychology, business, law and data science.
Pathway B: Quantitative Methods
You will take this module if you choose a specialism in Quantitative Methods
In this module you will complete an independent research project, working with quantitative data of your choice. You will have the option of carrying your project out as part of a placement with an external organisation throughout the entire academic year. Alternatively, you may conduct independent research in any topic of your choice with the support of academic mentors from the Manchester Met Q-Step team.
Pathway C: Global Youth Justice
You will take this module if you choose a specialism in Global Youth Justice.
This module will be delivered by the award-winning Manchester Centre for Youth Studies (MCYS). You will critically investigate and engage with a range of contemporary global challenges and injustices facing children and young people.
Pathway C: Global Youth Justice
You will take this module if you choose a specialism in Global Youth Justice.
In this module, you will complete an independent research project that focuses on one of the challenges and injustices covered in Global Youth Justice. You will be supervised and supported by those within the Manchester Centre for Youth Studies (MCYS), and have the opportunity to engage with MCYS’ partners, regionally, nationally, and internationally.
With support from the dedicated placement team, you can research and apply for a wide range of roles available both in the UK and abroad.
While the emphasis is on the student to secure a position, the placement team will provide links to employers through presentations, events, and fairs, and provide a specialist programme of guidance on recruitment procedures including CV and interview preparation, as well as work readiness and working overseas.
Whether you’ve already made your decision about what you want to study, or you’re just considering your options, there are lots of ways you can meet us and find out more about student life at Manchester Met.
We offer:
Your studies are supported by a department of committed and enthusiastic teachers and researchers, experts in their chosen field.
We often link up with external professionals too, helping to enhance your learning and build valuable connections to the working world.
These typical entry requirements may be subject to change for the 2025/26 academic year. Please check back for further details.
GCE A levels - grades BCC or equivalent
Pearson BTEC National Extended Diploma - grade DMM
Access to HE Diploma - Pass overall with a minimum 106 UCAS Tariff points
UAL Level 3 Extended Diploma - grade of Merit overall
OCR Cambridge Technical Extended Diploma - grade DMM
T level - We welcome applications from students undertaking T level qualifications. Eligible applicants will be asked to achieve a minimum overall grade of Merit as a condition of offer
IB Diploma - Pass overall with a minimum overall score of 26 or minimum 104 UCAS Tariff points from three Higher Level subjects
Other Level 3 qualifications equivalent to GCE A level are also considered.
A maximum of three A level-equivalent qualifications will be accepted towards meeting the UCAS tariff requirement.
AS levels, or qualifications equivalent to AS level, are not accepted. The Extended Project qualification (EPQ) may be accepted towards entry, in conjunction with two A-level equivalent qualifications.
Please contact the University directly if you are unsure whether you meet the minimum entry requirements for the course.
GCSE grade C/4 in English Language or equivalent, e.g. Pass in Level 2 Functional Skills English
and
GCSE grade C/4 in Mathematics or equivalent, e.g. Pass in Level 2 Functional Skills Mathematics
GCE A levels - grades BCC or equivalent
Pearson BTEC National Extended Diploma - grade DMM
Access to HE Diploma - Pass overall with a minimum 106 UCAS Tariff points
UAL Level 3 Extended Diploma - grade of Merit overall
OCR Cambridge Technical Extended Diploma - grade DMM
T level - We welcome applications from students undertaking T level qualifications. Eligible applicants will be asked to achieve a minimum overall grade of Merit as a condition of offer
IB Diploma - Pass overall with a minimum overall score of 26 or minimum 104 UCAS Tariff points from three Higher Level subjects
Other Level 3 qualifications equivalent to GCE A level are also considered.
A maximum of three A level-equivalent qualifications will be accepted towards meeting the UCAS tariff requirement.
AS levels, or qualifications equivalent to AS level, are not accepted. The Extended Project qualification (EPQ) may be accepted towards entry, in conjunction with two A-level equivalent qualifications.
Please contact the University directly if you are unsure whether you meet the minimum entry requirements for the course.
There’s further information for international students on our international website if you’re applying with non-UK qualifications.
Tuition fees for the 2025/26 academic year are still being finalised for all courses. You can find information on 2024/25 standard undergraduate fees for UK/Channel Islands and EU/Non-EU international students. All fees stated may be subject to change for the 2025/26 academic year.
£500 for a Laptop, £100 per year for books and any printing.
Optional Professional Membership of British Criminological Association £88.50
£75 travel expenses for Independent Research Project (if applicable).
Find out more about financing your studies and whether you may qualify for one of our bursaries and scholarships
Money MattersOpportunities may exist in the established agencies of the criminal justice system (for example, the police, prisons and probation services or in the private sector companies that have undertaken the provision of criminal justice services). There is also the potential to work in areas such as probation work, housing, family care and other roles in social services. Other graduates have gone into administrative and managerial jobs in local or national government, or have roles within the voluntary sector.
There is also the opportunity to engage in further study and professional training, for example some of our graduates go on to study at postgraduate level with our range of masters programmes. Our courses are informed by experts in their field, from MA Applied Criminology, taught by former justice practitioners and research experts; to the Master in Public Administration and MSc Evaluation and Policy Analysis, which are both led by academics from the Policy Evaluation and Research Unit (PERU). You can also study our MSc Digital Society (with specialisms in Digital Sociology and Digital Politics).
Get advice and support on making a successful application.
You can review our current Terms and Conditions before you make your application. If you are successful with your application, we will send you up to date information alongside your offer letter.
Programme Review
Our programmes undergo an annual review and major review (normally
at 6 year intervals) to ensure an up-to-date curriculum supported by the
latest online learning technology. For further information on when we
may make changes to our programmes, please see the
changes section of our Terms and Conditions.
Important Notice
This online prospectus provides an overview of our programmes of study
and the University. We regularly update our online prospectus so that
our published course information is accurate. Please check back to the
online prospectus before making an application to us to access the most
up to date information for your chosen course of study.
Confirmation of Regulator
The Manchester Metropolitan University is regulated by the Office for
Students (OfS). The OfS is the independent regulator of higher education
in England. More information on the role of the OfS and its regulatory
framework can be found at
officeforstudents.org.uk.
All higher education providers registered with the OfS must have a student protection plan in place. The student protection plan sets out what students can expect to happen should a course, campus, or institution close. Access our current Student Protection Plan.