Criminology (BA (Hons)
- Location - Online
- Course length - 3 years+
- AWARD - Degree
- STUDY LEVEL - Undergraduate
WHAT MAKES ARDEN UNIVERSITY SPECIAL?
Education for everyone, everywhere
You decide how and where to study
Full support both online and on-site
Strong focus on employability
Course overview:
Are you interested in understanding the causes and consequences of crime and deviant behaviour in modern society? Arden University’s BA (Hons) Criminology will give you real insight into today’s criminal justice sector, preparing you for potential careers as a police or probation officer, or roles in human rights, criminal investigation, and the intelligence services.
This course takes a modern, digital-first approach to the study of criminology, equipping you with cutting-edge skills in what is becoming an increasingly tech-driven sector. The course covers knowledge and best practices both in the UK and internationally, providing you with up-to-date, relevant skills applicable to criminal justice systems around the world. You’ll explore all the essentials of criminology, helping you understand the societal factors that perpetuate crime, as well as appropriate responses for upholding social justice.
The team behind the course are experienced practitioners and academics with a wealth of knowledge and published research in their respective fields. Your learning material will incorporate the latest trends, events, and advancements in the field to ensure you graduate with transferable skills that meet the current and future needs of the sector. And because you’ll tackle some of today’s most pressing and complex criminology topics, just a few of these skills include critical thinking, reflection, and analysis. You’ll also start developing industry links through regular webinars and guest speaker events, where you will learn how to apply your new skills in practice.
This course shares the same level 4 modules as our BA (Hons) Criminology with Cybercrime. After completing the first year of your course, you’ll have the option to switch over to this pathway if you decide it better matches your career goals.
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Course details and modules
The course has been designed with a clear applied focus to reflect the real-world criminal justice skills you need to succeed. In alignment with the UK’s Ministry of Justice Digital Strategy 2025, your modules take a digital and globally focused approach, equipping you with the digital and critical analytical tools required for working in roles across the sector, including courts, policing, probation, prison, and victims’ services.
Course Modules:
You have between 3 to 9 years to complete this course, which means you can take up to 3 years to complete each level. Most of our students, however, aim to complete their studies within 3 to 6 years.
Your studies will begin at Level 4 with an introduction to both criminology and cybercrime. You’ll then have the opportunity to choose one of these pathways at Level 5, in which your remaining modules will help you learn the latest sector-specific skills needed by employers.
Level 4
- Becoming a Criminologist (20 credits)
- A History of Crime and Punishment (20 credits)
- Crime, Media, and Culture (20 credits)
- Cybercrime: The Essentials (20 credits)
- Policing Priorities (20 credits)
- Working within the Criminal Justice System (20 credits)
Level 5
- The Prison (20 credits)
- Youth Crime and Justice (20 credits)
- Defending the Realm (20 credits)
- Green Criminology (20 credits)
- Researching the Field (20 credits)
- Crimes of the Powerful (20 credits)
Level 6
- Serial Killers (20 credits)
- Victimology (20 credits)
- Miscarriages of Justice (20 credits)
- Professional Practice: A case study (20 credits)
- Dissertation (40 credits)
Authentic assessments. No exams.
No exams in sight! You’ll find that our innovative assessments have a real-world focus and are embedded with real skills you can use in your future career. You’ll also have the opportunity to learn how to get your research published and start building your professional portfolio.
Start building your professional portfolio.
You’ll have the chance to contribute to the Criminology and Social Science Research journal. That means by contributing you could see your own work in print and even have it publicised across the university’s website and social media accounts.
Entry requirements
At Arden University we consider applications on a case by case basis. If you have significant work experience, have qualifications you have gained elsewhere, or a degree or qualification that isn’t a clear pathway to this degree – we are more than happy to discuss your application.
Course Eligibility
To be eligible for our BA (Hons) Criminology, you should normally have:
- Two subjects at GCE A level or equivalent, plus passes at grade C or above in three subjects at GCSE level or equivalent; OR
- Completed a recognised Access Programme or equivalent.
- If you don’t currently hold the above qualifications, we also offer this course with an additional foundation year, designed for students who need extra support when starting their degree course.
We’re also happy to consider an application from you if you can show us that you have relevant work experience that required critical thinking and analysis skills. We’ll ask you for a personal statement that demonstrates your motivation and ability to study this degree, along with references and evidence of your previous work experience.
English proficiency
- IELTS 6.0 (no less than 5.5 in any element); or TOEFL iBT 80; or equivalent
- Alternatively, evidence you have previously studied in English, such as a letter to show that the Medium of Instruction was in English, can be accepted.
We also offer an internal English test for applicants who are unable to provide the above evidence of English proficiency.
Part-time online learning
How does it work?
Studying the BA (Hons) Criminology online gives you the ultimate in convenience. You can enrol with Arden from anywhere in the world and study your degree from the comfort of home, without the requirement to attend classes in a physical location.
Our online students study their degree through ilearn, Arden’s university campus in the cloud. ilearn provides everything you need to study at university. As well as receiving regular feedback and guidance from your course tutor, you’ll be studying with like-minded students who you can meet with through our Unitu community, and you’ll have access to community message boards to discuss your course and the topics being raised within it. You’ll also have access to our online Library Portal. The portal includes an extensive digital library including thousands of journal titles, eBooks, and academic and industry databases which you can use to research your assignments and projects. All of these materials are provided to you free of charge and contain all the research information you’ll need to complete your degree with us.
Online learning students resident in the UK can apply for a Maintenance Loan if they cannot attend their course in person because of a disability. Please find more information on our fees and funding page. If you’re a student from Scotland, Wales, or Northern Ireland you can find information on Living Cost Loans from your student finance body.
Course fee breakdown
- Studying Online - Fee
- Fee per level:
- Level 4 fee : £5,500
- Level 5 fee : £5,500
- Level 6 fee : £5,500