BSc Criminology (M900)
2027 entry
Course summary
Criminology at Bristol goes beyond the traditional study of crime and criminal justice. Our multidisciplinary programme explores how societies define harm, why some behaviours are criminalised while others are ignored, and how policy can shape not only a crime-free but also a harm-free society.
Alongside core criminological topics, such as crime, policing, punishment and justice, you will examine a broader range of social harms that impact people's lives but may not be recognised in law. These include issues such as poverty, inequality, social exclusion, climate-related harms, work exploitation, and the injuries and deaths resulting from everyday consumer or organisational practices.
A social harm perspective is woven throughout the degree, encouraging you to question assumptions, analyse real-world events critically, and consider the wider economic and political forces that produce harm.
You will learn with leading experts whose research spans a range of topics including policing, prisons, social harm, environmental justice, migration and violence against women. Their research-led teaching keeps the curriculum closely connected to real-world issues, and enables you with the opportunity to develop the knowledge, analytical capability and professional skills essential for future employment.
Course structure
Your first year provides a strong foundation in criminology, introducing key concepts, theories and debates about how crime, harm and deviance are defined, represented and addressed in contemporary society. You will develop core analytical and research skills that prepare you for more specialised study.
In your second and third years, you will have the flexibility to pursue your interests through a wide range of optional units that explore contemporary, real-world criminological and social harm issues. These options allow you to deepen your understanding of the topics that matter most to you. In the second year, you may also choose a work-placement unit, giving you the opportunity to develop employment-related skills and gain experience within an organisation relevant to your studies.
In your final year, the dissertation offers the chance to focus on a topic of your choice, carrying out independent research under the guidance of academic staff. This project allows you to bring together your learning across the degree and to develop valuable skills in analysis, leadership, project management and communication.
Entry requirements
We accept a wide variety of qualifications and welcome applications from students of all backgrounds. Below is a guide to the typical offers for this course.
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Selection process
- Regulations and codes of conduct we abide by to create a positive environment for learning and achievement are found in the University admissions policies and procedures.
- If applying with extenuating circumstances please see our policy.
- Full information about our selection processes for Criminology can be found in the Admissions Statement:
Admissions statement
Fees
Home students
- Year
- Year 1 fee
- 2027/28
- £10,050
International students
- Year
- Year 1 fee
- 2027/28
- £26,500
Further fees information
If you are studying an undergraduate course part-time, your tuition fee will normally be calculated pro rata to the full-time fee for the course.
Fees are subject to annual review and are liable to rise each year.
Home fees will be set in line with UK government policy and updated as per their guidance, while international fees increase annually in line with expected inflation rises.
Part-time tuition fees will normally be charged on a pro rata basis
More about tuition fees, living costs and financial support.