BSc Criminology (M900)

2025 entry

Course summary

Criminology is the scientific study of criminal behaviour, laws and justice. It is a multidisciplinary subject comprising elements of sociology, law, social and public policy, history, psychology and philosophy.

BSc Criminology at the University of Bristol is an exciting course that provides an opportunity to study criminology within a broader framework of policy studies.

By drawing on social harm perspectives, our courses examine conventionally defined crimes along with other problem activities or behaviours that may not be criminalised but still cause extensive harm to individuals and society. This provides you with a critical and informed understanding of crime and the criminal justice system, as well as wider social and economic questions.

Course structure

The first year introduces key concepts in criminological study. Units in this year will familiarise you with theoretical and conceptual debates about the meaning and existence of crime, harm and deviance in contemporary society, the way that crime is understood and represented, and the range of responses to various crimes.

Your second and third years allow you to explore your interests in greater depth through a wide range of optional units which focus on contemporary, real-world criminological issues. You may also choose a work placement option in the second year, providing the opportunity to gain employment-related skills and experience in an organisation connected to your studies.

The final-year dissertation is an opportunity to choose a topic for in-depth investigation and independent work.

Full details about the course structure and units for this course can be viewed in the programme catalogue.

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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.

AAB
DDD in any Applied General BTEC National Level 3 Extended Diploma

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34 points overall with 17 at Higher Level
31 points overall with 15 at Higher Level

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80% overall
Advanced Higher: AB, and Standard Higher: AAABB
Access to HE Diploma in Education, Humanities, Social Science, Science, Law or Psychology (or similar titles). The 45 graded Level 3 credits must include 24 credits at Distinction and 21 at Merit or above.

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Requirements are as for A-levels, where you can substitute a non-subject specific grade for the Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate at that grade.
Requirements for principal subjects are as for A-level, where D1/D2 is A*, D3 is A, M1/M2 is B, and M3 is C.
The University of Bristol welcomes applications from international students, and we accept a wide range of qualifications for undergraduate and postgraduate study.

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