BA (Hons)

Criminology

L370

From studying the law to solving the case


Step into the real world of criminal justice from day one. Our BA (Hons) Criminology programme combines cutting-edge digital crime investigation with authentic hands-on experience in our on-campus Crime House and moot courtroom. You'll learn from academics who've lived it – former prisoners, police officers, and victim sector professionals – while building the analytical skills that open doors across justice, intelligence, and digital crime sectors. With our unique Speed Passport tracking your development and flexible pathways, you'll graduate career-ready and equipped to tackle tomorrow's challenges in criminal justice.

Criminology

Course overview

At Winchester, we've designed criminology education around one simple truth: to understand crime, you need to experience how the criminal justice system really works. That's why you'll find yourself in mock trials, analysing real case files, and working through live sentencing exercises from your very first term.

What makes Winchester different is our authentic approach to learning. Your lecturers aren't just academics – they're magistrates, former prisoners, ex-police officers, and victim sector professionals who bring real-world insight into every seminar. In our close-knit criminology family, you'll be known by name, supported by the same personal tutor for all three years, and challenged to think critically about justice, ethics, and social change.

Our contemporary curriculum tackles the issues that matter most right now – from digital crime and AI in policing to global organised crime and social justice. You'll use professional crime mapping software, investigate cybercrime cases, and explore how inequality shapes criminal behaviour. Every module prepares you for the rapidly evolving world of criminal justice where digital literacy and ethical reasoning are essential.

You'll learn through interactive workshops that mirror real professional practice: sentencing exercises in groups of three (just like magistrates), jury deliberations in groups of twelve, and digital forensics investigations that prepare you for tomorrow's crime landscape. Our on-campus facilities include a dedicated Crime House for investigative training and a moot courtroom where you'll present expert witness testimony and argue real cases.

Throughout your journey, you'll be supported by our innovative Speed Passport system – unique to Winchester – which tracks your personal, academic, and professional development. You'll build the skills, experience, and confidence to make a real difference in criminal justice.

You also have the opportunity to become a member of The British Society of Criminology, which has been in existence for 50 years, and is the society for criminologists, both academic and professional, within the United Kingdom.


UNIVERSITY OF WINCHESTER PATHWAYS TO LAW, CRIME & JUSTICE PROGRAMME - OPEN FOR APPLICANTS FROM SEPTEMBER 2024 ONWARDS FOR 2025 ENTRY.

The Pathways to Law, Crime & Justice programme is an opportunity for prospective law, criminology, forensics and policing students to engage in a series of practical and informative sessions delivered by academics and practitioners at the Faculty of Law, Crime and Justice.

Participants in the Pathways to Law, Crime & Justice  are eligible to receive reduced contextual offers on the following University of Winchester courses:

- LLB (Hons) Law
- BA (Hons) Law with Criminology
- BA (Hons) Criminology
- BA (Hons) Criminology with Law
- BA (Hons) Criminology with Psychology
- BA (Hons) Criminology and Sociology
- BSc (Hons) Forensic Investigation
- BSc (Hons) Forensic Science
- BSc (Hons) Professional Policing


Eligibility for the programme
The programme is open to all home/ Islands Year 12 and Year 13 students.

Programme activities include:
•    Lectures and seminar activities based on a variety of legal topics
•    Experience of practical legal exercises including mooting, client interviewing and negotiation
•    Career guidance and advice from legal and criminal justice and policing professionals
•    Optional interview experience with the Dean of Faculty or Head of Department

All activities are delivered live at the University of Winchester. Some activities are also delivered virtually.

For more information on the pathways programme and how to apply, register your interest here

Please click here for the Pathways to Law, Crime & Justice - Privacy Notice

What you need to know

Course start date

September

Location

On campus

Course length

  • 3 years full-time
  • 6 years part-time

Apply

L370

Typical offer

112-120 points

Fees

From £9,535 pa

Course features

  • Learn from lived experience with academics who've worked across the criminal justice system – magistrates, former prisoners, police officers, and victim advocates
  • Investigate real crimes using professional software and techniques in our on-campus facilities
  • Shape your own path with flexible routes including criminology with law, psychology, or sociology, plus placement or dissertation options
  • Build tomorrow's skills today through cutting-edge modules in digital crime, AI in policing, and crime mapping that employers are seeking
  • Track your growth with our unique Speed Passport system that documents your developing skills for future employers
  • Experience authentic learning through sentencing workshops, jury simulations, and prison visits that mirror professional practice
  • Join a close-knit community where you're known by name with three-year personal tutor support in our criminology family environment
  • Graduate career-ready with research skills, digital literacy, and real-world experience that opens doors across justice, intelligence, and policy sectors 

Course details

Your Winchester criminology journey builds from foundational understanding to specialised expertise through carefully structured progression that emphasises both contemporary issues and future-focused skills. With a strong emphasis on interactive learning, you'll develop the analytical thinking and practical skills that today's criminal justice sector demands.

Your learning combines traditional seminars with hands-on workshops, real case analysis, and field experiences. What makes our approach distinctive is how we integrate theory with practice – you'll sentence real offenders and compare your decisions to actual outcomes, work through jury deliberations on live cases, and use professional crime mapping software to analyse patterns and trends.

Study abroad

Our BA (Hons) Criminology course provides an opportunity for you to study abroad in the United States of America (USA).

For more information see our Study Abroad section.

Learning and teaching

Our aim is to shape 'confident learners' by enabling you to develop the skills needed to excel in your studies here and as well as onto further studies or the employment market.

You are taught primarily through a combination of lectures and seminars, allowing opportunities to discuss and develop your understanding of topics covered in lectures in smaller groups.

In addition to the formally scheduled contact time such as lectures and seminars etc.), you are encouraged to access academic support from staff within the course team and the wide range of services available to you within the University.

Independent learning

Over the duration of your course, you will be expected to develop independent and critical learning, progressively building confidence and expertise through independent and collaborative research, problem-solving and analysis with the support of staff. You take responsibility for your own learning and are encouraged to make use of the wide range of available learning resources available.

Overall workload

Your overall workload consists of class contact hours, independent learning and assessment activity.
While your actual contact hours may depend on the optional modules you select, the following information gives an indication of how much time you will need to allocate to different activities at each level of the course.

Year 1 (Level Four): Foundation 

Your first year establishes the core knowledge you need while immediately engaging you in practical applications. You'll explore the multifaceted nature of crime and criminal justice, examining how crime is constructed and represented in society. You'll study criminological theory and victimisation, learning from leading thinkers in the discipline, while exploring how identity intersects with crime. Interactive workshops include live sentencing exercises, cultural crime analysis, and volunteering opportunities that connect theory to practice.


Teaching, learning and assessment: 228 hours 
Independent learning: 912 hours

Year 2 (Level Five): Exploration

As you progress, you'll develop advanced research skills, learning to conduct primary research and data analysis that will prepare you for your final year project. You'll explore contemporary issues including violent crime, examining everything from individual violence to international conflicts, and study policing, focusing on key debates about the role of police in society. Optional specialisation areas include digital crime investigation, youth crime and deviance, crime mapping, and comparative criminal justice systems.


Teaching, learning and assessment: 276 hours 
Independent learning: 924 hours

Year 3 (Level Six): Expansion 

Your final year brings together everything you've learned through either independent research on a topic of your choice or a professional placement with a criminal justice organisation. You'll study the effectiveness of prison as punishment and rehabilitation, exploring critical issues around desistance and reintegration. Optional specialist areas include organised crime and modern slavery, criminological psychology, identity and equality in crime, addiction and crime control, and sport and crime – allowing you to focus on areas that align with your career interests.


Teaching, learning and assessment: 180 hours 
Independent learning: 948 hours
Placement: 72 hours


*Please note these are indicative hours for the course.

Throughout all three years, you'll benefit from Winchester's distinctive approach: small group teaching where lecturers know your name, personal tutors who support you for the full three years, and a collaborative learning environment where curiosity is encouraged and different perspectives are valued. Our assessment methods mirror real-world practice – you might create a board game to explain the criminal justice system, present expert witness testimony, or conduct primary research that contributes new knowledge to the field.

The programme is designed for students who ask "why?" and want to understand criminal justice from every angle – what happens, why it happens, and how it could be better. Whether you're passionate about social justice, fascinated by criminal psychology, or driven to tackle emerging digital crimes, Winchester provides the foundation and flexibility to pursue your interests while building skills that employers value.

Teaching Hours

All class based teaching takes places between 9am – 6pm, Monday to Friday during term time. Wednesday afternoons are kept free from timetabled teaching for personal study time and for sports clubs and societies to train, meet and play matches. There may be some occasional learning opportunities (for example, an evening guest lecturer or performance) that take places outside of these hours for which you will be given forewarning.

Assessment

Our validated courses may adopt a range of means of assessing your learning. An indicative, and not necessarily comprehensive, list of assessment types you might encounter includes essays, portfolios, supervised independent work, presentations, written exams, or practical performances.
We ensure all students have an equal opportunity to achieve module learning outcomes. As such, where appropriate and necessary, students with recognised disabilities may have alternative assignments set that continue to test how successfully they have met the module's learning outcomes. Further details on assessment types used on the course you are interested in can be found on the course page, by attending an Open Day or Open Evening, or contacting our teaching staff.

Percentage of the course assessed by coursework

The assessment balance between examination and coursework depends to some extent on the optional modules you choose. The approximate percentage of the course assessed by different assessment modes is as follows:

Year 1 (Level 4)*:

• 91% coursework
• 9% written exams
• 0% practical assessment

Year 2 (Level 5)*:

• 77% coursework
• 10% written exams
• 13% practical assessment

Year 3 (Level 6)*:

• 82% coursework
• 10% written exams
• 8% practical assessment

*Please note these are indicative percentages and modes for the programme.

Modules

Please note the modules listed are correct at the time of publishing. The University cannot guarantee the availability of all modules listed and modules may be subject to change. The University will notify applicants of any changes made to the core modules listed. For further information please refer to winchester.ac.uk/termsandconditions

Modules

Introduction to Crime and Criminal Justice 30 Credits

This module explores the range and scope of issues and topics examined by the specialist discipline of Criminology including the nature of crime and the mechanisms and processes of the criminal justice system. The module aims to enhance students understanding of the multifaceted nature of crime and criminal justice through an examination of the social, political, and economic context of crime, criminal behaviour and the criminal justice system in England and Wales. Students will explore, evaluate, and analyse crime alongside the policies, practices, and reforms of criminal justice, including rights and protections afforded to individuals and society. Utilising interactive delivery styles, guest speakers and authentic case studies students will gain an authentic understanding of the complex nature of crime and the criminal justice system.

Perspectives of Criminology and Victimisation 30 Credits

This module will introduce students to the historical and contemporary development of Criminology and victimology through the lens of leading thinkers in the discipline alongside social, political, and legal influences on criminality and victim status. Through an interactive delivery style students will identify, explain, and apply criminological theory to contemporary constructions of crime, criminality, and ‘victimhood’. Students will become familiar with a range of key themes that run through the array of Criminological theory and Victimology, developing a core understanding of how these varied views complement and contradict one another.

Crime, Culture and Media 30 Credits

Historically crime has always been a theme for popular media and critics suggest it is having an important role in the construction of discourses or ideologies of crime and punishment today. This module critically evaluates and explores the inter-relationship between criminological narratives, storytelling of popular culture, morality, deviant behaviour through crime, culture and media. The inter-play between different narratives and popular culture representations of societal concerns will be examined, with a focus on a conceptual and theoretical criminological framework, audio, written, visual and social media. Underpinning these will be further analysis of public understanding and opinions, personal lived experiences and exploring the role of ‘crime’ within a range of popular culture artefacts through the three dimensions of (non-) fiction, ‘reality’, and theory, with a focus on public understanding and opinions coupled with personal/lived experiences.

Criminological Identities 30 Credits

This module explores the concepts of identity underpinned and influenced by differing socio-economic, cultural, and environmental factors and their interplay with crime. This module aims to introduce students to different theories of identity within criminology, conceptions of multiple identities as well as experiences regarding crime and victimisation drawing on real-world examples. This examination will develop knowledge and analytical skills relating to how subcultural as well as labelling concepts effect criminological identities, alongside demonstrating the importance and place of volunteering within the context of criminal identities and influences on crime.

Modules

Criminological Research 30 Credits

The module will introduce students to the tradition, principles, philosophies, and ethical considerations of conducting research within social sciences with a specific focus on criminological research. The aim is to equip students with the knowledge, understanding and skills needed to conduct primary research. They will experience the initial stages of the research process by identifying suitable topics and knowledge gaps, examining issues, considering methodological and analytical approaches to design and development a research proposal for their independent project/placement in their final year. They will engage with quantitative and qualitative data management, analysis and interpretation through fieldwork, workshops, and an employer provided dataset. Overall, students will develop a working knowledge of the relevant research skills they will need to complete their Independent Project/Placement and employment post-graduation.

Violence and Society 30 Credits

Violent crime often triggers social outcry and political response when targeted towards particular vulnerable groups within society. However, the notion of violent crime moves beyond the obvious offending into areas such as chastisement of children, violence in social disorder and domestic abuse. The module will move from violence between individuals, to state sanctioned violence and onto international violence. Not only will the criminal aspects of violence be considered, but also the acceptable forms of violence in terms of sports and fictional representations. Drawing on theoretical considerations from sociological, penological and psychological fields of knowledge alongside political, social and media reactions, the module offers a multi-disciplinary view on this particular form of behaviour in all its forms. 

Policing and Approaches to Crime Prevention 30 Credits

This module introduces students to the police and policing in England and Wales, focusing on key debates on the role of the police with respect to the rest of society. The module examines topics such as policing by consent, legitimacy and public confidence, alongside contemporary issues such as stop and search, public protection, community policing and criminal investigations. Concepts such as police accountability and culture are examined to understand the influence of practice on public perception and future policing, alongside an exploration of the pluralisation of policing and crime prevention in recent decades. A range of agencies including the probation service, voluntary and arts organisations, the private sector and communities, and their multiple roles in policing and crime prevention are reviewed. Finally, the module critically examines the political contexts and ideologies that have underpinned this pluralisation of policing and crime prevention, with specific reference to the UK since the 1980s.

Optional Modules Credits
  • Digital Crime and Investigation - 15 credits
  • Youth Crime and Deviance - 15 credits
  • Crime Mapping and the Criminology of Place - 15 Credits
  • Comparative Criminal Justice - 15 credits

Modules

Independent Project/Placement 30 Credits

This module offers students a choice of two options for their final year project. The first is to develop further study into an area or topic of their own choice and interest, and to undertake a piece of independent research. The student will identify a topic of interest, provide a rationale for the research, plan and conduct a piece of research, and write up and present the project and main findings following the appropriate scholarly conventions.

The second is to undertake an unpaid placement with an approved organisation to apply their theoretical skills, learning from previous modules of study, and gain new skills and knowledge of working practices to improve their employability skills. The option enables students to operate within a working environment for 120 hours minimum. The student will present a placement report in an appropriate academic manner and format.

Punishment and Desistance 30 Credits

This module explores theoretical and practical issues surrounding the effectiveness of prison as punishment, focussing upon current penal conditions in England and Wales and prison officers as ‘caretakers’ in the distribution/legitimacy of punishment. Through real-life case materials and experiences students will be able to contextualise carceral landscapes and apply critical penological perspectives to understand competing ideologies around control/security, care, and hope/possibility in carceral settings. Examination and critical discussion of prison reports will facilitate a critical discussion on the effectiveness of benchmarking criteria alongside ethical and moral issues around incarceration/sentencing and how non-custodial sentences might better support desistance, rehabilitation, reintegration and reduce recidivism. Finally, this module will debate the importance of paradigm shifts within criminal justice to support effective offender reintegration; underpinned by left and right critical realist approaches (penal populism) giving students an insight into real world/lived experience to take forward into future employment within the Criminal Justice sector.

Optional modules Credits
  • Organised Crime and Modern Slavery - 30 Credits
  • Criminological Psychology - 30 Credits
  • Criminological Bodies - 15 Credits
  • Identity, Equality and Crime - 15 Credits
  • Addiction, Crime and Control - 15 Credits
  • Sport and Crime - 15 Credits

Entry requirements

112-120 points

Our offers are typically made using UCAS tariff points to allow you to include a range of level 3 qualifications and as a guide, the requirements for this course are equivalent to:

  • A-Levels: BBC-BBB from 3 A Levels or equivalent grade combinations (e.g. BBB is comparable to ABC in terms of tariff points)
  • BTEC/CTEC: DMM from BTEC or Cambridge Technical (CTEC) qualifications
  • International Baccalaureate: To include a minimum of 2 Higher Level certificates at grade H4
  • T Level: Merit in a T Level

Additionally, we accept tariff points achieved for many other qualifications, such as the Access to Higher Education Diploma, Scottish Highers, UAL Diploma/Extended Diploma and WJEC Applied Certificate/Diploma, to name a few. We also accept tariff points from smaller level 3 qualifications, up to a maximum of 32, from qualifications like the Extended Project (EP/EPQ), music or dance qualifications. To find out more about UCAS tariff points, including what your qualifications are worth, please visit UCAS.

In addition to level 3 study, the following GCSE’s are required:

GCSEs in Mathematics and English Language at grade 4 or C, or higher. Functional Skills at level 2 is accepted as an alternative, however Key Skills qualifications are not. If you hold another qualification, please get in touch and we will advise further

If you will be over the age of 21 years of age at the beginning of your undergraduate study, you will be considered as a mature student. This means our offer may be different and any work or life experiences you have will be considered together with any qualifications you hold. UCAS have further information about studying as a mature student on their website which may be of interest.

International points required

If English is not your first language, a formal English language test will most likely be required and you will need to achieve the following:

  • IELTS Academic at 6.0 overall with a minimum of 5.5 in all four components (for year 1 entry)
  • We also accept other English language qualifications, such as IELTS Indicator, Oxford ELLT, Pearson PTE Academic, Cambridge C1 Advanced and TOEFL iBT.

If you are living outside of the UK or Europe, you can find out more about how to join this course by contacting our International Recruitment Team via our International Apply Pages.

2025/6 Course Tuition Fees

  UK / Channel Islands /
Isle of Man / Republic of Ireland 

International

Year 1* £9,535 £16,700

Additional tuition fee information

*(UK / Channel Islands / Isle of Man / Republic of Ireland) £9,535 for the 25/26 academic year. Fees for future academic years will be determined in line with our Terms and Conditions. The fee is currently subject to a governmental fee cap for each academic year. It is our policy to charge tuition fees at the level of the cap set by the Government. If the cap set by the Government changes, then we may increase our Fees in line with governmental policy.

*(International) £16,700 for the 25/26 academic year. Fees for future academic years will be determined in line with our Terms and Conditions. We decide the annual level of increase of our Tuition Fees by taking into account a range of factors including the cost of delivering the course and change in governmental funding.

Remember, you don’t have to pay any of this upfront if you are able to get a tuition fee loan from the UK Government to cover the full cost of your fees each year.

UK Part-Time fees are calculated on a pro rata basis of the full-time fee for a 120 credit course. The fee for a single credit is £79.45 and a 15 credit module is £1,191. Part-time students can take up to a maximum 90 credits per year, so the maximum fee in a given year will be the government permitted maximum fee of £7,145

International part-time fees are calculated on a pro rata basis of the full-time fee for a 120 credit course. The fee for a single credit is £139.14 and a 15 credit module is £2,087.

 

Additional costs

Additional Costs

As one of our students all of your teaching and assessments are included in your tuition fees, including, lectures/guest lectures and tutorials, seminars, laboratory sessions and specialist teaching facilities. You will also have access to a wide range of student support and IT services.

There might be additional costs you may encounter whilst studying. The following highlights the mandatory and optional costs for this course:

Optional
Textbooks

For some modules, students are strongly recommended that they purchase one or two books (usually a general textbook or a sourcebook that is used weekly across a module). Indicative cost is £150 per academic year.

Field trips

Some optional criminology modules may involve a field trip. Indicative cost is £500 for each trip.

 

SCHOLARSHIPS, BURSARIES AND AWARDS

We have a variety of scholarship and bursaries available to support you financially with the cost of your course. To see if you’re eligible, please see our Scholarships and Awards.

CAREER PROSPECTS

A Winchester criminology degree positions you at the forefront of a rapidly evolving field where traditional justice roles are expanding and new opportunities are emerging in digital crime, intelligence analysis, and policy innovation.

Our graduates succeed because they've experienced authentic criminal justice environments before graduation. The Speed Passport system ensures you can articulate your skills clearly to future employers, while our strong industry connections provide pathways into diverse career areas.

Winchester criminology alumni have built successful careers across multiple sectors. Many have moved into traditional criminal justice roles with police forces, the National Crime Agency, MI6, probation services, the Crown Prosecution Service, prison services, and court administration – increasingly drawing on the digital and technological skills our curriculum emphasises as cybercrime continues to rise.

Others have applied their analytical and research skills in intelligence and data analysis roles, working in banking fraud divisions, business intelligence, cybersecurity, and digital forensics. Our training in research methods and crime mapping software provides the foundation these roles demand.

Alumni passionate about driving social change have found opportunities with local councils, third sector organisations, youth justice teams, victim support services, and policy research organisations. 
As crime evolves, our graduates are also pioneering careers in emerging sectors including AI ethics, online safety, digital content analysis, and consultancy around emerging technologies and their social implications.

From your first year, we build your employability through real-world projects, professional development tracked through our Speed Passport system, guest lectures from sector professionals, research skills that transfer across analytical roles, and placement opportunities that often lead directly to employment.

Pre-approved for a Masters 

If you study a Bachelor Honours degree with us, you will be pre-approved to start a Masters degree at Winchester. To be eligible, you will need to apply by the end of March in the final year of your degree and meet the entry requirements of your chosen Masters degree. 

OUR CAREERS SERVICE
'Students aren't just learning from textbooks, they're learning from real life experiences and case studies'. Hear from our students and staff on what you can expect studying Criminology at Winchester.

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