BA (Hons) Criminology and Criminal Justice

Curious about the criminal justice system? Want to grasp the causes and consequences of criminal behaviour? Or perhaps you're eager to learn about criminal psychological influencers? Whichever it may be, this criminology degree covers it.

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Typical offer: 112–120
Entry requirements
Fees: £ 9,535 per year (UK)
Full details
UCAS code: M211
Course length: Various
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Location:
University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield
Institute code: H36
Work placement option
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Study abroad option
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1st in the East of England for social policy (Complete University Guide, 2025)

Full-scale replica Crown Court where you’ll gain real-life experience

Best Contribution by a Pro Bono Clinic (LawWorks Pro Bono Awards, 2022)

Chelsie's story

Course overview

This criminology degree aims to broaden your knowledge of criminology and criminal justice. You’ll gain a thorough understanding of crime, criminological theories and how to connect environmental and sociological trends of crime throughout history.

You’ll get into the minds of criminals so you can conduct psychological analyses and understand how criminals are moulded by social, economic, and psychological factors. Alongside this, you will focus on the principles of restorative justice and learn all about crime prevention strategies which are needed to build a safer society and to influence positive social change today.

You’ll also explore how the justice system works and uncover details of the different punishments including detention centres, prisons, probation and community sentencing - what crime warrants each punishment? Are they all needed? Is one more effective than the other? Other associated areas you will investigate include the different court structures, the limits of the magistrates’ court and how the powers of the high courts overturn a guilty verdict. To deepen your understanding of how a jury and judge prosecute, you’ll be exposed to many case studies and other jurisdictions which you’ll closely compare, bearing in mind diverse cultural perspectives.

You’ll also uncover how the police and crown prosecution services work together to investigate crime, while also looking into specific areas such as police attitudes towards anti-social behaviour and how offender’s behaviour affects society.

Why choose this course?

This BA Criminology and Criminal Justice degree will see you developing your skills in a state-of-the-art learning environment: You will study in our modern Law School building, equipped with cutting-edge technology. You will also get hands-on experience in our full-scale replica Crown Court.

Strong employment prospects: Herts graduates are highly sought after with 93% of graduates in work or further study 15 months after graduation (Graduate Outcomes Survey, 2021/22).

Throughout the course you will benefit from many practical experience opportunities: You will get the chance to engage in real-world legal cases through our multi-award-winning Hertfordshire Law Clinic. It is here that you will gain valuable experience that prepares you for your future career.

Engaging with industry experts will enhance your learning experience: Each year, you’ll have the opportunity to meet and learn from influential guest speakers working in the police, prisons, probation services, and forensic psychology. These sessions are perfect for asking questions, building your profile, and making industry connections.

Attend career events and build your network: You will be able to join events specifically for BA (Hons) Criminology and Criminal Justice students, where you can network and meet professionals from the sector.

Engage in co-curricular opportunities: At Herts, we run numerous co-curricular activities related to criminology and criminal justice that will boost your CV and help you stand out.

Your future career

For the past 40 years, Herts has supported graduates in building successful careers. Previous graduates of the criminology degree have gone on to lead successful careers in various areas of criminal justice, including the police, prison services, and restorative justice practices. Others have chosen to pursue further studies at the postgraduate level.

fraud investigator
crime journalist
probation officer
crime prevention officer
victim support officer
youth offending officer.

Close links with local authorities, the police and NGOs will help you to secure work placements. Plus, you’ll have access to sector events and a graduate programme through our partnership with the Transform Society.

To keep up with current industry affairs, modules are continuously reviewed and updated. Including a dedicated ‘employability’ module.

See what recent graduates are up to

What you'll study

During your criminology degree, you'll study a mixture of theoretical and practical based learning, primarily working independently, although you will get involved in activities to build on your teamworking skills. Throughout the criminology course, you will have opportunities to apply learnt knowledge to realistic scenarios, which is essential in getting you ready for industry.

A blended approach to learning gives you flexibility to balance life and study. While you will be required to engage in weekly seminars, there will be freedom to attend them in person or on demand. Seminars are recorded but we always advise to try attend in person.

In the first year, you’ll study several key topics including criminal investigations, understanding crime through media, stages of the justice system, behaviours of offenders and procedures of reintegrating ex-offenders back into society. You will also explore and debate whether prison sentences used today are harsh enough.

In the second year, you will begin to specialise in an area that fascinates you. You’ll also further develop your understanding as you analyse evidence, question controversial topics, debate opinions, and explore theories, reports, case studies, current issues and more.

You are in control of your third year, by choosing modules that interest you most. You will perform an in-depth analysis, underpinned by evidence, to formulate an option that will be challenged during verbal debates. Throughout this year you will also complete a dissertation and show evidence that you are continuously forming arguments that challenge the system, demonstrating your critical thinking and advanced academic abilities.

Level 4

Module	Credits	Compulsory/optional
Connections CCJ	0 Credits	Compulsory
At Hertfordshire Law School we recognise the significant investment you are making in your future career and that starts from the moment you arrive at university. To that end, the Connections CCJ induction module is designed to engage you in developing the essential skills of being able to access criminology resources with a view to understanding how these will be applied. You will also begin to engage in self-development with sessions dedicated to wellbeing and resilience and working together as part of a group to establish a sense of community with your peers travelling alongside you on your degree journey. The overarching aim is to use this two-week period to establish connections - those which will be especially important to creating a community amongst our students, as well as starting to form connections to the institution and to the subject matter of the degree from the outset and which will be taken forward across the three years.
Criminal Justice Process	30 Credits	Compulsory
This module focuses on the different stages of the criminal justice process and its agencies, both theoretically and in practice from a criminological perspective. There will be an in-depth analysis of the process of criminal justice from the point of arrest to the outcome of court hearings. This module explores the agencies and institutions of the law, their roles, and responsibilities as well as issues of accountability in relation to developments in criminal justice. For instance, students will explore contemporary issues in policing and challenges encountered by the judiciary. In doing so, students will examine the relationship between race, gender and crime, social and political developments affecting the criminal justice system, police brutality and human rights, youth crime, sentencing, and many other elements. Students will be encouraged to analyse developments in law and policy and consider potential solutions to combat the issues currently facing the criminal justice system.
Criminal Investigation	15 Credits	Compulsory
In this module the structure of a criminal investigation, its many components and its journey through the CJS will be examined, considering how, along with key partnership working, it knits together to ensure the optimum outcome within criminal investigation. It will also examine what are the challenges and barriers that investigators face. Students will have the opportunity to test their investigative skills and will examine the link between criminal investigation and local communities, public confidence and the wider CJS. It will also look at how investigation has evolved with reference to landmark cases and advances in both forensic science and digital technology. This module combines academic study and practical assessment. It will develop both oral and written communication skills, analytical thinking, decision making, problem solving, team working and leadership.
How to be a Criminologist	15 Credits	Compulsory
This module will introduce students to the key skills to assist in the study of criminology; considering, interpreting and teaching the essential study skills required to develop their studies and enhance employability.
Introduction to Forensic Psychology	15 Credits	Compulsory
This module examines how psychology can be applied in the criminal justice system in what is known as forensic psychology. It introduces students to key topics in forensic psychology, such as eyewitness testimony, confessions, and jury decision-making, and to key research methods commonly used in forensic psychological research. Students will also explore the application of psychology to criminal justice institutions such as the police and prisons.
Introduction to Criminology	30 Credits	Compulsory
This module introduces students to key criminological theories which are fundamental to the study of criminology. Throughout the module, students will analyse criminal and deviant behaviour through a theoretical lens. By doing so, they will learn how to apply both historical and contemporary criminological theories to various 'crime problems'. Whilst studying the module, students will analyse historical theories including Classicism and Positivism, explore more contemporary theories such as Feminism and Queer Criminology, and learn how to apply broader theories and concepts to a variety of criminological issues such as vigilantism, gang violence and gender discrimination in the criminal justice system.
Understanding Crime Through Media	15 Credits	Compulsory
This module is aimed at developing your understanding of the relationship between media and crime, by drawing on key theories and academic research. Through lectures, seminars and authentic assessments, you will explore the nature and extent of media reporting and fictional depictions of crime and criminal justice institutions, and the possible effects these may have on audiences perceptions of crime and criminal justice institutions. You will have opportunities to discuss and debate key concepts related to media and crime, such as newsworthiness, media influence over criminal behaviour, public perceptions around punishment, trial by media, fear of crime and moral panics.

Level 5

Module	Credits	Compulsory/optional
Career Planning in Criminal Justice 1	0 Credits	Compulsory
Students will be able to access employability and enterprise resources including workshops, online materials and books in order to help them formulate a career or post-graduate study plan. Students will have the opportunity to hear speakers from a variety of areas give advice and guidance as to how to enter those fields. Students will be required to undertake a certain number of activities and reflect on what they have learned in order to complete the module successfully.
Crime and Criminal Behaviour	15 Credits	Compulsory
This module examines different psychological theories by which criminal behaviour can be explained. It explores psychological approaches to understanding and explaining specific types of criminal behaviour such as violent offending, sexual offences, and property offences. Students will also consider applications of psychological theory and practice in the punishment, treatment, assessment and rehabilitation of offenders.
Crime Prevention and Community Safety	15 Credits	Optional
This module analyses key perspectives and practical strategies for crime prevention and community safety, drawing out the significance of citizenship as a tool in the fight against crime. It assesses government and community initiatives to prevent crime and examines the impact such strategies can have on marginalised groups in society. There will be a specific focus on the impact of crime prevention policies with an analysis of how penal populism feeds into the creation and promotion of such policies. The module will also include an analysis of social media as a contemporary crime preventative tool, alongside an exploration of cohesive communities and the politics of crime prevention, vigilante cultures, youth crime prevention programmes and surveillance society, and future crime prevention. Situational and social crime prevention will be consistent themes throughout the module.
Criminological Thinking	15 Credits	Compulsory
This module advances students understanding of criminological theories and concepts. The module content delves deeper into more specific areas of criminality and deviancy by analysing contemporary crime problems. Contentious areas of criminology will be explored, including crimes against animals, misogyny, and necrophilia. Through exploring these controversial topics, students will advance their ability to apply criminological and sociological theories to real-world contemporary issues. The module will develop students critical thinking and enable them to engage with new and emerging research in the interdisciplinary field of criminology.
Ethnicity and Criminal Justice	15 Credits	Optional
This module will present an assessment of official information on the criminality of ethnic minorities. Although much of the debates will centre on the UK, the module will explore situations in other countries and jurisdictions. What is it about race that has made it a variable in academic and political discussions about crime? What is the nature of the political response to the race and crime debate? The module will examine the evidence on the criminalisation and victimisation of minority ethnic people, and how recent international and national events have exacerbated this, for example, in relation to the war on terror. How effective have the political efforts been in tackling racism in the criminal justice system and addressing the problem of disproportionality? The module will offer an analysis of racism and the criminal justice processes from crime and victimisation to policing, punishment and probation.
Gender in Criminology	15 Credits	Optional
This module offers a thorough understanding of the connections between gender, crime and criminal justice. It studies the relationship between gender, victimisation and offending. It is highly recommended for students who are interested in considering gender in great depth and want to explore its connection with crime. Contemporary questions taking into account these elements are going to be discussed by this module. Gender and crime are explored through reflecting on historical and contemporary theories on gender and crime, statistical information and political discourse. Do gender stereotypes affect women as victims and as offenders? Are there and should there be different treatments in relation to gender? How does the current criminal justice system regulate women offenders and victims and to what extent is gender taken into consideration? Do gender stereotypes affect men as victims and as offenders? How do gendered stereotypes victimise the LGBTQ+ community? Criminological theories will assist the study of this module and the concept of gender will be considered alongside criminal justice, restorative justice, offending and victimisation.
Introduction to Policing	15 Credits	Optional
The key concept and elements of this module will be to introduce students to policing, considering the role of policing in society and the structure of the police in history as well as today, including the development of the police, public order, police powers, governance and policy making. It will also focus on employability considering training, entry requirements and regulations and additional options such as within a civilian role and voluntary roles, which will open opportunistic ideas for students to consider as careers and/or encourage into voluntary roles. In addition, students will be encouraged to critically analyse current ideas as they will be able to consider the role of a police officer from the perspective of the officer and the challenges they face as well as considering academic and societal argument.
Practical Criminology	30 Credits	Compulsory
The development and testing of theory is the crucial engine of criminology. While studying this course, students will engage with all parts of the research process beginning with the development of research right through to the collection and analysis of data and the communication of research findings. Students will learn to evaluate the different research methods in relation to specific research questions and aims. Students will gain practical first-hand experience of using a range of qualitative and quantitative methods of data collecting and analysis, including the use of relevant software packages. Students will then use what they have learned on the course to develop their own research proposal for the research they will conduct as part of their level six Criminology Project and will communicate this proposal through an in-class presentation.
Punishment and Penal Policy	30 Credits	Optional
This module will provide a general introduction to penological theories and clarify the theoretical foundation of punishment and penal policy, discussing the specific types of punishment. The history of prison will be discussed, followed by an explanation of the current prison system in England and Wales. Prison management and the experience of imprisonment will also be covered. It will explore the use and justification of prison as a form of punishment, the prisoner population, the extent to which prison can be said to be effective, and current issues and debates relating to the use and the purpose of prison as punishment. Community supervision also would be discussed, the emergence of community penalties and the problems surrounding punishment will be explored. Additionally, the module will cover the unusual punishments in contemporary societies, such as, the retirement of death penalty in some countries, chemical castration for sex offenders and the treatment of drug addicts.
Violence in Society	15 Credits	Optional
The key concept and elements of this module will be to give an understanding of the definitions of violence and the different forms of violent behaviour in society; to develop the students understanding of the causes of and the pathways to violent behaviour; to understand the interconnections between different forms of violence in society and a global setting and to understand how we deal with the perpetrators of violence.
Youth Justice and Crime	15 Credits	Optional
This module is aimed at developing your understanding of contemporary issues concerning youth, crime, and criminal justice. Through lectures, seminars, and authentic assessments, you will need to consider the complex relationships between youth and crime, including youth as victims of crime and youth as offenders. You will also develop an understanding of historical and modern debates and discourses with regard to youth, crime, and justice. Theories, statistics, academic research, and political discourses associated with youth, crime, and justice will be analysed. Global comparative perspectives on youth, crime, and criminal justice will also be explored in detail.

Level 6

Module	Credits	Compulsory/optional
Terrorism	15 Credits	Optional
Following the events of 11th September 2001, and 7th July 2005, public concerns surrounding terrorism, and its associated threats, have inevitably, perhaps irreversibly, deepened. Terrorism and security are, therefore, issues near at the top of the political agenda in countries from across the globe. This module will provide students with knowledge and understanding of the nature and impact of criminal offending within the specific context of terrorism. Additionally, students will gain appreciation of the complicated nature of dealing with the problems that arise in defining, preventing and detecting terrorist activities, which by its nature, transcends national borders. Students will also gain an awareness of the potential issues which face law enforcement bodies and Government, when implementing legislature, in order to attempting to deal with Terrorism offences.
Miscarriages of Justice	15 Credits	Optional
This module provides a unique opportunity for students to learn about miscarriages of justice and will be of practical use to aspiring criminal defence lawyers. Students will study the historical context which led to the creation of the Criminal Cases Review and will also critically examine the current criminal appeals process and discuss the arguments in favour of reform. Students will work through authentic case studies in order to understand the key steps needed to investigate and advise on a potential miscarriages of justice case. Students will develop useful skills such as case analysis, legal research and drafting. The module will also explore ethical issues and ensure that students are able to identify and act in accordance with the core duties of professional conduct and professional ethics. Students will be required to keep reflective journals and will be encouraged to learn by reflecting on their progress and feedback.
Addiction and Crime	30 Credits	Optional
The addiction and crime module aims to provide students with a solid grounding in the key theoretical and research issues relating to illicit substance use, crime and addiction. Addiction and the associated implications for acquisitive crime and criminal justice have become central issues for British policy makers over the last fifteen years. Dependent use of illicit drugs such as heroin and crack has increased steeply. With it there have been new crime problems and new responses to these problems. In particular, the emergence of the county line drug dealing phenomenon has led to a range of concerns surrounding human trafficking, child protection, and social justice. More recently, scholars have debated whether excessive engagement in common legal activities such as gambling, work, sex, and internet gaming should be categorised as addiction. The increasing societal acceptance of recreational drug use, excessive engagement with legal substances and activities, coupled with concerns regarding the harms of the 'War on Drugs' has led to successive governments being questioned about their reluctance to reform current drug policy and their unwillingness to find new ways to tackle a complex problem. Indeed, process addictions, excessive alcohol consumption, and smoking have raised broader questions of how a modern technologically advances society should regulate its approach to habit forming pleasures.
Career Planning in Criminal Justice 2	0 Credits	Compulsory
Students will be able to access employability and enterprise resources including workshops, online materials and books in order to help them formulate a career or post-graduate study plan. Students will have the opportunity to hear speakers from a variety of areas give advice and guidance as to how to enter those fields. Students will be required to undertake a certain number of activities and reflect on what they have learned in order to complete the module successfully.
Crimes of the Powerful	30 Credits	Optional
The long-standing debate within criminology about the scope and subject matter of crimes of the powerful and state crime is reflected in the polarity of definitions of the concept, which locate breaches of the law by states at one end of the spectrum, and definitions based on non-statutory breaches of human rights at the other. How could the state be a criminal factor when legally it is the state itself that defines criminal behaviour? An additional fundamental aspect of this module is to expose students to explore a framework for thinking about: What is war, the rights, and wrongs of conducting a war and why is it a matter of criminological interest? If criminology is to develop as a discipline that studies and analyses criminal, violent, abusive and deviant behaviours, then it is necessary to include crimes of the powerful and state criminality in its field.
Criminology Project	30 Credits	Compulsory
This module offers students the opportunity to undertake a substantial final year criminological project. It offers two distinct pathways to achieving this. The production of an 8,000-word formal thesis based on their own original criminological research undertaken under the supervision of a member of staff from the subject area (or elsewhere) with appropriate specialist knowledge. Students will also complete a 10 minute in-class presentation based on this original research. Students will be supported by a combination of taught sessions on key research methodology and the addressing of ethical issues; and through one-to-one sessions working with their individual supervisor. The production of (i) a 4,000-word literature review/reflective journal focusing on a criminological issue or problem of their choice; and (ii) a (4.000-word equivalent) resource communicating the findings from their literature review to an identified audience. In the first semester this stream will be delivered by weekly face to face lectures and two-hour weekly seminars. In the second term students will be provided by a suite of lectures, each focusing on different types of resources (report, poster, leaflet, film, training materials, app or other digital resource, website, blog etc.) they could potentially produce together with two-hour weekly seminars. The module is designed to enable students to complete a final year substantial project in a manner that firstly allows them to develop and display their individual strengths and secondly that have future applicability for either post-graduate study or future employment.
Green Criminology	15 Credits	Optional
"our planet and its ecosystems face threats of increasing scale and complexity, mostly resulting from human activity.it is now clear that criminology has much to contribute to debates about these threats and harms" (Brisman and South, 2020: 39) Whilst studying this module, students will have the opportunity to move beyond 'traditional' criminology and explore the rapidly evolving field of 'green criminology'. Green criminologists are concerned with the health and future of our environments and planet, and as such, study the ecological, environmental, and 'green' harms and crimes committed by humans. This module will introduce students to the current research and debates surrounding 'green' issues and their harms to the environment, to humans and to animals. Key areas to be explored in this module include: how ordinary acts contribute to ecocide; innovative approaches to researching environmental crime; environmental victims; climate crimes; food crimes; environmental justice and animal rights.
Hate Crime and Discrimination	15 Credits	Optional
This module offers an in-depth analysis of the criminological links between hate crime, discrimination and society. Students will apply the concepts of prejudice and discrimination to case studies and will focus on a number of equality and diversity initiatives, putting forward their own critiques of reformative action. The aim of the module is for students to develop a sound understanding of the social, political and criminological implications of hate crime on society and the discourses surrounding social divisions. There will be a specific focus on discrimination involving gender, disability, sexuality and race. This will include analysing initiatives on male victims of domestic violence, examining organisations tackling disability hate crime, studying Stonewall's homophobic hate crime research and examining new racism as a cultural phenomenon.
Placement Year CCJ	0 Credits	Compulsory
The Placement Year provides you with the opportunity to set your academic studies in a broader context and to utilise the intellectual skills you have gained through your degree in the work place. You will also strengthen your time management, organisational and communication skills as well as develop employability skills. You will gain experience of applying for jobs and of working within commercial, business or professional environment prior to graduating thus increasing employability such as teamwork, communication skills and commercial awareness. You will gain experience in a field that is often a destination for Criminology students such as PR, marketing, management and research. You will have developed valuable industry skills and experience as well as being able to apply many of the intellectual skills you have learnt through your degree to a real world situation.
Rehabilitation of Offenders	30 Credits	Optional
The overarching aim of the module is to enable students to engage critically with the theories, policies, and practices that have shaped rehabilitative work with offenders. To achieve these aims, the module focuses on the primary source of rehabilitative work - the probation service. Here, the (changing) structure and responsibilities of the probation service are explored and critically analysed. The module will also explore the rehabilitative potential of other sentencing options, such as prisons, restorative justice, community service, and electronic monitoring. Finally, it asks the question, what might the future hold for rehabilitative practices
Study Year Abroad CCJ	0 Credits	Compulsory
A Study Abroad year is an optional additional year that increases the length of the Honours degree award to a four-year full-time degree. The additional year comprises an agreed programme of study in a partner institution abroad with whom the University of Hertfordshire has an institutional agreement. The programme of study will support, supplement and extend the more usual three-year programme. Success in the third year will be recognised in the title of the award but does not carry additional credit towards the Honours programme. A student would normally confirm the intention to study abroad during the first ten weeks of study at Level 5. This will enable a place to be negotiated at a host institution and the Study Programme and learning contract to be arranged and agreed.
Transnational Crime	30 Credits	Optional
Transnational and organised crime constitutes a significant concern of policy-makers, and this module is highly recommended to students interested in the political discourse and criminological side of this phenomenon. Transnational Organised crime encompasses issues such as drug trafficking, illegal arms trafficking and human trafficking/modern slavery, which cause global anxiety and transcend the limits of national criminal justice and law enforcement.
Urban Criminology	15 Credits	Optional
This module on urban criminology takes a critical approach to explore the extent of violence and harm that occurs in cities, such as white-collar fraud, environmental harms, hate crime, sexual harassment, and stigma and social exclusion. Students will have the opportunity to develop an awareness of how political and cultural values, including their own, have an impact on responses to urban-based crime. Social structures and economic conditions play an integral role in defining and shaping justice responses to crime, particularly within an urban setting.
Victims of Crime	15 Credits	Optional
Victimology aims to provide students with theoretical knowledge of crime victimisation. It looks at the conceptualisation of victimology and measurements of crime victimisation. It enables the students to understand the impact and remedies of crime victimisation. It specifically focuses on victim centered justice and victim rights. The module also covers different victimisation of different crimes including homicide, domestic violence, sexual abuse. It also aims to analyse the concept of vulnerable victims, child victims and elderly victims within criminology.

Optional sandwich year

Graduate with invaluable work experience alongside your degree and stand out from the crowd. This course offers you the opportunity to enhance your study and CV with a year in industry, typically between your second and third years of study. It’s a chance to explore career possibilities, make valuable contacts and gain sought after professional skills.

Research shows that over 70% of employers prefer students with work experience, which is why we believe work placements are career gold. Our Careers and Employment service are here to support you explore your options and make valuable contacts for your future career.

You’ll pay no tuition fee for this year and won’t need to worry about the details of your placement until your second year of study.

Find out more about work placements

Study Abroad offers the opportunity for an amazing experience, which will help make you stand out from the crowd. With more and more companies working internationally, experience of living in another country can make a great impression on future employers.

This course offers you the opportunity to enhance your study and CV with a sandwich year abroad. The University has partnerships with over 150 universities around the world, including the USA, Canada, Asia, Africa, Australia, South America and closer to home in Europe.

If you study abroad between your second and third year of study, you’ll pay no tuition fee to the partner university and no tuition fee to us either. We’ll ask you to make your decision in your second year, so there is plenty of time to think about it.

Find out more about study abroad options

You’ll pay no tuition fee for this year and won’t need to worry about the details of your placement until your second year of study.

Find out more about work placements

Find out more about study abroad options

Where you'll study

You’ll share the de Havilland Campus with students from business, law, sport, and education subjects. As a law students you'll also have access to our modern Law School Building which will bring you a mixture of fantastic technology, well-equipped study spaces and realistic legal settings. Inside you’ll find our incredible replica Crown Court, complete with judge’s bench and viewing gallery, where you’ll practise your skills and build your confidence.

The student housing is close to our Sports Village which includes a gym, swimming pool and climbing wall. You can get breakfast, lunch, or dinner in our on-campus restaurant or bar (in the newly built Enterprise Hub) on days you don’t feel like cooking. You can also use the common room to play pool, video games or just to hang out with friends. Our Learning Resources Centres are open 24/7, which means you can study whenever suits you best. Want to pop over to the other campus? You can take the free shuttle bus or walk there in just 15 minutes.

Who you'll learn from

You will be taught by lecturers with substantial experience and insight into the criminal justice industry, and with first-hand public servant experience. Some lecturers have worked in the police, prisons, probation services, victim support and even the military.

The diversity of your lecturers has strongly influenced the course curriculum, ensuring it reflects industry needs, and that you learn the wide range of specialist information required.

They are continually expanding their knowledge, performing research in contemporary society concerns and around relatable proceedings that take place in the criminal justice system.

20th in the UK for research quality in criminology and criminal justice (Complete University Guide, 2024), we have research expertise in many criminal activity areas including gender, drugs, state and war, organised crime, cybercrime, terrorism, youth justice and more.

Throughout the course you will have a personal support tutor and cohort leader who will guide you and provide a safe environment for you to voice any concerns.

Check out our student blogs

How we support our students

At the University of Hertfordshire, we want to make sure your time studying with us is as stress-free and rewarding as possible.

We offer a range of support services, from childcare to counselling, ensuring that you make the most of your time at Herts and can focus on studying, having fun, and have the support you need.

Find out more about support and wellbeing

Entry requirements

The University of Hertfordshire is committed to welcoming students with a wide range of qualifications and levels of experience. The entry requirements listed on the course pages provide a guide to the minimum level of qualifications needed to study each course. However, we have a flexible approach to admissions and each application will be considered on an individual basis.

Typical offer (UCAS points)	112–120
Typical A Level offer	BBC–BBB
Typical IB offer	112 –120 points
Typical BTEC offer	DMM–DDM
Accepted T Levels	Design Survey and Planning for Construction; Design Production, Design and Development; Education and Childcare; Healthcare Science; Health; Science; Digital Support Services; Digital Business Services; Onsite Construction; Building Services Engineering for Construction; Accounting; Design and Development for Engineering and Manufacturing; Engineering, Manufacturing, Processing and Control; Finance; Maintenance, Installation and Repair for Engineering and Manufacturing; Management and Administration; Agriculture, Land Management and Production; Legal Services
GCSE	Grade 4/C in English Language and Mathematics
Access course	An overall merit profile in 45 credits at Level 3
Additional information	Find out more about our Undergraduate Entry Requirements.

English language	All students from non-majority English speaking countries require proof of English language proficiency, equivalent to an overall IELTS score of 6.0 with a minimum of 5.5 in each band. If you do not have the required IELTS or equivalent for direct entry on to your degree programme, our Pre-sessional English and International Foundation courses can help you to achieve this level.
Additional information	Find out more about International Entry Requirements.

English language

All students from non-majority English speaking countries require proof of English language proficiency, equivalent to an overall IELTS score of 6.0 with a minimum of 5.5 in each band.

If you do not have the required IELTS or equivalent for direct entry on to your degree programme, our Pre-sessional English and International Foundation courses can help you to achieve this level.

Additional information

Find out more about International Entry Requirements.

Ready to apply?

UK and EU applicants with pre-settled/settled status in the UK

Start date	Study type	Apply
September 2025	Full time	Apply via UCAS
	Full time with placement year	Apply via UCAS
	Full time with study abroad year	Apply via UCAS
	Part time	Apply via Herts

International and EU applicants without pre-settled status in the UK

Apply through our international/EU application portal

Apply through Clearing

Make sure you've got your UCAS number, if you've got one (you can find this on your UCAS Hub), your results (including GCSEs, A levels, BTECs or equivalent) and the course(s) you'd like to apply for.

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Find out more before you apply

Our Clearing hotline is open Monday – Thursday, 09:00 – 16:45, and Friday 09:00 – 15:45. To apply you will need your UCAS number, if you've got one (you can find this on your UCAS Hub), your results (including GCSEs, A levels, BTECs or equivalent) and the course(s) you'd like to apply for.

Fees and funding

At Herts, we’re dedicated to providing world-class teaching supported by industry-level facilities and incredible social spaces. We believe cost shouldn’t be a barrier to higher education, and we strive to keep both our standard and additional costs as low as possible.

	Study type	Fees
UK students	Full time	£9,535 for the 2025/2026 academic year
UK students	Part time	£1,190 per 15 credits for the 2025/2026 academic year
EU students	Full time	£15,965 for the 2025/2026 academic year
EU students	Part time	£1,995 per 15 credits for the 2025/2026 academic year
International students	Full time	£15,965 for the 2025/2026 academic year
International students	Part time	£1,995 per 15 credits for the 2025/2026 academic year

Tuition fees are charged annually. The fees quoted above are for the specified year(s) only. Fees may be higher in future years, for both new and continuing students. Please see the University’s Fees and Finance Policy (and in particular the section headed “When tuition fees change”), for further information about when and by how much the University may increase its fees for future years.

Scholarships, grants and bursaries	Depending on your circumstances, you may be eligible for a non-repayable scholarship, grant or bursary to support your studies.
Disabled Students' Allowance	The Disabled Students’ Allowance can cover any study-related costs you have because of a mental health problem, long term illness or any other disability.
Student loans	Find out about securing a student loan, from how much you could be eligible for to when you need to start making repayments.
Accommodation costs	We offer a great choice of student accommodation, on campus or nearby in the local area, to suit every student budget.
Additional course fees	Read more about additional fees in the course fact sheet.

More about the course

Course fact sheets
BA (Hons) Criminology and Criminal Justice	Download PDF

Programme specifications
BA (Hons) Criminology and Criminal Justice	Download PDF

Additional information
Applications open to international and EU students	Yes
Course length	Full Time, 3 YearsPart Time, 6 YearsSandwich, 4 Years

BA (Hons) Criminology and Criminal Justice

Curious about the criminal justice system? Want to grasp the causes and consequences of criminal behaviour? Or perhaps you're eager to learn about criminal psychological influencers? Whichever it may be, this criminology degree covers it.

Typical offer: 112–120

Fees: £ 9,535 per year (UK)

UCAS code: M211

Course length: Various

Location: University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield

Institute code: H36

Work placement option

Study abroad option

Course overview

Why choose this course?

Your future career

See what recent graduates are up to

Rhiannon Ellis

Natalie Pringle

Anwar 'Ash' Khan

Rhiannon Ellis

Meet Rhiannon Ellis, the current President of the Hertfordshire Students' Union who is looking toward a career in the police force.

Study at Herts

Flexibility of modules

Herts memories

The future

Natalie Pringle

Meet Natalie Pringle who has excelled in a varied career based across the UK and SE Asia. Natalie is listed in the 2021 TechWomen100 Awards and supports start-ups in the tech space through an accelerator programme run by international law firm, CMS.

Career Successes

Natalie’s memories of Herts

Anwar 'Ash' Khan

Meet Anwar 'Ash' Khan who since graduating in 2010 has taken all of the opportunities presented to him.

Opportunities and experiences

Aspirations for the future

What you'll study

Optional sandwich year

Work Placement

Study Abroad

Where you'll study

Who you'll learn from

Check out our student blogs

Leah Thomas – Studying during a pandemic

Leah - Things you should know

Lisa - Who am I?

How we support our students

At the University of Hertfordshire, we want to make sure your time studying with us is as stress-free and rewarding as possible.

Student Blogs

Experiences of my course

University during the pandemic

Student Blogs

Things to know before coming to Herts

Student Blogs

Entry requirements

UK applicants

International applicants

Ready to apply?

UK applicants

UK and EU applicants with pre-settled/settled status in the UK

International applicants

International and EU applicants without pre-settled status in the UK

Apply through Clearing

Fees and funding

Tuition fees

Additional information

More about the course

Further information

Not ready to apply?

Undergraduate degrees and courses

Student Life at Herts

Chat with students and staff

Location:
University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield