About Criminology BA (hons) in University of Liverpool

Criminology involves the study of complex issues of crime and criminal justice.  Criminologists play an important role  in the criminal justice system.

You will be taught by experts who help influence and develop policy; some of the world’s most influential and respected criminologists teach and research within our Department. Our Criminology degree tackles the problems of crime, deviance, victimisation and social harm in a high quality programme that makes the subject exciting and intellectually challenging. The degree draws on the Department’s expertise in crime prevention, surveillance, policing, sentencing, victimology, youth justice and corporate crime. Modules are continually updated and designed to provide you with a well-rounded criminology learning experience.

Programme in detail

Year One introduces you to criminology and provides an introduction to exploring ‘crime’ in its social, historical and political context. During your second year you will explore the role of the criminologist in the world of policy and activism, gaining a deeper knowledge and understanding of particular controversies in criminal justice practice, and providing you with a broader coverage of criminological perspectives and criminal justice controversies.
By Year Three you will have the choice to study specialist subjects in-depth and develop your independent learning. You may wish to pursue your interest in a topic of your choice and opt for a dissertation. Alternatively, you can opt for our applied social research module or social policy project and carry out a piece of research commissioned by a local agency. This offers the opportunity for you to study in the ‘real world’ as well as an experience that will appeal to prospective employers.

Study Options Available

You can also study Criminology with a combination of other subjects, which account for 25% of the overall degree. 

Career prospects

Our graduates have gone onto successful careers in both the public and private sectors; social welfare and criminal justice agencies such as the police and probation services and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) eg working with organisations supporting homeless people, refugees and in social research.

We will enable you to develop a range of social scientific, analytic and communication skills and a variety of transferable skills valued by many employers in a range of industries (eg media organisations, local government and charitable organisations, and commercial and financial service sectors).

Studying with us also provides a sound basis from which you will be able to pursue postgraduate studies either with a vocational orientation (MA in Social Work, Legal Practice Course, for example) or to further your research skills at masters and doctoral levels.

Recent employers

• Merseyside Police
• HM Prison Service
• National Probation Service
• Legal Services Commission
• Mencap
• IPSOS Mori
• Shell
• British Council.

Academic qualification equivalents

• Successful completion of examinations at standard X and XII (Higher Secondary School Certificate) with minimum marks of approximately 70 to 85%, according to the course and exam board.

English language requirements (one of the below):

• IELTS: A  minimum of IELTS band 6.0–7.0, with no component below 5.5.
• TOEFL iBT: 78-88 overall with 19-Listening, Writing, Reading, 21-Speaking.
• PTE:  55-62 with minimum score of 51 in any component

University of Liverpool Highlights

University of Liverpool Average Tuition Fees And Other Expenses

The estimated fee and cost of living per year for international students is tabulated below: