Why study BA (Hons) Criminology with Law at BU?

  • Enrich your learning of criminology by studying law as a complementary subject. Investigate law-breaking and the construction of legal systems, criminal law and legal evidence, along with the often-emotive issues surrounding crime, punishment and justice
  • Studying criminology gives you a deep understanding of crime which complements and contextualises legal study – useful for those looking to work in the criminal justice system and other related services
  • Learn from research-active social scientists in fields including society and social formation, social anthropology, criminology, cultural diversity and social welfare
  • Choose from either a 30-week ‘sandwich’ placement or a shorter four-week placement to provide you with important work experience
  • Develop your own piece of research based on a topic that interests you, or aligns itself with your future career or study plans, in your final year dissertation.
  • This course is ranked 14th in its subject area according to the 2022 Guardian League Tables.  

Foundation year: We have a foundation year option for students who do not meet the entry requirements for the degree course. This additional year of study will give you a grounding in the skills required for this course, building your confidence, knowledge and skills for further study. After successful completion of the foundation year, you will progress to the full degree. If you apply to study the full degree and do not meet the academic entry requirements, our admissions team may consider your application for the Foundation Year and notify you accordingly.

Course review: in order to take advantage of new approaches to learning and teaching, as well as developments in industry to benefit our students we regularly review all of our courses. This course is currently going through this process and we will update this page to give you full information about what we will be offering once the review process has concluded.  These changes will come into effect for all new students from September 2025. Applicants will be notified by our admissions team of any changes.

What can you achieve with this degree?

A broad knowledge of the law and legal systems is particularly valuable for careers within the criminal justice system, or related sectors, such as policing, prisons and probation services. It also presents postgraduate study options, including our Graduate Diploma in Law/Common Professional Examination, or postgraduate research.

Key information

Next start date:

September 2024, September 2025

Location:

Bournemouth University Lansdowne Campus, with some law units taught at Talbot Campus

Duration:

3 years full-time or 4 years full-time with a 30-week work placement. Foundation year: 4 years full-time or 5 years full-time with a 30-week work placement

Required subjects:

All subjects considered

Entry requirements:

For September 2024 and September 2025 entry: 104 – 120 tariff points including a minimum of 2 A-levels or equivalent. BTEC Extended Diploma: DMM. Foundation year: 48-72 UCAS tariff points. For more information check out our full entry requirements.

International entry requirements:

For September 2024 and September 2025 entry:  If English is not your first language, you will need IELTS (Academic) 6.0 with a minimum of 6.0 in reading or writing and 5.5 in all other components or equivalent. For more information check out our international entry requirements.