BSc (Hons)
Criminology with Foundation Year
- Foundation Year – Build core knowledge in criminology, social sciences, and research skills
- Industry-aligned – Gain practical insight into crime, criminal justice systems, and law enforcement practices
- Flexible timetables – Face-to-face and online learning
- City-centre campuses – London, Birmingham, Manchester, Leeds
- Strong career focus – Teaching focuses on real-world criminal justice and societal issues
KEY INFORMATION
Level Of Study
Undergraduate
Duration
3/4 Years
Intakes
October, January, May
Locations
London, Birmingham, Manchester
Study Mode
Blended Learning (1 day online & 1 day in class)
Entry Requirements
Apply without Previous Qualifications
*Please note yearly fees may increase in line with inflation & Government guidelines.
Modules Include :
Foundation Year:
- Preparing for University Success
- Exploring the Business Environment
- Advancing your Academic Skills
- Becoming an Effective Leader
- Planning for Your Future Success
- Investigation & Innovation Project
Year 1:
- Becoming a Criminologist
- A History of Crime and Punishment
Crime, Media, and Culture - Cybercrime: The Essentials
Policing Priorities - Working within the Criminal Justice System
Year 2:
- The Prison
Youth Crime and Justice - Defending the Realm
- Green Criminology
- Researching the Field
- Crimes of the Powerful
Year 3:
- Serial Killers (20 credits)
- Victimology (20 credits)
- Miscarriages of Justice (20 credits)
- Professional Practice: A case study (20 credits)
- Dissertation (40 credits)
A BSc in Criminology (Arden) provides students with a deep understanding of crime, justice systems, and social responses to criminal behaviour. With relevant experience and postgraduate training, graduates can progress into impactful senior roles across criminal justice, policy, and social services. Potential senior job titles include:
- Senior Probation Officer
- Criminal Intelligence Analyst
- Detective Inspector
- Policy Advisor (Home Office or NGO)
- Head of Community Safety
- Senior Youth Justice Officer
- Crime Prevention Manager
- Forensic Services Manager
- Victim Support Services Director
Build in-demand Criminology skills employers need
Studying Criminology equips you with a strong understanding of crime, criminal behaviour, and the justice system, along with analytical and research skills used to assess real-world issues.
Employers value graduates who can think critically, analyse data, communicate effectively, and apply criminological theory in areas such as policing, probation, social services, and criminal justice organisations.
Why Choose a Career in Crminology?
Do I Qualify?
Why study a criminology degree with a foundation year?
The foundation year has been designed for students who have decided to start a career in criminology or need extra support settling back into education.
Learn flexibly with our three blended learning options delivered at our London, Birmingham, Manchester
Choose when you learn with blended learning
Blended learning is a mixture of face-to-face and online teaching, designed to help you balance your studies with work, family, or other responsibilities.
We offer timetables for you to choose from in either London, Birmingham, Manchester
Daytime students
2 days of tuition per week: one session on campus and the other session delivered live online
Evening and weekend students
2 evenings live online and 1 weekend day face-to-face on campus or 2 evenings face-to-face on campus and 1 weekend day live online.
Weekend students
Face-to-face sessions on Saturday and online sessions on Sunday
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes — a criminology degree is worth it if you want to work in the criminal justice system, law enforcement, community safety, or social services. It provides knowledge of crime, justice, and human behaviour, which employers in public services, government, and security agencies highly value.
The average criminology graduate salary in the UK starts between £25,000 and £30,000. With experience, professionals in criminal justice, probation, forensic services, or law enforcement can earn £35,000 to £45,000+ depending on the role and sector.
After completing a criminology degree at university, you can enter careers in law enforcement, social work, victim support, rehabilitation services, policy development, or postgraduate study in law and psychology. This degree provides both academic knowledge and transferable skills for multiple career paths.