The published course and module descriptions were accurate when first published and remain the basis of the course, but the University has had to modify some course and module content in response to government restrictions and social distancing requirements. In the event of changes made to the government advice and social distancing rules by national or local government, the University may need to make further alterations to the published course content. Detailed information on the changes will be sent to every student on confirmation in August to ensure you have all the information before you come to Oxford Brookes.
Criminology
BSc (Hons)
Key facts
UCAS code
LL31
Start dates
September 2021 / September 2022
Location
Course length
Full time: 3 years
Part time: up to 6 years
Department
UCAS Tariff Points
104
Overview
Are you interested in a criminology degree as a way of exploring critical issues facing our society?
By studying Criminology at Oxford Brookes, you'll be:
• investigating the root causes of criminal behaviour whilst assessing its impact on society
• exploring pressing concerns such as policing, sentencing and the criminal justice system
• considering how race, gender and class shape our perceptions of crime.
Our learning environments facilitate the exploration and exchange ideas. Our teaching practices are delivered through practical modules. This ensures you develop a strong base of criminology knowledge.
As you progress through our Criminology course, you can expect to acquire a host of transferable skills. These skills are in high demand in a wide range of careers.
Our course has a strong focus on Criminology. We also offer opportunities to explore other disciplines. You can develop your interests in topics such as Crime and History, or the Fundamentals of Law.
Combine this course
You can study this course as part of a combined honours degree. This course can be combined with:
How to apply
Wherever possible we make our conditional offers using the UCAS Tariff. The combination of A-level grades listed here would be just one way of achieving the UCAS Tariff points for this course.
For more information about how we are supporting applicants impacted by Covid-19, please see our information for applicants page.
Standard offer
UCAS Tariff Points: 104
A Level: BCC
IB Points: 29
BTEC: DMM
Contextual offer
UCAS Tariff Points: 88
A Level: CCD
IB Points: 27
BTEC: MMM
Entry requirements
Specific entry requirements
Please also see the University's general entry requirements.
English requirements for visas
If you need a student visa to enter the UK you will need to meet the UK Visas and Immigration minimum language requirements as well as the University's requirements. Find out more about English language requirements.
Pathways courses for international and EU students
If you do not meet the entry requirements for this degree, or if you would like more preparation before you start, you can take an international foundation course. Once you enrol, you will have a guaranteed pathway to this degree if you pass your foundation course with the required grades.
If you only need to meet the language requirements, you can take our pre-sessional English course. You will develop key language and study skills for academic success and you will not need to take an external language test to progress to your degree.
Terms and Conditions of Enrolment
When you accept our offer, you agree to the Terms and Conditions of Enrolment. You should therefore read those conditions before accepting the offer.
Credit transfer
Many of our courses consider applications for entry with credit for prior learning. Each application is individually assessed by our credit entry tutors.
If you would like more information about whether or not you may be eligible for the award of credit, for example from an HND, partly-completed degree or foundation degree, please contact our Admissions team.
We operate the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS). All undergraduate single modules are equivalent to 7.5 ECTS credits and double modules to 15 ECTS credits. More about ECTS credits.
Application process
Full time Home / EU applicants
Apply through UCASPart time Home / EU applicants
Apply direct to the UniversityInternational applicants
Apply direct to the UniversityFull time applicants can also apply through UCAS
Tuition fees
Questions about fees?
Contact Student Finance on:
Tuition fees
Please note tuition fees for Home students may increase in subsequent years both for new and continuing students in line with an inflationary amount determined by government. Tuition fees for International students may increase in subsequent years both for new and continuing students.
Oxford Brookes University intends to maintain its fees for new and returning Home students at the maximum permitted level.
Financial support and scholarships
Additional costs
Please be aware that some courses will involve some additional costs that are not covered by your fees. Specific additional costs for this course, if any, are detailed below.
Most modules included a recommended reading list. All recommended texts are available from the library. We recommend our students purchase The Oxford Handbook of Criminology (Oxford University Press, fifth edition) as a core course textbook. It retails for under £50 if bought new, and considerably less if bought second-hand.
Learning and assessment
As a criminology student, you can expect to develop a deep understanding of the biggest crime-related issues facing our society today. For example, your course will cover topics affecting immigration, knife crime, policing, sentencing, globalisation and much more.
In Year 1 you will develop a sound understanding of the principal areas of the discipline. Your modules will introduce you to a range of key topics related to the theoretical and methodological approaches criminologists use to make sense of the phenomenon of crime.
You will take more advanced modules in Year 2, including a compulsory research methods module where you’ll develop practical research skills of analysis and interpretation.
In Year 3 you’ll be invited to study a range of topics that will allow further subject-specific specialisation. You will also carry out your own small research projects as part of the dissertation and independent study modules.

Learning and teaching
Our Criminology course explores why crimes occur in our society. It is focused while being flexible enough to encourage the pursuit of your own areas of interest. During your studies, you’ll gain a range of personal and professional skills which will be a springboard for your future career development in a number of industries.
You will learn through a variety of teaching and learning methods including:
- lectures
- seminars
- workshops
- tutorials.
Typical contact time is 24 hours per module. You will be expected to undertake 126 hours of independent study per module.
Assessment
Assessment methods used on this course
Various assessment methods are used, including:
- exams
- essays
- individual and group presentations
- critical reviews
- portfolios.
This variety gives you the opportunity to show your abilities across a number of different skill sets.
You will have access to:
- essay clinics
- assessment workshops
- preparatory classroom based activities, for example exam workshops.
Study Abroad
You may be able to go on a European or international study exchange while you are at Brookes. Although we will help as much as we can with your plans, ultimately you are responsible for organising and funding this study abroad.
After you graduate
Career prospects
A Criminology degree from Oxford Brookes opens up a wide range of career options in the public and private sectors. It provides the ideal foundation to pursue a career in crime consultation, the local authority, policing, NGO voluntary sector, human rights or criminal justice work, advocacy work and community support services.
Further study
Criminology graduates can go on to postgraduate courses in a variety of areas of specialisation, such as law, business or humanities. The University careers centre can provide information and advice as you plan your future career path.
Our Staff
Dr Liviu Alexandrescu
Liviu is leading on, and contributing to, taught modules on the political economy of crime, transnational comparative criminology, crime and the media, cultural criminology, drug cultures and policy, criminological research methods and other subject areas.
Read more about LiviuFree language courses
Free language courses are available to full-time undergraduate and postgraduate students on many of our courses, and can be taken as a credit on some courses.
Information from Discover Uni
Full-time study
Part-time study
Programme Changes: On rare occasions we may need to make changes to our course programmes after they have been published on the website.
For more information, please visit our Changes to programmes page.