The course provides insights into all aspects of crime: from how it is investigated, to its social and psychological causes, and how the legal system responds to crime. We explore everything from gang crime, gun crime, to cybercrime to environmental crime to terrorism and lots more!
Criminology explores crime in society, unique in its approach to bringing together different perspectives from criminal law, sociology and forensics aspects. The course allows students to apply these different perspectives to real-life examples, supported by innovative teaching and facilities.
The course will focus on the different perspectives of the professionals involved in understanding why and how a crime was committed, giving students a unique set of problem-solving skills.
The BA (Hons) Criminology provides a thorough and critical interdisciplinary grounding in understanding, analysing and researching the effects, definitions and causes of crime and deviance; the workings of criminal justice systems; and an overview of the analysis of crime scenes and criminal activity.
The course allows students to gain a holistic understanding of crime, from crime scene to courtroom and the social and psychological processes that define, cause and influence crime in contemporary global society.
The degree consists of three interweaving disciplinary areas throughout the course:
- Strand one: Social Science perspectives. This strand offers students a grounding in contemporary and classic analysis and theorisation of crimes and deviance.
- Strand two: Legal Studies. This strand provides the key frameworks for identifying what crime is and is not, and how it is to be understood, when compared with non-criminal behaviour.
- Strand three: Forensic Science. Forensic science involves the analysis of biological, chemical or physical samples collected as evidence during a criminal investigation. Students will gain an understanding of the processes that provide crucial scientific evidence which may link a suspect to the scene of the crime, the victim, or the weapon. The strand provides practical elements in crime detection.
Year 1
The foundations of the course are laid down. Students will learn about crime scene investigation, social causes of crime, the criminal justice system, criminological theories, psychology and study skills.
Year 2
Building on the previous year, the student explores police studies, law and evidence, study skills, forensic biology, crime and society, research skills
Year 3
The third year broadens the scope to include international comparisons, gang and firearm crime, substance use, cybercrime, research methods, and evidence analysis.
Year 4
The final year includes writing a research-based dissertation on a topic chosen by the student, and studying environmental crime, forensic psychology, gender-based violence and reflecting on the course.
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Modules
Modules and delivery order may change for operational purposes. The University regularly reviews its courses. Course content and structure may change over time. See our course and module disclaimer for more information.
Learning Methods
Teaching draws on life case studies to make the course applicable to real life in a variety of locations such as the forensic laboratory, the Moot-Court, Mock Crime Scene Facility, lecture and seminar rooms. Class sizes will range from small group work to full class lectures, in parallel with independent learning.
The course involves a wide range of assessments, including reflective learning logs, laboratory-based practicals, essays, presentations, and examinations
Activity Summary
Year 4
- Lectures - Approx 40 students per group, 8 hours per week
- Seminars - Approx 12 students per group, 4 hours per week
- Project Supervision - one-to-one, 4 hours per week
- Independent Study - 15 hours per week
How long is a BA (Hons) Criminology course?
The duration of an Criminology degree is 4 years.
Independent Study
Students will be expected to engage in independent learning using a variety of resources, which will help develop a range of transferable skills.
Staff Delivering on This Course
You will be taught by staff with expertise in all areas of the course who possess many years of teaching experience. In addition to teaching, staff have research experience and have contributed to the knowledge base of the material that will be taught.
Some members of the teaching team have achieved international profiles based on their publications and work in other areas. Guest lecturers may provide some input at various points in the course.
Assessment
Typically students are assessed each year:
Year 1
- 2 written exams, typically for 2 hours
- 3 written assignments, including essays
- 1 presentation
Year 2
- 2 written exams, typically for 2 hours
- 6 written assignments, including essays
Year 3
- 2 written exams, typically for 2 hours
- 6 written assignments, including essays
Year 4
- 5 written assignments, including essays
- 1 dissertation
Feedback
We aim to provide you with feedback within 20 working days of hand-in for all written exams, coursework and practical exams.
Academic Support
The Inclusion Centre advises and supports students who disclose a sensory or mobility impairment, chronic medical condition, mental health issue, dyslexia and other specific learning differences. Applicants are encouraged to arrange a pre-entry visit to discuss any concerns and to view the facilities.
Online Learning & Support
All undergraduate and postgraduate students, whether you are learning on campus or by online learning, benefit from using our collaborative virtual learning environment, CampusMoodle. You will be provided with 24/7 online access to your learning material and resources, along with the ability to interact with your class members and tutors for discussion and support.
Study Skills Support
The Study Support Team provides training and support to all students in:
- Academic writing
- Study skills (note taking, exam techniques, time management, presentation)
- Maths and statistics
- English language
- Information technology support
Library Support
The Library offers support for your course, including the books, eBooks, and journals you will need. We also offer online reading lists for many modules, workshops and drop-ins on searching skills and referencing, and much more.
What are the entry requirements for a BA (Hons) Criminology degree?
Standard Entry Requirements
- SQA Higher: BBBC
- GCE A Level Year 1 entry: BCC
- Irish Leaving Certificate Higher: H2H3H3H3
- IB Diploma Year 1 entry: 27
Minimum Entry Requirements
The minimum entry requirements for widening access applicants are:
- SQA Higher: BBC/BCCC
Alternative Qualifications
We welcome applications from those with equivalent qualifications to those stated, including SVQs/NVQs, access programmes, Foundation Apprenticeships and overseas qualifications. Applications from students with non-standard qualifications or work experience will be considered on an individual basis.
English Language Requirements
Applicants whose first language is not English should have an IELTS of 6.0 overall, with no component lower than 5.5.
We accept a variety of in-country and secure English language tests, find out more:
Please note, some courses may require a higher standard of English than stated in this page. Contact admissions@rgu.ac.uk for further information.
Academic Year 2025-2026
Scottish Students
Full Time
| On Campus | ||
|---|---|---|
| Over 4 years | Year 1 | £1820 |
| Year 2 | £1820 | |
| Year 3 | £1820 | |
| Year 4 | £1820 | |
Rest of UK Students
Full Time
| On Campus | ||
|---|---|---|
| Over 4 years | Year 1 | £6250 |
| Year 2 | £6250 | |
| Year 3 | £6250 | |
| Year 4 | £6250 | |
International Students
Full Time
| On Campus | ||
|---|---|---|
| Over 4 years | Year 1 | £16980 |
| Year 2 | £16980 | |
| Year 3 | £16980 | |
| Year 4 | £16980 | |
Academic Year 2024-2025
Scottish Students
Full Time
| On Campus | ||
|---|---|---|
| Over 4 years | Year 1 | £1820 |
| Year 2 | £1820 | |
| Year 3 | £1820 | |
| Year 4 | £1820 | |
Rest of UK Students
Full Time
| On Campus | ||
|---|---|---|
| Over 4 years | Year 1 | £5890 |
| Year 2 | £5890 | |
| Year 3 | £5890 | |
| Year 4 | £5890 | |
EU Students
Full Time
| On Campus | ||
|---|---|---|
| Over 4 years | Year 1 | £5890 |
| Year 2 | £5890 | |
| Year 3 | £5890 | |
| Year 4 | £5890 | |
International Students
Full Time
| On Campus | ||
|---|---|---|
| Over 4 years | Year 1 | £16490 |
| Year 2 | £16490 | |
| Year 3 | £16490 | |
| Year 4 | £16490 | |
Additional Costs
Some other costs are not included in the course fees:
- The cost of books that you may wish to purchase.
- Costs associated with any placement / study abroad
- Accommodation and Living Costs
- Printing
Student Funding
If you are a Scottish resident, you may be eligible for funding and should apply to SAAS for funding.
Students from other parts of the UK should visit the appropriate website:
Scholarships and Financial Awards
You may qualify for a scholarship or financial award:
Disclaimer
For new intakes, course fees are reviewed and published annually for each mode of delivery. Tuition fees are fixed for the duration of a course at the rate confirmed in the offer letter. For further information:
Any questions?
Get in touch with our Student Admissions Service and we'll do our best to help.