Course Overview

Criminology studies crime, explanations for corruption, and social reactions to crime.

As an interdisciplinary social science subject, criminology draws on various perspectives, for example, sociology, psychology, and law.

Criminology aims to go beyond our common-sense assumptions and explore the complex and contentious nature of crime and criminal justice. During the four-year course, you will develop a clear understanding of the critical disciplines which will inform your criminological studies, such as sociology, psychology, and history. You will also develop your skills in research methods, including collecting and analyzing both quantitative and qualitative data, and will understand the ethical issues in criminological research.

General Eligibility

Our entry requirements indicate standard and Minimum qualifications with which we usually accept students. Competition for places varies yearly, and you aren't guaranteed a business if you meet the minimum qualifications.

Minimum year 1

SQA Higher

Standard Entry Requirement

ABBB including English or Literary subject*

National 5 C in Maths (Applications of Maths and Lifeskills Maths accepted).

Minimum Offer Entry Requirement

BBBC/ ABCC including English or Literary subject* at grade C

National 5 grade C in Maths (Applications of Maths and Lifeskills Maths accepted).

A Level

BCC including English or a Literary subject*

GCSE grade C/4 in Maths.

Irish Leaving Certificate

Grades H2, H2, H2, H3 at a Higher Level, including English or a Literary subject*

O4 at Ordinary Level Maths.

BTEC (QCF) Extended Diploma Level 3

Minimum grades DMM (Distinction, Merit, Merit) in Health & Social Care, Applied Science (Forensic Science), or Public Services.

GCSE grade C/4 in Maths.

International Baccalaureate Diploma

Award of Diploma with 29 points overall with three HL subjects at grades 6, 5, and 5, including English or a Literary subject* at minimum grade 5.

Four points in SL Maths. 

HNC

Pass HNC in Social Science, Police Studies, and Legal Services with A in the graded unit for year one entry.

National 5 Grade C in Maths is also required.

Adjusted Offer Entry Requirement

Pass HNC in Social Science, Police Studies, and Legal Services with B in the graded unit for year one entry.

National 5 Grade C in Maths is also required.

T Level

Grade M 

T Level must be completed in a Literary subject, or A Level Literary subject may be required.

GCSE Maths at C/4

Accepted literary subjects

*Modern Studies, History, Geography, Psychology, Sociology, RMPS, or Level Government and Politics. 

Part Time Work Details

20 hours per week

Language Requirement

• IELTS (Academic)

  6.0 overall, with no component below 5.5

  TOEFL Internet-Based Test

  80 overall, with a minimum of 17 in listening, 18 in reading, 20 in speaking, and 17 in writing

  Pearson’s Test of Academic English

  56 overall, with a minimum of 51 in each component

  Cambridge C2 Proficiency (formerly Cambridge English Proficiency (CPE))

  169 overall, with a minimum of 162 in each component

  Cambridge B2 First (formerly Cambridge English First (FCE))

  169 overall, with a minimum of 162 in each component

  Cambridge C1 Advanced (formerly Cambridge English Advanced (CAE))

  169 overall, with a minimum of 162 in each component

  Trinity Integrated Skills Test (ISE)

  ISE III, ISE III, & ISE IV with a pass in each component

  LanguageCert English language qualification

  B2 Communicator Test with an overall 39 or above and 25 or above in all skills