Criminology, Policing and Investigation - BA (Hons)
Want to start a career in criminal investigation? Our Criminology, Policing and Investigation University course has close ties to the West Midlands Police Force. Make sense of contemporary issues in policing by getting the big picture perspective on crime, victimisation, and various responses to crime and deviance....
- Level Undergraduate
- Study mode Full Time
- Location City Centre
- Award BA (Hons)
- Start date September 2022
- Fees View course fees
- School School of Social Sciences
- Faculty Faculty of Business, Law and Social Sciences
Overview
[00:00:09] Caitlin I looked around so many different universities, and I was like what is the one that kind of stands out to me. And the reason I chose Birmingham City University was the security studies side of that course. It delves so much deeper into security studies than any other university did. And then on top of that, obviously Birmingham has fantastic facilities. There's great lecturers with specialities and something for everybody as well. Like, you always feel like you fit in whether that's in the course or something else externally in societies. Plus, I loved Birmingham as a city.
[00:00:39] Caitlin So one of the great opportunities I've gained through being part of criminology society is we're actually going on a trip to Shrewbury Prison, hopefully next semester and we're going to be toured around by an ex-prison officer and get to sort of learn the practical world of criminology in the real life. Get to learn prison experiences, do activities such as escape rooms and crime scene activities, so something practical based on what we learn.
[00:01:03] Leannah There's a lot of the lecturers that have lots of experience of the outside world and the jobs that we want to get into and have lots of connections, so you always get emails of different opportunities that you have the chance to get into.
[00:01:17] Sophie So the reason why I chose Birmingham City University is just because of the opportunity to be able to volunteer with West Midlands Police and with it being the second biggest force, it was just was a complete benefit for me.
[00:01:28] Tyler So alongside academics on the course, we have former officers who are past superintendents, past Ministry of Defence and Firearms Officers. So it's good to have that kind of academic and practical experience from the teaching team to give their knowledge and their experiences to us.
Want to start a career in criminal investigation? Our Criminology, Policing and Investigation University course has close ties to the West Midlands Police Force.
Make sense of contemporary issues in policing by getting the big picture perspective on crime, victimisation, and various responses to crime and deviance.
Our course covers a range of topics, from the ethics of investigation to crime scene management, as well as practical criminal justice interviewing techniques.
Professional Placement Year
This course offers a professional placement year. This allows you to spend a whole year with an employer, between the second and third years of your degree, and is a great way to find out more about your chosen career. Some students even return to the same employers after completing their studies.
The University will draw on its extensive network of local, regional and national employers to support you in finding a suitable placement to complement your chosen area of study. If you do not find a suitable placement, you will be automatically transferred back to the standard, non-placement version of the course.
Please note that fees are payable during your placement year, equivalent to 20% of the total full-time course fee for that year (£1,850 for UK students).
What's covered in this course?
Our curriculum offers you a variety of subjects through which you will be able to develop your interests before focusing on specialised fields, such as homicide, terrorism, and cybercrime. This is an exciting and dynamic course that explores real-world problems, focusing on cutting edge and topical issues relating to crime and policing.
The course uses research-informed teaching and learning to develop a range of transferable academic and practical skills which will be attractive to employers. The course also uses external visits, as well as unique assessments to enhance your understanding of the discipline.
The course's real-world applications are supported by its close links with local and national agencies, including West Midlands Police and other various criminal justice agencies. You will have opportunities to gain work experience with relevant organisations, and there is an option for you to undertake international study.
You will be taught by expert staff in the fields of criminology and policing, and you will also enjoy regular guest lectures from highly influential voices in the discipline.
Linda Polska
Making a difference within the community has always been Linda’s passion, and our Criminology, Policing and Investigation degree has developed her skills to help secure her dream job with the West Midlands Police; successfully becoming their first Latvian PCSO.
Read in fullWhy Choose Us?
- We have a strong relationship with the British Society of Criminology. We hosted the 2018 British Society of Criminology Conference at our City Centre Campus.
- On all of our courses you will gain a professional focus and real world experience, ensuring you are equipped to make an immediate impact in your career. You have the opportunity to embark on a year-long professional placement as part of your degree course.
- The course’s professional relevance is supported by our close links with local criminal justice organisations, including West Midlands Police Force and Birmingham Community Safety Partnership.
- You can get hands-on experience with West Midlands Police through participation in major police initiatives. Students have recently taken part in online police scrutiny panels, and have previously accompanied officers to observe stop and search in action.
- All our courses have an international focus. This is embedded throughout the curriculum, giving you the opportunity to transform your experience with us into a global one. There are a variety of exciting possibilities open to you, including our many overseas study exchange programmes.
- As a student on one of our undergraduate degrees, you will be able to benefit from our Graduate+ initiative. This three-year award course enables you to gain award levels for all the extra-curricular activities you undertake so that you can stand out from the crowd on graduation.
- You will be taught by industry-leading experts, including Dr Imran Awan, who was recently appointed as a UK Government advisor and whose work focuses on the impact of Islamophobia and the effects of counterterrorism.
- The course offers a unique opportunity to explore the history and development of policing in England and Wales. This provides a broad context which students can use to understand the difficulties faced by constabularies today.
- Our Criminology degrees share a common first year, so if you want to specialise, you have the option to switch to another pathway in your second year.
- You’ll be actively encouraged to take part in debates and visits, such as the unique debate with high-security prisoners at HMP Grendon. You’ll also have the option of taking on voluntary work throughout your course.
- Our practice based approach means you’ll get to learn the inner workings of the Criminal Justice System, whilst also studying the theories behind the profession.
- The department has a heavy focus on Birmingham, working within the ever-growing multicultural community on various projects.
- You will study in our state-of-the-art City Centre Campus, ideally located for you to take advantage of our links to industry in the UK’s second city.
- School of Social Sciences’ research in prisons has helped rehabilitate prisoners, improving their employability and reducing reoffending. The School’s research is also leading the way on how we understand and respond to diverse offenders and prisoners.
- Birmingham City University has just launched the UK's first Centre for Brexit Studies, researching all aspects of the UK's vote to leave the EU, including the impact it has on hate crime and national security in the UK.
Find out more
Studying with us during the Covid-19 pandemic
The University has put in place measures in response to Covid-19 to allow us to safely deliver our courses. Should the impact of the pandemic continue in future years, any additional or alternative arrangements put in place by the University will be in accordance with the latest government public health advice, health and safety legislation, and the terms and conditions of the student contract.
Open Days
Join us for an on-campus Open Day where you'll be able to explore our campus and facilities in person. You'll be able to hear more about your chosen subject area in our course talks.
Next Open Day: Saturday 25 June
Entry Requirements
We accept a range of qualifications, the most popular of which are detailed below.
Essential Requirements
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BBC or 112 UCAS tariff points from a maximum of 3 subjects. |
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| GCSE |
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| Irish Leaving Certificate (Ordinary Level) |
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| Scottish National 5 |
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| Plus one of the following Level 3 (and above) Qualifications | ||
| UK Qualification | Requirements 2022/23 | |
| A level and Advanced VCE |
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| Access to HE Diploma |
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IBO Certificate in Higher Level |
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International Baccalaureate Diploma |
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Irish Leaving Certificate (Highers) |
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NCFE CACHE Level 3 Applied General Certificate in Health and Social Care |
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OCR Cambridge Technical Extended Diploma |
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OCR Cambridge Technical Diploma |
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Scottish Advanced Higher |
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Scottish Higher |
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T-Levels |
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Advanced Welsh Baccalaureate - Skills Challenge Certificate (first teaching September 2015) |
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Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced Diploma – Core (awarded until 2016) ESW/KS Combined component |
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WJEC Level 3 Diploma in Criminology (QCF) |
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| If you have a qualification that is not listed in the table please refer to our full entry requirements on UCAS. Further guidance on tariff points can be found on the UCAS website. |
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Additional information for EU/International students
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Applications from international applicants with equivalent qualifications to 112 points are welcome. Please see your country page for further details on the equivalent qualifications we accept. In additional to the academic entry requirements listed above, international and EU students will also require the qualifications detailed in this table. |
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| English language requirements 2020/21 | ||
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6.0 overall with 5.5 minimum in all bands If you do not meet the required IELTS score, you may be eligible for one of our pre-sessional English courses. Please note that you must have a Secure English Language Test (SELT) to study on the pre-sessional English course. More information. |
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| Other accepted qualifications | Visit our English language page | |
Fees & How to Apply
UK students
Annual and modular tuition fees shown are applicable to the first year of study. The University reserves the right to increase fees for subsequent years of study in line with increases in inflation based on the Retail Prices Index and the additional costs we incur each year to deliver our courses, maintain and develop our infrastructure and provide a range of support services, or to reflect changes in Government funding policies or changes agreed by Parliament. View fees for continuing students.
Award: BA (Hons)
Starting: Sep 2022
- Mode
- Duration
- Fees
- Full Time
- 3 Years
- £9,250 in 2022/23
- Apply via UCAS
- Full Time
- 4 Years with Professional Placement
- Show fees
- Apply via UCAS
- Study Year (2022/23) £9,250
- Placement Year £1,650
Professional Placement Fees
Full-Time courses with a Professional Placement incur a fee during the placement year. The costs for those years when you attend the university for study, and the cost for the placement year are shown here.
International students
Annual and modular tuition fees shown are applicable to the first year of study. The University reserves the right to increase fees for subsequent years of study in line with increases in inflation based on the Retail Prices Index and the additional costs we incur each year to deliver our courses, maintain and develop our infrastructure and provide a range of support services, or to reflect changes in Government funding policies or changes agreed by Parliament. View fees for continuing students.
Award: BA (Hons)
Starting: Sep 2022
- Mode
- Duration
- Fees
- Full Time
- 3 Years
- £13,500 in 2022/23
- Full Time
- 4 Years with Professional Placement
- Show fees
Professional Placement Fees
The fee for your first year of study at the university is shown above. Full-time courses with a Professional Placement also incur a fee during the placement year. The fee for your placement year will be the same as the tuition fee that would be payable for your third year of study.
If you're unable to use the online form for any reason, you can complete our PDF application form and equal opportunities PDF form instead.
Guidance for UK students
UK students applying for most undergraduate degree courses in the UK will need to apply through UCAS.
The Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS) is a UK organisation responsible for managing applications to university and college.
Applying through UCAS
- Register with UCAS
- Login to UCAS and complete your details
- Select your course and write a personal statement
- Get a reference
- Pay your application fee and submit your application
Guidance for International students
There are three ways to apply:
1) Direct to the University
You will need to complete our International Application Form and Equal Opportunities Form, and submit them together with scan copies of your original academic transcripts and certificates.
2) Through a country representative
Our in-country representatives can help you make your application and apply for a visa. They can also offer advice on travel, living in the UK and studying abroad.
3) Through UCAS
If you are applying for an undergraduate degree or a Higher National Diploma (HND), you can apply through the UK’s Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS).
You can request a printed form from your school or nearest British Council office. You will be charged for applying through UCAS. Birmingham City University’s UCAS code is B25 BCITY.
Personal statement
UK / EU students are required to submit a personal statement as part of their application for this course.*
The personal statement gives you a crucial opportunity to say why you’re applying and why the institution should accept you.
Here are the key areas you’ll need to address:
- Course choice - Why does this course appeal? What areas are of particular interest?
- Career plans - If you have a specific career in mind, say how your chosen course will help you pursue this goal.
- Work experience - Mention any work that is relevant to your subject, highlighting the skills and experience gained.
- School or college experience - Highlight skills gained at school/college, eg summer schools or mentoring activities.
- Non-accredited skills or achievement - eg Duke of Edinburgh Award, Young Enterprise scheme.
You should also mention your future plans – if you’re planning to take a year out, don't forget to give your reasons. Talk about any subjects you’re studying that don’t have a formal assessment and any sponsorships or placements you’ve applied for. And don't be scared to add in details about your social, sports or leisure interests.
Worried about Personal Statements?
If you've got no idea where to start or just want to check you're on the right track, we’ve got expert advice and real examples from our students to help you nail your personal statement. You can even download our ultimate personal statement guide for free.
*Non-EU students are not required to submit a personal statement when applying for this course.
Course in Depth
Year One
In order to complete this course, you must successfully complete all the following CORE modules (totalling 120 credits).
Key Debates in Criminological Theory 20 credits
Crime and the Media 20 credits
Crime, Punishment and Society 20 credits
The Criminal Justice System 20 credits
Policing and Investigation 20 credits
Security, Conflict and Justice 20 credits
Year Two
In order to complete this course, you must successfully complete all the following CORE modules (totalling 80 credits).
Contemporary Policing 20 credits
Issues in Criminal Investigation 20 credits
Policing Priorities 20 credits
Research Proposal 20 credits
In order to complete this course, you must successfully complete at least 40 credits from the following indicative list of OPTIONAL modules.
Crime in the City 20 credits
Youth Crime and Justice 20 credits
Critical Perspectives on Terrorism 20 credits
Race and Crime 20 credits
Making Sense of Homicide 20 credits
Substance Use, Crime and Deviance 20 credits
Race and the Racialization of Crime 20 credits
All core modules are guaranteed to run. Optional modules will vary from year to year and the published list is indicative only.
Final Year
In order to complete this course, you must successfully complete all the following CORE modules (totalling 80 credits).
The Ethics of Investigation 20 credits
Lie to Me: Essential Criminal Justice Interviewing Techniques 20 credits
The Extended Project 40 credits
In order to complete this course, you must successfully complete at least 40 credits from the following indicative list of OPTIONAL modules.
Emotions in Crime and Criminal Justice 20 credits
Everyday Surveillance 20 credits
Local to Global Organised Crime 20 credits
Deviant Leisure 20 credits
Gender and Crime 20 credits
Cybercrime 20 credits
Hate Crime 20 credits
Harms of the Powerful 20 credits
All core modules are guaranteed to run. Optional modules will vary from year to year and the published list is indicative only.
Download course specification
Download nowTrips and visits
You’ll have the opportunity to gain a practical insight into the processes of the criminal justice system through self-organised visits to prisons, courts and police establishments.
We’re the only university in the country to hold an annual debate at high-security prison HMP Grendon. This unique opportunity offers criminology students the chance to gain an exceptional insight into how criminological theory and practice combine, through direct interaction with inmates.
Employability
This course is suitable if you wish to embark on a criminal justice-related career, including jobs in the police, revenue and customs, probation, youth justice, community safety and the prison service, as well as the voluntary sector. It’s also suitable for serving police officers and civilian support staff, customs officers, prison officers and those working in the Immigration and Naturalisation Service.
Part-time study in Criminology is often followed by people who are already employed within the criminal justice system and who are intending to improve their career prospects.
You’ll also develop transferable skills such as analysis and decision making, commercial awareness, accessing information, problem solving, and cultural and political awareness.
These skills are appropriate to a range of careers from teaching to retail management.
We have partnered with the national charity New Bridge to offer undergraduate students the unique opportunity to gain experience in a variety of voluntary roles. You’ll be given an insight into prison systems and the realities of life in prison, while at the same time enhancing your skills and experience ready for future employment.
You’ll also gain valuable experience through our Employability Challenge Weeks, as well as our Leadership Challenge programme. Both give you the chance to apply your skills to innovative and exciting projects, industry talks and workshops. You’ll also receive guidance on how to complete application forms and how to write effective CVs.
Placements
You’ll have the opportunity throughout your study to work with a number of organisations such as Centro Safetravel, Citizens Advice Bureau and Victim Support.
Criminology student Leonie Folan is currently working on The Priority and Prolific Offender (PPO) Scheme, which is available to students who choose to take the third year Working in Criminal Justice module.
“I am gaining valuable experience in multi-agency working which is something the government are increasingly investing in in terms of offender management and rehabilitation,” Leonie says. “Once the employment with the PPO Scheme ends, I hope to continue working in offender rehabilitation, most likely with a third sector organisation.”
OpportUNIty
OpportUNIty: Student Jobs on Campus ensures that our students are given a first opportunity to fill many part-time temporary positions within the University. This allows you to work while you study with us, fitting the job around your course commitments. By taking part in the scheme, you will gain valuable experiences and employability skills, enhancing your prospects in the job market.
It will also allow you to become more involved in University life by delivering, leading and supporting many aspects of the learning experience, from administration to research and mentoring roles.
International
Welcome to the School of Social Sciences, home to students from all around the world!
All of our undergraduate and postgraduate social sciences courses are open to international students, and our courses have been tailored to take a global approach to learning. We frequently welcome international students through the Erasmus scheme, from countries including Germany, Italy, Belgium and the Netherlands.
Our international pages contain a wealth of information for international students who are considering applying to study here, including:
- Explore some of the good reasons why you should study here
- Find out how to improve your language skills before starting your studies
- Find all the information relevant to applicants from your country
- Learn where to find financial support for your studies
The University is conveniently placed, with Birmingham International Airport nearby and first-rate transport connections to London and the rest of the UK.
Facilities & Staff
Our Facilities
We are constantly investing in our estate and are currently in the process of spending £340 million on new learning facilities.
The Curzon Building
This course is based at our City Centre Campus – and specifically The Curzon Building, alongside other social sciences, law, business and English students.
The £63m building offers students a unique social learning space, including a dedicated student hub incorporating student support services, in the heart of Birmingham’s Eastside development.
Realistic, simulated environments include two mock court rooms, a Magistrates' and Crown Court, and an interviewing suite. We’re also exploring the use of virtual environments as a way to develop case study analysis.
For those studying on the BA (Hons) Policing or BA (Hons) Criminology, Policing and Investigation degrees, you’ll experience simulations of police interviewing environments for both suspects and witnesses, with access to tape recording and video playback analysis.
Crime investigation files are prepared using computer-based technology, and the crime data analysis requirements of the degree are supported by appropriate statistical and analytical software.
Psychology students can look forward to using state-of-the-art equipment as well, including the latest in eye-tracking software, and our new EEG machine, all geared towards giving you true hands-on experience with tools you’ll be using in your later career. You will also benefit from facilities across the wider campus including the Parkside and Millennium Point buildings.
The Curzon Building also features:
- An impressive new library with access to over 65 million full text items and stunning views of Eastside City Park
- Your Students’ Union which is located in a beautifully restored 19th century pub, The Eagle and Ball
- A modern 300-seat food court with space to study and socialise
- Brand new, accessible IT facilities with full Office365 for all students for free
Our staff
Professor Imran Awan
Professor of Criminology
Professor Imran Awan is one of the country’s leading criminologists and experts on Islamophobia and countering extremism. Full Profile
More about Imran