Durham University has participated in the Teaching Excellence Framework. These ratings were awarded in 2023, for four years.
Course summary
Criminology aims to understand crime and deviance from a social perspective, exploring how crime and society are connected. We seek to answer questions like: why are some people more likely to commit crimes than others; why are some people more likely to be victimised; how can crime be effectively prevented or controlled; and so on. From a more critical perspective we also consider why some activities are defined as ‘criminal’ in the first place and what this tells us about the workings of power and authority in society. As a Criminology student, you will join a dynamic learning and research community, which includes internationally recognised experts actively engaged in shaping criminal justice policy. Our degree will challenge your opinions and develop your critical understanding, both about crime as well as the social and politics contexts within which it occurs. You will study theories of criminality and criminal justice, the roles and operation of criminal justice institutions, and explore specific topics such as gender-based violence, cybercrime and sex work. You will also learn how to design and carry out criminological research through research projects carried out in the second and final year of study. We offer the option to undertake a placement with a local community organisation to deploy your knowledge in an applied setting. And we also offer the opportunity to study in conjunction with Durham's local prisons through our renowned Inside Out Prison exchange programme.
Modules
Year 1 Core modules: Introduction to Criminological Theory will help you develop a sociological perspective on issues of crime, criminality and deviance. It introduces a range of key criminological theories and concepts through examination of four classic criminological studies, followed by an overview of theoretical development in Criminology over the course of the 19th and 20th centuries. Social Research Methods will introduce you to the concept of social research and practice-based inquiry. You will learn how to produce and analyse different kinds of data and develop some basic practical skills in designing and carrying out social research yourself. The Criminal Justice Landscape outlines current debates within the field of criminal justice studies. You will learn about the key agencies of criminal justice including the Crown Prosecution Service, courts, prisons and the police. This module also introduces you to volunteering opportunities within the criminal justice system and actively encourages you to get involved in your local community. Critical Scholarship in the Social Sciences aims to support the transition to university-level study by helping you develop the foundational academic skills that are needed throughout the rest of your degree. Through it you will learn key academic conventions and skills, for example: reading and evaluation; writing and argument; presentation and discussion; and so on. Year 2 Core modules: Contemporary Criminological Theory demonstrates how traditional theoretical models and concepts in Criminology have informed contemporary criminological thought. You will also learn how these recent developments are situated within recent social and political contexts, covering for example radical, realist, gender, control, cultural and postmodernist perspectives. Research Methods in Action supports your development of applied research skills. At the core of the module is a group-based research project you design and carry out on a topic of your choosing. In addition, you will learn a range of methods and techniques for analysing both quantitative (statistics) and qualitative (textual / verbal / visual) data. Examples of optional modules: Communities and Social Justice Crime, Power and Social Inequalities Modern and Contemporary Sociological Theory Policing and Police Self, Identity and Society Sociology of Education Sociology of Health and Medicine Violence and Abuse in Society. Year 3 (Year 4 if undertaking a placement or year abroad) In your final year, you will design and carry out an Dissertation project on a topic of your choosing, in the area of Criminology, Sociology or Social Policy. This may take the form of an empirical research study or, alternatively, a critical discussion of scholarly work on the topic. Your final 10,000-word dissertation thesis comprises one third of your final-year mark and is an excellent opportunity to develop expertise in a topic of personal interest or relevance to a future career area. Examples of optional modules: Community Placement Crime, Justice and the Sex Industry Cyberculture and Cybercrime Drugs and Society Feminist Anti-Violence Activism: Theory in Action Globalisation and the Sex Industry Inside Out: Issues in Criminal Justice Justice, Violence and Abuse Race, Racism and Social Justice in Britain Social Theory and the Politics of Knowledge Sociology of Reproduction and Parenthood The Body as Data: Technology, Power and Human Rights Youth in Crisis: Young People, Crime and Justice.
Assessment method
Assessment is largely coursework-based, with work such as essays, reports, portfolios, reflections and presentations accounting for approximately 80% of your final grade. Assessments aim to assess your knowledge and understanding in an authentic manner, as well as helping you develop your skills in critical thinking, analysis and communication. There are also regular opportunities for practice and feedback, for example: practice essays; essay plans; one-to-one and group tutorials; and so on.
How to apply
31Jan
This is the deadline for applications to be completed and sent for this course. If the university or college still has places available you can apply after this date, but your application is not guaranteed to be considered.
Application codes
- Course code:
- L370
- Institution code:
- D86
- Campus name:
- Durham City
- Campus code:
- O
Points of entry
The following entry points are available for this course:
- Year 1
Entry requirements
Qualification requirements
UCAS Tariff - Not accepted
A level - AAB
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016) - DDD
Access to HE Diploma - D: 30 credits M: 15 credits
Scottish Higher - AAABB
Scottish Advanced Higher - AAB
International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme - 36 points
Welsh Baccalaureate - Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate (last awarded Summer 2024) - Not accepted
Extended Project - Not accepted
Leaving Certificate - Higher Level (Ireland) (first awarded in 2017) - H2, H2, H2, H2, H3
Cambridge International Pre-U Certificate - Principal - D3, D3, M2
OCR Cambridge Technical Extended Diploma - DDD
T Level
Our contextual offer for this programme is A level BBC (or equivalent). To find out if you’re eligible, please visit: https://www.durham.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/how-to-apply/what-happens-to-your-application/contextual-offers/
Please click the following link to find out more about qualification requirements for this course
English language requirements
Durham University welcomes applications from all students irrespective of background. We encourage the recruitment of academically well-qualified and highly motivated students, who are non-native speakers of English, whose full potential can be realised with a limited amount of English Language training either prior to entry or through pre-sessional and/or in-sessional courses. It is the normal expectation that candidates for admission should be able to demonstrate satisfactory English proficiency before the start of a programme of study, whether via the submission of an appropriate English language qualification or by attendance on an appropriate pre-sessional course. Acceptable evidence and levels required can be viewed by following the link provided.
English language requirements
https://www.durham.ac.uk/study/international/entry-requirements/english-language-requirements/
Student Outcomes
Operated by the Office for Students
Employment after 15 months (Most common jobs)
Go onto work and study
The number of student respondents and response rates can be important in interpreting the data – it is important to note your experience may be different from theirs. This data will be based on the subject area rather than the specific course. Read more about this data on the Discover Uni website.
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
| Republic of Ireland | £9250 | Year 1 |
| Channel Islands | £9250 | Year 1 |
| EU | £24750 | Year 1 |
| England | £9250 | Year 1 |
| Northern Ireland | £9250 | Year 1 |
| Scotland | £9250 | Year 1 |
| Wales | £9250 | Year 1 |
| International | £24750 | Year 1 |
Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website .
Additional fee information
There may also be additional course costs for things like books (if you want to purchase them), field trips etc.
Provider information
Durham University
The Palatine Centre
Stockton Road
Durham
DH1 3LE