BA (Hons) Criminology and Law

Course Overview

Are you interested in exploring the interrelated fields of criminology and law? Arden BA (Hons) Criminology with Law joint degree explores the relationship between crime, society, and law, as well as the political, psychological, and social aspects of criminology. The course covers both UK and international law, ensuring you graduate with universal skills for your future.

Taking a digital-first and practice-driven approach in line with the UK’s Ministry of Justice Digital Strategy (2025), the course will equip you with the digital and critical analytical tools needed to meet the current and future demands of the sector. By bringing together criminology and law, you’ll gain far-reaching, practical insight into the causes and legal consequences of crime at the individual, organisational, and societal levels. You’ll also explore the various agencies involved in crime response and prevention and in the application of the law.

The course is led by academics and practitioners with strong industry links and first-hand experience in their respective fields. You’ll also have regular webinars and guest speakers ranging from international academics, senior members of the criminal justice system, and policymakers to ex-convicts to give you genuine insight into the field. That means your learning will have a real-world basis that you can apply to a range of future career roles.

Entry requirements

At Arden University applications are consider on a case by case basis. If you have significant work experience, have qualifications you have gained elsewhere, or a degree or qualification that isn’t a clear pathway to this degree – Arden team is more than happy to discuss your application.

Eligibility

Standard entry requirements

To be eligible for Arden BA (Hons) Criminology with Law, you should normally have:

Two subjects at GCE A level or equivalent, plus passes at grade C or above in three subjects at GCSE level or equivalent; OR
Completed a recognised Access Programme or equivalent.
If you don’t currently hold the above qualifications, Arden also offer this course with an additional foundation year, which is designed for students who need extra support when starting their degree course

Non standard entry requirements

Arden is also happy to consider an application from you if you can show us that you have relevant work experience that required critical thinking and analysis skills. Arden will ask you for a personal statement that demonstrates your motivation and ability to study this degree, along with references and evidence of your previous work experience.

Course fee

International Fee	Fee
fee per level:	£5500

UK Fee	Fee
fee per level:	£6,935

Please note: Fees quoted relate to the intake that you enrol on (i.e. when you start your course), NOT your application date.

English proficiency

IELTS 6.0 (no less than 5.5 in any element); or TOEFL iBT 80; or equivalent
Alternatively, evidence you have previously studied in English, such as a letter to show that the Medium of Instruction was in English, can be accepted.

Arden also offer an internal English test for applicants who are unable to provide the above evidence of English proficiency.

Before you start studying

Whilst you can read your study materials on your smart phone or tablet, to make the most of your learning experience, you will need access to a laptop or computer (AU recommend one running the latest version of Windows), and a good stable internet connection.

Apply for the Course

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Course details and modules

Your course modules cover all the latest developments and best practices in criminology and law both in the UK and internationally so that your degree is relevant across the globe. Taking a digital-first and clearly practice-driven approach, you’ll gain the modern skills needed for rewarding work in diverse areas. You’ll also have the valuable opportunity to get your work published in Arden’s very own Criminology and Social Science Research Journal and start building your professional profile.

How do Arden University assess students?

AU assess students using diverse methods that go beyond traditional exams, especially in postgraduate certificate programs. Instead of exams, these programs employ practical, real-world assessments tailored to meet individual needs and help students develop transferable skills for their future careers. These assessments may include:

Essays: Developing critical thinking and analytical writing skills.
Consultancy Reports: Addressing real-world challenges with professional insights.
Recorded Presentations: Enhancing communication and presentation abilities.
Case Studies: Applying theoretical knowledge to practical scenarios.
E-Portfolios: Showcasing personal and academic achievements through organized digital collections.
Visual Research: Combining creativity and analytical skills to present research visually.

This approach ensures that students gain valuable, hands-on experience relevant to their career goals.

Modules

You have between 3 to 9 years to complete this course, which means you can take up to 3 years to complete each level. Most of Arden students, however, aim to complete their studies within 3 to 6 years.

Level 4

Becoming a Criminologist (20 credits)
English Legal System and Legal Skills (20 credits)
Crime 1 (20 credits)
Civil Liberties in Practice (20 credits)
Working within the Criminal Justice System (20 credits)
Policing Priorities (20 credits)

Level 5

Researching the Field (20 credits)
Defending the Realm (20 credits)
Youth Crime and Justice (20 credits)
Crimes of the Powerful (20 credits)
The Prison (20 credits)
Crime 2 (20 credits)

Level 6

Victimology (20 credits)
Miscarriages of Justice (20 credits)
Professional Practice: A case study (20 credits)
Public International Law (20 credits)
Research Project (40 credits)

Career prospects

The interdisciplinary nature of this degree will equip you with transferable skills you can apply to a range of exciting career paths in areas linked to criminology and law, leaving your career options wide open. So whether you already have a career path in mind or are still figuring things out, Arden is here to support you on your journey.

What can I do after Arden University?

Completing a criminology and law degree can open up a world of opportunity in criminal justice and related fields, as well as provide universal skills applicable to diverse industries. With that in mind, a few career options for you could include:

Police
Prison service
Probation
Paralegal
Community Justice
Voluntary sector
Charities or NGOs
Work in the government, home office, or education and more

You can also go on to study at master’s degree level. Arden University offers a variety of master’s programmes and AU is developing many more. Keep looking for further developments!

What will the BA (Hons) Criminology with Law do for me?

This degree has been designed to provide you with modern knowledge of the interrelated fields of criminology and law alongside the practical skills needed to meet the current and future demands of the sector. While studying, you will:

Learn the causes and patterns of criminal behaviour at an individual and societal level
Understand key legislation applicable to criminal behaviour alongside its application
Develop an appreciation of the national and international contexts of criminology and law
Reflect on what works and what doesn’t in the justice and legal system
Explore governmental and non-governmental agencies involved in the prevention and response to crime and the application of the law
Apply your knowledge and experience to real-life scenarios

Part-time online learning

How does it work?

Studying this course online gives you the ultimate in convenience. You can enrol with Arden from anywhere in the world and study your degree from the comfort of home, without the requirement to attend classes in a physical location.

Arden online students study their degree through ilearn, Arden’s university campus in the cloud. ilearn provides everything you need to study at University. It offers an integrated virtual learning experience, including your virtual classroom, lecture theatre, and access to Arden Library Portal. The portal includes an extensive digital library including thousands of journal titles, eBooks, and academic and industry databases which you can use to research your assignments and projects. All of these materials are provided to you free of charge, and contain all the research information you’ll need to complete your degree with us.

ilearn is also integrated with Zoom, making it easier to chat with your course tutor during your scheduled seminar sessions. You can even integrate Arden study materials into your Kindle, making it possible to study wherever you have your Kindle handy.

Studying online doesn’t mean studying alone. As well as receiving regular feedback and guidance from your course tutor, you’ll be studying with like-minded students who you can meet with through Arden Unitu community, and you’ll have access to community message boards to discuss your course and the topics being raised within it. Arden have even set up community boards embedded into each of the course modules so you can have discussions with your tutor and classmates on the topics you’re currently learning.

Online learning students resident in the UK can apply for a Maintenance Loan if they cannot attend their course in person because of a disability. If you’re a student from Scotland, Wales, or Northern Ireland you can find information on Living Cost Loans from your student finance body.

Introducing your Digital Backpack

Once you’ve enrolled on your Criminology and Law degree with Arden you’ll get access to your Digital Backpack, a toolkit of digital resources Arden have put together to help you succeed during your time studying with us.

Here are some of the digital resources you’ll have available throughout your course:

Office 365 subscription
Integrated zoom video conferencing
Careers support available through Arden Futures, your careers platform, to help you throughout your career journey whether you are a Career Starter, Changer or Developer
Free online access to AU Library Portal, which includes thousands of eBooks and journals, as well as industry databases which AU have carefully hand-picked to support your studies – all yours for free while you study with us
Subscription to Togetherall for an abundance of mental health support.