BA Criminology
About this course
BA (Hons) Criminology, a criminology degree examining crime, criminal behaviour and social reactions through an interdisciplinary social science perspective. Core topics include Social & Cultural Analysis. Students have the option to undertake a year abroad. The first year covers foundational concepts through Introduction to Sociology 1, Understanding Social Science Research, Introduction to Psychology and Introduction to Criminology. The second year focuses on UK criminal justice and research methods via Introduction to Criminal Justice Systems in the UK, Quantitative Research, Criminological Theory and Youth, Crime & Deviance. The third year explores policing, penology and social harm through Crime Control & Policing, Violence & Society, Researching the Social Sciences and Penology. The final year involves advanced study and independent research supported by Preparation for Honours Project, Honours Project and Comparative & International Criminology. Optional modules allow students to explore areas such as Understanding Cybercrime, Forensic Psychology and Victimisation and Victimology.
Written by AI from the university's course page and module list. It can get details wrong, so check the official course page before you rely on it.
Entry requirements
Scottish Higher: Standard Entry Requirement: BBBB preferably including English or Literary subject*. If no literary subject has been achieved at Higher, we will consider applications where National 5 English has been achieved at grade B or above. Minimum Offer Entry Requirement: BBCC preferably including English or Literary subject*. If no literary subject has been achieved at Higher, we will consider applications where National 5 English has been achieved at grade B or above. A level: BCC preferably including English or Literary subject*. If no literary subject has been achieved at A level, we will consider applications where GCSE English has been achieved at grade B/5 or above. Irish Leaving Certificate: Grades H2, H2, H3, H3 at Higher Level preferably including English or a Literary subject*. If no literary subject is achieved at Higher Level, English must be achieved at grade O3 or above. BTEC Extended Diploma: Minimum grades DMM (Distinction, Merit, Merit) preferably in a related subject. If not in a related subject, we will consider applications where GCSE English has been achieved at grade B/5 or above. IB: Award of Diploma with 28 points overall with three HL subjects at grades 6, 5, 4 preferably including English or a Literary subject* at minimum grade 5. If no literary subject is achieved at HL, English must be achieved at SL grade 5. HNC: Pass preferably in Social Sciences/Police Studies/Legal Services with grade B in the graded unit. Other literary based HNCs may be considered If the literary criteria has not been achieved at HNC, we will consider applications where National 5 English has been achieved at grade B or above. T Level: Grade M T Level preferably completed in a Literary subject. If not, GCSE English must be achieved at grade B/5 or above. Please contact ugadmissions@napier.ac.uk to check if you meet the subject specific requirements. *Literary subjects accepted: Modern Studies, History, Geography, Psychology, Sociology, Religious, Moral and Philosophical Studies, Latin, Theology, Classics, Philosophy, A Level Government and Politics, A Level Classical Civilisation.
What students say
Based on about 31 final-year students who answered
- Teaching on my course: 83%
- Learning opportunities: 86%
- Assessment and feedback: 82%
- Academic support: 88%
- Organisation and management: 91%
- Learning resources: 94%
- Student voice: 87%
Do students stay on the course?
Based on about 60 students who started
- Continued on course: 92%
- Left higher education: 3%
- Moved to a lower qualification: 5%
Where graduates work (5 years on)
Based on about 170 graduates, across similar courses at this university
- North East: 1%
- Yorkshire and the Humber: 1%
- London: 2%
- Scotland: 95%
- Northern Ireland: 1%
Who gets in
Based on about 80 students who started
- A levels: 79%
- Access course: 1%
- Other HE qualification: 10%
- Other qualifications: 2%
- No formal qualifications: 7%
Modules
- Introduction to Sociology 1
- Understanding Social Science Research
- Introduction to Psychology
- Introduction to Sociology 2
- Introduction to Criminology
- Behavioural Studies
- Constitutional and Administrative Law
- Intercultural Organisational Management
- Introduction to Criminal Justice Systems in the UK
- Quantitative Research
- Criminological Theory
- Youth, Crime & Deviance
- Contemporary British History
- Capitalism in Crisis: Protest, Resistance and Change
- Politics in British Society
- Interpreting Scottish History
- Society, Space and Place
- Volunteering & Employability
- Exploring Culture
- Crime Control & Policing
- Violence & Society
- Researching the Social Sciences
- Penology
- Sociology of Work and Organisation
- Understanding Cybercrime
- Social and Cultural Landscapes
- Public Health and Criminal Justice
- Race and Decolonial Social Theory
- History of Crime, Correction & Reform
- Environment, Politics & Society
- Sexuality & Gender
- Preparation for Honours Project
- Honours Project
- Comparative & International Criminology
- Victimisation and Victimology
- Social Identities
- Sociology of Media and Culture
- Forensic Psychology
- Surveillance & Society
- Science Technology and Society
- Crime in Text and Film
- History of Crime, Correction & Reform
Questions about this course
How much do graduates of BA Criminology at Edinburgh Napier University earn?
The median salary is £23,000 after 3 years, £27,500 after 5 years. After five years the middle half of graduates earn between £22,000 and £33,000. The £27,500 median after five years is £1,000 more than the UK median for Sociology.
Are students happy with the teaching on BA Criminology at Edinburgh Napier University?
83% of final-year students were positive about the teaching in the National Student Survey 2025-26.
What grades do I need for BA Criminology at Edinburgh Napier University?
The typical offer is BCC at A level, or 28 points in the IB. The average entrant had 150 UCAS points.
Does BA Criminology at Edinburgh Napier University include a placement year or year abroad?
The course has an optional year abroad.
How many students continue on BA Criminology at Edinburgh Napier University?
92% of students continued into their second year, and 3% left higher education.