BSc Crime and Security Science
About this course
BSc in Crime and Security Science, a sociology and social policy degree focused on scientific and analytical approaches to crime and security challenges. Core topics include Programming, Data Analysis, Statistics, Research Methods, Ethics & Professional Practice, and Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning. The curriculum spans three academic years and concludes with a substantial independent research project. The first year covers foundational principles through Psychology and Crime, Introduction to Security and Crime Science, and Programming for Crime Scientists. The second year introduces spatial and digital investigations via Crime Mapping, Situational Crime Prevention, and Cybercrime, while optional study allows selection from areas such as Forensic Psychology and Organised Crime. The final year addresses advanced topics through Terrorism, Data Science for Crime Scientists, and Criminal Investigation and Intelligence. Students can further tailor their studies in the final year by choosing from optional modules such as Computer Simulations in Science and Engineering and The Ethics of Artificial Intelligence, alongside the core Security and Crime Science Research Project.
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
A level: AAB (WJEC Level 3 Applied Diploma in Criminology is acceptable in lieu of one A level subject.) IB: 36 points (A total of 17 points in three higher level subjects, with no higher level score below 5.)
What students say
Based on about 40 final-year students who answered
- Teaching on my course: 88%
- Learning opportunities: 90%
- Assessment and feedback: 82%
- Academic support: 90%
- Organisation and management: 67%
- Learning resources: 91%
- Student voice: 90%
Do students stay on the course?
Based on about 60 students who started
- Continued on course: 97%
- Left higher education: 3%
What graduates do next
Based on about 14 graduates who answered, across similar courses at this university (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Working: 55%
- Working and studying: 20%
- Further study: 10%
- Unemployed: 5%
Most common jobs
- Secretarial and related occupations: 10%
- Business and public service associate professionals: 10%
- Teaching and Childcare Support Occupation: 10%
- Natural and social science professionals: 10%
- Protective service occupations: 10%
- Find their work meaningful: 80%
- Feel on track for their future plans: 70%
- Use what they learnt on the course: 55%
Where graduates work (5 years on)
Based on about 60 graduates, across similar courses at this university
- North West: 2%
- Yorkshire and the Humber: 2%
- East Midlands: 2%
- West Midlands: 2%
- East of England: 9%
- London: 60%
- South East: 17%
- South West: 4%
- Scotland: 1%
Who gets in
Based on about 75 students who started
- A levels: 85%
- Baccalaureate: 12%
- Access course: 1%
- A degree: 1%
Accreditation & quality ratings
TEF 2023 (whole university): Silver overall, Silver for student experience, Gold for student outcomes.
Modules
- Psychology and Crime
- Introduction to Security and Crime Science
- Probability, Statistics and Modelling I
- Qualitative Methods
- Systems and Problem Solving
- Understanding the Crime Event
- Crime and Society
- Programming for Crime Scientists
- Crime Mapping
- Situational Crime Prevention
- Probability, Statistics and Modelling II
- Introduction to Research
- Cybercrime
- Forensic Psychology
- Professional Development
- Security Technologies
- Project in Investigative Decision Making
- Professional Practice in the Workplace
- Project in Security and Crime Prevention
- Organised Crime
- Project in Policing
- Policing: Theory and Evidence
- Terrorism
- Data Science for Crime Scientists
- Criminal Investigation and Intelligence
- Security and Crime Science Research Project
- Computer Simulations in Science and Engineering
- Ethics and Society
- Environment and Society
- Geopolitical Events
- Science, Warfare and Peace
- Philosophy of Information
- Law for Managers
- The Ethics of Artificial Intelligence
- Perspectives on Clinical Psychology
- International Conflict and Cooperation
Questions about this course
How much do graduates of BSc Crime and Security Science at University College London earn?
The median salary is £28,000 after 3 years, £37,500 after 5 years. After five years the middle half of graduates earn between £28,500 and £48,000. The £37,500 median after five years is £11,000 more than the UK median for Sociology.
What do graduates of BSc Crime and Security Science at University College London do next?
85% were in work or further study 15 months after finishing (Graduate Outcomes 2023-24).
Are students happy with the teaching on BSc Crime and Security Science at University College London?
88% of final-year students were positive about the teaching in the National Student Survey 2025-26.
What grades do I need for BSc Crime and Security Science at University College London?
The typical offer is AAB at A level, or 36 points in the IB. The average entrant had 148 UCAS points.
How many students continue on BSc Crime and Security Science at University College London?
97% of students continued into their second year, and 3% left higher education.