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Course type: Degree

Degree

Also known as an undergraduate or bachelors degree.

Internationally respected, universally understood.

An essential requirement for many high-level jobs.

Gain a thorough understanding of your subject – and the tools to investigate, think critically, form reasoned arguments, solve problems and communicate effectively in new contexts.

Progress to higher level study, such as a postgraduate diploma or masters degree.
Credits: 360

Credits

Credits measure the student workload required for the successful completion of a module or qualification.

One credit represents about 10 hours of study over the duration of the course.

You are awarded credits after you have successfully completed a module.

For example, if you study a 60-credit module and successfully pass it, you will be awarded 60 credits.
How long it takes
Study method: Distance learning
Entry requirements: Find out more about; Entry requirements

BA (Honours) Criminology

: Course code: R21

Our honours degree programme in criminology focuses on cutting edge, topical and often contentious issues to do with crime and justice. You'll learn to apply research tools, and access and evaluate qualitative and quantitative data on crime, victimisation and the societal responses to them. With an appreciation of criminological theorising and evidence, you will develop the skills to understand issues of crime and victimisation from new perspectives. You will also develop a critical appreciation of the problems with conventional responses to crime and deviance.

Key features

Course details

Entry requirements

Fees and funding

How you'll study

Careers

How long it takes

Explore contentious issues of crime, harm and criminal justice.
Evaluate claims made about crime, perpetrators, victims and criminal justice.
Learn to critically evaluate evidence to better understand criminological problems.
Examine the role of both theory and research in shaping knowledge about crime and justice.
Explore criminological topics of your own interest in depth in the final year of study.

We also offer a Diploma of Higher Education in Criminology (W67) that is the same in structure as the first two-thirds of this degree.

Course type

Degree

Credits

360

How long it takes

Full-time study – 3 years

Part-time study – 6 years

Time limit – 16 years

See How long it takes

Study method

Distance learning

Entry requirements

Find out more about Entry requirements

Ask a question

This criminology degree has three stages, each comprising 120 credits.

At Stage 1 you’ll study two introductory modules – one with a focus on criminology and one with a focus on social science.
Next, at Stage 2, you’ll study two modules exploring theories and research methods in criminology and criminal justice.
Finally, at Stage 3, the two criminology modules will include completing a project on a criminological topic that interests you most.

Our modular study approach gives you the flexibility to complete your qualification at a pace that fits around your life. Whether you prefer a fast track or want to work at a slower rate, you can tailor your study plan to suit your needs.

Stage 1 (120 credits)

In Stage 1, you’ll begin with a broad introduction to social sciences thinking and how a variety of disciplines have informed the study of crime. You'll also be introduced to key concepts and theoretical approaches to understanding crime, criminal justice, harm and victimisation. These modules will provide important underpinnings for your studies at Stage 2.

Stage 1 modules
Modules	Credits
You'll start your degree with the following:
Introducing the social sciences (DD102)	60
You'll study the following:
Introduction to criminology (DD105)	60

Stage 2 (120 credits)

In Stage 2, you’ll develop your knowledge and understanding of criminological theories, focusing on how these theories can help you understand, interpret and reinterpret the social world in new and exciting ways. You’ll also learn about the strengths and limitations of different research methods in generating evidence about criminological topics. Both modules provide valuable foundations for your studies at Stage 3.

Stage 2 modules
Modules	Credits
You'll study the following:
Understanding criminology (DD212)	60
Social research: crime, justice and society (DD215)	60

Stage 3 (120 credits)

In Stage 3, you’ll explore some of the fundamental distinctions between crime and social harm. With a particular focus on the state's role, you’ll scrutinise why certain behaviours come to be defined as ‘criminal’ while others do not. Applying what you have learnt throughout the qualification, you’ll also have the opportunity to conduct an independent study on a criminological topic of your choosing.

Stage 3 modules
Modules	Credits
You'll study the following:
Crime, harm and the state (DD311)	60
Researching current issues in criminology (DD315)	60

You can complete this degree in as little as three years by studying at a pace equivalent to full-time. That’s 120 credits per year. To complete in three years, you’ll need to start your degree in October.

Don't worry if your circumstances change. You don’t have to stick to a full-time study pace. You can change the pace of your learning each year depending on what's right for you.

Modules	Credits
Stage 1 \| Year 1
You'll study the following:
Introducing the social sciences (DD102)	60
Introduction to criminology (DD105)	60
Stage 2 \| Year 2
You'll study the following:
Understanding criminology (DD212)	60
Social research: crime, justice and society (DD215)	60
Stage 3 \| Year 3
You'll study the following:
Crime, harm and the state (DD311)	60
Researching current issues in criminology (DD315)	60

You can complete this degree in six years by studying part-time. That's one 60-credit module each year.

Modules	Credits
Stage 1 \| Year 1
You'll start your degree with the following:
Introducing the social sciences (DD102)	60
Stage 1 \| Year 2
You'll study the following:
Introduction to criminology (DD105)	60
Stage 2 \| Year 3
You'll study the following:
Understanding criminology (DD212)	60
Stage 2 \| Year 4
You'll study the following:
Social research: crime, justice and society (DD215)	60
Stage 3 \| Year 5
You'll study the following:
Crime, harm and the state (DD311)	60
Stage 3 \| Year 6
You'll complete your degree with the following:
Researching current issues in criminology (DD315)	60

We regularly review our curriculum; therefore, the qualification described on this page – including its availability, its structure, and available modules – may change over time. If we make changes to this qualification, we’ll update this page as soon as possible. Once you’ve registered or are studying this qualification, where practicable, we’ll inform you in good time of any upcoming changes. If you’d like to know more about the circumstances in which the University might make changes to the curriculum, see our Academic Regulations or contact us. This description was last updated on 18 March 2025.

Accessibility

Our qualifications are as accessible as possible, and we have a comprehensive range of support services. Our BA (Honours) Criminology uses a variety of study materials and includes the following elements:

Online study – most modules are online; some have a mix of printed and online material. Online learning resources could include websites, audio/video, and interactive activities
Pre-determined schedules – we’ll help you to develop your time-management skills
Assessment in the form of short-answer questions, essays, and examinations
Feedback – continuous assessment includes feedback from your tutor and using this to improve your performance
Finding external/third-party material online
Accessing online catalogues and databases
Online tutorials
Group-work

Every module has its own Accessibility Statement with more detailed accessibility information – you’ll find these on individual module descriptions. Visit our Disability support page to learn about our services.

Learning outcomes, teaching and assessment

This qualification develops your learning in four main areas:

Knowledge and understanding
Cognitive skills
Practical and professional skills
Key skills

The level and depth of your learning gradually increases as you work through the qualification. You’ll be supported throughout by the OU’s unique style of teaching and assessment – which includes a personal tutor to guide and comment on your work; top quality course texts; elearning resources like podcasts, interactive media and online materials; tutorial groups and community forums.

Read the detailed learning outcomes here

Credit transfer

If you’ve already completed some study at another university, you may be able to count it towards your Open University qualification – reducing the number of modules you need to study.

You should apply for credit transfer before you register, at least 4 weeks before the registration closing date. Just tell us what you studied, where and when, and we’ll compare this against the learning outcomes for your chosen course.

For more details and an application form, visit our Credit Transfer website.

Classification of your degree

On successfully completing this course, we’ll award you our BA (Honours) Criminology.

The class of honours (first, upper-second, lower-second or third) will depend on your grades at Stages 2 and 3.

You’ll have the opportunity to attend a degree ceremony.

International recognition

If you intend to use your Open University qualifications to seek work or undertake further study outside the UK, we recommend checking whether your intended qualification will meet local requirements for your chosen career. Find out more about international recognition of Open University qualifications.

Regulations

As a student of The Open University, you should be aware of the content of the qualification-specific regulations below and the academic regulations that are available on our Student Policies and Regulations website.

BA (Honours) Criminology

Compare this course

There are no formal entry requirements for this qualification.

At The Open University we believe education should be open to all, so we provide a high-quality university education to anyone who wishes to realise their ambitions and fulfil their potential.

Even though there are no entry requirements, there are some skills that you'll need to succeed. If you're not quite ready for OU study we can guide you to resources that prepare you, many of which are free.

Answer a few quick questions to check whether you're ready for study success

Preparing for study with an Access module

Students who start their study with an Access module are more likely to be successful when they advance to Stage 1 of their qualification. They’re specially designed to give you a gentle introduction to OU study, boost confidence in your study skills, and help you gain a broad overview of your chosen subject area.

You’ll also benefit from:

feedback from your tutor through regular one-to-one phone tutorials
support from a dedicated team throughout your study
detailed written feedback on your work.

The Access module we’d recommend studying in preparation for this qualification is our:

Psychology, social science and wellbeing Access module

What you will study

This multidisciplinary module provides an excellent introduction to studying with The Open University; you'll get to cover a wide range of subject areas, including psychology, childhood and youth studies, health and social care, wellbeing, sport, education and social sciences.

View full details of Psychology, social science and wellbeing Access module

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Compare the cost of studying at the OU with other campus-based universities in England.

Qualification	Total cost at campus university*	Total cost at The Open University**	Saving with The Open University
Honours Degree	£28,605	£23,352	£5,253 (18%)
Diploma of Higher Education	£19,070	£15,568	£3,502 (18%)
Certificate of Higher Education	£9,535	£7,784	£1,751 (18%)

Honours Degree

Total cost at campus university* £28,605

Total cost at The Open University** £23,352

Saving with The Open University £5,253 (18%)

Diploma of Higher Education

Total cost at campus university* £19,070

Total cost at The Open University** £15,568

Saving with The Open University £3,502 (18%)

Certificate of Higher Education

Total cost at campus university* £9,535

Total cost at The Open University** £7,784

Saving with The Open University £1,751 (18%)

*Based on maximum chargeable fees for 25/26 academic year.

**The fee information provided here is valid for modules starting before 31 July 2026. Fees typically increase annually. In England, fees are subject to the part-time fee limit, as set out in section 5 of the University's Fee Rules.

How will I study this course?

With our unique approach to distance learning, you can study from home, work or on the move.

You’ll have some assessment deadlines to meet, but otherwise, you’ll be free to study at the times that suit you, fitting your learning around work, family, and social life.

For each of your modules, you’ll use either just online resources or a mix of online and printed materials.

Each module you study will have a module website with

a week-by-week study planner, giving you a step-by-step guide through your studies
course materials such as reading, videos, recordings, and self-assessed activities
module forums for discussions and collaborative activities with other students
details of each assignment and their due dates
a tutorial booking system, online tutorial rooms, and your tutor’s contact details
online versions of some printed module materials and resources.

If you have additional needs, we can also provide most module materials in alternative formats. Find out more about materials on our accessibility webpage.

Tutor support

You’ll have a tutor for each module, who will introduce themselves before the module begins.

Throughout the module, they will:

mark your assignments and give feedback to help you improve
guide you to learning resources
support you, whether with general study skills or help with a specific topic.

Tutorials

Tutorials usually take place online, and they’re always optional.

Online tutorials are live presentations with module tutors in dedicated online tutorial rooms and are sometimes recorded.

Assessment

Our assessments are all designed to reinforce your learning and help you show your understanding of the topics. The mix of assessment methods will vary between modules.

Computer-Marked Assignments

Usually, a series of online, multiple-choice questions.

Tutor-Marked Assignments

You’ll have a number of these throughout each module, each with a submission deadline.
They can be made up of essays, questions, experiments or something else to test your understanding of what you have learned.
Your tutor will mark and return them to you with detailed feedback.

End-of-Module Assessments

The final, marked piece of work on most modules.
Modules with an end-of-module assessment won’t usually have an exam.

Exams

Some modules end with an exam. You’ll be given time to revise and prepare.
You’ll be given your exam date at least 5 months in advance.
Most exams take place remotely, and you will complete them at home or at an alternative location.
If a module has an in-person exam (that you must take at one of our exam centres) or is invigilated online, we’ll make this clear in the module description.

Progressing to a point where I felt more comfortable writing my assignments, and having my scores reflecting that, made me quite happy because it showed the hard work was being rewarded.
Patrick ‘Ricky’ Skene, BSc (Hons) Sport, Fitness and Coaching

Other support and resources

Throughout your studies, you’ll have access to our subject-specific Student Support Teams.

They’ll help you with any general questions about your study and updates to your OU account.

To help with your studies, you’ll also have access to:

our online library, with high-quality online resources to support your study
other university libraries in the UK and Ireland
the online Help Centre, which has general information about OU study and support, along with study skills advice
free Microsoft Office 365 software
IT and computing support from our Computing Helpdesk.

Find out more about student support and being a part of the OU community.

Skills for career development

In addition to enhancing your knowledge and understanding of a broad range of criminological topics, this degree will enable you to acquire and develop an array of transferable employability skills that are highly valued in the world of work. Among other things, you will learn how to:

solve problems by thinking critically and creatively
write for different audiences and for different purposes
work independently and in groups
create and communicate coherent arguments
utilise various IT software and digital platforms to search for and present information
interpret qualitative and quantitative data to make sense of the world around you.

Career relevance

This degree is relevant to a wide range of career paths, some of which are listed below. Some relate directly to criminology, while others draw upon the transferable skills that you will acquire throughout the qualification. Successful graduates may also progress to specialist masters courses. While this degree does not guarantee entry to the career fields listed below, it may improve access, increase your employability, and enhance your prospects of career progression.

Exploring your options

Once you register with us (and for up to three years after you finish your studies), you’ll have full access to our careers service for a wide range of information and advice. This includes online forums, website, interview simulation, vacancy service as well as the option to email or speak to a careers adviser. Some areas of the careers service website are available for you to see now, including help with looking for and applying for jobs. You can also read more general information about how OU study enhances your career.

In the meantime if you want to do some research around this qualification and where it might take you, we’ve put together a list of relevant job titles as a starting point. Some careers may require further study, training and/or work experience beyond your degree):

youth worker
victim support officer
police officer
probation officer
prison officer

social researcher
community development worker
social worker
civil servant
teacher

voluntary or third sector work with communities, victims, vulnerable populations
work within human rights and other advocacy NGOs

You can achieve this degree in as little as three years and have a maximum of 16 years to complete it. Our module-by-module approach gives you the flexibility to complete your qualification at a pace that works best for you.

3-year degree

You can complete this degree in three years by studying at a pace equivalent to full-time. That’s similar to a student at a campus-based university.

You'll study 120 credits a year.
You'll need 32–36 study hours per week.

For a year-by-year breakdown of modules, take a look at our 3-year degree pathway in the Course details section.

6-year degree

You can complete this degree in six years by studying part-time. That’s roughly half the rate of a student on a full-time course at a campus-based university.

You'll study 60 credits a year.
You'll need 16–18 study hours per week.

For a year-by-year breakdown of modules, take a look at our 6-year degree pathway in the Course details section.

Register for this course

Start dates

Oct 2025 - Registration closes 11/09/2025
Feb 2026 - Registration closes 08/01/2026

Credit transfer: apply by 14/08/2025

Credit transfer: apply by 04/12/2025

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