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Police tape illuminated by streetlights at night, highlighting the significance of public services and criminology education.

Criminology and Criminal Justice - Certificate of Higher Education

Summary

This Certificate of Higher Education provides an alternative for those students who don't want to commit to a full degree programme from the outset.

Following the same pathway as the first year of our Foundation Degree, this courses aims to develop students' understanding of: the people who commit crime, the causes and preventions of crime and the impact of crime on individuals and communities.

Providing foundational knowledge in this engaging subject, students will be in a position at the end of the course to explore options for further study or to look at a variety of entry level careers in this exciting industry sector.

  • Course code TH1HE204
  • UCAS code L311
  • Duration 1 Year
  • Day/s of week Monday and Tuesday
  • Time 09:30 - 15:30

Next course dates

Start date Location Duration
07 Sep 2026
University Centre
1 Year

Before applying, please check whether you meet the entry requirements under 'Key Information' for this course. Don't hesitate to call us on 01253 504343 if you need assistance.

  • £35,800 average annual salary in this sector
  • Well established links with local public services
  • 5,540 annual job openings in the North West

What Uni Reviews

It's an amazing way to improve employability as well as personal development, can be at university around work and family commitments. Foundation degree is a great way to get a degree without 3 years commitment. *****
- Anonymous
Knowledgeable staff, great support, excellent facilities. *****
- Kim Taylora
Fab. *****
- Rebekka Foy

Tutor Profile - David Hayes

Industry Background:
David's background is academic. He regularly presents at conferences and has had articles published in peer-reviewed journals. He is a regular contributor to PRISM and is an active member of the Utopian Studies Society, an international interdisciplinary society that aims to co-ordinate and encourage the work currently taking place on the subject of utopianism.

Area of Expertise:
The Interface of Contemporary Critical Criminology and Political Philosophy, Critical Ethnography, Critical Pedagogy, Contemporary Social and Environmental Protest Movements.

Where can this subject lead?

Career progression

Knowledge of criminology theories and practises would be helpful within a variety of settings, including law enforcement, probation service, prisons, working with ex-offenders and various rehabilitation roles. This can also be extended to educational organisations to include pastoral positions and behavioural management.

 

Next steps at B&FC

Students are also able to progress on the Criminology and Criminal Justice - Foundation Degree at Blackpool and the Fylde college.

Key information

Entry Requirements

A minimum of 80 UCAS points (excluding functional skills), gained from A level or equivalent level 3 qualification (e.g. Full Access to Higher Education Diploma or BTEC) in a relevant discipline, which includes one of the following – Criminology, Sociology, Psychology, Law, Forensic Psychology and Public Services, and GCSEs in English Language and Maths at grade C/4 or above. Applicants who can demonstrate relevant work/life skills or knowledge will also be considered on an individual basis.

Qualification obtained

CertHE Criminology and Criminal Justice

Fees and funding

Visit our Tuition Fees page and Financial Support for Degrees page for more information about fees and funding.

Extra costs and equipment

As assessments are conducted electronically, students are encouraged to bring their own laptops to enable them to make notes in class and complete work from home.  However, students may use the computer facilities provided by the college.

Regulation and Accreditation

Accrediting Institution: N/A

Awarding Body: Lancaster University

Regulatory Body: Office for Students (OfS)

Terms and conditions

Please visit our Student Terms and Conditions page for more information.

What will I learn?

Industry placement, field trips and guest speakers

Work placements are not a requirement of this programme and there are no planned field trips.

  • Modules at level 4

    Module title Code Credits Optional
    Becoming a Criminologist TH4MD341 20 No
    Introduction to Criminological Theory TH4MD342 20 No
    Psychology of Crime TH4MD343 20 No
    Imprisonment and Rehabilitation TH4MD344 20 No
    Introduction to Criminal Justice TH4MD345 20 No
    Criminology in Action TH4MD346 20 No

Learning Support - at a glance

  • Higher Education Learning Mentors (HELMs)
  • One-to-one and group learning support sessions
  • Pre-degree preparation workshops
  • IT Support
Discover available Learning Support

Programme Specification

Download our Programme Specification for this course.

Case Study - Toni

What have been the benefits of studying here?
I have made life-long friends and the support I have received with everything from enrolling to student finance to extra support to help with my assignments has been incredible. Everyone is so helpful and welcoming, I wish I had done this years ago.

What are you hoping to do in the future?
I want to work within the criminal justice system possibly on a parole board.

How will I learn?

The programme employs a variety of teaching methods to meet the needs of different learners. Lectures, seminars, workshops and individual support all form part of the programme. As well as the time scheduled in college, you will also be expected to undertake self-directed learning to prepare for future lessons and to review what you have already been taught. 

As well as your tutors, you will also have access to a learning resource centre which is geared up to the needs of degree level students and in which you can access the resources you need to research, plan and write assignments and prepare projects.

Expert tutors

All staff involved in the delivery of higher education courses within the College are approved to teach the subjects and modules they deliver.

The approval process ensures that staff delivering a given programme are appropriately qualified and, where appropriate, possess relevant technical and industrial experience and professional practice.

Learning Methods

Learning Method Level 4 Level 5 Level 6
Scheduled 306 0 0
Independent 894 0 0
Placement 0 0 0
Total 1200 0 0
Ready to take the next step? Navigate to the top of the page and click Apply Now to continue your degree-level journey.

Not the course for you?

Take a look at some of our other degree-level study options and see what sparks your imagination.

How will I be assessed?

Assessment Method Level 4 Level 5 Level 6
Coursework 95% 0% 0%
Exam 0% 0% 0%
Practical 0% 0% 0%