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

Criminology and Criminal Justice - Foundation Degree

Turn your interest in crime into a meaningful career

Crime and criminal justice continue to shape society, communities and public policy. If you’re interested in understanding why crime happens, how it can be prevented, and how individuals and communities are affected, this Foundation Degree in Criminology and Criminal Justice provides a strong starting point for your career.

The programme develops your understanding of:

  • People who commit crime
  • The causes and prevention of crime
  • The impact of crime on individuals, victims and communities

Understanding crime and justice

You’ll explore the changing nature and scale of crime and examine the role of organisations involved in the management, control and prevention of crime, gaining insight into how the criminal justice system operates in practice.

Where this course to take you next

This degree supports a range of career pathways across the criminal justice sector. Depending on your goals, it can prepare you to progress into:

  • Practitioner roles within criminal justice and related services
  • Further study at postgraduate level
  • Academic research or criminal justice policy development

The course is designed to give you the knowledge, critical understanding and confidence needed to move forward in this evolving and impactful field.

 

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

Entry Requirements

A minimum of 80 UCAS points (excluding Functional Skills) in an appropriate discipline:

  • CCD from A Levels including criminology, sociology, psychology, law, forensic psychology or public services
  • MMP from Extended Diploma or DM from Diploma in appropriate discipline
  • Mathematic and English Language GCSE at grade C/4 or above
  • Pass Access to HE Diploma in related discipline

Applicants who are able to demonstrate relevant work/life skills or knowledge will also be considered on an individual basis.

  • Course code TH1HE205
  • UCAS code M211
  • Duration 2 Years
  • Day/s of week Monday and Tuesday
  • Time 09:30 - 15:30

Next course dates

Start date Location Duration
07 Sep 2026
University Centre
2 Years
13 Sep 2027
University Centre
2 Years

Where can this subject lead?

Career progression

Having developed a sound knowledge of theory and practice in Criminology and Criminal Justice you will be ready for employment - or B&FC's Criminology and Criminal Justice BA Hons Top-up programme to continue your studies.

Progression and employability are pillars of this programme, as evidenced by the wide variety of graduate employment gained by alumni within criminal justice agencies and related areas. 

Graduates now work in roles spanning teaching and research and in a range of formal and informal agencies across public, private and voluntary sectors in the criminal justice field - such as:

Central and local government | The Police Service | The Prison Service | Law practices | The Home Office | The National Criminal | Intelligence Service | Welfare charities.

 

 

Next steps at B&FC

Having developed a sound knowledge of theory and practice in Criminology and Criminal Justice you will be ready for employment - or B&FC's Criminology & Criminal Justice - BA Hons Degree Topup programme to continue your studies.

Employment Opportunities

Popular job roles include:

Case Review Manager | Court Clerk | Community Worker | Immigration Officer | Fraud Investigator | Human Rights Officer | Paralegal | Police Officer | Prison Officer | Probation Officer | Youth and Community Worker

Graduates are also prepared for work in a range of social welfare and social care posts such as:

Social Worker | Housing Officer | Victim Support | Drug Rehabilitation

Key information

Qualification obtained

FdA 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, including additional financial support for those on low incomes, with dependent children or adults or with disabilities.

Extra costs and equipment

Most study resources are provided by the College.

You may need to cover small additional costs, such as:

  • Printing and posters
  • Optional photocopying (a photocopying allowance is provided)

You’re encouraged to bring a laptop, but college computers are available.

Conferences and external events

You’re encouraged to attend external events and conferences to support your learning and professional development.

  • A one‑day regional conference typically costs around £60
    • Includes transport and conference fees
    • Partially funded by the College and often discounted
  • Local travel is covered by the College
  • Some events may involve additional costs (e.g. food or accommodation)

Study materials

  • Most materials are available online
  • You’re encouraged to buy an introductory criminology textbook to support your studies.

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?

The programme:

  • will support you to engage with theoretical principles and critically evaluate both your own and others research, whilst also gaining strong practical skills to enable you to seek employment in the criminal justice field.
  • is enriched by work experience, and preparatory practical experiences to fully equip you for industry or for further study and research.
  • will prepare you for a range of employment opportunities in the criminal justice field, such as the police, probation, prison service, social work, teaching, youth justice, and the Crown Prosecution Service.
  • will also be supported and enriched throughout by a range of activities and events designed to give you valuable insight into how criminal justice agencies work and the roles and responsibilities of those working in the criminal justice system.
  • will introduce you to visiting guest speakers from relevant industries, and trips to criminology and criminal justice conferences.
  • will develop your employability skills and attributes by requiring you to complete a work placement in a professional setting.

 

Industry placement, field trips and guest speakers

Work‑based learning and placement

All students will complete a work placement within the criminal justice sector. Work‑based learning is a core part of the course, allowing you to apply academic learning directly to real‑world practice and develop higher‑level professional skills.

You’ll be supported and encouraged to secure placements and projects throughout the programme, with formal work‑based learning assessment embedded in Year 2.

Work‑based research project

As part of the course, you’ll complete a vocationally focused research project, enabling you to:

  • Investigate a criminal justice topic relevant to your career interests
  • Carry out applied research in a professional setting
  • Produce a final written research report

Presenting your work

You’ll also present your research at an academic poster event at the College, with opportunities to:

  • Develop professional presentation and communication skills
  • Showcase your work in a supportive academic environment
  • Potentially present at external conferences attended by academic researchers and industry professionals

Developing employability skills

The work‑based research project allows you to demonstrate key employability skills and professional attributes, including:

  • Research and analytical skills
  • Independent enquiry
  • Critical discussion of criminal justice issues
  • Professional communication and reflection

This approach supports your progression into employment, further study or specialist roles within the criminal justice sector.

  • 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

  • Modules at level 5

    Module title Code Credits Optional
    Work Experience Criminology into Practice TH5MD357 20 No
    Critical Criminological Theory Social Divisions and Social Justice TH5MD358 20 No
    Researching Crime and Justice TH5MD359 20 No
    Psychology in the Criminal Justice System TH5MD360 20 No
    Crime Media Culture and the City TH5MD361 20 No
    Criminology and International Human Rights TH5MD362 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.

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.

How will I learn?

Scheduled Learning

Scheduled time relates to the time you spend in directed study with the guidance and support of our academic tutors. Scheduled learning can take a variety of forms and will vary from one course to the next, but may include lectures, seminars, tutorials, project supervision, demonstrations, studio or workshop time, fieldwork and external visits.

Independent Study

Higher education courses rely on students undertaking work outside of formal, scheduled sessions and this is generally categorised as independent study. Independent study might include preparation for scheduled sessions, follow-up work, wider reading or practice, completion of assessment tasks and revision.

Expert tutors

All tutors involved in the delivery of courses and apprenticeships within the College are approved to teach the subjects and modules they deliver.

Our recruitment process ensures that tutors delivering a given programme are suitably qualified and, where appropriate, possess relevant technical and industrial experience and a familiarity with professional practice. The aim of this is to enrich students’ learning experience, giving them an insight into what working in the industry is really like.

Learning Methods

Learning Method Level 4 Level 5 Level 6
Scheduled 306 288 0
Independent 894 882 0
Placement 0 30 0
Total 1200 1200 0
Ready to take the next step? Navigate to the top of the page and click Apply Now to continue your degree-level journey.

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How will I be assessed?

All assessment on this programme is coursework‑based, with no exams. Assessments are designed to be practical, engaging and rooted in real‑world criminal justice scenarios.

You’ll complete a range of applied assessments, which may include:

  • Podcasts and presentations
  • Research projects using real data
  • Digital assessments using contemporary online platforms and technology

Applying theory to practice

Assessments are designed to bridge the gap between theory and practice, giving you the opportunity to:

  • Investigate key areas of criminology
  • Explore real issues facing the criminal justice system
  • Develop critical thinking and applied research skills

Preparing for professional practice

These dynamic and immersive assessments reflect the realities of working in criminal justice and related fields. They are designed to help you build the skills, confidence and professional insight needed for further study or employment within the sector.

Assessment Method Level 4 Level 5 Level 6
Coursework 95% 84% 0%
Exam 0% 0% 0%
Practical 0% 0% 0%