Criminology (with integrated foundation year) Aberystwyth University

Overview

The Criminology (with integrated foundation year) at Aberystwyth University provides a comprehensive introduction to the study of crime, deviance, and the criminal justice system. This four-year degree is specifically designed to equip students with the necessary academic skills during an initial foundation year before progressing to full undergraduate study. By combining perspectives from law, sociology, and psychology, the programme offers a deep dive into why certain behaviours are criminalised and how society manages offenders.

Why Criminology (with integrated foundation year) at Aberystwyth University?

Students benefit from being part of the oldest Law department in Wales, learning from a teaching team of active researchers and legal professionals. The curriculum is constantly updated to reflect emerging global issues, such as green crime and cybersecurity. The university maintains strong links with local criminal justice agencies, providing a practical context for theoretical studies. Facilities and teaching methods are designed to foster critical thinking, with access to recorded lectures and dedicated personal tutors to support academic growth throughout the four-year duration.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

• International fee: GBP 19190 per year
• National fee: GBP 9535 per year

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

The curriculum transitions from foundational academic skills to advanced criminological theory and research. Modules may include:

Year 1

• How to be a Student
• Information in a Post-Truth World
• Social Science
• The "Othered" Migrant
• Understanding Crime: Law, Society and Behaviour

Year 2

• Crime Control and Prevention
• Criminal Law
• Essential Skills for Criminologists
• Criminology
• Legal and Criminal Justice Systems

Year 3

• Quantitative Research Skills
• Youth Crime and Justice
• Climate Change and Environmental Law
• Community Justice
• Crime and the Media
• Cybercrime and Cybersecurity

Year 4

• Critical and Radical Criminology
• Victimology
• Psychology and Crime
• Drugs and Crime
• Police, Policing and Society

Careers with Criminology (with integrated foundation year)

Graduates are well-prepared for diverse professional roles within the criminal justice sector and beyond. Many pursue careers in policing, the HM Prison Service, or the National Probation Service. The analytical and research skills gained also open pathways into youth justice, crime intelligence analysis, and community care. Additionally, the degree provides a strong foundation for those looking to enter social work or legal research, with a focus on roles that require the interpretation of complex information and effective communication with varied audiences.