Cardiff Metropolitan University

BA Law and Criminology

Cardiff Metropolitan University

Course overview

The BA (Hons) Law and Criminology with Foundation Year is a four-year undergraduate programme designed to prepare students for direct entry into the main degree course. The foundation year is specifically structured to strengthen students' academic skills, knowledge, and confidence. 

It is proper for those who may not meet the direct entry requirements for the standard degree or mature students returning to formal education. It offers an opportunity to build a strong academic foundation before advancing to the main honours degree.

This program looks at how crime, society, and law are connected, giving students a deep understanding of legal systems and how crime affects society. It helps students think critically, analyse information, and understand legal principles well. The teaching methods include lectures, tutorials, seminars, workshops, mock trials, and work experience, and students are tested through written work, assignments, presentations, and exams, which prepare them for jobs in the criminal justice and legal fields.

Entry requirements

Candidates are required to submit a personal statement in which they discuss their reasons for applying for the course and other relevant information regarding their studies. A relevant academic and/or employer reference is also required. Students have the option to upload their CVs along with their applications to demonstrate their work experience.

Grade Requirements: 

  • Applicants need 32 UCAS Tariff points from at least one A-level or equivalent qualifications ( BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (PPP))
  • Applicants need to have five GCSEs at Grade C / 4 or above, including English Language/Welsh First Language and Mathematics/Mathematics – Numeracy.

English Proficiency: 

  • Applicants need an Academic IELTS score of 6.0 overall, with no individual component score below 5.5. 
  • PTE Academic with an overall score of 52 (no element below 51).
  • TOEFL (iBT) with a score of 72 are also accepted.

Scholarships

  • Alumni Discount

    The Alumni Discount offers a 20% discount on Cardiff Met courses for previous graduates who are enrolling onto postgraduate programmes from September 2026.

    Up to 20% of fees

  • Full Fee Discount

    Award: Up to £1,000

  • Sport Scholarships

    Undergraduate – Home student (UK): £7,000; Undergraduate – International student: £11,000; Postgraduate alumni – Home student (UK) £2,000 + alumni discount Postgraduate alumni – Home student (UK) £4,200.

  • Undergraduate Scholarship

    Award: £2,500

    Up to £2,500

Career opportunities

Graduates of the BA Law and Criminology degree can pursue career paths as:

  • Solicitor (with further qualification)
  • Community Safety Officer
  • Fraud Investigator
  • Probation Officer
  • Police Officer

Cost of study

The annual tuition fees for the Foundation Year (Year 0) of the BA Law and Criminology with Foundation Year programme is £5,760 After completing the foundation year successfully, students who will move to the main degree (Years 1, 2, and 3) will pay standard undergraduate fees, which are £16,000 per year for international students.

Admission

International applicants can apply for this course through UCAS or directly through the university's online application portal. For further assistance,   please reach out to our trained counsellors.

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