Criminal Justice BA (Hons)
University of NorthamptonWaterside Campus, Northampton
Course overview
Are you naturally curious about why people commit crime and what can motivate them to cause serious harm? Would you like to explore these issues in real criminal justice settings working alongside professionals? These are just some of the experiences that are on offer during the BA Criminal Justice course.
Our Criminal Justice System is underpinned by theories of retribution, punishment and deterrence but the impact of these on reducing crime deserves some critical thought. Criminal justice policies, practices and legislation have not been modernised or developed for decades, if not centuries, despite an abundance of research. Do you want to be part of a new era of criminal justice that can challenge the current ethos?
If you want to make a difference and gain real experience working within this exciting field this degree course has been designed with you in mind. This Criminal Justice degree has been developed using the skills, knowledge and expertise of our multi-disciplinary team. The course will take you on a journey through the criminal justice system; the good, the bad and the ugly, exploring key areas such as the legal system, policing, sentencing, rehabilitation, prisons and criminal behaviours.
You will explore the intricacies and controversies of current practice, critically considering where improvements can be made.
Key highlights
- Explore issues in real criminal justice settings alongside professionals
- Covers the legal system, policing, sentencing, rehabilitation and prisons
- Study criminal behaviours and what motivates people to cause harm
- Critically examine controversies in current practice and where improvements can be made
- Developed by a multi-disciplinary team drawing on their expertise
Entry requirements
- A-level: BBC — A typical offer to study this Criminal Justice course would be: BBC at A Level or DMM at BTEC/Cambridge Technical or Merit at T Level.
- BTEC: DMM — A typical offer to study this Criminal Justice course would be: BBC at A Level or DMM at BTEC/Cambridge Technical or Merit at T Level.
- T-level: Merit — A typical offer to study this Criminal Justice course would be: BBC at A Level or DMM at BTEC/Cambridge Technical or Merit at T Level.
Scholarships
ICAEW Foundation Bursary
Three annual payments of £4,000
Up to £12,000John Lowe Accounting and Finance Scholarship
Scholarship is paid as £1,000 in the second and third years of study.
Up to £2,000Northampton Energy Elite Athlete Scholarship
This scheme offers the student athlete a support network enabling them to balance the demands of performance sport with academic study.
Reid Science, Engineering, and Computing Bursary
£500 per year of study
Up to £1,500TD Lewis Scholarship
The T D Lewis Scholarship provides both undergraduate and postgraduate students with financial awards of up to £1,000.
Up to £100The Chancellor's Fund
Up to £50The University of Northampton International Scholarship
The University of Northampton International Scholarship Scheme is a merit-based scholarship that provides up to a £4,000 reduction in tuition fees.
Wilson Endowment Scholarship
Successful students will receive three annual payments of £500, one for each year of study.
Up to £1,500
Careers this course leads to
- Probation officer
- Police officer
- Prison officer
- Youth justice worker
- Victim support officer
- Court administrative officer
Cost of study
UK/Home: £9,790 per year | International: £17,000 per year
Admission
Applications are made through AHZ at no cost. Share your transcripts, English test scores and personal statement, and your AHZ Counsellor will review your profile, submit your application to University of Northampton, and guide you through interview, offer, CAS and visa — right up to enrolment.
Ready to start?
Book a free consultation and we'll map your fastest route to a September 2026 place.