Criminology
(Certificate of Higher Education)
Course Overview
This introductory course in criminology is ideal if you want to understand contemporary crime issues and criminal justice systems, and explore social problems. Our Criminology Certificate of Higher Education introduces you to historic and contemporary trends and patterns in crime, psychological approaches to criminal behaviour, social explanations for offending and how criminal justice systems work in practice.
You can look forward to a stimulating environment, learning alongside students with diverse backgrounds and professional experiences. Our unique evening teaching model means it is possible for those working or caring during the day to complete university study.
We offer flexible timetabling with teaching over three semesters (autumn, spring, summer). You can start the certificate in any of these semesters, meaning no delay to your start date.
Successful completion of the Certificate of Higher Education in Criminology means you can transition into the second year of our BSc Criminology and Criminal Justice.
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How often will I attend classes?
Evening classes (6-9pm) and Saturday sessions (10am-5pm).
Check the days and times at the top of each module's enrolment page.
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Progression to degrees at Birkbeck
If you are awarded the Certificate of Higher Education in Criminology, you can apply to enter Year 2 of our full-time BSc Criminology and Criminal Justice.
Alternatively, if you complete the first three modules (Understanding Crime, The Criminal Justice Process and Sociology of Crime), you can apply to enter Year 2 of our part-time BSc Criminology and Criminal Justice.
You can also progress to Year 1 of our part-time LLB Law degree, or use your credits to gain entry to other Birkbeck degrees.
More Highlights
- Birkbeck has a rich tradition of rigorous, socially engaged research into critical criminology and criminal justice scholarship. We are home to the renowned Institute for Crime and Justice Policy Research, a world-leading, influential research centre that produces the World Prison Brief.
- Dedicated academic skills workshops are run by Ray Rose Raymond, who can advise on a range of study skills: essay writing, time-management, academic reading, note-making, giving presentations and participating in seminars.
- We understand that our students want to make a change through higher education. You can participate in our year-round Criminology Careers Events: Work for Social Justice, Work for Criminal Justice.
- You can hear from scholars within and beyond Birkbeck at our Criminology Research Seminars. Open to everyone and free of charge, these showcase prominent academics carrying out path-breaking research on crime, criminal justice and related themes.
- There is a bustling social and extra-curricular calendar for students including the esteemed Annual Criminology Lecture, Law on Trial events week, Criminology Research Seminars, Criminology Careers Events and a summer party.
Teaching and Modules
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Modules 2026-27
Course structure
To gain the Certificate of Higher Education you must register on and successfully complete four individual modules worth a total of 120 credits.
Module 1
Module 2
Module 3
Module 4
Teaching
Lectures, seminars and independent study.
How will I be assessed?
Coursework (essays, critical reflection papers and case-study analysis) and examinations.
Entry Requirements
All modules are taught at university level, so you should be able to read, write and speak English fluently.
What are the visa requirements?
Please note that Birkbeck does not sponsor Student visas for Certificate of Higher Education courses.
This means that if you are not from the UK and you do not already have residency or a valid visa here, then you can only study a Certificate of Higher Education on a Standard Visitor visa for courses of less than six months’ duration.
For full information, read our visa information for international students page.
Fees
Fees are payable per module and vary depending on the course. Please view the Modules and teaching section and then click on the title of individual modules to see the fees for each module. The overall cost of the certificate will depend on the modules you choose.
Please note: Modular CertHE study is not eligible for student loan funding for study commencing January 2027 onwards.
Careers and employability
Graduates can pursue careers in criminal justice, public safety or social welfare. Possible professions include:
- community development worker
- prison or probation officer
- social worker
- adult guidance worker.
We offer a comprehensive careers service - Careers and Enterprise - your career partner during your time at Birkbeck and beyond. At every stage of your career journey, we empower you to take ownership of your future, helping you to make the connection between your experience, education and future ambitions.
How to Apply
This is a modular enrolment certificate, so you will need to register onto individual modules (rather than onto the course itself). Please view the Modules and Teaching section and then click on the title of individual modules to see class dates and times and to register.