Criminology A-Level Requirements: All You Need to Become a Criminologist in the UK

Criminology delves into the study of crime, criminal behaviour, and the justice system. Graduates can pursue a variety of career paths, including roles as criminologists, law enforcement officers, forensic analysts, social workers, and policy advisors. With 132,772 vacancies in the past year in the UK and sustained growth over the last 8 years, this is a promising—and for some, fascinating—career path.

A strong educational foundation is crucial for success in this field, and choosing the right A-level subjects can significantly impact your readiness for university and your future career. By selecting A-levels that align with criminology, students can develop critical thinking skills, analytical abilities, and a deep understanding of the social sciences, all of which are essential for a thriving career in criminology.

What A Levels do you need for Criminology?

Sociology and Psychology will help you understand the psychological patterns that criminals might exhibit and how societal factors can influence individuals to commit these acts. Additionally, subjects like English, Biology, History, and Law can provide a foundation for understanding other aspects of criminology, such as the legal process following a crime, the physiological aspects involved in criminal behaviour, and the history of criminal law.

Are you an adult looking to return to education? Find out what it’s like to take A-levels for mature students.

What subjects are best for Criminology?

Sociology

Sociology is fundamental for understanding the societal structures, institutions, and relationships that influence behaviour and crime. This subject equips students with the tools to analyse social issues, inequality, and the impact of societal changes on communities. By studying sociology, future criminologists gain insights into the social factors that contribute to crime, making it a valuable subject for those pursuing a career in criminology.

Psychology

Psychology is crucial for understanding human behaviour, including the motivations behind criminal actions. This subject covers topics such as cognitive processes, emotional responses, and social influences, providing a foundation for analysing criminals from a psychological perspective. This background is useful for developing offender profiles, understanding the impact on victims, and designing rehabilitation programs.

English

English is essential for developing strong communication skills, both written and verbal, which are vital in criminology. This subject enhances critical thinking and the ability to analyse texts, arguments, and evidence. These skills are crucial for report writing, presenting findings, and understanding legal and criminological literature. Additionally, English helps in crafting clear and persuasive arguments, which is an important aspect of many roles in criminology.

Biology

Biology offers insights into the physiological and genetic factors that can influence behaviour, including aggression and predisposition to crime. This subject provides a foundational understanding of the biological aspects of human actions, which can be particularly useful in forensic science and understanding the biological underpinnings of criminal actions. It also aids in comprehending the impact of drugs and toxins on the human body, which is relevant in criminal investigations and will be explored further during your degree.

History

History provides crucial context for understanding the evolution of laws, the criminal justice system, and societal responses to crime over time. As an essay-based subject, History is particularly beneficial because a criminology degree often involves extensive essay writing. Additionally, it hones research skills and the ability to critically assess sources, both of which are essential for criminologists in analysing trends and developing informed perspectives on criminal justice policies.

Law

Law is integral to criminology, as it provides an understanding of the legal framework within which the criminal justice system operates. This subject covers fundamental principles of law, including criminal law, civil law, and human rights. Knowledge of law is crucial for criminologists to understand legal procedures, the classification of crimes, and the rights of individuals. It also aids in navigating the complexities of the legal system and advocating for policy reforms.

Open to other career options? You may want to have a look at the necessary A-levels to be a lawyer.

Criminology

Criminology itself is an A-level subject that offers a direct insight into the study of crime, criminal behaviour, and the criminal justice system. This subject covers theories of crime causation, crime prevention strategies, and the role of various institutions in addressing crime. Studying criminology at the A-level provides a strong foundation for further studies in the field.

Is Criminology an A Level?

Yes, Criminology can be found at A-levels, but it is not very easy to find among course providers. For this reason, although it is directly related to this degree, most universities accept students who haven’t studied this subject and instead choose some of the subjects mentioned above.

Do universities like Criminology A Level?

Having a criminology A-level demonstrates interest and commitment towards this degree, which can make you stand out among the rest of the applicants. However, choosing such a specific subject may not be the most beneficial in case you decide to change paths to another degree.

Is Criminology an easy A Level?

Criminology is considered to be quite easy, given that it is quite new in the system. However, it may be quite difficult for STEM-focused students who are interested in the technical aspects of criminology, as it is an essay-based subject.

Best A-Level combination for criminology

Psychology + Sociology + English

Psychology is crucial for understanding the cognitive and emotional factors that influence criminal behaviour; Sociology offers a comprehensive insight into social structures, inequalities, and cultural influences contributing to crime; and English enhances critical thinking and communication skills. Together, these subjects form a strong combination that can make your application stand out.

Psychology + Sociology + Biology

In this case, the core psychological and sociological background is complemented by Biology, which offers valuable insights into the biological and forensic aspects of criminology, and forensic science techniques. This combination is particularly recommended for criminology students interested in a comprehensive understanding of both the social and scientific dimensions of crime

Additional qualifications you need to become a Criminologist

Though entry requirements vary from one university to another, here are the most common standards for their typical offers.

UCAS Points	AAB-BBC, equivalent to 136-112 UCAS points
BTEC	Though not accepted by some universities, DDD-DMM are often accepted
International Baccalaureate	Around 36 points
GCSEs	Usually English Language and Maths at grade C/4

Which course is best for Criminology: Top #5 Universities

According to The Guardian, these are the best 5 universities to study Criminology in the UK. All of them have different entry requirements, so you can choose the one that best suits your needs, qualifications and experience. Take a look at the details of each qualification:

#1 University College London

Crime and Security Science BSc

• UCAS code: L311
• Duration: 3 academic years

#2 Staffordshire University

Criminology BSc (Hons)

• UCAS code: M012
• Duration: 3 academic years

#3 Durham University

Criminology BA

• UCAS code: L370
• Duration: 3 academic years

#4 University of Bolton

Crime and Criminal Justice BA (Hons)

• UCAS code: L300
• Duration: 3 academic years

#5 University of Bath

Criminology BSc (Hons)

• UCAS code: U151
• Duration: 4 years (including professional placement)

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Aspiring criminalists FAQs

What is a criminologist's salary in the UK?

In the UK, criminologists' salaries vary based on experience, education, and the specific sector they work in. Entry-level positions offer salaries between £20,000 and £30,000 annually. With experience, salaries can rise up to £40,000, and managerial positions can go even further than that.

What GCSE subjects do you need to be a criminologist?

Most universities offering Criminology courses require students to take at least 5 subjects (and get a passing mark), and including Maths and English Language among these, with minimum grades 4/C.

What A Levels do you need for Criminal Psychology?

Are you looking for information about other crime-related degrees? You may want to check our post about A-levels for forensic psychology, which, though not exactly the same as criminal psychology, accepts the same A-levels.

What jobs can Criminology get you?

A degree in criminology opens doors to a variety of careers, including roles as criminologists, forensic scientists, law enforcement officers, probation officers, and crime analysts. Graduates can also work in social services, corrections, or policy development, focusing on crime prevention and criminal justice reform. Additionally, careers in academia and research are viable paths for those interested in advancing criminological theories and practices.

What degree is close to Criminology?

Degrees close to criminology include Criminal Justice, Forensic Science, Sociology, Psychology, and Law. These fields often overlap with criminology, offering complementary perspectives. For example, Criminal Justice focuses on the legal and procedural aspects of crime, while Forensic Science deals with the scientific analysis of crime scenes and evidence. Though they are all related, each of these degrees opens doors to different aspects of criminal law and its processes.

Does Oxbridge do Criminology?

Both Oxford and Cambridge offer courses related to criminology, though they may be integrated into broader programs such as Sociology, Law, or Human Sciences. For instance, Cambridge offers a Master of Philosophy (MPhil) in Criminology, which is a well-regarded postgraduate option. Prospective students interested in criminology at Oxbridge should explore these interdisciplinary programs and specialised graduate courses.