Foundation Degree in Criminology for Adults

Course Code: P293036

Key Information

  • Course type:

    Higher Education

  • Campus:

    Sixth Form Campus

  • Start Date:

    07 Sept 2026

  • Duration:

    2 years

  • Attendance:

    Full-time

  • Fees:

    £6,335.00

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For students who are finishing their Level 3 courses and adult learners who want to gain a higher education level in criminology – all within a college environment. 

Explore crime, law, and social issues from fresh perspectives while developing essential skills in critical thinking, research, and analysis. You'll investigate the causes and consequences of crime, understand justice system policies, and gain real-world insights into crime prevention and rehabilitation.

With opportunities to progress to a top-up degree or step straight into careers in law enforcement, social services, or community safety, this course is your gateway to making a meaningful impact.

Graduate ready to influence change and build a career in the dynamic world of criminology.

  • A Levels - DEE-EEE
  • 48-56 points to include 1 A Level, or equivalent, in a relevant subject. (calculate your UCAS points)
  • T Levels – Pass (D or E in the core) - Merit
  • BTECs (QCF) - M M - M P
  • International Baccalaureate - 25 (from the IB Diploma, to include 1 Higher Level in a relevant subject)
  • Level 2 in maths and English (GSCE grade 4/C and above) or functional skills Level 2

To give you the best possible chance of successfully completing your qualification, 100% attendance is expected for the duration of the course. The course is delivered onsite at our Sixth Form Campus over two days a week.

You will be assessed in a variety of ways (essays, exams, group work, presentations etc) which will be presented through a portfolio of evidence.

You will study modules in: 

  • Academic skills for Criminologists - 20 credits
  • Crime and society - 20 credits
  • Criminal justice - 20 credits
  • Foundations of criminological research - 20 credits
  • Foundations of criminological theory - 20 credits
  • Psychology for Criminologists - 20 credits

A nationally recognised qualification, the Foundation Degree is also equivalent to the first two thirds of an honours degree and could lead on to a top-up degree with the University of Portsmouth. You could also go directly to work in a number of areas including: the criminal  justice system; law; charties to name a few areas.

As a partnership higher education programme, all applications and the payment of fees must be made through the University of Portsmouth. Fees shown in the Key Information above are those set for the current academic year and may be higher in 2026-27. According to Government information, they are likely to be approximately £6,525.

Whilst fees can be paid directly by the individual student or by an employer sponsor, all UK higher education students can access loans to cover full tuition fees, provided they have not had similar financial support previously, as well as maintenance loans  for living costs, depending on their personal financial circumstances. Loans must be repaid once you finish your course and are earning above a certain threshold. However, some students will also be eligible for additional grants, that do not require repayment, such as for learners with disabilities (Disabled Students’ Allowance), children (Parents’ Learning Allowance), or those on low incomes.

Students will generally make an online application for government student finance online through Student Finance England with advice on the process being accessible through both the College and the University.

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