BA (Hons) in Criminology

Key Points

Write to us for more information

The Bachelor of Criminology is a window on the world, providing insight into human diversity in complex societies and a textured view of our propensity to err, conflict, blame and punish.

Program description

This is a research-driven interdisciplinary programme that offers an international body of knowledge as well as research and critical thinking skills. The programme provides a strong intellectual background for anyone thinking of working in culturally sensitive areas such as policing, prisons, social work, journalism, politics, research, care, health and justice agencies, advocacy groups, charities, film or television.

Career options

Students in this course will develop skills in critical thinking, comparative and cultural analysis, research methods, and statistics. They will also strengthen their understanding of the role of history and examine the basis for moral justifications.

This skill set is invaluable for sensitive occupations such as:

  • Surveillance
  • Prisons
  • Parole
  • Social work
  • Social administration
  • Safety work
  • Charities
  • Journalism
  • Television and cinema
  • Community development

Program structure

This contemporary course combines key themes in the social sciences and law, such as crime, deviance, morality, conflict, censorship, and justice, with philosophy, history, cultural studies, and language. The result is an exceptional breadth and depth of perspective and context.
  • Criminology a history and introduction 
  • Criminology key concepts, studies and issues 
  • Introduction to the psychology of crime 
  • Introduction to Sociology 
  • Key aspects in sociology 

Plus a 10-credit option of the following:

Law

  • Introduction to the legal system of criminology I
  • Introduction to the legal system of criminology II

Criminology

  • Introduction to law and social control
  • Law, crime and societies

Electives

15 credits of language options in French, German, Spanish, Irish or Italian  

Philosophy:

  • Government Modules
  • Introduction to Political Science 
  • Democracy, ideology and utopia 
  • Politics and Government of Ireland
  • Sociology of crime and deviance 
  • Contemporary criminological theory
  • Introduction to social research

Electives:

  • Forensic Sociology
  • Official crime statistics
  • Crime and the media in Ireland
  • Victims and Victimology
  • Sex Offenders
  • Crime
  • Urbanization and Cities
  • Coercive Confinement and Social Control in Ireland
  • Terrorism and political violence
  • Surveillance of modern society
  • Comparative Perspectives on Policing
  • Policing and mob justice in Ireland 1803-1960
  • Violence and Revolutionary Ireland, 1913-1925
  • Education in prisons
  • Anthropology and Social Control
  • Gender and crime
  • Criminology and desistance throughout life
  • Social statistics
  • Criminal policy and practice
  • Abnormal Psychology
  • Criminal Law
  • Criminal Evidence
  • International human rights law
  • French; / Irish; German; Hispanic Studies; Italian plus modules in Philosophy, Government and Politics.
  • Research Design 
  • Dissertation in Criminology 
  • Criminal justice policy 

Electives (includes many modules offered from year 2 as well as modules thereafter):

  • Trafficking in persons
  • Animals and crime
  • Online Crime
  • Drugs
  • Crime and society
  • Corporate Crime
  • Environmental regulation
  • Forensic Psychology
  • Religion and Magic in the European Reformation
  • Witches
  • Demons
  • Jews and Heretics
  • Censorship in 20th century Ireland
  • Abnormal Psychology
  • Political Philosophy
  • Professional Ethics
  • Social Theory
  • Sociology of development and globalization
  • Introduction to planning and sustainable development
  • Sociology of the media
  • Sociology of Law
  • Sociology of health and illness
  • Social statistics
  • Family
  • Genre
  • Sexualities
  • Irish French; German; History; Hispanic Studies; Italian plus modules in Philosophy, Government and Politics.

Students may choose to spend the third year studying at a partner institution abroad if they are registered on the BA Criminology (International Pathway).

*Module availability may change from year to year.

Admission requirements

  • As a general requirement, a Bachelor’s Degree / Baccalaureate Diploma / General Baccalaureate / Professional Degree from a recognized university is required.
  • In the case of international candidates, the foreign equivalent is required. In addition, a degree officially translated into English will be required.
  • IELTS 6.5, with no less than 6 in any component (or its internationally recognised equivalent).

Learn more about our educational offer

More than 10,000 students have put their trust in us

Study and work abroad, live this experience that will change your life