Key information
For:
starting September 2026
UCAS code:
L317
Typical offer:
48-56 points to include 1 A level, or equivalent, in a relevant subject.
Showing content for section Overview
Overview
Shape the future of justice with a Foundation Degree in Criminology.
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.
You can study this course full-time at our partner college, City of Portsmouth College
Contact information
Contact AdmissionsClearing is open
This course is available through Clearing.
Clearing 2025 is now closed
Clearing FAQs
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You can apply through Clearing if:
- You don't meet the conditions of your offer for your firm (first) or insurance (second) choice courses
- Your exam results are better than you expected and you want to change your course or university
- You don't hold any offers
- You've accepted an offer but changed your mind about the course you want to do
- You're applying for the first time after 30 June 2025
Yes, we welcome Clearing applications from international students and you can apply in exactly the same way as UK students do.
The majority of UK students apply through Clearing once they receive their A level / T level results in August, so as an international student if you already have your exam results you can apply when Clearing opens on 5 July.
Make sure that you have time to get your visa, funding, and English language certification sorted out before the beginning of term.
If you would like further information or guidance, please contact our international office for advice.
After we make you an offer we'll send you a confirmation email. This email will let you know what you need to do next and it will tell you what you need to provide us. In some instances we may ask you to send us copies of certificates or other information.
If you've previously applied through UCAS you'll need to use your UCAS Hub to accept our offer by adding us as your Clearing choice.
If you're having issues, please contact us on +44 (0)23 9284 8090 or admissions@port.ac.uk
No, it's not too late and you should make your application for student finance as soon as possible. You don't have to wait for your results. You can make your application now and just amend it when you know where you're going to be.
If you've already applied for your student loan, you'll need to log into your account and update details about your new course/university. If you haven't applied for your student loan yet, don't panic. Apply today – it only takes 30 minutes.
Find out more in our Student finance for Clearing guide.
Entry requirements
FdSc Criminology
Typical offers
- 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) - MM-MP
- International Baccalaureate - 24 (From the IB Diploma, to include 1 Higher Level in a relevant subject.)
You may need to have studied specific subjects or GCSEs - see full entry requirements and other qualifications we accept.
English language requirements
- English language proficiency at a minimum of IELTS band 5.5 with no component score below 5.5.
See alternative English language qualifications
We also accept other standard English tests and qualifications, as long as they meet the minimum requirements of your course.
If you don't meet the English language requirements yet, you can achieve the level you need by successfully completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course.
We look at more than just your grades
While we consider your grades when making an offer, we also carefully look at your circumstances and other factors to assess your potential. These include whether you live and work in the region and your personal and family circumstances which we assess using established data.
Careers and opportunities
This course can be a starting point for students interested in pursuing a career in criminal justice, law enforcement, or social services.
What can you do with a Criminology FdSc?
A foundation degree in Criminology can prepare you for entry-level roles in areas such as:
- Social work
- Probation services
- Victim support
- Law enforcement
- Community safety
Upon completing this course, students may also be eligible for further study, which could lead to higher roles in:
- Criminal justice
- Policy-making
- Academia
Ongoing career support – up to 5 years after you graduate
Get experience while you study, with support to find part-time jobs, volunteering opportunities, and work experience.
Towards the end of your degree and for up to five years after graduation, you’ll receive one-to-one support from our Careers and Employability Service to help you find your perfect role.
Modules
Each module on this course is worth a certain number of credits.
In each year, you need to study modules worth a total of 120 credits. For example, four modules worth 30 credits each or two modules worth 45 credits each and one module worth 30 credits.
What you'll study
Core modules
Get support for your transition to university-level study while establishing a solid foundation for academic success in criminologyyou'll develop essential skills including reading, writing, presenting, reflecting and critical thinking - all of which are vital for academic achievement and development.
We'll encourage you to engage with analytical and critical approaches to learning. by the end of the module, you will have developed the confidence and skills needed to excel in your studies.
Criminal justice is an introductory module that explores how the system in england and wales works in theory and practiceyou'll examine its historical development and gain insight into key contemporary issues shaping criminal justice today. through engaging discussions and analysis, this module provides a strong foundation for understanding the principles and challenges of the system.
This module introduces key criminological theories and explores why some people commit crimes while others follow social normsyou'll examine biological, psychological and social factors that influence criminal behaviour. by the end, you'll have a deeper understanding of the causes of crime and the complexity of human behaviour.
This module introduces you to the key principles and methods of criminological research in an accessible, practical way.
You'll explore research designs, data collection techniques and ethical considerations while gaining hands-on experience.
By the end, you'll feel confident in conducting research, analysing data and evaluating findings - skills that will support your success throughout your course.
Core modules
You'll examine ideas from critical social theory about social control, and how individuals and groups sometimes push back or resist that control.
You'll explore the challenges posed by complex and evolving crime, focussing on conflict and consensual policing approaches.
In this module, you'll focus on issues such as mental health problems, violence, gangs and gender when it comes to penology and prison.
You'll study areas such as crimes against humanity, state crimes against democracy, state-corporate crime, contemporary slavery and trafficking of humans.
This module highlights how research can inform policy, social justice, effective interventions for preventing crime.
You'll explore key theories and research, examine how changes in policy have affected the way professionals work with victims, and consider the role and rights of victims in the criminal justice system.
Changes to course content
We use the best and most current research and professional practice alongside feedback from our students to make sure course content is relevant to your future career or further studies.
Therefore, some course content may change over time to reflect changes in the discipline or industry.
Course costs and funding
Tuition Fees
- UK/Channel Islands and Isle of Man students – £6,525 per year (may be subject to annual increase)
- EU students – £10,300 (including EU Scholarship - may be subject to annual increase)
- International (non-EU) students – £17,900 per year (subject to annual increase)
Apply
Ready to apply?
To start this course in 2026 at City of Portsmouth College, apply through UCAS. You'll need:
- the UCAS course code – L317
- our institution code – P80
If you'd prefer to apply directly, use our online application form to study at City of Portsmouth College.
You can also sign up to an Open Day to:
- Tour our campus, facilities and halls of residence
- Speak with lecturers and chat with our students
- Get information about where to live, how to fund your studies and which clubs and societies to join
If you're new to the application process, read our guide on applying for an undergraduate course.
Admissions terms and conditions
When you accept an offer to study at the University of Portsmouth, you also agree to abide by our Student Contract (which includes the University's relevant policies, rules and regulations). You should read and consider these before you apply.
Finalising this course
All our courses go through a rigorous approval process to make sure they’re of the highest quality. This includes a review by a panel of experts, made up of academic staff and an external academic or professional with specialist knowledge.
This course is in the final stages of this process and is open for applications. If any details of the course or its approval status change after you apply, we’ll let you know as soon as possible and will be here to discuss your options with you.