Oxford Brookes University

What you'll study

This programme begins with a foundation year that introduces key academic skills, study techniques, and introductory topics in law and criminology to prepare you for undergraduate-level study. In subsequent years you study a balance of compulsory and optional modules across criminology and law, covering the legal system, criminal law and procedure, criminological theories, research methods, and applied topics such as policing, youth justice, punishment and rehabilitation.

• Foundation year: academic writing, critical thinking, introduction to the criminal justice system, basics of legal reasoning, and quantitative and qualitative study skills.
• Core law topics: contract law, tort, criminal law, public law, and legal skills including case analysis and statutory interpretation.
• Core criminology topics: classical and contemporary criminological theories, crime prevention, sociology of crime, victimology and the functioning of criminal justice agencies.
• Research and professional skills: social research methods, data analysis, ethics in research, and practice-based learning such as simulated advocacy, report writing and reflective practice.
• Optional/specialist modules: areas such as cybercrime, forensic psychology, restorative justice, youth offending, comparative criminal justice and contemporary issues in policing.
• Final year project: an extended dissertation or practice-based project that allows you to apply research skills to a substantive question in criminology or law.

Entry requirements

Entry is through the foundation route for applicants whose prior qualifications do not meet standard undergraduate entry. Typical applicants will have evidence of study at level appropriate to progress to higher education, such as vocational qualifications, relevant work experience, or equivalent international qualifications.

Applicants are normally expected to demonstrate competence in English and mathematics through GCSEs or equivalent qualifications; specific programme requirements and acceptable equivalents are set out by the university. Mature applicants and those with relevant professional experience are welcome and assessed on an individual basis. All applicants must meet the university's general admissions and health and suitability requirements for courses involving engagement with vulnerable groups where relevant.

Career prospects

Graduates combine legal knowledge with criminological insight, making them suitable for roles across the criminal justice and public sectors. Common career paths include policing and law enforcement, probation and offender rehabilitation, youth and community justice, victim support and advocacy, court administration, legal assistant roles, paralegal work and policy or research posts in government and third-sector organisations.

Many students also progress to postgraduate study such as master's degrees in criminology, law, criminal justice or professional legal training (for those who wish to pursue qualifying law routes). The programme emphasises employability through practical skills, placements and links with local criminal justice agencies.

Why study at Oxford Brookes University

Oxford Brookes offers an applied, career-focused approach with strong links to local and national criminal justice organisations, providing opportunities for guest lectures, work placements and practice-based learning. The department combines interdisciplinary teaching in law and criminology, supported by experienced academics and practitioners, and benefits from the university's modern learning facilities and dedicated student support services.

Studying in Oxford gives access to a wide range of legal and policy resources, libraries and professional networks, while university employability services help students plan career routes, develop professional skills and secure internships or work experience relevant to the criminal justice sector.