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University Centre

Criminal Justice

FdA Criminal Justice (Full-Time) – 2025 Entry

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Are you interested in why people commit crimes and the individual and societal causes of deviant behaviour?

This Foundation Degree answers these questions and much more, as you will explore a diverse range of modules such as criminology, criminal law, deviance, psychology, and mental health.

Some of our previous graduates have secured employment with Merseyside Police, the Probation Service and the Youth Offending Service, whilst others have undertaken post-graduate study in criminology and psychology or have undertaken formal legal training.

More information

The course will start in September and will take two years, full-time to complete.

This course will take place at our Town Centre Campus, Water Street, St Helens, WA10 1PP.

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For 2025 entry, you will need 48 UCAS Tariff points.

Some typical examples of how you can achieve 48 UCAS Tariff points are detailed below:

  • A levels – DD
  • BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma – Pass, Pass, Pass (PPP)
  • Access to Higher Education Diploma – 45 credits at Level 3, for example, 0 credits at Distinction, 0 credits for Merit and 45 credits for Pass. The required total can be attained from various credit combinations.

Prior Learning and Experience

University Centre St Helens welcomes applications from mature students (aged 21+) and students from a varied range of backgrounds and experience. Offers of a place on the degree will not be based solely upon academic qualifications alone and related skills gained in the workplace will also be considered.

Additional Entry Requirements

All suitably qualified applicants will be invited to attend an interview. Your interview is designed to be an informal meeting and will also provide an opportunity for you to discuss and explore your career interests with the Programme Leader.

DBS Check

It is advisable to undergo a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check to assess your suitability for access to a range of criminal justice careers. In the event of a disclosure, this must be discussed with the Programme Leader before entry, who will then provide advice relating to placement and future employment criteria within the criminal justice sector.

Information for International Applicants

If you are a non-EU/EEA/Swiss national, you may need to apply for a Tier 4 visa in order to enter and study in the UK. However, please note that University Centre St Helens does not hold a Tier 4 Sponsor Licence to support student visa applications.

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Validated By: University of Chester Logo
UCAS Code: M900
Institution Code: S51
Entry Requirements: 48 UCAS Tariff Points
Programme Specification: View Programme Specification here.
Programme Handbook: Coming Soon
ProgrammeLeader: Gaynor Melville gmelville@sthelens.ac.uk
YEAR 1 Year 2
Victimology – SO4810 – 20 Credits Inside the Criminal Justice System – SO5810 – 20 Credits
Professional and Academic Development – SO4811 – 20 Credits Criminal Law in Action – SO5811 – 20 Credits
Criminal Law – SO4812 – 20 Credits Researching Crime and Justice – SO5812 – 20 Credits
English Legal System – SO4813 – 20 Credits Psychology, Mental Health and Crime – SO5813 – 20 Credits
Introduction to Criminology – SO4814 – 20 Credits Career Development and Employability – SO5815 – 40 Credits
Political and Social Justice – SO4815 – 20 Credits  

Learning is delivered in a variety of ways, mixing theory with practical sessions. Formats include lectures, workshops, seminars, self-directed study, written work, presentations, group work and guest lectures, in order to fully explore the content of the degree in a varied and exciting way.

In addition to classroom-based study, you may also have the opportunity to observe crime and justice in practice by visiting local courts, prisons and other relevant settings and hear from guest speakers with insightful industry experience.

Voluntary work with local or regional organisations, which are linked to your career aspirations is strongly supported and encouraged.

Assessment will be carried out through both formative and summative assessments. This will include presentations, case studies, essay plans, question and answer sessions, debates and literature reviews. You will also be assessed through essays, exams, reflective logs and reports.

For 2025 entry, tuition fees for full-time study are £8,250 per year.

Additional Costs

Course-Related Travel (Placements/Work Experience/Voluntary/Site Visits Variable dependent on the distance travelled and the method of transportation. Students are expected to undertake work experience (paid or voluntary) as part of their course and should account for transport charges. You may be required to complete a DBS check, which will cost around £44.
Equipment and Materials Core texts and reading lists should generally be available in the St Helens Town Centre Campus Library or the University of Chester Library. However, students may prefer to buy their own copies, and these can be purchased from any source. These can be purchased from any source and estimated cost is £50. Students will be expected to print various pieces of work, including a portfolio at level 4 and level 5. Estimated cost is £20 per year for printed materials. A list of University Centre St Helens’ printing costs can be found via www.sthelens.ac.uk/the-print-room.
Trips Estimated cost is £150 per year for various travel and entry costs to exhibitions and galleries. Estimated cost is £200 for optional international study visit (subject to student numbers) including estimated £300 spending money.
Volunteering Opportunities for Personal Development Variable depending on the type of activity but students are actively encouraged to undertake relevant work experience alongside their studies from the very beginning of their degree.

Subject to eligibility, students can apply for a tuition fee loan from Student Finance England to cover the full cost of tuition fees, which means you don’t have to pay anything upfront and there’s nothing to pay back until you’re qualified and earning over £481 a week, £2,083 a month or £25,000 a year. You may also be eligible to apply for additional funding to help with living costs. Visit our finance support page for more information.

Study Enhancement Gift

All new, first year (level 4), full-time undergraduates studying a qualifying Foundation Degree, Bachelor’s Degree or Higher National Diploma at University Centre St Helens, will receive a non-repayable Study Enhancement Gift up to the value of £400. This could be a specific gift, such as a laptop, or subject specific equipment, extra qualifications or trips and visits.

For more information, visit our study enhancement gift page.

The Foundation Degree provides natural progression on to the one-year, BA (Hons) Criminal Justice (Top-up) degree at University Centre St Helens, where your skills, knowledge and understanding are further enhanced through specialist modules.

As a graduate, you have the opportunity to progress into a range of fields and sectors, such as:

  • Police Service
  • Prison and Probation Service
  • HM Courts and Tribunals Service
  • Home Office (UK Border Agency or Criminal Justice System)
  • Civil Service
  • NHS
  • Social Services
  • Youth Offending Service
  • Victim Support
  • Education

 
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