Home

Crime and Security Science BSc

London, Bloomsbury
Crime and Security Science BSc (2022)

The BSc in Crime and Security Science aims to create a generation of leaders in the crime, intelligence and security sectors. Using science from different disciplines (psychology, political science, statistics, computer science and geography) you will learn to tackle real-world crime problems and develop creative and ethical ways to increase security in a changing world.

UK students International students
Study mode
Full-time
Duration
3 academic years
UK tuition fees (2022/23)
£9,250
Overseas tuition fees (2022/23)
£26,600
Programme starts
September 2023
Application deadline
25 Jan 2023
UCAS course code
L311
Apply via UCAS

Entry requirements

A levels IB Diploma Other qualifications
Grades
AAB
Subjects
No specific subjects. At least two A level subjects should be taken from UCL's list of preferred A level subjects. WJEC Level 3 Applied Diploma in Criminology is acceptable in lieu of one A Level subject.
GCSEs
English Language and Mathematics at grade C or 5.

Contextual offer information

Grades
BBC more about contextual offers
Subjects
No specific subjects. At least two A level subjects should be taken from UCL's list of preferred A level subjects.
GCSEs
English Language and Mathematics at grade C or 5.
Points
36
Subjects
A total of 17 points in three higher level subjects, with no higher level score below 5.

Contextual offer

Points
30 more about contextual offers
Subjects
A total of 15 points in three higher level subjects, with no higher level score below 5.

UK applicants qualifications

For entry requirements with other UK qualifications accepted by UCL, choose your qualification from the list below:

Equivalent qualification

Not acceptable for entrance to this programme.

Pass in Access to HE Diploma with a minimum of 30 credits at Distinction and 15 credits at Merit, all from Level 3 units.

Successful completion of the WBQ Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate plus 2 GCE A levels at grades AAB.

A,A,B at Advanced Highers (or A,A at Advanced Higher and B,B,B at Higher).

D3,D3,M1 in three Cambridge Pre-U Principal Subjects.

Not acceptable for entrance to this programme.

Not acceptable for entrance to this programme.

Not acceptable for entrance to this programme.

International applications

Country-specific information, including details of when UCL representatives are visiting your part of the world, can be obtained from the International Students website.

Access and widening participation

UCL is committed to widening access to higher education. If you are eligible for Access UCL you do not need to do anything in addition to the standard UCAS application. Your application will be automatically flagged when we receive it.
Check your Access UCL Scheme eligibility

Undergraduate Preparatory Certificates

UCL Undergraduate Preparatory Certificates (UPCs) are intensive one-year foundation courses for international students of high academic potential who are aiming to gain access to undergraduate degree programmes at UCL and other top UK universities.

Typical UPC students will be high achievers in a 12-year school system which does not meet the standard required for direct entry to UCL.

For more information see: ucl.ac.uk/upc.

English language requirements

The English language level for this programme is: Good

Show details

If your education has not been conducted in the English language, you will be expected to demonstrate evidence of an adequate level of English proficiency. Information about the evidence required, acceptable qualifications and test providers can be found on our English language requirements page.

A variety of English language programmes are offered at the UCL Centre for Languages & International Education.

Course overview

In the first year all modules are compulsory, in order to provide a solid grounding in the principles of security and crime science. Years two and three also include compulsory modules, but you will also be able to choose from a range of optional modules, according to your specific areas of interest. In year two, these options include a work placement module, in which you will have the opportunity to work with an organisation on a real-world project (subject to availability).

Compulsory modules follow specific strands: in the Crime Theories strand, for example, you will study the causes of, and responses to, crime through modules such as Understanding the Crime Event (year one) and Psychology and Crime (year two). You will also develop analytical techniques throughout the programme, including statistics, data collection and analysis methods, GIS and programming.

Each term, you will apply newly gained skills to examine crimes such as terrorism and cybercrime, and develop effective strategies to prevent them.

In the final year you will explore the multidisciplinary nature of crime analysis, detection and prevention further during a six-month project.

What this course will give you

UCL Security and Crime Science is the first university department in the world devoted specifically to reducing crime and other risks to personal and national security.

You will learn to critically examine traditional approaches to thinking about and responding to crime, and explore new ways to address crime and security problems worldwide.

You will be taught by academic experts in security and crime reduction, with input from practitioners and policymakers to provide a focus on real-world relevance and impact.

The problem-solving and critical thinking skills you will acquire will enhance your employability in this constantly changing area.

Teaching and learning

In each year of your degree you will take a number of individual modules, normally valued at 15 or 30 credits, adding up to a total of 120 credits for the year. Modules are assessed in the academic year in which they are taken. The balance of compulsory and optional modules varies from programme to programme and year to year. A 30-credit module is considered equivalent to 15 credits in the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS).

Upon successful completion of 360 credits, you will be awarded a BSc (Hons) in Crime and Security Science.

Modules

Please note that the list of modules given here is indicative. This information is published a long time in advance of enrolment and module content and availability is subject to change. Modules that are in use for the current academic year are linked for further information. Where no link is present, further information is not yet available.

Year 1 Year 2 Year 3

Compulsory modules










Compulsory modules







Optional modules









Compulsory modules







Optional modules



















Your learning

A combination of lectures, seminars, workshops, individual and group projects will form your learning experience, which also includes problem-based learning methods, outcome-based analysis and research activities.

Assessment

A wide range of assessment methods are used by this programme, including unseen examinations, coursework assignments, practical assignments, oral presentations and the dissertation.

Accessibility

Details of the accessibility of UCL buildings can be obtained from AccessAble. Further information can also be obtained from the UCL Student Support & Wellbeing team.

Visit us

All open days and events

Online - Open day

UCL Security and Crime Science Virtual Offer Holders' Event 2022

—

To give offer holders an idea of what undergraduate life is like at UCL Security and Crime Science, we are inviting you to attend a virtual open day event. Offer holders will have the opportunity to meet the team, speak to current students, learn about the programme and participate in a short teaching session. If you are an offer holder and have not received an invite to this event, email scs-admissions@ucl.ac.uk.

—

London and across the UK - Open day

UCAS Fairs and Events

UCL will be attending the UCAS fairs and events for 2022 in London and across the UK and we look forward to meeting you at one of these events.

The foundation of your career

With the increasingly technologically driven and international nature of crime and security problems, law enforcement, government, and the private sector are now looking for a new generation of professionals with broad disciplinary backgrounds, strong analytical skills and practical experience to adapt their security strategies in continuously evolving environments.

Employability

You will gain the necessary insight and skills, both intellectual and practical, to take up a wide range of crime and security-relevant positions throughout the world. The multidisciplinary approach gives you a competitive edge in the job market through your ability to work across disciplines in the service of crime reduction.

Fees and funding

Fees for this course

UK students International students
Fee description Full-time
Tuition fees (2022/23) £9,250
Tuition fees (2022/23) £26,600

The fees indicated are for undergraduate entry in the 2022/23 academic year. The UK fees shown are for the first year of the programme at UCL only. Fees for future years may be subject to an inflationary increase. The Overseas fees shown are the fees that will be charged to 2022/23 entrants for each year of study on the programme, unless otherwise indicated below.

Full details of UCL's tuition fees, tuition fee policy and potential increases to fees can be found on the UCL Students website: ucl.ac.uk/prospective-students/undergraduate/funding-your-studies.

Additional costs

This programme does not have any additional costs outside of purchasing books or stationery, printing, thesis binding or photocopying.

A guide including rough estimates for these and other living expenses is included on the UCL Fees and funding pages. If you are concerned by potential additional costs for books, equipment, etc., please get in touch with the relevant departmental contact (details given on this page).

Funding your studies

Various funding options are available, including student loans, scholarships and bursaries. UK students whose household income falls below a certain level may also be eligible for a non-repayable bursary or for certain scholarships. Please see the Fees and funding pages for more details.

See all the ways you can fund your studies

Scholarships

The Scholarships and Funding website lists scholarships and funding schemes available to UCL students. These may be open to all students, or restricted to specific nationalities, regions or academic department.

Next steps

How to apply

Application for admission should be made through UCAS (the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service). Applicants currently at school or college will be provided with advice on the process; however, applicants who have left school or who are based outside the United Kingdom may obtain information directly from UCAS.

Selection

For further information on UCL's selection process see: How we assess your application.

If you live outside the UK, or distance is a problem, we will arrange a virtual (online) open day.

You will be invited to an applicant open day which will provide an excellent opportunity to talk to departmental staff before making a final decision.

Apply via UCAS
Application guidelines
Request a printed prospectus Download prospectus

Got questions? Get in touch

Security and Crime Science Department
Security and Crime Science Department

scs-admissions@ucl.ac.uk

This page was last updated 28 Sep 2021