Crime and Security Science BSc
London, Bloomsbury
Crime and Security Science BSc (2025)
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.
Study mode
Duration
UK tuition fees (2024/25)
Overseas tuition fees (2024/25)
Programme starts
September 2024Application deadline
31 Jan 2024UCAS course code
Entry requirements
- 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
Pass in Access to HE Diploma with a minimum of 30 credits at Distinction and 15 credits at Merit, all from Level 3 units.
Not acceptable for entrance to this programme.
D3,D3,M1 in three Cambridge Pre-U Principal Subjects.
A,A,B at Advanced Highers (or A,A at Advanced Higher and B,B,B at Higher).
Not acceptable for entrance to this programme.
Not acceptable for entrance to this programme.
Successful completion of the WBQ Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate plus 2 GCE A levels at grades AAB.
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.Undergraduate Preparatory Certificates
The Undergraduate Preparatory Certificates (UPC) prepare international students for a UCL undergraduate degree who don’t have the qualifications to enter directly. These intensive one-year foundation courses are taught on our central London campus.
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: Level 3
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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. Students will select optional module(s) subject to grades, timetables and demand. 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.
Compulsory 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.
A 15-credit module includes 150 hours of notional student learning time comprised broadly of teaching time, independent study, assessment and feedback.
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 and Wellbeing team.
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
| Fee description | Full-time |
|---|---|
| Tuition fees (2024/25) | £9,250 |
| Tuition fees (2024/25) | £31,100 |
The fees indicated are for undergraduate entry in the 2024/25 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 2024/25 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.
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.
Scholarships
Funding opportunities relevant to the department may appear in this section when they are available. Please check carefully or confirm with the programme contact to ensure they apply to this degree programme and 2024/25 entry.
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Baxter Healthcare Scholarship
Deadline: 8 July 2024Value: £25,000/yr (based on a 3yr programme) (duration of study)Criteria Based on financial needEligibility: UK
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.
Got questions? Get in touch
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