2025/26 entry Applications also open for 2024/25
BA (Hons) Criminal Justice
Why study Criminal Justice at Liverpool John Moores University?
- Taught by lecturers with frontline experience and international reputations for research and writing
- Visits to courts, prisons and local agencies to see the criminal justice system in action
- Wide range of career paths, from police to prison officer to drug support worker
- Highly vocational course with opportunities for volunteering and work placements
- Dedicated careers advisor and graduate development centre to help you search for employment
- International Foundation Year course available offering direct progression onto this degree programme - visit LJMU's International Study Centre to find out more
About your course
The BA (Hons) Criminal Justice at Liverpool John Moores University is informed by extensive links with criminal justice system practitioners and delivered by expert academics with frontline experience.
If you are interested in the causes and consequences of crime and want to pursue a career in the criminal justice system, this course offers a practical and vocational route to working in spheres such as policing, probation, prisons, youth justice or drugs and alcohol. The fascinating field of deviance, delinquency and criminality is ideal for anyone who wants to get to the root of why people commit crime and how society deals with them.
Your studies focus on the now and you will critically consider key contemporary criminal justice issues within modern British society. You will be able to see the criminal justice system in action by visiting courts, prisons and a variety of criminal justice agencies, by undertaking fieldwork or work placements and by being actively encouraged to seek out voluntary work.
"I started the Criminal Justice course with no prior study or experience. I can't emphasise enough how much it has changed the person I am today I am much more open-minded, and it has really challenged me to view things from a different perspective. I always thought I wanted to go into the Police Service however, I now want to help people stuck in the justice system and actually helping them break the cycle of the revolving door in and out of criminal justice."
Fees and funding
There are many ways to fund study for home and international students
Fees
The fees quoted above cover registration, tuition, supervision, assessment and examinations as well as:
- library membership with access to printed, multimedia and digital resources
- access to programme-appropriate software
- library and student IT support
- free on-campus wifi via eduroam
Additional costs
Although not all of the following are compulsory/relevant, you should keep in mind the costs of:
- accommodation and living expenditure
- books (should you wish to have your own copies)
- printing, photocopying and stationery
- PC/laptop (should you prefer to purchase your own for independent study and online learning activities)
- mobile phone/tablet (to access online services)
- field trips (travel and activity costs)
- placements (travel expenses and living costs)
- student visas (international students only)
- study abroad opportunities (travel costs, accommodation, visas and immunisations)
- academic conferences (travel costs)
- professional-body membership
- graduation (gown hire etc)
Funding
There are many ways to fund study for home and international students. From loans to International Scholarships and subject-specific funding, you'll find all of the information you need on our specialist funding pages.
Employability
Career opportunities in the criminal justice field are wide and varied and recent graduates are working as:
- police officers
- community support officers
- trainee probation officers
- probation service assistants
- arrest referral and bail support team workers
- drug and alcohol support workers
- prison officers
- social workers
- youth workers
- victim/witness support workers
Student Futures - Careers, Employability and Enterprise Service
A wide range of opportunities and support is available to you, within and beyond your course, to ensure our students experience a transformation in their career trajectory. Every undergraduate curriculum includes Future Focus during Level 4, an e-learning resource and workshop designed to help you to develop your talents, passion and purpose.
Every student has access to Careers Zone 24/7, LJMU's suite of online Apps, resources and jobs board via the LJMU Student Futures website. There are opportunities for flexible, paid and part-time work through Unitemps, LJMU's in-house recruitment service, and we also offer fully funded Discovery Internships.
One-to-one careers and employability advice is available via our campus-based Careers Zones and we offer a year-round programme of events, including themed careers and employability workshops, employer events and recruitment fairs. Our Start-Up Hub can help you to grow your enterprise skills and to research, plan and start your own business or become a freelancer.
A suite of learning experiences, services and opportunities is available to final year students to help ensure you leave with a great onward plan. You can access LJMU's Careers, Employability and Start-up Services after you graduate and return for one-to-one support for life.
Go abroad
LJMU aims to make international opportunities available to every student. You may be able to study abroad as part of your degree at one of our 100+ partner universities across the world. You could also complete a work placement or apply for one of our prestigious worldwide internship programmes. If you wanted to go abroad for a shorter amount of time, you could attend one of our 1-4 week long summer schools.
Our Go Citizen Scheme can help with costs towards volunteering, individual projects or unpaid placements anywhere in the world. With all of these opportunities at your feet, why wouldn’t you take up the chance to go abroad?
Find out more about the opportunities we have available via our Instagram @ljmuglobalopps or email us at: goabroad@ljmu.ac.uk.
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What you will study on this degree
Please see guidance below on core and option modules for further information on what you will study.
Further guidance on modules
Modules are designated core or optional in accordance with professional body requirements, as applicable, and LJMU’s Academic Framework Regulations. Whilst you are required to study core modules, optional modules provide you with an element of choice. Their availability may vary and will be subject to meeting minimum student numbers.
Where changes to modules are necessary these will be communicated as appropriate.
Level 4
Core modules
Crime, Law and Criminalisation I
20 credits
This module aims to provide a critical discussion of the basic substantive criminal law (in terms of relevant case and statute law), but also aims to relate the substantive criminal law to its application in the criminal justice process in practice, as well as to its socio-legal context in wider society. You will be able to provide an understanding of the basic principles by which responsibility in the criminal law is assessed, and the socio-legal context underpinning these principle through lectures, workshops and online activity.
History of Crime and Criminal Justice
20 credits
This module introduces you to the history of crime and crime control. It aims to provide you with the historical background essential for an understanding of contemporary criminal justice, and examines the historical context for current criminological debates. The module encourages you to begin to think critically about the history of crime and criminal justice and provides an introduction to historical sources and methodology, as well as an analysis of the background to contemporary debates.
Criminal Justice System
20 credits
The module aims to explore the criminal justice process in England and Wales. Students will learn about: police powers, including the power to stop and search; crime control and due process models of policing; sentencing and punishment.
Criminological Theory
20 credits
This module will provide students with an understanding of historical and contemporary criminological theories, and highlight how these have shaped and influenced the modern day criminal justice system and responses to crime and deviance.
Media, Public and Criminal Justice
20 credits
This module introduces students to the relationship between the media, the public and issues of criminal justice. It will demonstrate how the media influences 'common sense' assumptions and political decision making around crime and justice. It will also highlight the importance of 'the public' in the contemporary criminal justice sphere. Students will develop a fundamental understanding of the interactions and relationships that exist between the media, the public and issues of crime and justice.
Personal and Academic Development in Criminal Justice
20 credits
In this module you will develop your academic skills in writing and critical analysis. The module will develop your awareness of sources of information that are presented using a variety of media. Through the development of team working skills you will also have an improved understanding of the court system in England and Wales.
Level 5
Core modules
Injustices in a 'Just' System
20 credits
This module will encourage students to critically reflect on the concepts of injustice and justice, inequality, poverty, power and powerlessness. Students will be encouraged to think about how these concepts impact on the experience of people processed through and experiencing the system of justice.
Decision Making in Criminal Justice
20 credits
This module will build on students' knowledge of the decision making process in criminal justice in England and Wales.
Professional Development in Criminal Justice
20 credits
The aim of this module is to provide students with the ability to develop self-awareness and identify skills to improve their employability in criminal justice and allied areas. Students will also gain an understanding of the relationship between theory, policy and the experience of practice in various criminal justice agencies.
Criminal Justice Policy, Practice and the Evidence Base
10 credits
This module provides you with a critical awareness of how policy has developed in the criminal justice system in England and Wales. You are introduced to the theories and concepts of policy formation and you will consider case studies of the creation, implementation and delivery of criminal justice policy across the sector. The module will help you develop your critical thinking skills in reflecting upon the impact of criminal justice practice. The sessions will discuss all key institutions within criminal justice work the police, probation, prisons, youth justice, and courts and engages with significant pieces of policy and legislation that continue to shape how the criminal justice system functions. The focus on policy making issues overlaps with course content concerning the Criminal Justice Process whilst the emphasis on reviewing research-informed articles will help advance the skills development that the research methods and dissertation modules develop.
Victimology
20 credits
The overall aim of this module is to develop a more meaningful understanding of victims of crime and to critically explore their role and experiences within the criminal justice system. Students will develop a critical appreciation of the conceptual development of victims and victimology as an academic discipline and also evaluate the notions of victimhood and explore challenges for victim service provision.
Criminal Justice Research
10 credits
This module covers the range of research methodologies, both qualitative and quantitative, used within criminal justice and the researching of crime. Students will be provided with an overview of the development of research and evaluation within criminal justice in the last 50 years, and why it is so important. The course allows students to consider the practical and ethical considerations in research, and allows them to develop skills in producing a literature review and research proposal for an original project.
An Introduction to Penology
20 credits
This module allows you to pursue a more in-depth study of two of the main criminal justice institutions, Prison and Probation services. The design and delivery surrounding their administration has remained the subject of intense debate and controversy throughout their history. Therefore, you will be encouraged to critically engage with these debates taking into consideration the theory, policy, and practice which surrounds community and custodial interventions.
Optional Modules
Study Year Abroad - Criminal Justice
120 credits
This is an additional year of full-time study at an approved higher education institution. The modules to be studied must be agreed in advance, and must be appropriate for the student's programme of study
Level 6
Optional Modules
Contemporary Issues in Prisons and Probation
20 credits
The aim of this module is to enable you to develop your learning and understanding of penology building on the introductory course at level 5. You will be given the opportunity to critically evaluate and consider contemporary issues in penology with a clear focus on the theory, policy and practice which surrounds community and custodial interventions.
Policing
20 credits
The overall aim of the course is to develop a more meaningful understanding of the police as an organisation and to critically explore the role policing plays within wider understandings of crime and criminology.
Youth Justice
20 credits
This module will provide you with a critical understanding of the position of youth in society today, the relationship between youth and crime, and the range of ways in which criminal justice responds to youth crime in England and Wales. It will provide you with knowledge of the past and current policy and legislation relating to young people. You will have the opportunity to develop practice skills of assessing seriousness, suitability and risk assessment in relation to offences and sentences for young people, as well as oral presentation skills by preparing and completing the module's assessed presentation.
Dissertation
40 credits
The dissertation module requires students to select a problem or issue within criminal justice, to locate this within existing literature, and to conduct independent research generating data which forms the basis of a written thesis. Students will be allocated an individual supervisor and support will be available throughout the process.
Regulation, Harm and Victimisation
20 credits
Within this module, you will be introduced to the area of governance, regulation and regulatory bodies in the context of non-conventional harm and victimisation. You will also be able to critically investigate non-conventional harm and victimisation and explore and apply concepts such as regulation, accountability and justice.
Comparative Criminal Justice
20 credits
The overall aim of this module is to examine the practices, policies, and philosophies of criminal justice in different cultural and geographical contexts and provide an overview of different types of criminal justice systems around the globe. This module will therefore provide a critical understanding of the development of alternative justice processes across the globe.
Green Criminology and Environmental Crime
20 credits
This module aims to raise student awareness of issues relating to the nature, extent and typology of environmental crime. The module also aims to stimulate critical evaluation of the current responses to environmental crime, and of green criminology's contributions to the debate about the most effective responses.
Violence and Society
20 credits
This module aims to develop advanced and theoretically-informed knowledge of the range of typologies of violence that exist in society, the nature and extent of different forms of violence, and the challenges of regulating violence
Substance Use, Society and Criminal Justice
20 credits
This module aims to provide students with a broad understanding of the sociocultural place of substance use. It will investigate different paradigms and perspectives on substance (mis)use and explore relevant drug policy. The module will also seek to provide a comprehension of how we practically respond to substance use via treatment interventions.This module attempts to critically deconstruct the role and place of substance use in contemporary society. Furthermore it will provide an analysis of the legitimacy of drug policy and the efficacy of interventions with substance (mis)users.
Teaching and work-related learning
Excellent facilities and learning resources
We adopt an active blended learning approach, meaning you will experience a combination of face-to-face and online learning during your time at LJMU. This enables you to experience a rich and diverse learning experience and engage fully with your studies. Our approach ensures that you can easily access support from your personal tutor, either by meeting them on-campus or via a video call to suit your needs.
You will spend around 12 hours per week in the classroom, and around 25 hours working independently, including three hours preparing for each lecture and tutorial, two hours for each of your module assignments, and volunteering time. As the course progresses, the modules become more focused on preparing you for work in the criminal justice system and in your final year you will be able to specialise in the areas that interest you most, whether they be vocational or more abstract topics.
Work-related Learning
The second year Professional Development in Criminal Justice module, for instance, includes mock job interviews and CV writing assessments, and in your final year you get the chance to perform real-life fieldwork or secure work placements in your own area of interest.
We also strongly encourage you to seek out voluntary work at all stages of the programme, as the experience will significantly enhance your CV and put you in a strong position once you start to compete on the open job market. A member of staff will advise you about specific work-related opportunities and act as a link mentor, liaising with local organisations on your behalf.
Support and guidance
Dedicated personal tutor, plus study skills support
Our staff are committed to making sure you get the most out of your three years at LJMU and encourage you to come to them for advice and guidance. For example, your personal tutor and module leaders will meet you on a one-to-one basis if you wish to discuss course-related issues or an assessment, and your link mentor will help you to secure a work placement or volunteering position.
There is plenty of support available throughout the assessment process too. On top of the support offered by academic staff, you will be given written guidelines, hints and tips and there will be revision and recap sessions for all modules as well as study support classes.
Assessment
Assessment varies depending on the modules you choose, but will usually include a combination of exams and coursework.
We acknowledge that every student is unique and may perform differently depending on how they are being assessed, and so a variety of assessment methods are used. They include: group presentations (some pre-recorded and edited by students); assessed teaching sessions led by groups of students; exams (seen/unseen and online multiple choice); written work (essays, literature reviews, reports); and practical assessments (e.g. court reports, mock interviews and CVs).
Once you have completed an assessment, feedback is given within three working weeks of submission, so that you can promptly discuss your marks with your tutor and establish where you are performing well and areas for improvement.
Course tutors
Our staff are committed to the highest standards of teaching and learning
Dr Kate Bates
Programme leader
I am programme leader for the BA Criminal Justice and LLB Law and Criminal Justice programmes in the School of Justice Studies at LJMU. I have worked at LJMU for 18 years now, having joined as a Senior Lecturer in Criminal Justice in September 2002, before becoming Principal Lecturer and Programme Leader in Criminal Justice in April 2011, and then Senior Lecturer and Programme Leader in November 2019
I am very interested, in both teaching and research terms, in how the criminal law is applied in criminal justice practice, and in philosophical debates on the form and functions of criminal law.
Facilities
What you can expect from your School
Based within the John Foster Building, in the Mount Pleasant Campus, the School of Justice Studies is a leading provider of education in Policing Studies, Criminology and Criminal Justice. We provide specific training for policing students wishing to enter the service as a graduate recruit. The John Foster Building has many outstanding facilities, including well-equipped IT Suites, a light-filled Student Common Room and dedicated study areas. At the back of the John Foster Building is the Aldham Robarts Library, which gives 24 hour access to an exceptional range of materials to support your studies.
Entry requirements
Please choose your qualifications below to view requirements
Grades/points required from qualifications: BBC-ABB (112-128)
Qualification requirements
GCSEs and equivalents
A levels
BTECs
Extended Diploma: DMM-DDM
Access awards
International Baccalaureate
Acceptable on its own and combined with other qualifications
OCR Cambridge Technical
Acceptable on its own and combined with other qualifications
Irish awards
Acceptable on its own and combined with other qualifications
T levels
Please Note: All international qualifications are subject to a qualification equivalency check.
Application and selection
Securing your place at LJMU
UCAS is the official application route for our full-time undergraduate courses. Further information on the UCAS application process can be found here https://www.ljmu.ac.uk/study/undergraduate-students/how-to-apply.
We are looking for students who are keen to learn issues of crime, criminality, criminology and criminal justice. This course is designed to relate relevant theory to practical knowledge and experience in order to provide the skills for future employment in a criminal justice related field.
The university reserves the right to withdraw or make alterations to a course and facilities if necessary; this may be because such changes are deemed to be beneficial to students, are minor in nature and unlikely to impact negatively upon students or become necessary due to circumstances beyond the control of the university. Where this does happen, the university operates a policy of consultation, advice and support to all enrolled students affected by the proposed change to their course or module.
Further information on the terms and conditions of any offer made, our admissions policy and the complaints and appeals process.