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University of Gloucestershire
Postgraduate taught

Criminology

PgDip

Course options

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Study type
Part Time
Course length
20 Months
Campus
Francis Close Hall, Cheltenham
UCAS Code
N/A

Course overview

Criminology is the study of crime, deviance and society – but it is so much more than that. Exploring the way we define, commit, respond to and punish crime is a vast and exciting area of work. We take a ‘real world’ approach to Criminology focusing on what happens at the current time. This also means that you’ll have many opportunities to apply your criminological knowledge in contemporary settings.

Using our strong links with a wide range of organisations, you can collaborate on projects with organisations such as Gloucestershire Constabulary, Restorative Gloucestershire, CCTV Inspectorate, community groups, business partnerships active in crime prevention and reduction initiatives, and charities providing support and training around issues such as domestic homicide, stalking, sexual violence and victim support.

Study style

The course is block-taught two days a week (currently Tuesdays and Wednesdays).

You’ll learn through seminars, workshops, lectures, field trips and projects. Your studies will be assessed through a mixture of coursework, research reports, presentations and a dissertation.

You will also have available a range of extra-curricular activities such as participating in the work of one of our specialist research groups, Sexual Violence Research Group;Homicide Research Group etc.) which all work on ‘live’ projects for external organisations.

Working on real-world challenges like these can open up opportunities for your dissertation topic and your chosen career.

You’ll be encouraged to read, watch, attend events, volunteeror get involved in things wider than just the taught sessions as a way of developing your skills and knowledge in criminological settings and enhance your employability and employment readiness.We focus on ensuring students get individual guidance, discussions with tutors and chances relevant to their interests.

Our students go on to varied jobs – from the Police, Probation and the Prison Service through to charities, local and national governments to working for private companies, sometimes internationally.

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Entry requirements

    • You should hold at least a 2.2 Bachelors Honours degree in a related subject.  We will also consider social sciences degrees such as psychology, sociology, international relations, security studies and politics

Course modules

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Fees and costs

You're viewing fees for the course option. Choose a different course option to see corresponding course fees.

Students usually support themselves through a postgraduate loan, private savings, family support or sponsorship from an employer. For advice and guidance on your funding options, contact the Money Advice team at [email protected] or call 01242 714535.

UoG graduates receive 15% off postgraduate tuition fees. Terms apply.

Start date Location Course code Fee (UK)
Total fee
Fee (international)
Total fee
Sep 2024 Francis Close Hall, Cheltenham £5,725 £11,400
Sep 2025 Francis Close Hall, Cheltenham TBC TBC
Sep 2026 Francis Close Hall, Cheltenham TBC TBC

Ready to apply?

UoG Career promise

At UoG we create a climate for bravery and growth. We instil confidence in all our students, so you can graduate career-ready and meet your ambitions.

96% of our graduates are in work or further study*, but if you’re not in a job 6 months after graduating we’ll guarantee you 6 months of free support, followed by the offer of a paid internship to kickstart your career – plus we’ll commit to lifetime career coaching. Eligibility conditions apply.

*Graduate Outcomes Survey published 2024 and based on 2021/22 leavers

Discover our promises

Careers

You’ll be able to work on live projects with partner organisations. We have links with police forces, the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner for Gloucestershire, Restorative Gloucestershire, community organisations active in crime prevention such as Gloucester City Safe, and local charities.

Students are encouraged to join one of our research groups – the Homicide Research Group, the Sexual Violence Research Group or the Prisons Research Group. They give students and staff the opportunity to work together, develop skills, create employability related contacts and experiences, create links with professionals and impact on current practices and policies.

Our graduates go on to work in various sectors, including the police, prison or probationary service. You can also make a difference within victim support organisations, or within the community with ex-offenders.

Join our Sexual Violence Research Group

We work on projects to improve sexual violence responses. We’ve delivered a report for a police force on learning from a detailed review of case files, and contributed expertise to a local authority initiative on sexual violence service provision for men and boys.

Student chatting to Helpzone adviser

Join our Homicide Research Group

We work with organisations and charities to produce research which can help reduce or prevent homicide. We’ve already produced a report for the Suzy Lamplugh Trust which has been influential in assessing risk in stalking cases. Currently, we’re working with AAFDA to produce a report for the Home Office which will look at family involvement in Domestic Homicide Reviews. We’re also working with the Police and Crime Commissioner in Sussex to produce a stalking response model.

Push your possible with a master's degree

Increase your pay potential, specialise in a subject you love, or pursue your passion and switch careers.

UoG alumni can benefit from a postgraduate scholarship discount of 15% off tuition fees.

Discover the benefits of studying a master’s degree.

Female student in lab coat looking at lab sample.

Trips and experiences

You’ll have the opportunity to join a residential field trip to explore a specialist theme such as community policing or restorative justice – recent destinations have included Belfast, Bosnia and Toronto.

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