BA (Hons) Criminology and Psychology with foundation year Bachelor's degree at Coventry University
BA (Hons) Criminology and Psychology with foundation year at Coventry University. The foundation year supports students who may not have traditional A-level qualifications or who wish to strengthen their academic foundation before progressing to the main course.
About this course
CU Coventry is committed to high quality, cost-effective learning opportunities. We are also committed to keeping our pricing structure simple, transparent and easy to understand. From the provider’s course page.
BA (Hons) Criminology and Psychology with foundation year is a Bachelor's degree (BA (Hons)) at Coventry University, based in CU Coventry. It runs 4 years, studied full-time.
For Social sciences graduates from this provider, 85% were in work or further study 15 months after graduating, 57% in highly skilled roles, typical earnings around £27,000. (HESA Graduate Outcomes / LEO, via Discover Uni.)
For the typical curriculum, specialisations, career paths and graduate earnings for Law, see the sections below.
Course evidence score
The arithmetic mean of the official measures available for this course: NSS satisfaction, graduate activity and continuation.
Published threshold met NSS publication requires sufficient responses; small differences are not a rank. NSS mean of 7 published themes (Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)
Stronger evidence Published sample: 185. Cohort 2021-23. Graduate Outcomes work or further study 85% (2021-23; Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)
Published threshold met Discover Uni suppresses continuation data below its publication threshold. Cohort 2022-23. Continuation 78% (2022-23; Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)
Curriculum & modules
Real modules published for this course, grouped only where the source gives a year, stage or level.
Foundation year 4 modules
- Introduction to the English Legal SystemCompulsory30 credits
Module details
Ensures understanding of primary concepts, terms and processes in the practice of laws in England and Wales, interpretation and application of legal rules, with focus on contemporary case studies and current issues.
- Contract LawCompulsory30 credits
Module details
Learn what constitutes a valid and enforceable contract, obligations, rights of third parties, contract terms, discharge of contract, misrepresentation, vitiating factors and legal reasoning.
- Criminal Law and PracticeCompulsory30 credits
Module details
Encompasses criminal theory and criminal process, general principles of criminal law, liability through acts and omissions, offences involving dishonesty and non-fatal offences against the person, murder/manslaughter, criminal damage, defences, and criminal litigation system of England and Wales including advocacy in virtual courtroom.
- Academic and Professional Skills for LawyersCompulsory30 credits
Module details
Skills needed for effective legal practice, including creating and drafting client care documents, legal reasoning, critical thinking, decision-making, professional conduct, client care, interviews and communications.
Year one 4 modules
- The Psychology of Criminal BehaviourCompulsory30 credits
Module details
Examines criminal behaviour through criminological and psychological theories, exploring decision-making, rationalisation and criminogenic risk factors. Key concepts include social identity, cognitive development and self-regulation.
- The Criminal Justice SystemCompulsory30 credits
Module details
Introduces the English legal system, focusing on sources of law, criminal justice institutions and legal personnel. Explores wider contextual landscape of the law, examining key issues like truth, justice and the rule of law. Introduces legal research skills.
- Crime Patterns and AnalysisCompulsory30 credits
Module details
Introduces different types of criminal activity, focusing on relationships between types of crimes, offenders and representations in the media. Examines patterns and trends relating to violence, acquisitive crimes, public order offences and organised crime.
- Principles of Investigation: Theory and PracticeCompulsory30 credits
Module details
Introduces investigative concepts, issues and approaches. Covers nature of formal investigations, investigative mindset, methods, processes, management and accountability that govern investigations.
Year two 4 modules
- Crime, Nature and ResistanceCompulsory30 credits
Module details
Explores complex connections between crime, the environment and activism, from eco-crimes and corporate harm to radical resistance movements such as Extinction Rebellion and Just Stop Oil. Uncovers how notions of law, power and justice shape our planet.
- Psychology in Forensic ContextsCompulsory30 credits
Module details
Examines how psychology has shaped effective models, frameworks and practical strategies in the forensic field. Covers policing to court systems and prisons, showing how psychology plays a vital role in navigating and improving these complex environments.
- PolicingCompulsory30 credits
Module details
Introduces key issues relating to policing democratic societies, including critical evaluation of relationships among police, state and citizen. Assesses independence of the police and their interdependence within the wider criminal justice system. Explores concepts of consensus, legitimacy and accountability.
- Punishment and ControlCompulsory30 credits
Module details
Explores history and current issues of criminal sanctions, examining theories of punishment and risk management. Critically assesses effectiveness of custodial and community sentences, addressing prison diversity, privatisation and reintegration.
Final year 5 modules
- Rehabilitation and Criminal JusticeCompulsory30 credits
Module details
Examines rehabilitation in the criminal justice system and responses to criminogenic factors impacting offenders from diverse backgrounds. Explores role of preventive rehabilitation with people at risk of becoming offenders and factors that reduce criminal behaviour.
- Forensic Mental HealthCompulsory30 credits
Module details
Critical and theoretical exploration of the intersection between mental health, crime and justice. Draws on theory from criminology, psychology and forensic psychiatry to analyse the relationship between serious mental illness, violence, victimisation and (in)justice.
- VictimologyCompulsory30 credits
Module details
Focuses on political, social, cultural and popular constructions of victims of crime and wider social harms. Places critical focus on victimisation experiences of marginalised social groups. Considers how technology and global insecurity affect the way people experience being victims of crimes today.
- Aggression, Violence and Serious OffendingOptional30 credits
Module details
Critically examines key theories behind aggression, violence and serious offending. Applies knowledge to authentic case studies and scenarios to understand how to support service users and professionals.
- Violence and ExploitationOptional30 credits
Module details
Explores violence and exploitation in childhood and adulthood worldwide. Investigates incidence, prevalence, reporting and theoretical frameworks. Covers research ranging from individual crimes to global organised crime, examining impacts on victims/survivors and justice systems.
Placement year 2 modules
- UK Work PlacementOptional
Module details
Provides opportunity to reflect upon and gain experience for an approved placement undertaken during the programme. Placement should usually be at least 26 weeks or equivalent.
- International Study/Work PlacementOptional
Module details
Provides opportunity to reflect upon and gain experience for an approved international study/work placement undertaken during the programme. Placement should usually be at least 26 weeks or equivalent.
Source: provider course page. Modules can change; required/optional status, credits, descriptions and assessment are shown only when explicitly published.
Course in depth
What this course covers, who it suits and where it leads.
What you'll study
A BA (Hons) Criminology and Psychology with foundation year combines study of criminal behaviour and psychological principles with the law. You'll move from foundational concepts in year one through core topics and into specialist areas. A course like this typically begins with Criminal Law, covering offences, defences and criminal liability, alongside Public Law on the UK constitution and human rights. You'll progress through practical modules in Tort Law and its application, then move to specialised options in areas such as commercial law, criminal justice, human rights and employment law. Throughout, you'll develop critical analysis of how psychology informs criminal behaviour and legal practice, culminating in independent research or supervised legal work.
Who it's for
This course suits students interested in understanding crime, criminal justice, and human psychology. You might be considering careers in law enforcement, criminal justice, forensic psychology, or legal practice. The foundation year is particularly valuable if you're entering university without A-levels or equivalent qualifications, or if you'd benefit from additional preparation before beginning your main degree studies.
University & format
This is a full-time degree at Coventry University, a UK university founded in 1970 and based in Coventry. The course runs for 4 years and is taught in English. Coventry University is a recognised UK degree-awarding body; this BA (Hons) qualifies as a nationally recognised degree. The university holds a Gold rating for teaching quality in the Office for Students' TEF 2023.
Student satisfaction
How students on this course answered the National Student Survey, by theme.
Share of students responding positively.
Published threshold met NSS publication requires sufficient responses; small differences are not a rank. NSS mean of 7 published themes (Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)
Applicant information
The next application dates for this course, followed by facts the provider publishes.
- 2027 entryCompleted applications can be submitted
Your application needs a reference before you can send it.
- 2026 entryFinal date for 2026 applications
Applications must reach UCAS by 18:00 UK time.
- 2026 entryLast day to add a Clearing choice
Check that this course still has a vacancy before adding it.
- 2027 entryEqual-consideration deadline
18:00 UK time for most undergraduate courses.
Show 5 later dates
- 2027 entryUCAS Extra opens
Applicants who used all five choices and hold no offer may be able to add another choice.
- 2027 entryLast day applications go directly to providers
Applications received after 18:00 UK time are entered into Clearing.
- 2027 entryClearing opens
Eligible applicants can see vacancies and release themselves into Clearing.
- 2027 entryFinal date for 2027 applications
Applications must reach UCAS by 18:00 UK time.
- 2027 entryLast day to add a Clearing choice
Check that this course still has a vacancy before adding it.
Placement year. Availability, selection and pay can vary.
See and book current events. Dates can fill or change.
Entry & how to get in
Who gets in
What recently admitted students actually held, official admissions data, not a stated requirement.
UCAS tariff of entrants
Grades are the A-level equivalent of each points band. Tap a band to check your own chances below.
Qualifications held on entry
| Qualification | Share |
|---|---|
| A-levels or equivalent | 93% |
| Other | 3% |
| another higher-education qualification | 2% |
| an Access course | 1% |
| No / unknown prior qualifications | 1% |
Entry & your chances
An honest read from the official entry data, plus your personal match.
Accepted students came in with a broad spread of qualifications and UCAS points. If you're worried about grades, this course has historically taken a wide range, and contextual offers may apply.
Will you get in? Plot your grades
Pick your predicted A-levels and watch your UCAS points land on the real spread of students admitted to this course.
Each bar is the share of admitted students in that UCAS-points band (lower → higher). Grades show the A-level equivalent.
Based on the official admitted-student tariff distribution. Many universities make contextual (reduced-grade) offers, so a result below the range doesn’t rule you out.
How to apply
Undergraduate applications go through UCAS. Here’s what matters for this course, the right deadline, the grades to aim for, and the steps in order.
- 1Register on UCAS Hub
Create your UCAS application and add this course. One application covers up to five choices.
- 2Write your personal statement
A single statement covers all your choices, so keep it broad enough for similar courses while showing genuine interest in this subject.
- 3Submit by 13 January 2027, 18:00 UK time
UCAS equal-consideration deadline for most undergraduate courses. Source: UCAS 2027 dates.
- 4Reply to your offers
When decisions are in, pick a firm (first) choice and an insurance (back-up) choice with slightly lower grades.
- 5Results day & confirmation
On results day (mid-August) your place is confirmed if you meet the offer. Just missed? Talk to the university, or find a place through Clearing.
Fees & funding
What this course costs and how UK student finance covers it.
Tuition per year
Standard capped home fee at English providers (2026/27); Scotland, Wales & NI differ.
Check fees at Coventry University →For students who normally live in England
2026/27 Student Finance England figures. Maintenance support is means-tested and this two-point view is not an entitlement calculator. The course total uses its published length and home fee where both are available; a missing full-time fee uses the clearly labelled England-cap scenario, while part-time fees and unknown lengths are never guessed. Use the official calculator. Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland use separate systems: SAAS, Student Finance Wales, and Student Finance NI.
Starting on or after 1 January 2027?
The Lifelong Learning Entitlement is a separate system. A new learner’s tuition entitlement is currently stated as £39,160 (about 480 credits at 2026/27 fee levels), subject to prior study and eligibility. Check the official LLE guide.
Paying for it
- Tuition Fee Loan: can cover eligible tuition up to the applicable limit and is paid straight to the provider.
- Maintenance Loan: up to £10,830/yr away from home outside London (England, 2026/27), means-tested on household income.
- Repayment: 9% of income above £25,000, nothing below it; written off after 40 years.
- Earn alongside: most students work part-time in term, part-time roles on the StudySmarter job board.
England figures shown; Scotland, Wales & NI run their own schemes, check gov.uk.
Scholarships & bursaries you could qualify for
That does not mean no funding exists. Check the university directory for current amounts, eligibility and application dates.
We only display a named award when its provider source identifies the award and who it is for.
Still deciding what to study?
StudyKit brings course choice, applications and funding together in one place, with a personal AI assistant. Find what really fits you and start your UCAS application step by step.
Careers & earnings
What Law graduates actually earn, from real outcome data, 15 months, 3 years and 5 years after graduating.
Graduate earnings: this course
| When | Median | Typical range | Graduates |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15 months after | £27,000 | £24,000 – £31,000 | 185 |
| 3 years after | £22,500 | £17,000 – £28,500 | 510 |
| 5 years after | £28,000 | £21,500 – £36,000 | 520 |
Nominal earnings for graduates of this course/subject at this provider. Stronger evidence. Published sample: 185. Cohort 2021-23.
Graduate outcomes, 15 months on: this course
- 1Paralegal / TraineeTraining contract or pupillage route · 0–2 yrs
- 2Solicitor / BarristerQualified practitioner · 2–5 yrs
- 3Senior AssociateLeading matters and clients · 5–9 yrs
- 4Partner / In-house CounselPartnership or heading legal · 9+ yrs
How pay grows: this course vs Law nationally
National figures for Law graduates, HESA Graduate Outcomes (15 months) and the Longitudinal Education Outcomes (LEO) dataset (3 & 5 years). These are national, not university-specific; actual pay varies by employer, region, role and experience. Different cohorts, so the bars are not one group over time.
Work out your pay
Headline figures hide a lot. Calculate realistic take-home pay for this field by role, region and experience, then check your CV before you apply.
What happened to 100 students?
Choose an outcome to translate the published percentage into a simple 100-person view. Each dot represents one percentage point, not an individual tracked student.
were in work or further study
15 months after graduation
Source: Discover Uni, using Graduate Outcomes and continuation data. Cohorts: 2021-23. Stronger evidence. Published sample: 185. Cohort 2021-23. Each tab is a separate published measure; categories can overlap and should not be added together.
Value compared with similar courses
How this course’s 5-year median earnings compare with Law courses at the same study level.
Compared with 1,352 courses with compatible official earnings data. This is a course-value comparison, not a quality ranking.
UK occupations graduates enter
Published graduate destinations, joined conservatively to UK SOC 2020, ONS pay and Skills England demand.
- Administrative occupationsSOC 2020 41 · 12% of published destinations · ASHE median £27,006
- Business and public service associate professionalsSOC 2020 35 · 11% of published destinations · ASHE median £38,760
Discover Uni JOBLIST/JOBTYPE; ONS ASHE 2025 provisional, all employee jobs; Skills England Occupations in Demand 2025. SOC is shown only for an exact normalised label match; demand is shown only at exact four-digit SOC. Published sample: 885; response rate: 50%. Pay describes the occupation across workers, not a guaranteed graduate salary.
Job market & outlook
How Law graduates fare in the labour market, and how AI is reshaping the work.
How AI is changing the work
AI doesn't replace the profession, it shifts it: routine tasks get automated, while judgement, working with people and using AI well become more valuable.
What AI takes off your plate
- First-pass document review
- Standard contract drafting
- Legal research summaries
- Routine due diligence
More human than ever
- Advocacy and negotiation
- Judgement on ambiguous facts
- Client trust and ethics
- Strategy in disputes and deals
The strongest graduates pair subject depth with the ability to use AI tools critically.
Roles & employers
Where Law graduates typically go, indicative destinations from graduate career data. Each role links to live openings on the StudySmarter job board.
Roles graduates go into
Where they work
- Law firms
- Barristers' chambers
- In-house legal teams
- Government Legal Service
Jobs after this course
Current roles from the StudySmarter job board that suit Law graduates.
Law Firm Associates of all Practice Areas: Discuss your Overseas Relocation with Duke and Rawson – Australia/Asia/Middle East/Europe/Offshore/UKDuke and RawsonLaw Enforcement Success SpecialistAurorLaw Firm HR & Operations Lead - 12-Month ContractCharalle GroupLaw Firm Finance & Practice Manager, Leadership & OpsMcKinlay LawLaw Internship: Disputes & IBC – In-OfficeCanon SphereLaw Firm Front Desk & Guest Services (Oxford)Owen ReedIs this course right for you?
The essentials UK applicants ask about: finance, outcomes, entry and quality.
Student finance
For comparison, the standard full-time England tuition cap is up to £9,790 per year in 2026/27; the actual fee varies by course and provider. If you normally live in England, eligible students can apply for a Tuition Fee Loan, plus a Maintenance Loan for living costs. Under Plan 5 you repay 9% of income above £25,000, nothing below that, and the balance is written off after 40 years.
Where graduates go
85% were in work or further study 15 months after graduating, with a median salary of £27,000. See the full breakdown in Careers & earnings above.
Your entry chances
Use the UCAS points calculator above to see how your predicted grades compare with admitted students, and whether a contextual offer could apply.
Official-data snapshot
Averaging the official measures published for it, this course scores 8.2 out of 10: NSS 83.3% · in work or study 85% · continued 78%.
Who studies here and in this subject?
Provider- and UK subject-level context.
Coventry University
Law across the UK
HESA student record 2024/25. Counts are rounded.
Local crime-data context
A neutral snapshot around the published teaching location.
Around CU Coventry
2,605 street-level reports returned within roughly one mile across 2026-04 to 2026-06.
Police.uk street-level API. Approximate locations, not confined to campus. England, Wales and Northern Ireland; not Scotland.
Is Law right for you?
Tick what applies to you and see how good a fit it is.
International students
What applying to Coventry University from outside the UK involves: fees, English, visa, funding and living costs.
Tuition fees
International tuition is set per course by Coventry University; international fees are typically £12,000–£30,000/year for classroom subjects and higher for lab/clinical ones. You’re not eligible for UK Tuition Fee or Maintenance Loans, so plan for fees plus living costs upfront.
English language
Most UK undergraduate courses ask for around IELTS 6.0–6.5 (no band below 5.5–6.0), or an accepted equivalent. If you’re just short, most universities run a pre-sessional English course that counts towards the requirement.
Student visa
You’ll usually need a Student visa (Student Route). After you accept an offer the university issues a CAS; you then show funds for fees plus about £1,023–£1,334/month living costs and pay the Immigration Health Surcharge for NHS access.
Scholarships & funding
Many universities offer international/global scholarships (often £2,000–£6,000/yr), check Coventry University’s funding pages.
Living costs
Budget roughly £1,100–£1,400/month outside London and £1,400–£1,800/month in London for rent, food and travel; the figure also matters for your visa.
Working while you study
A Student visa usually allows up to 20 hours/week in term time and full-time in holidays, useful alongside study, though not something to rely on for fees.
Visa rules and fees change. Always confirm the current requirements with Coventry University and gov.uk before you apply.
Related courses
More at Coventry University
Common questions
How competitive is entry?
What are the entry requirements?
What do graduates go on to do?
What will it cost me?
Request information about BA (Hons) Criminology and Psychology with foundation year
Prospectus, key dates, entry and funding, free to your inbox.