Criminology with Counselling Skills (Including Placement Year)
- Study level:
- Undergraduate

Course summary
How can crime be prevented? Why and how should crime be punished? What motivates people to commit a crime? Criminologists engage with some of the most important and controversial issues, facing societies today.
Taught in partnership with our Department of Psychosocial and Psychoanalytic Studies, this course explores crime and society, alongside counselling which examines the nature of emotional difficulties and human relationships. You learn to be more effective in your interpersonal functioning and to offer a mature, empathic and sensitive presence to employers and those that you work with.
You study an exciting range of topics including:
-
Criminal justice systems
-
Crime and media
-
Mental health and treatment
-
Skills for counselling
-
The counselling relationship
You receive training in sociological research methods including how to design a survey, conduct interviews and focus groups. Through modules delivered by the Department of Psychosocial and Psychoanalytic Studies youโre introduced to key concepts of psychodynamic thinking which is relevant for counselling. You gain insight into the unconscious dynamics in individuals and groups and develop listening and observation, self-reflectiveness and communication skills. Youโre taught by criminologists and sociologists in our Department of Sociology. Our counselling experts in our Department of Psychosocial and Psychoanalytic Studies offer a clinical and academic approach and are acclaimed professors, clinicians and practitioners who can offer relevant, practical experience. You have the opportunity to gain practical experience and to pursue a year studying abroad or completing a work placement which can help in future employment. You can also complete a supervised dissertation on a topic that inspires you, encouraging you to think differently and connect with live issues and debates, preparing you for your graduate career.
Modules
Many of our courses offer a choice of optional modules to tailor your learning experience. More information about these can be found on the University of Essex website.
How to apply
Apply by
29 January
Application codes
- Course code:
- L335
- Institution code:
- E70
- Campus name:
- Colchester Campus
- Campus Code:
- -
Points of entry
The following entry points are available for this course:
- Year 1
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Entry requirements
Qualification requirements
UCAS Tariff - 112 - 120 points
A level - BBB
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016) - DDM
Access to HE Diploma - D: 6 credits M: 39 credits
International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme - 29 - 30 points
T Level - D
Find out more about qualification requirements for this course.
Contextual admissions
At Essex we consider your whole application โ not just grades. If you donโt meet the exact grade requirements, you may still be considered.
Weโre dedicated to helping students from underrepresented groups to access an Essex education. We may give you a Contextual Offer up to two A-Level grades below our standard conditional offer based on where you live, your school, and other details from your application. Involvement in our on-campus events may also support eligibility for a Contextual Offer.
Historical entry grades data BETA
This section shows the range of grades students (with UK A-Levels or Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diplomas) who received offers were previously accepted with (learn more). It is designed to support your research but does not guarantee whether you will or won't get a place. Admissions teams consider various factors, including interviews, subject requirements, and entrance tests. Check all course entry requirements for eligibility.
Not enough data available
We are unable to show previous accepted grades for this course. This could be because the course is new, it's a postgraduate course, there isn't enough historical data, or the provider has opted out of sharing their entry grades data for this course - learn more.
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
| Location | Fee | Year |
|---|---|---|
| England | ยฃ9250 | Year 1 |
| Northern Ireland | ยฃ9250 | Year 1 |
| Scotland | ยฃ9250 | Year 1 |
| Wales | ยฃ9250 | Year 1 |
| Channel Islands | ยฃ9250 | Year 1 |
| Republic of Ireland | ยฃ9250 | Year 1 |
| EU | ยฃ20475 | Year 1 |
| International | ยฃ20475 | Year 1 |
Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website.
Additional fee information
Fees displayed are for the 2025-26 academic year. Fees may increase for each academic intake and each academic year of study.
