Criminology at the University of Bedfordshire sits apart from Bedfordshire's Business, Computer Science, and Nursing programs, drawing on a different academic tradition entirely. Like the rest of Bedfordshire's degrees, it follows the university's threshold-based, access-focused admissions model rather than a comparative review.
This article covers entry requirements, fees, admission documents, English-test rules, and career outcomes for Criminology at Bedfordshire.
Entry Requirements
Bedfordshire does not publish an acceptance rate for Criminology or any other course, consistent with standard UK practice. The published entry threshold is the same general undergraduate bar that applies across Bedfordshire's degrees: roughly a Year 12 average of 60% (or equivalent), two A-level passes at grade C and D minimum, an International Baccalaureate score of 24 points, or a recognized Foundation qualification.
We found no evidence of a Criminology-specific academic threshold distinct from this general undergraduate bar in the sources reviewed; confirm directly with Bedfordshire's admissions team if you want a programme-specific target.
Fees and Cost of Attendance
Criminology students pay Bedfordshire's standard undergraduate international fee.
| Course type | Fee |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate (taught) | £16,800 per year |
Bedfordshire's International Undergraduate Subject-Specific Scholarship and A Level/IB Scholarship (each up to £5,000 off tuition per year) apply to eligible international fee-payers; check current eligibility for Criminology specifically on Bedfordshire's scholarships page. For the full university-wide cost picture, see the University of Bedfordshire guide.
Admission Requirements
- A fully completed application form
- A personal statement outlining your interest in Criminology specifically
- One letter of reference, or the name and contact details of at least one referee
- A copy of your current passport
- Academic transcripts and certificates (can follow initial application)
- English language examination results (if not available at initial submission)
How to Get Into Bedfordshire's Criminology Programme
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Meet the published general undergraduate threshold for your country, since Criminology does not appear to carry its own separate, higher academic bar beyond Bedfordshire's standard entry criteria.
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Build your personal statement around a genuine interest in criminal justice, policy, or the criminal justice system, since this is the one document in the initial application that lets you differentiate your profile for a specific subject.
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Get your personal statement and reference in order early, since Bedfordshire's initial application only requires four documents, and a complete submission moves faster than one with missing pieces.
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Sort out English proficiency proof as early as possible, since you can submit it after your initial application but starting the testing process early avoids it becoming the last blocker before your CAS letter.
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Apply for the subject-specific or A-level/IB scholarship at the same time as your application, since Bedfordshire's scholarships are tied to the admissions cycle.
English Proficiency Requirement (IELTS/TOEFL)
We were not able to retrieve a specific, Criminology-level IELTS, TOEFL, or PTE minimum for direct degree entry from the pages we could access during this research. Treat any number you see quoted elsewhere for "Bedfordshire Criminology IELTS requirement" as unverified until you check the specific course page directly, or contact admissions at +44 (0)300 3300 703.
On the Student visa (SELT distinction): where a Secure English Language Test specifically applies, for example for Bedfordshire's pre-sessional pathway, the accepted tests are IELTS for UKVI and PTE Academic UKVI, not standard IELTS Academic or TOEFL. TOEFL iBT is not on the UK's approved SELT list. For the full picture, including the pre-sessional pathway thresholds by course length, see the University of Bedfordshire guide.
Career Outcomes and Graduate Route Relevance
Bedfordshire's specific graduate employment-rate figures for Criminology were not available on the pages we were able to access during this research. If career outcomes data matters to your decision, check the UK government's official Discover Uni service (discoveruni.gov.uk), which publishes HESA-sourced graduate outcomes data by course and institution.
Graduate Route visa: Bachelor's graduates currently qualify for 2 years of post-study work permission if they apply on or before 31 December 2026, dropping to 18 months for applications made on or after 1 January 2027. The Graduate Route does not require a job offer or a sponsoring employer, making it a genuinely open window to find UK employment, including in roles across policing, probation, youth justice, and the wider criminal justice and social policy sector that Criminology graduates commonly move into.
FAQ
Does Bedfordshire publish an acceptance rate for Criminology? No, consistent with standard UK practice. Admission runs against published general undergraduate thresholds rather than a comparative admit rate.
How much does Criminology cost at Bedfordshire for international students? £16,800 per year, the same as Bedfordshire's standard undergraduate international fee, with scholarships of up to £5,000/year available to eligible applicants.
What IELTS score do I need for Bedfordshire Criminology? We could not confirm a specific course-level minimum from official sources; confirm directly with Bedfordshire admissions before booking a test.
Can I apply before I have my English test score? Yes. Bedfordshire's initial application doesn't require it; you can submit it as a supporting document afterward.
Can I stay in the UK after graduating? Yes, via the Graduate Route visa, generally 2 years for a bachelor's degree if you apply by 31 December 2026, dropping to 18 months for later applications.