Learn about crime, the criminal justice system and cutting edge themes in criminological debates from leading experts in the field.
Gain the knowledge and skills to prepare you for a wide range of careers in the Criminal Justice System and related organisations.
Successful completion of this pathway will lead to the award of one of the following from Swansea University:
Foundation - Two Semesters
September, November*, January - £17,600**
First Year - Two Semesters
September - £18,500**
September - £19,100 to £19,550**
*The November entry is the same price as 2 semester September entry but is 2.5 semesters in duration.
**Fees for 2025/2026 are subject to change. See Pathway and Fees Summary for more details.
You can apply via our application portal, Study Link.
Before you submit your application, please make sure that:
Please note: If you are a citizen/permanent resident of the United Kingdom and have not lived outside of the UK for at least three years, you may not be eligible to apply via The College, Swansea University. Admissions staff will review your application and get in touch to advise you.
There are both English Language and Academic Entry Requirements for Foundation and First Year study.
You can be admitted directly to First Year if your academic qualifications do not require a Foundation stage of study. For details of the requirements for students of your country, please visit our Academic Entry Requirements page.
In addition to the above, all students will be required to demonstrate a suitable level of English language ability. Information on these requirements, and on the qualifications that we accept, can be viewed on our English language requirements page.
Critical Thinking
The module provides students with a fundamental knowledge base and intellectual skills associated with thinking critically. Also covered is understanding the basic requirements for building and consolidating a reasoned argument, issues of neutrality and bias and an emphasis is placed on the issue of the credibility of ideas, texts and evidence.
Assessment: In-class tests, essay
IT Support
Comprehensive understanding of current ICT issues is essential in the modern world. Through this module students will gain the skills to equip them in the use of common productivity and content management software programmes. This module will emphasise the use of Microsoft Windows packages including PowerPoint, Excel and Word as a platform for further study.
Assessment: Class test (unweighted)
Academic Writing
Aiming to assist students in improving their academic performance in terms of writing and presenting, Composition and Style dedicates time to allowing students to understand the importance of feedback and reflection in order to improve future performance. The module therefore provides students with the fundamental knowledge base and skills required at undergraduate level.
Assessment: Essays, examination
Legal Skills 1
The purpose of this module is to develop the skills that are required to be able to study effectively. The module will interlink with the other foundation law modules, providing students with the knowledge and ability to utilise academic databases and journals through a series of tasks which will have direct relevance to the topics being studied in other modules. Students will develop an in depth understanding of the English legal system and its sources of law.
Assessment: Research, presentation
Legal Skills 2
This module will build students' skill and confidence in research and legal communication to further embed their understanding of the application of law to factual scenarios and case-studies. The module builds on Legal Skills 1 and will be a highly interactive course in which students will learn by doing and continue to advance their skills in reading statutes, judgements, legal journals and academic sources. Students will develop oral presentational and written argument skills and will be able to analyse legal and academic sources. The Legal Skills 2 module allows students to expand their areas of research based on semester 2 core modules and explore the different legal professions while developing their own employability skills. Students will continue to reflect upon their performance and identify areas for improvement.
Assessment: Coursework, Presentation
Law of Tort
This module introduces a range of torts protecting a variety of different interests in relation to loss. Examples of loss can include physical damage to the body or to property, interference with land use and enjoyment of land. The module focuses on the fundamental principles of liability with reference to negligence, occupiers' liability and nuisance.
Assessment: Class tests
Legal System
The module provides an introduction to the legal infrastructure operating within the United Kingdom. The module will confirm the basics of what the law seeks to achieve within a democracy, identification of the main classifications and sources of law, and a detailed examination of the process of parliamentary and judicial law making. In addition it will deliver a study of the Human Rights legislation-which seeks to enhance the students’ ability to apply law to a theoretical scenario.
Assessment: Examination
Contract Law
The module provides an introduction to the basics of contract law within the UK Discussions cover the formation principles governing offer, acceptance, consideration and the intention to create legal relations. This module also considers the content of contracts, the incorporation of different terms and the common law and statutory controls on exclusion clauses as well as practical drafting techniques employed by contract lawyers. The common law remedy of damages for breach of contract will also be covered
Assessment: Examination
Public Law
Here, an introduction to the structure of the UK legal system, system of government and Parliament from both theoretical and practical viewpoints is offered. The module will provide students with an understanding of UK constitutional law and theory, giving them the ability to critically evaluate the merits and demerits of a variety of contemporary issues affecting a modern United Kingdom.
Assessment: Examination
Criminal Law
This module considers the principles and policies behind the decision to criminalise certain types of behaviour, and analyse the different approaches which may be taken. Crime will be examined from both a conceptual and practical approach, following the development of the offence over time. The module will also consider the future direction of the criminal law and reform.
Assessment: Examination
As this course is an Integrated First Year, students are required to study 120 credits of Swansea University Modules.
These modules can be found on Swansea University's Criminology Page.
In addition, students must study the following College modules:
Research and Study Skills (ILSC) 1
This module aims to help students to develop their academic English, communication, research, and critical reasoning skills to be successful undergraduate students. A subsidiary aim of this module is to ensure that students develop transferable skills that help them to take responsibility for their personal, academic and professional development.
Assessment: Presentation, group work, written assessments
Academic Support Tutorial
The aim of the support tutorials is to provide academic support and guidance to students on a year 1 Integrated programme with The College, Swansea University. Each pathway has a distinct Academic Support Tutorial allowing students to receive tailored support in areas such as progression, discussion and debate, communication and organisation.
Assessment: None
All Foundation Year programmes will be taught on the Bay Campus. First and further years are taught on the Singleton Park Campus of Swansea University.
Recommended textbooks for this course are available in the University libraries, but you may choose to purchase personal copies. All software needed for the course is available on the University network for use within University computer rooms. Free wireless internet access is available across the whole of the University campus, including halls of residence. Personal costs such as purchase of stationery, photocopying costs, parking fees or travel between the campuses are not included in your tuition fees.
You will need to purchase a personal electronic calculator for statistics (approx. £10).
You may need to pay for a Disclosure and Barring Service Check (DBS) at a cost of £44 (price as at November 2017) for some Independent Research projects in Year Three or for students taking the Psychology Work Placement module.
If you have any queries about this programme, please contact us at the-college-enquiries@swansea.ac.uk or call +44 (0) 1792 602 888.
