On this course, you will consider the ethics, opportunities and threats presented by artificial intelligence (AI). You'll review how machine learning and automated technologies will impact our future world. Scientists are looking at how AI can be used to predict patterns of reoffending, how we track crimes and criminals around the globe, and how AI can be used for safer and more reliable sentencing of criminals. You will be at the cutting edge of this new field.
You'll tackle ethical dilemmas such as who is legally responsible for artificial intelligence and what happens when there is an AI crime, such as a collision with a driverless car. We will consider this in the real world and in the virtual environment, and consider what these developments mean about the nature of crime.
This course will position you at the cutting edge of this graduate job market. You will graduate with the skills, knowledge and expertise to maximise the opportunities that this new technology will provide.
The use of artificial intelligence in criminology is a contemporary issue. It is used to help analyse crime and criminal data and make informed decisions on strategy and policy. It can also improve processes in the Criminal Justice System.
You'll learn from our expert academic staff which includes leading scientists in their field and an award-winning teaching team of mathematicians, computer scientists, criminal psychologists, sociologists, experienced police officers and lawyers. You'll also take advantage of our connections with employers on work placements and projects including the HM Prison Service, Youth Justice Board, Rolls-Royce and Toyota. In our modern specialist facilities, you'll develop a range of skills and knowledge that will prepare you for a career after graduation.
At the forefront of new technology
Artificial Intelligence and criminology are both fascinating subject areas that will lead to a wide range of careers. The knowledge you will develop will allow you to tackle real-world challenges in the justice and penal system, as well as in the advancing field of artificial intelligence and how it can support these issues.
Bringing together the mathematical foundations of AI and the understating of AI systems and models, along with a mixture of disciplines such as sociology, law, psychology and philosophy, our BSc (Hons) Artificial Intelligence and Criminology course encourages you to think creatively, challenge established beliefs and develop your own research interests.
During the course, you’ll develop strong skills in the areas of investigation, management and communication with activities such as interviewing, negotiation, decision-making and research being at the heart of how you'll learn.
Expert teaching
The teaching team includes lecturers from a wide range of backgrounds including; probation, policing, law, youth justice, mental health, computing, mathematics and data science. We seek to maintain a balance between theory and practice throughout the course.
Your lecturers engage with organisations in the local community, nationally and around the world and many of us publish in journals, and textbooks and are active researchers. This allows us to provide dynamic, exciting and innovative content. We pride ourselves on providing a varied and student-centred learning experience; your programme of study has been designed by an enthusiastic and committed team.
Excellent facilities
Our industry-standard learning facilities contain cutting-edge software development tools and real-world learning spaces. You’ll get to work in:
- Computer Lab - home to our specialist hardware facilities and software access, including Python, Visual Studio, Unreal Engine, Unity, Apache, PHP, MySQL, Azure Cloud Services and DirectX/OpenGL as well as our data cave and visualisation suite
- Replica crown court – provides a practical learning space where you can take part in activities like moot court
- Custody Suite – practice in a replica modern-day police station setting including a booking-in desk, a cell and interview rooms.
You study a range of topics that include the fundamentals of mathematics and programming, the application of AI tools, contemporary issues and ethical considerations of AI tools as well as criminal investigation and intelligence gathering.
Please note that our modules are subject to change - we review the content of our courses regularly, making changes where necessary to improve your experience and graduate prospects.
Our teaching methods consist of:
- Lectures
- Seminars
- Practical sessions
- Group working
How you are assessed
A variety of assessment methods are used. Some modules are assessed through coursework only, others by a combination of:
- Coursework
- Portfolios
- Presentations
- Examinations
- Case studies
- Teamwork projects
- Computer testing and examinations
Personal academic tutoring
Your personal academic tutor will work with you to help you get the most out of your time at university. Having someone to talk to about your academic progress, your university experience and your professional aspirations is hugely valuable. We want you to feel challenged in your studies, stretched but confident to achieve your academic and professional goals.
Find out more about personal academic tutoring
2024 entry
These are the typical qualification requirements for September 2024 entry. Contextual offers may apply to students who meet certain criteria.
| Requirement | What we're looking for | | UCAS points | 112 |
| A Level | BBB-BBC |
| BTEC | DMM |
| GCSE | GCSE Maths and English Grade 4/Grade C (or above) or equivalent qualification |
| Access to HE | N/A |
English language requirements
IELTS: 6.0 (with at least 5.5 in each skills area)
How to apply
Please look at our application deadlines before you apply.
We are aware of the rapid pace of change in the dynamic AI and criminology field and are committed to helping you develop a valuable set of skills which are attractive to a wide range of employers nationally and internationally.
Our Criminology graduates have gone on to diverse roles in the police, Crown Prosecution Service, courts, probation and prison services, youth offending teams and other law enforcement agencies.
Our Careers and Employment Service can help you boost your employment skills by connecting you with employers for work placements, part-time jobs, and volunteering. They can also offer guidance on career options, CV writing, or starting your own business. There are a huge range of roles in the criminology, government and security services which require data and AI skills. Alternative students will be able to consider roles in robotics and applied AI.
If you need any more information from us, eg on courses, accommodation, applying, car parking, fees or funding, please contact us and we will do everything we can to help you.
Contact us Contact us Teaching hours
Like most universities, we operate extended teaching hours at the University of Derby, so contact time with your lecturers and tutors could be anytime between 9am and 9pm. Your timetable will usually be available on the website 24 hours after enrolment on to your course.
Additional costs and optional extras
We’re committed to providing you with an outstanding learning experience. Our expert teaching, excellent facilities and great employability prepare you for your future career. As part of our commitment to you we aim to keep any additional study costs to a minimum. However, there are occasions where students may incur some additional costs.
The information provided on this page is correct at the time of publication but course content, costs and other individual course details do change from time to time and are updated as often as possible, so please do check these pages again when making your final decision to apply for a course. Any updated course details will also be confirmed to you at application, enrolment and in your offer letter.
Included in your fees
- DBS check if required for research purposes
- We may offer a study trip if applicable and appropriate
- Local trips to visit criminal justice organisations (eg. courts, police stations) and virtual studios
- Access to online learning materials.
Please note: Our courses are refreshed and updated on a regular basis. If you are thinking about transferring onto this course (into the second year for example), you should contact the programme leader for the relevant course information as modules may vary from those shown on this page.
