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An image to illustrate the Diploma of Higher Education in Criminology and Law
Crime, justice and the workings of the law affect us all and often dominate the news. This diploma takes a critical and analytical view of the role and functions of the legal system, and examines its relationship with crime, criminal behaviour and criminal justice. You’ll explore issues such as the law’s role in society, processes of criminalisation, violence and inequality, and their implications for justice. You'll gain the ability to critically assess everyday understandings of crime and criminal justice, as well as the social, political, and ethical dimensions of law, and understand the institutions behind criminal justice and legal systems.
W52
Diploma of Higher EducationUndergraduate240
Part-time – 4 years
Full-time – 2 yearsOctober 2026February 2027
Distance learning
Explore the complex issues behind today’s crime, law and justice headlines Understand, interpret and apply concepts about crime and law to the real world Develop transferable employability skills to support career progression Build a solid foundation for further study
A nationally recognised qualification in its own right, this diploma of higher education is also equivalent to the first two-thirds of the BA (Honours) Criminology and Law (Q92).
W52
Diploma of Higher EducationUndergraduate240
Part-time – 4 years
Full-time – 2 yearsOctober 2026February 2027
Distance learning
This criminology and law diploma has two stages, each comprising 120 credits.
At Stage 1, you’ll begin with a broad introduction to criminology, thinking about the ways in which the study of crime has been informed by a variety of disciplines. You'll also be introduced to key social problems and criminal justice responses. Next, you'll explore criminal law and the courts, looking at how the criminal law operates in real-life scenarios and how the English criminal justice system operates within the wider legal system.

ModulesCreditsStart month
You'll start your diploma with:
Introduction to criminology (DD105)60Oct | Feb
You'll complete this stage with:
Criminal law and the courts (W111)60Oct | Feb

At Stage 2, you'll begin by developing your knowledge and understanding of criminological concepts and theories, with a focus on how these concepts and theories can help you to understand, interpret and reinterpret the social world in new and exciting ways. Next, you'll explore the relationship between the state and the individual in the UK by considering the UK constitution and some areas of administrative law. You'll then go on to learn about the law of evidence, which determines what evidence the courts can consider within court proceedings

ModulesCreditsStart month
You'll study the following:
Understanding criminology (DD212)60Oct | Feb
Public law (W211)30Oct
Evidence law (W250)30Feb

By studying this diploma, you’ll:
Understand crime, justice and legal systems – explore criminological theories and how legal systems respond to crime, harm and justice. Think critically and build arguments – analyse concepts, evidence and policies in criminology and law, developing well-reasoned, structured arguments. Apply professional skills – plan and manage work independently, collaborate effectively, and present findings for varied audiences. Research and interpret evidence – work with data, legal and social-scientific sources, and digital tools to reach informed conclusions.
You’ll be supported by tutors, quality study materials, and online tutorials, including current criminology and legal practice examples.
You’ll be awarded a Diploma of Higher Education in Criminology and Law upon successful completion.
You’ll also have the opportunity to attend a degree ceremony.
If you plan to work or study outside the UK, we recommend checking whether this qualification meets local requirements. Find out more about the international recognition of Open University qualifications.
As a student of The Open University, you should be aware of the content of the qualification-specific regulations below and the academic regulations that are available on our Student Policies and Regulations website.
Diploma of Higher Education in Criminology and Law
We regularly review our curriculum to keep it up to date. This means the structure, availability, and content of the course or modules may change. We’ll update this page as soon as possible if there are any changes. If you have already registered for this qualification, we’ll inform you in good time of any upcoming changes where practicable. For more details, see our Academic Regulations or contact us.
You can achieve this diploma in as little as two years and have a maximum of 12 years to complete it. Our module-by-module approach gives you the flexibility to complete your qualification at a pace that works best for you.
You can complete this diploma in two years by studying at a pace equivalent to full-time. That’s similar to a student at a campus-based university.
You'll study 120 credits a year You'll need 32–36 hours per week
You can complete this diploma in four years by studying part-time. That’s roughly half the rate of a student on a full-time course at a campus-based university.
You'll study 60 credits a year You'll need 16–18 hours per week
At the OU, flexibility and support go hand in hand. You’ll be in control of when and where you study, with clear deadlines to guide your progress. Whether you’re balancing work, family or other commitments, our approach helps you fit learning into your life. Students consistently praise the support we provide, and from the very start, you’ll be part of a vibrant OU learning community.
As you progress through your qualification, you’ll have access to a dedicated online study space, expert tutor guidance, optional live tutorials, and a wide range of resources to help you succeed. The sections below outline what you can expect.
Your module website will be a central hub for your learning, giving you easy access to:
a weekly study planner, along with course materials like reading, videos, recordings, and self-assessed activities module discussion forums and collaborative activities to connect with other learners a clear overview of assignments and due dates tools to book tutorials, access online tutorial rooms, and contact your tutor.
Discover how the OU’s module websites, course materials, and support tools help you study online with confidence.
Each module has a dedicated tutor who will guide you through your studies. They’ll provide feedback, help you find resources, mark your assignments and support your learning journey.
For extra support, you can attend optional live tutorials with your tutor. These are usually conducted online, and most are recorded so you can review them later.
See how OU tutors and tutorials help you build confidence, connect with others, and get the support you need to succeed in your studies.
Our assessments reinforce what you’ve learned and show your understanding. Assessment types vary by module and may include:
Computer-Marked Assignments – often multiple-choice questions completed online. Tutor-Marked Assignments – tasks like essays, questions, experiments, or other activities. You’ll submit them by a set deadline and receive detailed feedback from your tutor. End-of-Module Assessments – These are the final marked assignments for most modules. Modules with an end-of-module assessment usually don’t have an exam.
Throughout your studies, you’ll have access to a wide range of support services and be part of a vibrant learning community. Our subject-specific Student Support Teams can help with general queries and any updates to your OU account. You’ll also benefit from:
access to the OU’s extensive online library, filled with study resources the ability to use other university libraries across the UK and Ireland the online Help Centre, offering study tips and support free access to Microsoft Office 365 software IT support through our Computing Helpdesk the chance to connect with the OU community.
Discover the support network and learning tools you'll have access to throughout your studies.
There are no formal entry requirements for this qualification.
If you’ve studied at university level before, you may be able to transfer the academic credit you've been awarded towards an OU qualification. This could save you time and money by reducing the modules you need to study.
It’s not just university study that can be considered; you can also transfer study from a wide range of professional or vocational qualifications, such as HNCs and HNDs.
You should apply to transfer credit before registering, at least four weeks before the registration closing date. We will need to know what you studied, where, and when, and you will need to provide evidence of your previous study.
For more details and to download an application form, visit our Credit Transfer website.

4 years
£4,088*
A diploma is worth 240 credits. The fee per year is based on studying 60 credits per year for 4 years.
£16,352*
Our qualifications cost less than equivalent-level qualifications offered at campus-based universities.
Compare the cost of studying at the OU with other campus-based universities in England.
Honours Degree
Honours Degree
Total cost at campus university*
Total cost at campus university*
£29,370
£29,370
Total cost at The Open University**
Total cost at The Open University**
£24,528
£24,528
Saving with The Open University
Saving with The Open University
£4,842
£4,842
Diploma of Higher Education
Diploma of Higher Education
Total cost at campus university*
Total cost at campus university*
£19,580
£19,580
Total cost at The Open University**
Total cost at The Open University**
£16,352
£16,352
Saving with The Open University
Saving with The Open University
£3,228
£3,228
Certificate of Higher Education
Certificate of Higher Education
Total cost at campus university*
Total cost at campus university*
£9,790
£9,790
Total cost at The Open University**
Total cost at The Open University**
£8,176
£8,176
Saving with The Open University
Saving with The Open University
£1,614
£1,614
Qualification
Qualification
Total cost at campus university*
Total cost at campus university*
Total cost at The Open University**
Total cost at The Open University**
Saving with The Open University
Saving with The Open University
Honours Degree
Honours Degree
£29,370
£29,370
£24,528
£24,528
£4,842
£4,842
Diploma of Higher Education
Diploma of Higher Education
£19,580
£19,580
£16,352
£16,352
£3,228
£3,228
Certificate of Higher Education
Certificate of Higher Education
£9,790
£9,790
£8,176
£8,176
£1,614
£1,614
*Based on maximum chargeable fees for the 26/27 academic year.
**The fee information provided here is valid for modules starting before 31 July 2027. Fees typically increase annually. In England, fees are subject to the part-time fee limit, as set out in section 5 of the University's Fee Rules.
Your course fees cover your tuition, assessment and study materials, but there are still a few additional costs that can come with studying. For this qualification, you'll need:
a computer and the internet to access our learning resources and to participate in online tutorials.
*The fee information provided here is valid for modules starting before 31 July 2027. Fees typically increase annually. In England, fees are subject to the part-time fee limit, as set out in section 5 of the University's Fee Rules.

Over 85% of our students in England fund their studies with a Tuition Fee Loan, meaning they pay nothing upfront.
Repay in monthly instalments while you study.
Pay for each module with a debit or credit card in one quick, simple payment.
More than 1 in 10 OU students are sponsored by their employer.
Combine your payment options to fund your studies the way you want.
If you’re a serving member of the British Armed Forces (or you’ve recently left), you may be eligible to use ELCs to cover up to 100% of your course fees.
You may be eligible for:
help with study-related costs like set books and internet access a free introductory Access module to build your confidence and skills funding to study an OU qualification for free from our Carers’ Scholarships Fund if you are, or have recently been, an unpaid carer a Care Experienced Scholarship to study an OU qualification for free if you're care experienced and aged 25 and under a Sanctuary Scholarship to study an OU qualification for free if you’ve been displaced from your homeland for political, economic, ethnic, environmental, or human rights pressures funding from our Scholarship for Black Students to study an OU qualification for free if you identify as being from a Black background
The Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA) is a government grant to cover study support costs if you have a disability. It’s not means-tested, and there’s no age limit. Visit our Supporting students with disabilities page to find out more. If your disability is a result of being injured in, or due to, military service, you could be eligible for our Disabled Veterans’ Scholarship Fund.
As well as the specific knowledge gained from studying this diploma, you'll develop many transferable and work-related skills that are highly valued by employers. You will develop skills in critically scrutinising and reassessing everyday understandings of crime and criminal justice, as well as knowledge of the key institutions which make up criminal justice and legal systems. You will study some of the foundations of legal knowledge and develop legal research skills as well as skills of comprehension, analysis and presentation.
This diploma opens up a diverse range of career paths, including:
advice work community development the crown prosecution service housing human resources local government mental health support and drug rehabilitation the police, prison and probation services refugee and victim support crime and justice social and youth work.
Outside of criminal justice and legal professions, typical employers include:
banks and insurance companies charities the NHS educational institutions HR departments local and central government.
Once you register with us (and for up to three years after you finish your studies), you'll have full access to our careers service for a wide range of information and advice. This includes online forums, website, interview simulation, vacancy service, as well as the option to email or speak to a careers adviser. Some areas of the careers service website are available for you to see now, including help with looking for and applying for jobs. You can also read more general information about how OU study enhances your career.
In the meantime, if you want to do some research around this qualification and where it might take you, we've put together a list of relevant job titles as a starting point. Some careers may require further study, training and/or work experience:
adult guidance worker advice worker chartered accountant Civil Service administrator community development worker housing manager/officer human resources officer local government officer police officer prison officer probation officer crime and justice worker social worker trading standards officer youth worker.
Credit transfer: apply by 13/08/2026
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Credit transfer: apply by 13/08/2026
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