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Criminology and Sociology

BA Jt Hons UCAS Code

Course overview

Learn how to make a difference to society with our BA Criminology and Sociology degree. The two subjects together will give you an understanding of people, society, crime and the criminal justice system. You’ll explore topics that touch on psychology, law, history and politics to explore our social world.

Our staff expertise across criminology, sociology and social policy means we offer a large choice of optional modules in years two and three. You could continue a passion you already have or discover completely new ideas around gender, the criminal justice processes, cults, or cybercrime.

Placements and studying abroad are other options you can take advantage of to grow professionally and personally. It’s this holistic approach to preparing you for the workplace that has put us 2nd in the Russell Group for the number of graduates in sustained employment or further study five years after graduation (LEO data for the tax year 2021/33, published in 2024). 

Teaching and learning

Modules

Core modules

6 modules

Criminology: Understanding Crime and Victimisation

ÌÇÐÄÔ­´´ the foundations of criminology and explore how crime and victimisation are defined and how they shape society. This module covers key theories and frameworks to help you understand criminal behaviour and societal reactions. You'll learn about the evolution of criminology and the production of knowledge in this field.


Introduction to the Criminal Justice 'System' in England and Wales

Explore the inner workings of the criminal justice system in England and Wales. This module covers the roles of police, courts and prisons, and examines the tensions and inequalities within the system. You'll learn about different theories of justice and the impact of political decisions on criminal justice policies.


Investigating Social Worlds

Learn the basics of social science research and how to conduct your own studies. This module covers key knowledge production, methodology and ethical debates in social science research. You'll explore various data collection methods, writing research questions, planning valid research, and you’ll understand the importance of ethics, power and standpoints in research.


Social Science Uncovered 1

Discover what it means to study social science and how it differs from natural sciences. This module introduces you to criminology, sociology, social work and social and public policy, helping you develop the skills needed for university-level social science studies.


Social Science Uncovered 2

Build on your knowledge from Social Science Uncovered 1 by exploring various social issues through criminology, sociology, social work and public policy lenses. This module uses case studies to help you understand and address contemporary social problems.


Living Together: Culture, Power, Change

The first part of the module introduces you to some of the contemporary and historical debates in social sciences in the 21st century.

The social sciences are centrally concerned with the investigation of a changing world and the recent arrival of the internet, globalisation, migration and other features will be investigated. However social science is a discipline with a long historical tradition. Here it is key that you have a working knowledge of Marx, Weber, Durkheim and Du Bois to understand the world of the 19th and early 20th century. The module explores the historical and contemporary relevance of these ideas.

The second part of the course mostly relies upon the social science thinking of the 20th and 21st century. Questions such as the impact of the arrival of the consumer society, the importance of difference and diversity, the role of utopia, the importance of art and social movements, the development of the network and mediated society, issues related to gender identity and sexuality, and our shared ideas about the urban setting and the future are all covered in this part of the course.

Overall, you will be introduced to a range of different perspectives in helping you understand a changing world.


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Entry requirements

3 years full-time

£10,050 per year

Quote marks icon

The degree was a great stepping stone into the real world. In my role I often review complex quantitative and qualitative data and compile relevant material, this is the same as the literature review process when doing a dissertation. My degree also gave me the insight, skills and understanding of legal processes that are used daily in my organisation."

Tobi Omotayo

BA Criminology

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