Sociology with Criminology BSc (Hons)

The course offers an in-depth understanding of the key social and criminological issues and challenges affecting our lives today and in the future, alongside giving you the skills needed to explore and respond to such issues independently.

In Year 1 (Level 4), you will develop an understanding of what social science is, key themes within the discipline, and how social scientists look at and study the world using theory and research skills. You will then be introduced to people's journeys through the criminal justice system from the perspectives of practitioners, victims and suspects, developing a critical understanding of differential experiences of policing, courts, prisons, and probation. You'll also explore the role of the media in contemporary society and the ways that different groups are represented. Another key topic concerns environmental changes and their interconnection with global inequalities, enabling you to participate in debates on ecology and climate change.   

The information listed in this section is an overview of the academic content of the course that will take the form of either core or option modules and should be used as a guide. We review the content of our courses regularly, making changes where necessary to improve your experience and graduate prospects. If during a review process, course content is significantly changed, we will contact you to notify you of these changes if you receive an offer from us.

In Year 2 (Level 5), you will build on your learning and skills, by engaging in theoretically informed debates on contemporary social issues such as mobilities, globalisation, status, social class, and decolonisation. You will also study race, ethnicity, nationality and citizenship in a historical perspective that takes account of power and inequalities. This entails an exploration of how human mobility and the categorisations of groups of people transform societies, and how these social phenomena can contribute to and explain continued social inequalities. You will also learn about how historical treatments of mental illness have created false representations that connect mental illness with criminality, risk and dangerousness. You will examine how these constructions contribute to the stigmatisation of individuals who have mental health vulnerabilities and are in contact with the Criminal Justice System. 

In Year 2, you are also offered opportunities to put your learning into practice through real-world experience, for example, projects with local organisations, studying abroad, learning a language or engaging with a research project, to support and develop your future career plans.  

The information listed in this section is an overview of the academic content of the course that will take the form of either core or option modules and should be used as a guide. We review the content of our courses regularly, making changes where necessary to improve your experience and graduate prospects. If during a review process, course content is significantly changed, we will contact you to notify you of these changes if you receive an offer from us.

In Year 3 (Level 6), key topics explored include the sociology of consumption, where you will engage in critical consideration and reflection on the predominance of consumer culture in our everyday lives, and the social and ecological implications of this. Education is another key topic, where you will critically evaluate its role in society, placing such debate within the wider context of neoliberalism, capitalism and postmodern thinking. Furthermore, you will consider the role of social science outside of academia, and its potential to promote positive social change through engaging the public and making social scientific knowledge more accessible. This will involve critical discussions of the role of dominant power interests in shaping public knowledge of social issues and inequalities, and the potential of social science to provide counter-narratives and advocate for marginalised communities. In addition, you will get the chance to consolidate your knowledge and skills through undertaking an independent project on a key social issue of your choice, with continued support and guidance from experienced researchers.

The information listed in this section is an overview of the academic content of the course that will take the form of either core or option modules and should be used as a guide. We review the content of our courses regularly, making changes where necessary to improve your experience and graduate prospects. If during a review process, course content is significantly changed, we will contact you to notify you of these changes if you receive an offer from us.

Students from countries outside the UK are expected to have entry qualifications roughly equivalent to UK A Level for undergraduate study and British Bachelor's degree (or equivalent) for postgraduate study. To help you to interpret these equivalents, please click on your country of residence to see the corresponding entry qualifications, along with information about your local representatives, events, information and contacts.

We accept a wide range of qualifications and consider all applications individually on merit. We may also consider appropriate work experience.

English Language Requirements

• IELTS Academic: Undergraduate: 6.0 (minimum 5.5 in each band)
• Postgraduate: 6.5 (minimum 5.5 in each band)

For more information on our entry requirements, please visit International Entry Requirements.

In November 2024, as part of the government’s Autumn Budget, it was confirmed that some foundation years from September 2025 will have a fee of £5,760 for the first foundation year of a four-year course. This is mainly for courses in the Humanities, Business, and Social Sciences disciplines. The following three years of these courses will be the standard fee of £9,535 per annum.

* For courses which accept applications from International Students

Your course will involve additional costs not covered by your tuition fees. This may include books, printing, photocopying, educational stationery and related materials.

Students often elect to purchase a laptop, where students choose to do so, the cost it likely to be around £800-£1000.

Most software specific to your course is available free to students through agreements we have with the software vendors. 

Occasional, optional, field trips may be offered, depending on student demand, these are typically within the UK and where chargeable the cost is likely to be under £100. Students are not required to participate in order to successfully complete the course. 

If you are living away from home during your time at university, you will need to cover costs such as accommodation, food, travel and bills.