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Key information
UCAS code:
LM40
Typical offer:
96-112 UCAS points to include a minimum of 2 A levels, or equivalent
Clearing Hotline: 023 9284 8074
Showing content for section Overview
Overview
Apply now through Clearing
If you have your results, you can apply directly to us now to start in September 2024.
People are not born criminals. On this course, you’ll explore sociology, crime and how human relationships and social structures influence behaviour. You’ll discover how power dynamics and inequalities create crime. And you’ll see people who break and enforce the law in a new light.
With many diverse options to choose from, you can tailor this BSc (Hons) Sociology with Criminology degree around topics that fascinate you – from identity issues, such as race and sexuality, to issues of experience, such as happiness, gang crime or serial killing.
Modules are taught by experts who draw directly from their research activity – to give you the latest knowledge in the field.
Read more about our excellent research in Area StudiesThe Â鶹AV is ranked the number 1 modern university for research quality in Area Studies.
Course highlights
- Explore sociology, crime and interrelated topics informed by our latest research, from a curriculum constantly updated to reflect new ideas in areas such as gender, class and sexuality
- Learn how to persuade others through evidence-based argument, by taking a critical look at different ideas of society, crime and justice
- Be taught by leading criminologists and sociologists on key topics ranging from offending behaviour to issues of inequality, and hear about impactful research such as the Researching Migrant Homelessness project
- Go beyond issues of crime to explore the human experience more broadly – from migration to inequalities, from food to celebrity culture
- Work with students from other courses to consider possible solutions to environmental and social challenges faced by communities around the world
- Practice analysing human behaviour through social research, so you can gain insights to help improve people’s wellbeing
- Customise your sociology and criminology degree to match your ambitions – some modules reduce the amount of time you’d need to train for a policing career or as a probation officer
- Have the opportunity to do a work placement year after your second or third year on this Connected Degree - we're the only UK university to offer flexible sandwich placements for undergraduates
- Choose to learn a foreign language for free as part of your degree, from a selection of Arabic, British Sign Language, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Mandarin or Spanish
![Anti-Fraud Education Partnership ACFE logo](/sites/default/files/styles/accolades/public/media/images/webimage-331E664C-B920-4691-93964DB590682E00.jpg?itok=gCxy-UXQ)
94%
of graduates in work or further study 15 months after this course
(HESA Graduate Outcomes Survey 2021/22)
100%
of students said teaching staff were very good or good at explaining things
(NSS 2023)
Top 30
for student satisfaction
(Times Higher Education, 2024)
Recognised by:
The module Economic Crime and Fraud Examination is recognised by ACFE (a global professional body for counter fraud professionals) and undertaking it provides opportunities for full-time students to complete the Certified Fraud Examiner qualification at a subsidised rate.
Courses in Sociology
Hear our students and lecturers explain the benefits of studying a sociology course with us.
Chloe: I think I wanted to study sociology because it's got so many different components that you can't find it not interesting.
Dr Joseph Burridge: We offer three courses: Sociology, Sociology with Psychology and Sociology with Criminology.
Dr Rusten Menard: On our sociology courses, we offer a broad range of topics.
Joseph: Social inequalities and injustices, gender and sexuality, about race and racism, about nationalism, about the emotions, about food. It's a very versatile course.
Abby: At uni, it's interesting because everybody comes from a range of different places. You kind of learn about things that can relate to your life and people in your classes lives.
Rusten: It makes me feel amazing that students can connect their everyday experiences to these much larger topics that we're all dealing with on an everyday basis, even though we don't know that we are.
Joseph: There's a range of reasons that students will study the course, but I think that the most important one is that they're interested in understanding society and also wanting to change it.
Chloe: We’ll be sat in the seminar and everyone from different corners of the room is bringing in their own opinion.
Rusten: There are so many different kinds of jobs that our students go into, such as HR, marketing, the
Abby: charities sector, non-government organisations,
Asan: a higher education lecturer, a social researcher.
Chloe: I went and did a month out in Tanzania and I was working in a school there and I got picked to do that because I did sociology.
I chose to study at the Â鶹AV because I just love the city as a whole.
Asan: It's a beautiful city. There’s lots to do here. There's always somewhere I could go.
Chloe: It's great that you can have that city environment with the kind of fast pace of life but you can walk 15 minutes up the road and be on a beach, relaxing, having an ice cream.
Asan: All the lecturers, the staff, they're very knowledgeable. You can go to them for anything. You can tell when your lecturer is really excited about the topic and that makes you feel more excited about the topic too.
Joseph: The thing I enjoy most, I think is the student journey. Meeting them on that very first day, they're fresh to the institution and then seeing them develop over the three or four years that they're here and ultimately seeing them graduate and, you know, having them come back and tell us how they're getting on and what they're doing. That's one of the most rewarding parts of it.
Contact information
Contact AdmissionsClearing Hotline: 023 9284 8074
Clearing is open
This course is available through Clearing.
Apply now through Clearing
If you have your results, you can apply directly to us now to start in September 2024.
How to apply for accommodation
We have a variety of accommodation options, including studios, en-suites, catered, self-catered and private rental options. See how our housing team can help you find a place to call home.
Clearing FAQs
To work out your UCAS points, use our UCAS Calculator to work out how many UCAS points you have.
The tariff calculator will allow you to see what grades you need to get into your preferred course at Â鶹AV.
You can apply through Clearing if:
- You don't meet the conditions of your offer for your firm (first) or insurance (second) choice courses
- Your exam results are better than you expected and you want to change your course or university
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- You've accepted an offer but changed your mind about the course you want to do
- You're applying for the first time after 30 June 2024
After we make you an offer we'll send you a confirmation email. This email will let you know what you need to do next and it will tell you what you need to provide us. In some instances we may ask you to send us copies of certificates or you may need to send us a portfolio.
If you've previously applied through UCAS you'll need to use your UCAS Hub to accept our offer by adding us as your Clearing choice.
If you're having issues, please contact us on +44 (0)23 9284 8090 or admissions@port.ac.uk
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See our accommodation page for more information.
No, it's not too late and you should make your application for student finance as soon as possible. You don't have to wait for your results. You can make your application now and just amend it when you know where you're going to be.
If you've already applied for your student loan, you'll need to log into your account and update details about your new course/university. If you haven't applied for your student loan yet, don't panic. Apply today – it only takes 30 minutes.
Find out more in our Student finance for Clearing guide.
If you're an EU or international student and you need a visa to study here, you need to start the process quickly as visas can take some time to come through. Get in touch with our visa support team if you have a question or problem.
See more on visa advice.
If you would like further information or guidance, please contact our international office or call our International Clearing Hotline on +44(0)23 9284 8785.
Clearing Hotline: 023 9284 8074
Entry requirements
Entry requirements for BSc (Hons) Sociology with Criminology
Typical offers
- A levels - BBC-CCC
- UCAS points - 96-112 points to include a minimum of 2 A levels, or equivalent (calculate your UCAS points)
- T-levels - Merit
- BTECs (Extended Diplomas) - DMM-MMM
- International Baccalaureate - 25
You may need to have studied specific subjects –
English language requirements
- English language proficiency at a minimum of IELTS band 6.0 with no component score below 5.5.
We also accept other standard English tests and qualifications, as long as they meet the minimum requirements of your course.
If you don't meet the English language requirements yet, you can achieve the level you need by successfully completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course.
Typical offers
- A levels - BBC-CCC
- UCAS points - 96-112 points to include a minimum of 2 A levels, or equivalent (calculate your UCAS points)
- T-levels - Merit
- BTECs (Extended Diplomas) - DMM-MMM
- International Baccalaureate - 25
You may need to have studied specific subjects or GCSEs -
English language requirements
- English language proficiency at a minimum of IELTS band 6.0 with no component score below 5.5.
We also accept other standard English tests and qualifications, as long as they meet the minimum requirements of your course.
If you don't meet the English language requirements yet, you can achieve the level you need by successfully completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course.
We look at more than just your grades
While we consider your grades when making an offer, we also carefully look at your circumstances and other factors to assess your potential. These include whether you live and work in the region and your personal and family circumstances which we assess using established data.
Careers and opportunities
Choosing to study sociology and criminology together opens up a wide range of potential careers, both in and out of the criminal justice system. Whether you’re attracted to careers that involve working closely with other people, or roles that call for rigorous and structured thinking, you’ll be well prepared.
This is because you’ll graduate from this sociology and criminology degree with a set of skills that are transferable to all kinds of professions. Those skills include:
- insight into people and social dynamics
- critical thinking and analysis
- qualitative and quantitative research
- the ability to shape and communicate an argument
For proof that a wide range of employers value these skills, look at the diversity of roles our recent graduates have taken on. They include: police officer, recruitment consultant, litigation paralegal, digital forensics assistant and victim support caseworker.
What areas can you work in with a sociology with criminology degree?
You’ll graduate ready to pursue a career or further training in areas such as:
- health and social care
- law enforcement
- probation
- counselling
- advertising, marketing and media
- teaching and lecturing
- human resources and recruitment
- business administration and personnel management
You could also progress into research-related jobs or pursue further research and study at postgraduate level.
What jobs can you do with a sociology with criminology degree?
Job roles you could take on include:
- social researcher
- probation officer
- investigative analyst
- police officer
- human resource manager
- counsellor
- teacher
- charity worker
- detention custody officer
We are one of a select few universities in the UK recognised by the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners (ACFE) - a global professional body for counter fraud professionals.
If you take the optional module Economic Crime and Fraud Examination on this course, you'll have the chance to complete the ACFE's Certified Fraud Examiner qualification at a subsidised rate.
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Ongoing career support – up to 5 years after you graduate
Get experience while you study, with support to find part-time jobs, volunteering opportunities, and work experience.
Towards the end of your degree and for up to five years after graduation, you’ll receive one-to-one support from our Graduate Recruitment Consultancy to help you find your perfect role.
Placement year (optional)
After your second or third year of study, you can choose to do a paid work placement year in the UK or overseas. This lets you put your new skills to work while developing valuable links with employers.
It’s fantastic for your CV and will really help you stand out when applying for jobs.
We’ll help you secure a work placement that fits your aspirations – whatever they might be. For example, a recent student joined an anti-poaching operation in South Africa.
Mentoring and support throughout your placement will help you to get the most from the experience.
You can also spend this year studying overseas at one of our partner universities in Europe.
You could also choose to set up your own business, or take a voluntary placement.
![Prague cityscape](/sites/default/files/styles/statement_mobile/public/media/images/prague-work-abroad.jpg?h=fd8ffeb6&itok=5jeKlBqS)
Study abroad year
Between your second and third year, you can choose to study abroad at one of our partner universities in Europe, Asia, Australia or North America. All classes are delivered in English and you'll still be able to get both your tuition fee and maintenance loans. You may also qualify for a .
"Students that go abroad are more likely to obtain first-class honours [and] more likely to be in graduate employment than their non-mobile peers."
Universities UK International: 'Gone International, Rising Aspirations', 2019
Modules
Each module on this course is worth a certain number of credits.
In each year, you need to study modules worth a total of 120 credits. For example, four modules worth 20 credits and one module worth 40 credits.
What you'll study
Core modules
You'll look at the historical development of criminal justice, as well as the duties of the criminal justice agencies that exist today, and how they work together.
You'll also explore the ideas behind the different types of punishment used within the criminal justice system.
You’ll critique contemporary topics and debates to understand how sociologists make sense of the social world in radically different ways than common assumptions.
As well as reviewing current research and theories, you’ll gain crucial skills you’ll need to succeed in your degree and become an independent, creative thinker.
You'll spend most of your time learning how to analyse data for your research, looking at both quantitative and qualitative methods, and how to examine data ethically.
You'll learn about ways of collecting data, such as surveying, interviewing and observation, before drawing conclusions and presenting what you've learned.
You'll learn how to create clear research plans that investigate real-world issues, and how research can be used to make positive changes in business, government, advocacy or academia.
You'll examine traditional and modern social theories in relation to your own personal experiences and current events happening in society today.
Get to grips with the big ideas in social theory and how they can be used to understand modernisation, power structures, social justice and the human condition.
As you learn, you'll also develop skills in critical analysis, conceptual thinking and effective communication.
You'll examine the origins of criminology, considering the rise of the scientific study of crime and criminality.
You'll also think about the social, cultural, political and economic factors that led to the development of the study of criminology that we know today.
Core modules
You'll work as part of a small group with your fellow students, choosing a sociology problem to research and designing a project to investigate it.
You'll work together to create research strategies, collect and analyse data, and share findings - taking your project from idea to completion.
Your research project will help you gain skills in working with others and progressing your work through peer feedback. You'll also learn how sociological research evidence is created and used for different purposes.
You'll examine the criticisms and challenges of criminology as a social science, thinking about the part it plays in creating social order.
You'll also explore theories of social control and cultural resistance through debate and published ideas on the subject, which will help you develop an understanding of justice and dissent.
Optional modules
On this module, you’ll critically analyse the complex economic, political, cultural and environmental impacts of consumption, thinking creatively about alternatives and solutions to the many controversies surrounding consumerism today.
By evaluating theories and research on consumerism, advertising, fashion, credit, debt and more, you’ll develop an insightful understanding of the profound consequences of our consumer lifestyles.
More information on this module will be available soon.
You'll explore the topic of illicit substances and their legal categories, while thinking about the historical and contemporary developments of the illegal drug trade and its impact on communities within a global context.
You'll consider drug use within prisons, festivals and within the LGBTQ+ community, analysing and debating prohibition, activism and harm reduction within a criminological context.
Moving from the street gangs of London to Chinese Triads and the international drug cartels of Mexico, you'll analyse what motivates illegal gang activities.
Through case studies, you'll discover the factors driving recruitment, initiation rites, codes of conduct, use of violence, and responses from law enforcement agencies globally.
You'll examine these complex issues from multiple sides to build a nuanced understanding.
In this module, you'll dive deep into real cases of environmental injustice and inequality across the globe, looking at the nature, scale and range of environmental crimes and harms.
Through interactive lessons, you'll debate thorny issues like: Who should be held accountable for climate change impacts? How can we balance economic growth with sustainability? Is environmental activism ever justified in breaking the law?
You'll ask and investigate what hate crime is, how much of it there is, who is involved and affected, where, when and why it is occurring, and what can be done about it.
You’ll be encouraged to develop your own independent, analytical and creative thinking as you explore this important subject.
You’ll debate ideas relating to wellness culture, self-help and self-improvement.
By examining theories of psychiatry and mental health, you’ll gain tools to analyse how individuals make sense of themselves and their own levels of happiness amidst complex social scripting.
This module will help you form your own nuanced perspectives on humanity’s timeless quest for meaning and inner peace.
You'll learn to apply intersectional theories to decode how racism intersects with privilege and oppression, and look at the rise of 'colour blind' racism in recent decades.
Through reflective analysis of case studies on both sides of the Atlantic, you'll develop your sociological imagination, critical thinking abilities, and passion for social justice.
You'll examine reforms, rights and roles of victims, and think critically about how effective existing professional practices are.
You'll look at published literature and debate with your classmates to develop your intellectual curiosity and knowledge of social justice when it comes to the experiences of victims of crime.
You'll look at ideas on industrial employment from key figures in history such as Karl Marx, Émile Durkheim and Max Weber, considering how these hold up against today's modern workplaces and economies.
You'll study the ways that workers themselves have shaped employment through fighting and negotiating for their rights. Through class discussions and activities, you'll also develop an understanding of modern sociological ideas about the changing divisions of work, labour and employment, such as Emotional and Aesthetic work.
By the end of the module, you'll be able to explain complex ideas about shifting workplace dynamics and social divisions, and the evolving nature of employment in our rapidly changing world.
You'll think critically about youth justice systems, victims' experiences, and different approaches to rehabilitation, hearing from expert guest speakers who will provide real-world insights.
By evaluating new research and debates, you'll learn key skills in ways to support young people and strengthen their communities.
In this module, you’ll explore European colonisation of Africa, asking questions like - how did they justify colonial rule, and how did African peoples respond to these colonisers?
You’ll learn how, after World War II, colonial rule was increasingly challenged from both within the empire, by growing African demands for political rights, and in the international arena, with the global trend towards trusteeship, development and self-determination.
You’ll also explore European relations with Africa in the post-colonial era, looking at themes which may include ideas about civilisation, universalism and race, modern attempts to 'rehabilitate' empire in the media, and the legacies of colonialism in Britain, Europe and Africa.
You’ll collaborate with students on other courses to explore and address societal and environmental challenges faced by local and global communities. You’ll choose projects from a range of topic areas aligned with the university's Civic Strategy.
With input from local organisations, you’ll think about your topic from multiple perspectives, developing your interdisciplinary thinking and ability to work with others.
You’ll analyse the essence of security, exploring how security needs are addressed around the world and on a national level, down to a community and even an individual basis.
You’ll explore different forms of societal risk and insecurity, and approaches to dealing with security threats, taking into account the nature and impact of economic and political developments.
You'll learn how to think critically about the key concepts that link language, culture and communication, considering the benefits and limitations of these ideas.
You'll explore the different ways in which communication intersects with culture across themes such as identity, education, gender, and the media.
Alongside what you learn, you'll improve your skills in analysis, research and intercultural awareness.
You'll learn about consumer behaviour and brand strategy, and spend time examining real-world marketing campaigns. You'll also think about how social, political and technological forces can affect the way businesses approach marketing their products and services.
Skills you'll develop include carrying out market research and learning how to use what you learn, crafting targeted messaging across different marketing channels, and presenting your ideas verbally and in writing.
You’ll unpack the language of tabloids, broadsheets and online news, analysing how journalists shape public understanding of current events.
Develop your critical thinking by confronting moral panics and polarised politics in reporting.
Create your own news stories and gain real insight into mass communication in a rapidly changing landscape.
You'll analyse major cases of economic crime and weigh up their wider societal implications.
You'll also learn how to recognise disciplinary perspectives, become familiar with the key investigating organisations, identify investigative techniques, and gather and analyse real case information.
You’ll analyse American texts against the backdrop of intellectual, social and political change, evaluating how writers grappled with emerging ideas around national identity, race, gender and more.
By honing skills for contextual analysis and independent thought, you’ll form your own interpretations of iconic works that reflect the American experience.
You’ll analyse diverse transitional justice approaches balancing community healing and judicial accountability after mass atrocities.
Comparing mechanisms like war crimes tribunals, truth commissions and reparations programmes, you’ll evaluate effectiveness in restoring dignity and preventing recurrence.
With case studies from Europe to Africa, from Latin America to Asia, you'll examine tensions between western models and local cultural perspectives, assessing what ‘justice’ means to vulnerable peoples.
Throughout, you'll trace incremental human rights legislation advances, assessing global institutions’ roles protecting civilians from authoritarian regimes and wartime abuses.
Through interactive lectures with academics, speakers and professionals, you'll discuss, debate and complete practical exercises exploring wildlife crime alongside your classmates.
You'll spend time examining wildlife crimes and the factors behind them, as well as environmental justice and sustainability.
You'll explore radicalisation, and sociological and psychological theories of individual and social motivation, and consider the role of gender identity and women within terrorist groups.
Critically evaluate various types of terrorist groups, including religious terrorism, far-right terrorism, far-left terrorism, ethno-nationalist/separatist terrorism, and single-issue terrorism.
You'll also learn about the strategies employed by states to combat terrorism and evaluate their effectiveness.
You'll learn about crimes against humanity (such as war crimes and genocide), state crimes against democracy, state-corporate crime, contemporary slavery and human trafficking - shining a light on oppression and injustice.
By examining the responses to these crimes, you'll think about the ways international judicial, state and inter-governmental, and global civil society actors tackle state crime.
You'll develop your ability to think critically about complex global issues, taking many different perspectives into account.
You’ll explore sociological perspectives on the emotional experience, looking at how factors like gender and culture make a difference.
You’ll consider the growth of therapy and self-help culture and the complex nature of distinct emotions like anger, fear and love.
You’ll evaluate debates around emotional labour in service sector jobs and the gendering of emotion management in family life. Working in small groups and with real-world case studies, you’ll learn how to apply academic concepts to our emotional lives.
On this module, you’ll explore radical frameworks for understanding and eradicating intersectional oppression. We'll analyse different ways of challenging injustices, from interrupting homophobic microaggressions to disrupting the social impacts of global issues like the climate crisis.
You'll learn about how ideas like feminism, anti-racism and inclusive education can challenge domineering structures like capitalism, racism and patriarchy. You’ll examine the politics of knowledge itself alongside ideas that empower the disadvantaged.
By reviewing theories and debates around concepts like work-life balance and gender roles, you'll gain insight into how career choices can be influenced by social expectations and family pressures.
You'll bring these ideas together and consider the interesting ways in which 'what we do' and 'who we are' exist in a very close relationship with each other.
You'll learn about major economic, political and cultural changes in Western Europe over the nineteenth century, and how these affected the rest of the world as time went on.
You'll explore the big ideas that have shaped the modern world, and weigh up the benefits and perils of globalisation. Skills you'll develop on this module include independent research, critical thinking and effective communication.
You'll also learn to understand the opportunities and challenges of today's world from an informed, global perspective.
You’ll look critically ideas of nationalism historically and today with a focus on the everyday, intimate and embodied boundaries of nation-states and how these shape our lives, including those of us living in the most privileged parts of the world.
You’ll explore real-world cases to understand the individual and societal impacts on human lives, developing your analytical skills and imagining more compassionate alternatives.
You'll explore the complex relationships between ethics, laws and imprisonment policies.
Alongside your classmates, you'll focus on pressing issues like mental health, violence and gender while arguing for a more humane, effective prison system.
You'll examine the history, role and organisational structures of the police in the UK, including the wider policing `family' and agencies that are involved in governance and oversight of the police.
You’ll tackle the changing nature of crime and the associated challenges for the police, alongside associated governance, trust and legitimacy issues.
With a minimum 80-hour commitment, you’ll apply what you’ve learned so far on your degree to real-world professional settings within our community of local businesses, social enterprises, and third-sector organisations.
You’ll have support from interactive workshops, tutorials, and guest speaker events, encouraging you to set achievable professional goals and evolve your professional identity.
You'll explore this question on this module, looking at the uncertainties of our world and how these risks impact our everyday lives. Examine how social institutions shape people's perceptions of risk and how aspects of our own identities, such as class and gender, affect the way we approach risk as individuals.
You'll also have the chance to investigate risk and society in relation to a topic you're most interested in, for example, health, crime or technology.
You'll look critically at corporate, state, technical and consumerist norms within our society, and how these powers-that-be are challenged by resistance from protest movements that highlight the ways society is failing those with the least power.
By investigating historical and modern case studies of revolutions and revolts, you'll think about how we can apply social justice and ethical practices to other societies by generating ideas and developing creative solutions of benefit to society and the economy.
On this module, you’ll explore the sociological significance of education.
Moving beyond the classroom, you’ll explore how schooling shapes identities and uphold society - for better or worse.
Through iconic texts, you’ll interrogate big ideas around inequality, control and reform, and form your own views taking into account pressing issues like class, gender and race.
You'll examine key theories and research methodologies for understanding personal life, relationships, sexuality and generational change.
You'll have the opportunity to pursue topics matching your interests, whether that's shifts in dating cultures, new family forms, LGBTQ identities, or issues like consent, respect and ethics.
The module develops critical thinking skills by evaluating different frameworks and perspectives on contemporary intimacy and relationships. There is an emphasis on inclusivity, diversity, and social justice throughout.
Optional modules
It's up to you what your dissertation is about – this will be your chance to showcase your passion for sociology by choosing a topic that most interests you.
You'll draw on everything you’ve learned so far to investigate, analyse, craft and refine your dissertation project, using existing texts, sources and artefacts to support your arguments and give them social and historical context.
You'll have the support of a dedicated dissertation supervisor to guide you throughout this module.
This real-world, project-based module lets you address an identified need or gap by designing an innovative product, service or resource.
With support from university staff and external partners, you'll demonstrate critical thinking, ethical awareness and project management abilities.
Your final project and presentation will showcase your employability and capacity for high-impact solutions.
On this module, you’ll critically analyse the complex economic, political, cultural and environmental impacts of consumption, thinking creatively about alternatives and solutions to the many controversies surrounding consumerism today.
By evaluating theories and research on consumerism, advertising, fashion, credit, debt and more, you’ll develop an insightful understanding of the profound consequences of our consumer lifestyles.
You'll explore this question on this module, examining the impact of new technologies on modern criminality, and hearing from specialist lecturers and guest speakers, all experts in cybercrime and its related fields.
You'll explore topics like 3D printing and crime, body-worn cameras, electronic monitoring tech, Artificial Intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things, the use of the internet in prisons, and more, depending on the latest tech advancements.
You'll consider concepts like risk, dangerousness and risk management and how they vary and affect the way criminals are managed in different countries, including the UK, the USA, Canada and Australia.
By analysing historical and modern-day debates around dangerousness and public protection, you'll develop your own informed perspectives on legislation, policies and key criminal behaviour profiles.
Taking inspiration from financial crime experts, you’ll learn to “think like a fraudster†to unravel economic conspiracies.
Working in groups with your fellow classmates, you’ll start to develop the skills needed to identify dirty money trails hidden in financial systems around the world.
This module is accredited by the Associate of Certified Fraud Examiners (ACFE) as part of the Anti-Fraud Education Partnership.
Considering diverse theories from sociology, feminist and queer studies, you'll evaluate everyday 'common sense' ideas alongside norms that police our bodies and behaviours.
You'll examine how today's societal structures continue to maintain inequality, building your ability to question assumptions, identify bias and pursue equity across intersections of race, age, class and more.
Environmental problems are a serious national and international concern, regularly dominating media headlines.
As scientific research has shown, these issues are increasingly urgent and include climate change, pollution, habitat loss, species decline and the destruction of our natural resources.
Through interactive lectures, discussion, debate and practical exercises, you'll critically analyse perpetrators and victims of green criminology, examine national and international policing and risk regulation roles, and reflect on justice issues.
You’ll debate ideas relating to wellness culture, self-help and self-improvement.
By examining theories of psychiatry and mental health, you’ll gain tools to analyse how individuals make sense of themselves and their own levels of happiness amidst complex social scripting.
This module will help you form your own nuanced perspectives on humanity’s timeless quest for meaning and inner peace.
You’ll get familiar with the big issues and contemporary debates in education studies as well as the role and expectations of a teacher.
You’ll develops fundamental knowledge and skills that teachers require, as well as your capability to structure and critique a lesson plan.
You'll examine the powers afforded to police constables as they carry out their duties, alongside professional standards, accountability and key issues around diversity, ethics, values and wellbeing.
You'll discuss the purpose of the police force, demonstrate critical understanding of consent principles, evaluate equality policies, summarise resilience strategies, and critically examine the application of law within policing.
You'll take a detailed view of the historical and modern-day right-wing extremist parties, pressure groups and street movements in Britain, including the British Union of Fascists, the National Front, the British National Party, the ‘counter-jihad’ English Defence League and Britain First.
You'll also evaluate arguments from contemporary criminological accounts on the extreme right, such as Realist Criminology and Cultural Criminology.
You'll learn about the job application process from the perspective of both candidates and recruiters, thinking about what employers look for in graduates and how you can optimise your own professional profile.
Through mock interviews and assessments, you'll hone your skills and learn how to communicate your achievements and career goals, ready to take the next step after you graduate.
You'll challenge assumptions about the subjective nature of personal taste as a marker of social class, examining how people make judgments about 'good' and 'bad' taste and how this brings them together and sets them apart.
You'll consider whether cultural attitudes have become more tolerant, as well as how culture provides meaning in the world through stories, symbols and sounds.
By examining celebrity culture and the attribution of value in society, you'll learn about cultural production and tensions with market forces, individual expression vs societal norms, and cultural appropriation vs appreciation.
Through an interactive mix of debates and research projects, you'll take an in-depth look at diverse perspectives on racial bias in policing, sentencing and incarceration rates.
By engaging with cross-cultural theories and data, you'll build informed views on how we can continue to reform these systemic issues.
We'll consider terrorist appeals, ideologies and operations while evaluating theories on radicalisation and motivation, looking at groups like religious, far-right, far-left and ethno-nationalist terrorists.
We'll examine gender identity's role in terrorism. You'll also learn about different counterterrorism tactics and strategies used by countries and states around the world, weighing up their effectiveness.
You’ll consider the growth of interest in emotions in sociology, and examines their role in classical sociological theory. Working in groups and workshops, you’ll weigh up debates on emotional life and apply them to real examples.
You’ll also explore sociological approaches to a range of distinct emotions, as well as the rise of therapy and self-help culture in contemporary western society.
On this module, you’ll explore radical frameworks for understanding and eradicating intersectional oppression. We'll analyse different ways of challenging injustices, from interrupting homophobic microaggressions to disrupting the social impacts of global issues like the climate crisis.
You'll learn about how ideas like feminism, anti-racism and inclusive education can challenge domineering structures like capitalism, racism and patriarchy. You’ll examine the politics of knowledge itself alongside ideas that empower the disadvantaged.
On this module, you'll explore the surprising interconnections between generations, personal relationships, life stages and the changing meaning of a 'career'.
By reviewing theories and debates around concepts like work-life balance and gender roles, you'll gain insight into how career choices can be influenced by social expectations and family pressures.
You'll bring these ideas together and consider the interesting ways in which 'what we do' and 'who we are' exist in a very close relationship with each other.
You'll explore this question on this module, examining how gender affects pathways into offending, victimisation, punishment, treatment, rehabilitation and more.
You'll think critically about crime, criminology and criminal justice from the perspective of gender, with a focus on the experiences of women and those who identify as women.
You'll look at high-profile examples of miscarriages of justice and what led them to occur, from poor police work to 'junk science'.
You'll also discover how advances in forensic science can help prevent injustices, and explore research that will give you an international perspective on the rights of suspects and appeals processes.
You'll discover how criminals laundering dirty money make their finances look clean, and examine the internal prevention systems organisations have in place against money laundering.
You'll get to grips with the key concepts and frameworks, and learn how to apply legal and regulatory knowledge to case studies.
With hundreds of thousands of individuals from Africa and the Middle East attempting to breach borders by land and sea, many are asking questions regarding the responsibilities of Western nations, and 'the West' generally, for this mass movement of people.
On this module, you'll explore the nationalism that shapes many peoples' attitudes towards migrants, through lenses of history, identity and global inequality.
You'll examine anxieties around border breaches and cultural change - investigating how privilege and national identity shape perspectives.
You'll also spend time looking into serious offences such as organised crime and terrorism, and evaluate the role of the police in countering these threats.
With a minimum 80-hour commitment, you'll apply what you've learned so far on your degree to real-world professional settings within our community of local businesses, social enterprises, and third-sector organisations.
You'll have support from interactive workshops, tutorials, and guest speaker events, encouraging you to set achievable professional goals and evolve your professional identity.
On this module, you’ll explore the sociological significance of education.
Moving beyond the classroom, you’ll explore how schooling shapes identities and uphold society - for better or worse.
Through iconic texts, you’ll interrogate big ideas around inequality, control and reform, and form your own views taking into account pressing issues like class, gender and race.
You'll think critically about the theoretical concepts behind existing approaches to offender rehabilitation, comparing and evaluating how they work in the real world.
Through independent research and reflection, you'll gain crucial skills you can use to examine and find ways to improve rehabilitation practices across the criminal justice system.
On this module, you’ll dissect the media phenomenon of true crime, looking at public perceptions of crime and justice.
You'll think critically about how emotive true crime narratives frame key players, from villains to victims. Exploring ideas of prejudice, you’ll investigate whether sensationalised serial killer stories simply reinforce stereotypes of class and gender.
Alternatively, could advocacy-focused wrongful conviction cases challenge assumptions and drive social change?
By applying criminology theory, you'll uncover complex biases shaping everything from podcasts to primetime prison documentaries.
You'll examine key theories and research methodologies for understanding personal life, relationships, sexuality and generational change.
You'll have the opportunity to pursue topics matching your interests, whether that's shifts in dating cultures, new family forms, LGBTQ identities, or issues like consent, respect and ethics.
The module develops critical thinking skills by evaluating different frameworks and perspectives on contemporary intimacy and relationships. There is an emphasis on inclusivity, diversity, and social justice throughout.
Optional modules
Work Placement Year or Study Year Abroad
Boost your employability by taking an industry-based work placement year or immerse yourself in another culture by studying for a year at one of our partner universities worldwide.
This is an amazing opportunity to either put everything you’ve learned so far into action in a real workplace in the UK or overseas, or to expand your horizons and set yourself up for your future career by studying abroad.
If you choose a work placement year, we’ll help you find and secure an exciting placement opportunity within an appropriate company or organisation. You’ll have the chance to try out skills and gain experience that’ll help you clarify your next career steps, while building capabilities employers seek.
If you choose to study abroad, you’ll expand your global perspective and develop additional skills to boost your future career, as well as making memories, new friends and career contacts.
This is a Connected Degree
We're the only university that gives you the flexibility to choose when to take a work placement. Take it after your second year, before returning to finish your studies. Or after your final year, connecting you into the workplace.
If you're not sure if or when to take your placement, don't worry. You'll have plenty of time to settle into your studies and explore your options before making your choice.
Changes to course content
We use the best and most current research and professional practice alongside feedback from our students to make sure course content is relevant to your future career or further studies.
Therefore, course content is revised and regularly reviewed. This may result in changes being made in order to reflect developments in research, learning from practice and changes in policy at both national and local levels.
How you're assessed
The way you’re assessed may depend on the units you select. As a guide, students on this course last year were typically assessed as follows:
- Year 1 students: 100% by coursework
- Year 2 students: 100% by coursework
- Year 3 students: 100% by coursework
Your coursework may include:
- written essays
- group and individual presentations
- group and individual projects
- seminar participation
- examinations
- a 10,000 word dissertation
You can get feedback on all practice and formal assessments so you can improve in the future.
Teaching
Teaching methods on this sociology and criminology course include:
- lectures
- seminars
- one-to-one tutorials
- workshops
- events, talks and visits
There's an emphasis on participation on this course, you'll take part in group debates and discussions, and gain experience in research and interviewing techniques.
How you'll spend your time
One of the main differences between school or college and university is how much control you have over your learning.
We use a blended learning approach to teaching, which means you’ll take part in both face-to-face and online activities during your studies. As well as attending your timetabled classes you'll study independently in your free time, supported by staff and our virtual learning environment, Moodle.
A typical week
We recommend you spend at least 35 hours a week studying for your Sociology with Criminology degree. In your first year, you’ll be in timetabled teaching activities such as lectures, seminars and tutorials for about 10 hours a week. The rest of the time you’ll do independent study such as research, reading, coursework and project work, alone or in a group with others from your course. You'll probably do more independent study and have less scheduled teaching in years 2 and 3, but this depends on which modules you choose.
Most timetabled teaching takes place during the day, Monday to Friday. You may occasionally need to go to University and course events in the evenings. There’s usually no teaching on Wednesday afternoons.
Term dates
The academic year runs from September to June. There are breaks at Christmas and Easter.
Supporting you
The amount of timetabled teaching you'll get on your degree might be less than what you're used to at school or college, but you'll also get support via video, phone and face-to-face from teaching and support staff to enhance your learning experience and help you succeed. You can build your personalised network of support from the following people and services:
Types of support
Your personal tutor helps you make the transition to independent study and gives you academic and personal support throughout your time at university.
As well as regular scheduled meetings with your personal tutor, they're also available at set times during the week if you want to chat with them about anything that can't wait until your next meeting.
You'll have help from a team of faculty learning development tutors. They can help you improve and develop your academic skills and support you in any area of your study.
They can help with:
- Improving your academic writing (for example, essays, reports, dissertations)
- Delivering presentations (including observing and filming presentations)
- Understanding and using assignment feedback
- Managing your time and workload
- Revision and exam techniques
During term time, Faculty Academic Skills Tutors (AST) are available for bookable 1-to-1 sessions, small group sessions and online sessions. These sessions are tailored to your needs.
Support is available for skills including:
- University study
- Getting into the right study mindset
- Note-taking and note-making skills
- Referencing
- Presentation skills
- Time management, planning, and goal setting
- Critical thinking
- Avoiding plagiarism
If you have a disability or need extra support, the Additional Support and Disability Centre (ASDAC) will give you help, support and advice.
Our online will help you plan for managing the challenges of learning and student life, so you can fulfil your potential and have a great student experience.
You can get personal, emotional and mental health support from our Student Wellbeing Service, in person and online. This includes 1–2–1 support as well as courses and workshops that help you better manage stress, anxiety or depression.
If you require extra support because of a disability or additional learning need our specialist team can help you.
They'll help you to
- discuss and agree on reasonable adjustments
- liaise with other University services and facilities, such as the library
- access specialist study skills and strategies tutors, and assistive technology tutors, on a 1-to-1 basis or in groups
- liaise with external services
Library staff are available in person or by email, phone, or online chat to help you make the most of the University’s library resources. You can also request one-to-one appointments and get support from a librarian who specialises in your subject area.
The library is open 24 hours a day, every day, in term time.
If English isn't your first language, you can do one of our English language courses to improve your written and spoken English language skills before starting your degree. Once you're here, you can take part in our free In-Sessional English (ISE) programme to improve your English further.
Course costs and funding
Tuition fees
- UK/Channel Islands and Isle of Man students – £9,250 per year (may be subject to annual increase)
- EU students – £9,250 a year (including Transition Scholarship – may be subject to annual increase)
- International students – £17,200 per year (subject to annual increase)
- UK/Channel Islands and Isle of Man students – £9,250 per year (may be subject to annual increase)
- EU students – £9,250 a year (including Transition Scholarship – may be subject to annual increase)
- International students – £17,200 per year (subject to annual increase)
Funding your studies
Find out how to fund your studies, including the scholarships and bursaries you could get. You can also find more about tuition fees and living costs, including what your tuition fees cover.
Applying from outside the UK? Find out about funding options for international students.
Additional course costs
These course-related costs aren’t included in the tuition fees. So you’ll need to budget for them when you plan your spending.
Additional costs
Our accommodation section show your accommodation options and highlight how much it costs to live in Â鶹AV.
You’ll study up to 6 modules a year. You may have to read several recommended books or textbooks for each module.
You can borrow most of these from the Library. If you buy these, they may cost up to £60 each.
We recommend that you budget £75 a year for photocopying, memory sticks, DVDs and CDs, printing charges, binding and specialist printing.
If your final year includes a major project, there could be cost for transport or accommodation related to your research activities. The amount will depend on the project you choose.
If you take a placement year or study abroad year, tuition fees for that year are as follows:
- UK/Channel Islands and Isle of Man students – £1,385 a year (may be subject to annual increase)
- EU students – £1,385 a year, including Transition Scholarship (may be subject to annual increase)
- International students – £2,875 a year (subject to annual increase)
How to apply
Apply now through Clearing
If you have your results, you can apply directly to us now to start in September 2024.
Applying for year 2 or 3
If you've already completed part of this course with us or another university and would like to apply for the second or third year with us in September 2024, .
September 2025 applications
To start this course in 2025, apply through UCAS. You'll need:
- the UCAS course code – LM40
- our institution code – P80
If you'd prefer to apply directly, use our .
You can also sign up to an Open Day to:
- Tour our campus, facilities and halls of residence
- Speak with lecturers and chat with our students
- Get information about where to live, how to fund your studies and which clubs and societies to join
If you're new to the application process, read our guide on applying for an undergraduate course.
Admissions terms and conditions
When you accept an offer to study at the Â鶹AV, you also agree to abide by our Student Contract (which includes the University's relevant policies, rules and regulations). You should read and consider these before you apply.