Criminology and Sociology

Why Lancaster?
- Get to the heart of the challenges facing different communities with this inspiring course taught jointly by our prestigious Sociology Department and Lancaster University Law School

- Develop skills for a rewarding career in the criminal justice system and beyond, including the ability to think critically and carry out research

- Broaden your knowledge and experience via our connections with NGOs, charities, and local criminal justice agencies such as Lancashire Police and HMP Lancaster Farms

- Find work experience with our support – past students have worked with the Citizens Advice Bureau and Lancashire Constabulary's Special Constables

- Receive an exceptional level of support from tutors who listen to your ideas and help you develop as a social scientist

Rapid change. Rising crime. Rage against society’s systems. Position yourself to help find solutions with a combined degree in sociology and criminology. Take a path towards action and impact. Explore today’s issues and discover how to create a better tomorrow.

From hate crime to climate change
This is your chance to unravel the big issues affecting our society. From social control to sex work, hate crime to climate change, you’ll look at the cultural, political and economic contexts of crime and criminal justice. And explore the social circumstances that influence people’s actions.

Based across both Lancaster University Law School and the Department of Sociology, you’ll benefit from the expertise of two departments that are highly regarded in a range of fields including youth justice, policing, prisons and punishment, and media. Their current projects are looking at high profile concerns including the impact of Brexit and experiences of young people leaving the care system.

Carry out your own research
Throughout your degree, we’ll help you explore a broad range of criminological and sociological theories and perspectives while developing your research skills. You’ll also pick optional modules which explore different issues such as racism and cybercrime.

You have the opportunity to shine a light on a topic that’s important to you with a dissertation. It’s up to you to decide what area to explore. Decolonisation in higher education and the influence of social media on body image are just a couple of examples of topics past students have investigated.