Criminology and Sociology

What role do social issues play in crime? How can we work with communities to tackle levels of crime? Combine the perspective of sociology with the focus of criminology to explore solutions that will have long-term positive impacts.

Why choose this course?

Combining insights from criminology and sociology will give you a deep understanding of what shapes people's behaviour, beliefs and attitudes. You'll explore the reasons why people commit crime and the social factors at play, including inequality, prejudice and substance abuse. You'll also look at the impact that crime has on both local communities and wider society.

Is this course for you?

The Covid-19 pandemic and national lockdowns have highlighted the social and economic factors that impact crime numbers and types. Anti-social behaviour and drug offences have risen, with overall crime rates remaining higher in areas facing poverty and low educational attainment. This course seeks to address these differences and find community-based solutions that will reduce criminality.

How you will learn

You'll learn through a combination of lectures, seminars, group work and research projects. You can also take part in regular departmental research seminars delivered by leading professionals and academics from other institutions, as well as hear from guest speakers who are influential within the criminal and social justice sector.

Opportunities and experiences

You’ll work with local and national community organisations on live briefs, offering research and solutions to the key issues they deal with.

Careers and employability

BA (Hons) Criminology and Sociology provides an excellent basis for developing careers in local or national government, in organisations working towards social justice in a variety of contexts, or in professional settings concerned with conflict resolution or security and risk assessment. Alternatively, students can choose to pursue careers in the criminal justice sector: in policing, prisons, probation as well as private sector companies that operate in the sector.

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