What is special about this course?

How curious are you about crime, why it happens and what we are doing to prevent it? Are you observing the changing world around you and wondering about the impact it's having on society and human behaviour?

If you are interested in studying crime and society, then the BA (Hons) Sociology and Criminology degree will give you a solid grounding in both disciplines. The course offers students the opportunity to study a wide range of sociological and criminological themes and topics across a broad sweep of modules, emphasising the value of empirical and theoretical approaches.  This is achieved by exploring the changing nature of the social world and of crime, and addressing the social, political, historical and individual forces behind such changes.

The context for both subjects is local, national and global perspectives, looking at their similarities and differences.  There is strong emphasis on research methods which will give you the skills necessary to carry out independent research for your future career, including your dissertation in the fourth year.

In the first and second years, you will follow a traditional broad approach to the study of sociology and criminology. In years three and four, you will examine in-depth particular areas of sociology and criminology, allowing you to study specific topics and themes which reflect staff research specialisms (including cybercrime and the networked society). Each year, you will build on your analytical and research abilities through the core research methods modules.

The degree also offers the opportunity to study other Humanities subjects such as history, literature, archaeology, politics, and theology.

Special features

• You have the opportunity to combine the study of the social world with the study of crime and its control
• You will develop your research and methodological skills, which you can take into your future career
• You will have the opportunity to attend the annual staff/student Social Sciences conference, and in your 4th year, you will have the opportunity to present at the conference, further enhancing the graduate skills you develop as part of the course
• You will develop and enhance your digital skills
• The joint nature of the degree will give you greater flexibility in employment, advanced study and research opportunities
• Taught by highly experienced academics
• Exciting modules, based on staff research, are offered at upper levels
• With full-time or part-time options, you can fit your studies around your personal circumstances
• You can study individual modules for personal or professional development