Applied Sociology and Criminology

Our criminology courses rank in the UK top 20 overall in their subject field (The Guardian University Guide, 2026).

Explore the forces that shape society and how crime affects communities in a changing world with this practical, thought-provoking BSc (Hons) Sociology and Criminology. You’ll examine social inequality, crime and justice, and the role of institutions such as the police, courts and prisons. The course dives into contemporary issues including media and crime, youth and urban violence, forensic mental health and digital technologies while developing strong research and data-analysis skills through hands-on experience and real-world learning.  You complete an independent dissertation and graduate prepared for careers in criminal justice, social research, policy and related fields.

Career-powered links

We have robust associations with organisations such as HMP Wells, Luton council, Luton's Women's Aid, Luton Women's Centre, local charities and volunteering organisations. These open up opportunities for volunteering and work placements for our students in the community or in practice.

Facilities and specialist equipment

• Four-storey library with an extensive range of physical and digital resources.

• Specialist labs, lecture theatres and bespoke group study spaces.

Your student experience

Develop a comprehensive understanding of sociology and criminology through exploring how societal structures and behaviours intersect with crime, justice and social inequalities.

Connect academic learning with practical application, tackling contemporary, real-world issues such as education inequality, digital transformation and systemic biases in institutions.

Put theory into practice with opportunities for work-related learning, voluntary work, hands-on simulations of crime scenarios, and a data analysis unit using tools like SPSS and Excel.

Learn from expert staff with diverse social science backgrounds, including forensic psychiatry, policing, offender management, social work, further education teaching and youth justice.

Benefit from staff actively involved in research across key areas such as human rights, safeguarding, social equity/justice, public policy, youth crime and violence, and offender management.

Personalise your degree by choosing from a range of optional units and tailor your final-year dissertation to focus on either research or a community-based project.

Become workplace ready by developing transferable skills in critical thinking; problem-solving; oral and written communication; IT literacy; and teamwork.

Enhance your learning through subject-relevant field trips to key institutions, including visits to The Old Bailey, Royal Courts of Justice and Luton Magistrates’ Court.

Engage with local charities, policymakers, and community leaders through the #SASS Change Maker initiative, which empowers you to address and raise awareness of critical societal challenges.

Course modules

Year 1
Applied sociology – Discover how sociological theory shapes social structures, identities and inequalities, and can be used to tackle society’s challenges. Introduction to criminology and criminal justice – Explore how crime affects individuals and communities, and the role of institutions like courts, the police and prisons. Crime, media and society – Develop a core understanding of how crime is represented across news, television, and digital platforms, and how these influence public perceptions. Policy in action – Study how public and social policies are designed and implemented, and their impact on everyday life. Career planning for social scientists – Consider possible graduate destinations and pull together your own personal development plan. Introduction to research methods – Gain a foundation in research methodologies with an overview of quantitative and qualitative approaches, research designs, data-collection methods, sampling, analysis and validity/trustworthiness.

Year 2
Crime and justice: theoretical approaches – Study crime and offending, and the methods used to control it, in the UK and internationally. Prosecution, criminal courts and sentencing – The structure and processes of the criminal justice system, focusing on key agencies and institutions, their roles, responsibilities and relevant legislations. Research methods – Examine and conduct research using a range of data-collection and analysis methods relevant to your field of study. Work-related experience in Sociology and Criminology – Undertake a role working in an area relevant to the field of sociology and criminology, putting your learning and skills into practice in a real-world setting. Prison, probation and offender rehabilitation – Understand how prisons function and what they achieve as well as the role of the Probation Service – its purpose, policies and 21st-century rehabilitative practice. The digital world: people, power and possibility – Critically examine how contemporary societies are being shaped by the pervasive influence of digital technologies. Dissertation preparation – Develop the skills you need to read and understand research; design and complete a comprehensive dissertation proposal with accompanying ethical documentation. Victims of violent crime – Gain knowledge and understanding of working with and supporting victims of violent crimes, their families and witnesses.

Year 3

Forensic mental health – Deepen your knowledge of the diverse needs of the mentally disordered offender; the ethical, political and legal underpinnings of forensic mental health practice; and its future in the UK. Youth justice, gangs and serious violence – Explore violent group offending and gang activities by young people, examining the social, economic, political and cultural forces shaping these behaviours. Applied data analytics for social scientists – Learn to work with large datasets using relevant software and programs, including how to present data to stakeholders. Urban crime – Understand the local, national and global influences on crime and disorder in urban areas. Reimagining institutions, services and systems – Explore real-world issues impacting key public and private sector services such as healthcare, education, criminal justice and social welfare. Dissertation – Select and conduct a structured, in-depth, independent study on an approved topic related to your studies.

Every effort is made to ensure this information is accurate at the point of publication on the UCAS website. For the most up-to-date information, please refer to our website.