Sociology and Criminology (Placement Year)

This degree explores how crime is shaped by society, and how society is shaped by crime. Lancaster’s experts specialise in the intersections between crime and society – from social dimensions such power and inequalities, to crime and criminalised behaviour such as youth justice, climate-related crime and sex work.

You’ll deep-dive into different theories and perspectives, with input from professionals in areas such as law enforcement, social services and charities. You’ll see how crime can be understood through the lens of social systems and structures, such as class, gender, race and racialisation and sexuality, and how structures such as class affect opinions on crime.

Why Lancaster?

• Work with leading experts: our academics advise the United Nations, the EU and UK government, influence drug policies in the UK and overseas, and work with national and local criminal justice and anti-poverty agencies

• Explore today’s most pressing challenges: understand how topics such as racism and hate, drug-related crimes, sex offences and human rights violations are connected to social structures and systems, such as poverty, racism and sexism

• Critically explore crime and society: examine important issues through a social justice lens

• Exceptional academic support: work closely with engaged and approachable lecturers who value your ideas and are committed to helping you grow as a social scientist

• Unlock your career potential: access tailored careers advice to discover diverse pathways and practical steps you can take to ensure a rewarding career

• Build connections: network with experts from law enforcement, criminal justice organisations, charities and non-government organisations

• Take a path towards action and impact: explore today’s issues, become part of a better tomorrow

Engage with experts

Sociology and Criminology at Lancaster has a long and distinguished history and is extremely well respected. This intellectually challenging and exciting programme will enable you to explore and understand the social problems and challenges that national governments, local organisations, and the criminal justice system tackle.

Our course is grounded in contemporary debates and developments, and you will be taught by our internationally renowned team who have a reputation for influencing national and international policy and practice. You’ll be informed and inspired by our research and our passionate commitment to our subject areas and to social change. Together we will untangle the complex relationship between society, crime, and the criminal justice system and give you an insight into the ways policies and laws are influenced and changed.

Crime, inequality and injustice

Get ready to unravel the big issues affecting our society with a combined degree in Sociology and Criminology. You will examine the cultural, political and economic contexts of crime and criminal justice and explore the social circumstances and ideas that influence people’s actions.

We will support you to understand crime as both a consequence and symptom of inequality. Inequalities create environments where people feel they may have little choice but to engage in criminal activity to meet their needs. Conversely, systemic inequalities can also lead to the over-policing and criminalisation of marginalised and poorer communities, resulting in higher crime rates within those groups and communities.

You will build the skills to understand these complex relationships and to respond to the challenges they present in meaningful, creative ways.

Your Placement Year

Sometimes known as a year in industry, your placement year will take place between your second and final year of study and this will extend your degree to four years. You'll spend your third year in a graduate-level position, where you’ll work for between nine and twelve months in the type of role that you might be considering for after you graduate.