Sociology and Criminology

The BSc (Hons) Sociology and Criminology explores the relationship between social behaviour and crime via a fusion of two fascinating disciplines. The course will provide you with a comprehensive understanding of key areas within sociology and criminology while encouraging the integration of diverse perspectives to address sociological issues, societal functioning, human experience, and behavioural patterns.

You will gain an appreciation for the historical origins and evolution of sociology and criminology, understanding how these fields have developed over time and their impact on contemporary society. The program allows you to explore complex social problems through the lens of criminological theories, analysing issues related to crime, class, victimisation, and societal responses to crime and deviance, fostering a deeper understanding of these topics.

You will acquire knowledge of various paradigms, methods, and research techniques relevant to sociology and criminology and learn to recognise the limitations and appropriate use of these methods and conduct empirical research projects under supervision. The course instils a strong sense of ethical conduct in research, aligning with guidelines set by the British Sociological Association and British Society of Criminology.

In addition to subject-specific knowledge, you will develop a wide range of transferable skills such as critical thinking, research, communication, and problem-solving abilities which are valuable for employment opportunities both within and outside the field of sociology and criminology.

In the first year, you will be introduced to core theories and key thinkers in sociology, such as Marx, Durkheim, Conflict and Feminist theories as well as the fundamentals of conducting research in sociology. You will also explore the key thinkers within criminology, as well as being introduced to new areas of criminological understanding, including online crime.

In the second year, alongside learning about subjects related to the different divisions within criminology, you will explore the topics introduced in the previous year in greater depth.

In the third year, you continue to develop subject-specific knowledge, covering topics such as policing, criminal profiling and the sociology of the criminal justice system, and apply your understanding of research methods and data analysis to complete a piece of empirical research.

Level 4:

Introduction to Qualitative Methods

Introduction to the Sociological Imagination

The Big Deal – Sociology of Drugs, Dealing and Addiction

Key Thinkers in Criminology

Crime in the Media

Online Crime

Level 5:

Conducting Sociological Research – Preparing for Dissertation

Sociology of Crime

Penology - Understanding the Punitive System

Victimology

Understanding Violent Crime

How Society Works

Level 6:

Dissertation

Sociology of Law and Order

Understanding Criminal Profiling

Contemporary Issues in Policing

Politics, Propaganda, and International Relations

A range of assessment methodologies are utilised and designed to enable you to explore your discipline and personal interests.

Assessment methods include both formative and summative submissions.

Formative assessments are designed to develop your critical thinking and subject skills in a regular and directed manner. The tasks also enable you to develop safely, freely and creatively without the pressure of a formal assessment. You will participate in group discussions, give presentations and jointly explore themes and arguments. Group discussions and debates are aimed at improving your understanding and skills sets rather than the acquisition of knowledge per se and are structured in such a way as to maximise effective participation and engagement. They are normally preceded by a prescribed course of reading and preparatory exercises. These formative assessments will deepen your understanding of the theme or subject and develop communication skills; encourage a critical (but tolerant) self-critical approach to discussions and build self-confidence to think quickly on your feet, to communicate articulately and persuasively with others, and to recognise the value of close collaboration and exchange of ideas.

Summative assessments include written assignments in the form of essays and reports; document analysis; individual and group presentations.