Criminology and Sociology with Social Sciences Foundation Year

Want to explore sociology, psychology, social work or adult nursing practice but not quite ready to study at degree level?

Students will study a range of topics that are central or highly relevant to the study of the social sciences. You’ll explore areas such as mental health and wellbeing, contemporary issues in social sciences, and professional practice to help prepare for undergraduate study.

The course has an applied focus – students are encouraged and enabled to apply their theoretical knowledge to real world problems, such as mental health, psychological wellbeing and everyday problem-solving.

On successful completion of the foundation year, students will be eligible to progress onto our sociology programme or one of our psychology undergraduate degrees, which are accredited by the British Psychology Society. Students interested in social work or adult nursing practice can apply and be interviewed for either of these degrees.

During this foundation year, you’ll begin to develop the academic writing and independent learning skills necessary to study a scientific discipline. You’ll also begin to learn the basics of thinking and writing in social sciences.

You’ll be taught by an experienced team who are accessible and approachable, and ultimately dedicated to providing an inclusive learning environment.

The course offers an introduction to a range of topics within psychology and sociology and other social science disciplines.

What does this course lead to?
Studying this foundation degree can help you on to the path of studying a full psychology, sociology, social work or adult nursing practice undergraduate degree. If you meet all the requirements at the end of the course you will progress onto the BA (Hons) Criminology course.

Who is this course for?
The course is specifically designed for those wanting to study social sciences but who do not meet the entry requirements. It is also suitable for those who wish to refresh their academic skills and subject specific knowledge before starting an undergraduate degree.

FOUNDATION MODULES
Professional Practice
Contemporary Issues in Social Sciences
Crime and Risk in Society
Media Project in Social Sciences
Investigating in the Social Sciences
Psychological Approaches to Mental Health

If you successfully complete your foundation year, you will progress onto the BA (Hons) Criminology and Sociology course and will study the following modules:

YEAR 1 - CORE MODULES
Researching the City
Big Questions in Social Sciences
Victimology
Explaining Criminal Behaviour

YEAR 2 - CORE MODULES
Researching the Social World
Popular Culture
Contemporary Social Theory
Cybercrime and AI
Global Crime
Youth Justice

YEAR 3 - CORE MODULES
Dissertation
Applied Sociology in the Community
Dangerous Offenders

YEAR 3 - OPTIONS (please note that not all options are guaranteed to run each academic year)
Media, Society and Power
Migration, Refugees and Global Crisis
Gangs, Drugs and Alcohol
Crime, Gender and Sexuality

Students are assessed by a combination of presentations (individual and group), essays, practical reports, portfolios (ie. non-essay written assignments consisting of a variety of written pieces based on independent learning), and in-class electronic tests.