Sociology and Criminology

Explore the forces behind crime and inequality while developing the skills to challenge injustice, shape a better society, and become a social changemaker.

Why do some groups face greater inequalities than others? How does society decide what counts as crime? And who holds the power to shape those decisions?

On this dynamic sociology and criminology degree, you’ll explore the social issues that define modern life – from crime, justice, and inequality to identity, media, power, and social change. You’ll examine how societies respond to crime and deviance while uncovering the wider social forces that influence people’s opportunities, experiences, and life chances.

By combining sociology and criminology, you’ll gain a powerful understanding of how individuals, communities, and institutions interact in an increasingly complex world. You’ll question assumptions, challenge dominant narratives, and investigate the systems that influence modern society, developing the knowledge and confidence to become an informed, socially aware changemaker.

As part of this course, you’ll:

• Explore the social, political, and cultural factors linked to crime, inequality, exclusion and social justice

• Investigate contemporary issues such as youth crime, digital culture, identity, policing, media representation, power, and activism

• Critically analyse criminal justice systems and consider how fairer, more inclusive societies can be created

• Develop valuable research, analytical, communication, and problem-solving skills sought after across a wider range of careers

Find out more

Hands-on learning

You'll learn through interactive workshops, collaborative projects, and hands-on activities designed to bring your studies to life. From creating digital content and presenting at conferences to taking part in field trips and responding to live employer-set challenges, you’ll deepen your understanding of real-world social issues.

Study what you’re interested in

Tailor your degree through optional modules and an independent dissertation focused on issues that matter most to you.

Building your future potential

Throughout, you'll be encouraged to think about where your degree could take you. With guidance from expert tutors and careers support teams, you’ll explore opportunities across sociology, criminology, and the wider public sector.

During your second and third years, you'll be able to choose modules featuring live briefs and placement opportunities, enabling you to build professional experience.

Why study sociology and criminology in Leeds?

Studying in Leeds places you in a fantastic location for gaining experience across community organisations, public services, and criminal justice settings, helping you strengthen your CV and develop transferrable skills.

Teaching expertise

You’ll be taught by experienced academics and practitioners with expertise across sociology, criminology, and criminal justice. Their research-informed teaching brings contemporary debates and lived realities into the classroom.

Guest lectures from professionals working across policing, probation, community organisations, and related sectors will give you valuable industry insight and help you explore future career pathways.

Why study the BA (Hons) Sociology & Criminology course at Leeds Beckett University?

• 93% of students on BA (Hons) Sociology & Criminology were positive about the way teaching staff explain things*

• Study abroad option – broaden your experience by spending a year living and studying abroad

• Gain practical hands-on experience through work placements, live briefs, and field trips

• Learn from industry professionals through guest lectures and practitioner insight

• Publish your work – you could showcase your ideas in the School of Humanities and Social Sciences’ sociology journal

*National Student Survey 2025

Course Modules

Year 1 Core Modules:

• Introduction to Criminal Justice

• Becoming a Criminologist

• Sociology, Capitalism & Modernity

• Global Capitalism

• Researching Society

Year 2 Core Modules:

• Criminological Intersections

• Inequality of Class & Culture

• Modern Social Theory

• Exploring Social Research

In addition, choose from a list of Year 2 option modules. Please check our website for a full and up-to-date list.

Year 3 Core Modules:

• Sociology Dissertation

• Contemporary Society & Social Futures

In addition, choose from a list of Year 3 option modules. Please check our website for a full and up-to-date list.

https://www.leedsbeckett.ac.uk/courses/sociology-criminology-ba//?modules=true