Course contact details
Directorate of Global Engagement, Marketing and Recruitment
Email:study@abdn.ac.uk
Phone:+44 (0) 1224 272090
University of Aberdeen
Directorate of Global Engagement, Marketing and Recruitment
King's College
Aberdeen
AB24 3FX
Criminology and Sociology
- Master of Arts (with Honours)
- 4 Years
- Full-Time
- 13 September 2027
- Undergraduate
- Main Site
Course summary
This new interdisciplinary programme combines dedicated Criminology modules with modules from Sociology, Psychology and Law, to provide a broadly based and comprehensive Criminology and Sociology joint honours undergraduate degree.
Criminology is the study of crime, law, and criminal justice. On this programme, you will investigate questions including:
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How crime and criminality are defined and understood.
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How crime and punishment relate to a broad range of social and psychological factors.
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How key aspects of the legal system develop and are applied.
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How technological advances are affecting crime and its detection.
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How social arrangements contribute to social order and disorder.
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How key aspects of social relations and organisation have developed over time.
This exciting new programme addresses a diverse range of topics such as: social interaction, the construction of self, social inequalities, surveillance, face recognition, social control, biological and forensic psychology, policing, criminal justice, social harm and social justice.
This programme is delivered by staff with expertise in criminology, law, psychology and sociology to provide you with a critically informed understanding of crime, including the causes of crime, the impact of crime, and the effectiveness of crime prevention measures, including law, policing and prisons.
Our multidisciplinary approach provides you with a broad knowledge base and range of skills to inform your understanding of individuals, social relations and organisation, as well as the psychosocial conditions that contribute to disorder, instability and crime. You will also gain insight into the evolution and operation of the criminal justice system, including policing, prisons, probation and policy.
Finally, this programme also explores public, media and legal perspectives on crime and society, addressing the way in which these relate to different groups based on social class, age, gender, ethnicity, sexuality, mental health and citizenship status.
Modules
Course Modules
View all modules on the programme page to find out more about what you will be studying and when. University of Aberdeen modules are designed to give you breadth and depth to your degree. The range of modules you study will allow you to become proficient in all subjects which are directly relevant to your degree giving you greater career options.
Assessment method
The use of various forms of assessment and learning environments facilitates the development of generic transferable skills enhancing student employability.
Students are assessed by any combination of three assessment methods: coursework such as essays and reports completed throughout the course; practical assessments of the skills and competencies they learn on the course; and written examinations at the end of each course. The exact mix of these methods differs between subject areas, years of study and individual courses.
Honours projects are typically assessed on the basis of a written dissertation.
How to apply
Apply by
13 January 2027
This is the deadline for applications to be completed and sent for this course. If the university or college still has places available you can apply after this date, but your application is not guaranteed to be considered.
Application codes
- Course code:
- MLC5
- Institution code:
- A20
- Campus name:
- Main Site
Points of entry
The following entry points are available for this course:
- Year 1
- Year 2
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Entry requirements
Typical qualification requirements
A levelBBC
For First Year Entry a minimum of 3 A Levels at BBC.
For Second Year Entry a minimum of an A in the subject selected for Single Honours plus BB, or AB in the subjects selected for Joint Honours plus a further B.
GCSE in English or English Language is also required.
UCAS TariffNot accepted
Scottish HNCPass
For entry to Level 2: Satisfactory completion of HNC Social Sciences (120 SCQF credit points) - B in all Graded Units - Students should take units A and B of the discipline/s they wish to study at university e.g Psychology A (FK8D 34) & B (J030 34). For joint honours programmes, students must take A and B for both disciplines.
Once in Year 2 of the Programme - Students must take LS1020: Criminal Law as an extra course alongside the compulsory Level 2 courses.
Scottish HigherBBBB
Applicants who have achieved BBBB (or are on course to achieve this by the end of S5) are encouraged to apply and will be considered. Good performance in additional Highers / Advanced Highers may be required.
Note: we do not double count a Higher and Advanced Higher in the same subject, but we do consider that a B at Adv Higher is equivalent to an A grade at Higher.
National 5 English at minimum grade C.
Scottish Advanced HigherABB
Second year entry may be possible in most school based subjects. A minimum of ABB overall in Adv Higher is required. Adv Higher at A in the subject selected for Single Honours or AB in the subject selected for Joint Honours.
International Baccalaureate Diploma ProgrammeOffer: 32
For entry into First Year, a minimum of 32 points required, including at least 5,5,5 at HL.
For entry into Second Year, a minimum of 36 points, including at 6, 6, 6 at Higher level in subject(s) selected.
English at a minimum of Standard level required.
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)DMM
Minimum entry requirement: DMM in related subjects.
Foundation Apprenticeship (SCQF Level 6)Pass
One FA is equivalent to a Higher at A. It cannot replace any required subjects.
Leaving Certificate - Higher Level (Ireland) (first awarded in 2017)H3H3H3H3H3
Five subjects at Higher at H3. O in English or in English Language also required for entry.
Entry requirements for students joining after Year 1: For entry to Level 2: Satisfactory completion of HNC Social Sciences (120 SCQF credit points) - B in all Graded Units - Students should take units A and B of the discipline/s they wish to study at university e.g Psychology A (FK8D 34) & B (J030 34). For joint honours programmes, students must take A and B for both disciplines.
Once in Year 2 of the Programme - Students must take LS1020: Criminal Law as an extra course alongside the compulsory Level 2 courses. https://www.abdn.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/find-a-degree.php#faq2
English language requirements
| Test | Grade | Additional details |
|---|---|---|
| IELTS (Academic) | 6 | Overall - 6.0 with: Listening - 5.5 or above; Reading - 5.5 or above; Speaking - 5.5 or above; Writing - 6.0 or above. IELTS Indicator or IELTS General Training are not accepted. |
| TOEFL (iBT) | 78 | TOEFL iBT and TOEFL Home Edition (online) - DI code is 0818: Overall 78 with: Listening - 17 or above; Reading - 18 or above; Speaking - 20 or above; Writing - 21 or above. |
| PTE Academic | 59 | Overall - 59 with: Listening - 59 or above; Reading - 59 or above; Speaking - 59 or above; Writing - 59 or above. Online Test is not accepted. |
| Trinity ISE | Pass | Pass overall at ISE II with a distinction in writing and merit in the other three skills. |
| Institution's Own Test | Academic English Pre-sessional Programmes - Pass (valid for one year) OR Academic English Preparation Programme - Pass at Level Four (valid for one year) | |
| Cambridge English Advanced | C | Overall - 169 with: Listening - 162; Reading - 162; Speaking - 162; Writing -169. |
| Cambridge English Proficiency | C | Overall - 169 with: Listening - 162; Reading - 162; Speaking - 162; Writing -169. |
To study for an undergraduate degree at the University of Aberdeen it is essential that you can speak, understand, read, and write academic English fluently. These skills will allow you to understand lectures, produce high standards of written work, and perform well in examinations. We can assess your English language proficiency through a variety of means: through your nationality, through the qualifications you gained in high school, or through a recognised English language test. Please note certification must be within the two years prior to commencement of your degree programme, unless otherwise stated.https://www.abdn.ac.uk/study/international/undergraduate-degrees-english-requirements-268.php
Contextual admissions
Universities and colleges consider more than grades when assessing applications and may make offers based on a range of criteria. Learn more about contextual offers.
We are keen to encourage students from the widest possible range of backgrounds to participate in University studies, and we appreciate that not all students have the same opportunity to meet our advertised entry requirements.
For this reason we take contextualised information into account when making decisions on the applications we have received. Decisions are made in line with the University's Contexualised Admissions Policy.
Historical entry grades data
This section shows the range of grades that students who received offers were previously accepted on to this course with (learn more).
It is designed to support your research but does not guarantee whether you will or won't get a place.
Admissions teams consider various factors, including interviews, subject requirements, and entrance tests. Check all course entry requirements for eligibility.
Not available
Historical entry grades data is not currently available for University of Aberdeen - we are working with them to try and make it available soon - learn more.
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
No fee information has been provided for this course
Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website.
Additional fee information
Fee information is not yet published for entry in Academic Year 2027/2028. For guidance, the fees on the website are for 2026/27.
Sponsorship information
RUK and Ireland Entrance Scholarship
The University of Aberdeen is committed to attracting the brightest students, regardless of financial circumstances. To support this commitment, we are delighted to offer an entrance scholarship for undergraduate students joining us from England, Northern Ireland, Wales, the Republic of Ireland, the Channel Islands and Isle of Man in September 2027. This scholarship is designed to provide meaningful support, helping students manage the cost of living and settle into life at university.
Please note, this scholarship is only available for Aberdeen campus-based students in their first year of entry to undergraduate study.
Eligible students will automatically receive:
- A £2,000 discount towards University accommodation.
- A £50 weekly catering card allowance to use in university outlets for 27 weeks of teaching and exams.
This support helps make student life in Aberdeen more affordable, while giving you access to high-quality university accommodation and on-campus dining.
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