BSc Sociology and Criminology

University of Reading

United Kingdom, Reading

University RankQS Ranking

173

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University of Reading

United Kingdom , Reading

Key Facts

Program Level

Bachelor

Study Type

Full Time

Delivery

On Campus

Course Code

LM39

Campuses

Main Site

Program Language

English

Start & Deadlines

Next Intake DeadlinesSeptember-2026

Apply to this program

Go to the official application for the university

Duration 3 year(s)

Tuition Fee

GBP 25,850 / year

Next Intake September-2026

BSc Sociology and Criminology

About

Explore how crime and criminal justice relate to broader patterns of social change and examine how contemporary societies function on our BSc Sociology and Criminology course.

Offered by the Department of Politics and International Relations and the School of Law, this three-year joint degree is an ideal course if you are interested in sociology, criminology, politics, law and social policy.

What you'll learn

During your BSc Sociology and Criminology, you will:

enhance your understanding of social processes which help shape individuals, groups, and institutions and drive social order and change
study core dimensions of social differentiation including gender, class, race, age, sexuality, education, and more
examine criminological concepts, approaches and methodologies to gain a critical understanding of crime and criminal justice.
develop a critical understanding of criminalisation and victimisation processes, the causes and organisation of crime, crime management and prevention
analyse the interrelationship between crime, social inequalities, rights, punishment, and media representations of crime.

Engage with current issues

Throughout your degree, you'll address and evaluate current issues using methods from both subjects, critically examining your ideas and those of others.

In your first year, you’ll study core concepts, theories, and approaches, exploring key dimensions of social differentiation such as gender, class, and race. You'll also develop your understanding of the workings and limitations of the criminal justice system.

In your second year, you'll deepen your knowledge by engaging with sociological and criminological theories, research methods, and criminal justice. You'll start exploring your interests by choosing specialised optional modules.

Your final year offers you flexibility to tailor your degree and explore topics in greater depth. You can choose from a wide range of research-led modules including:

Global Justice
Crimes of the Powerful
Green Criminology.

Gain a multi subject perspective

BSc Sociology and Criminology at Reading will provide you with a core education in sociological and criminological theories and ideas.

At Reading, you will use diverse perspectives to analyse the complex dynamics of today's world. Our modules cover a range of topics including:

psychology
education
philosophy
law
politics.

Requirements

Entry Requirements

Select Reading as your firm choice on UCAS and we'll guarantee you a place even if you don't quite meet your offer. For details, see our firm choice scheme.

Our typical offers are expressed in terms of A level, BTEC and International Baccalaureate requirements. However, we also accept many other qualifications.

Typical offer

ABB

International Baccalaureate

32 points overall

Extended Project Qualification

In recognition of the excellent preparation that the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) provides to students for University study, we can now include achievement in the EPQ as part of a formal offer.

BTEC Extended Diploma

DDM

English language requirements

IELTS 6.5, with no component below 5.5

For information on other English language qualifications, please visit our international student pages.

Alternative entry requirements for International and EU students

For country specific entry requirements look at entry requirements by country.

International Foundation Programme

If you are an international or EU student and do not meet the requirements for direct entry to your chosen degree you can join the University of Reading’s International Foundation Programme. Successful completion of this 1-year programme guarantees you a place on your chosen undergraduate degree. English language requirements start as low as IELTS 4.5 depending on progression degree and start date.

Learn more about our International Foundation programme.

Pre-sessional English language programme

If you need to improve your English language score you can take a pre-sessional English course prior to entry onto your degree.

Find out the English language requirements for our courses and our pre-sessional English programme.

English Program Requirements

IELTS 6.5, with no component below 5.5

Career

Where can sociology and criminology take you?

We place great importance on enhancing your employability and helping you achieve your future career.

Throughout this course, you will build strong research, analytical and communication skills that will prepare you for sociology and criminology careers, or further study.

You’ll develop subject-specific knowledge relevant to careers in:

social work
journalism
media
government (Civil Service, local government offices)
criminal justice (police, prison service, probation service, youth justice service)
youth work
social research
non-governmental organisations
welfare and service charities
campaigning organisations and social research
teaching
think tanks.

Careers support

You’ll benefit from our dedicated careers advisor and other employability support including:

help with CV writing, placement applications and interview techniques
developmental workshops, career advice sessions and recruitment events
career mentoring and training sessions.

Fee Information

Tuition Fee

GBP 25,850

Application Fee

GBP

How to Apply

You can apply online for all of our courses, including courses with an Integrated Foundation Year, via the national admissions service, UCAS. You can choose to apply for up to five courses in total, including more than one course at the same institution.

1. Find a course

Browse our undergraduate courses and identify which ones you'd like to apply for. Make sure to check your course's entry requirements before you apply.

2. Begin your application

Our UCAS code is R12. The University does not have a campus code.

3. Write your personal statement

As part of your application, you'll be asked to submit a personal statement to support your application. This is your opportunity to tell us more about why you want to study the course and what interests, skills and experience you have that demonstrate your passion for the subject.

4. Submit your application

When you're happy with your application and have added the required information such as qualifications, personal statement and reference, you can submit your application.

A small charge is made by UCAS for applying to university. The application fee for 2024 entry is £27.50 for up to five choices.

Make sure to check the UCAS website for the most up-to-date application deadlines. If you have missed the January deadline, there is still the opportunity to apply (via UCAS), and we are happy to consider late applications until 30 June 2024 (all applications received after 30 June are entered into Clearing). Please be aware that some of our courses may be full after the January UCAS deadline, so we recommend early applications where possible.