Criminology and Sociology

University of Stirling

United Kingdom, Stirling

University RankQS Ranking

455

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Home/United Kingdom/Stirling /University of Stirling/Criminology and Sociology

University of Stirling

United Kingdom , Stirling

Key Facts

Program Level

Bachelor

Study Type

Full Time

Delivery

On Campus

Course Code

LM39

Campuses

on campus

Program Language

English

Start & Deadlines

Next Intake DeadlinesJanuary-2026

Apply to this program

Go to the official application for the university

Duration 48 month(s)

Tuition Fee

GBP 19,500 / year(s)

Next Intake January-2026

Criminology and Sociology

About

Choose our Criminology and Sociology degree and you’ll benefit from studying two closely related disciplines; with training both in criminology and the theory and methods of sociology.

Learn how to ‘think like a criminologist’ and apply criminology to the context of modern life, social diversity and inequalities in society. Criminologists are interested in how activities are defined as criminal, explanations for crime and social reactions to crime.

You’ll explore fascinating questions surrounding the criminal justice system, the social contexts of crime, and the relationship between behaviour and punishment. Why and how do people break the law? How can the criminal justice system define this, and how do we police, prosecute and punish people?

Studying Sociology will help you to understand how society works. You’ll learn about the ways in which society shapes individuals and how individuals create society. And you’ll explore crucial questions about diversity, discrimination and inequality in the 21st century.

Our Criminology and Sociology course reflects the latest developments in social research and is taught by experts in their fields.

Top reasons to study with us

1st in Scotland and top 15 in the UK for Criminology, top 5 in Scotland for Sociology (Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2025)

Ranked top 5 in Scotland for Sociology (The Complete University Guide 2025)

You’ll have the opportunity to broaden your horizons and study abroad through our well-established connections with several international universities

Requirements

Entry Requirements

Year 1 entry – Four-year honours

SQA Highers
ABBB

GCE A-levels
BBB

IB Diploma
28 points

BTEC (Level 3)
DDM

Widening access students
Widening access students may be eligible for an adjusted offer of entry. To find out if this applies to you go to our widening access pages.

Care-experienced applicants will be guaranteed an offer of a place if they meet the minimum entry requirements.

Year 2 entry – Three-year honours

SQA Advanced Highers
ABB

GCE A-levels
ABB

IB Diploma
32 points

Essential subjects
Sociology

Other Scottish qualifications

Scottish HNC/HND
Year one minimum entry - Bs in graded units.

Access courses
University of Stirling access course - for mature students only. You must pass the course with 50% or above.

SWAP access course - for mature students only.

Email our Admissions Team for advice about other access courses.

Foundation Apprenticeships
Considered to be equivalent to 1 Higher at Grade B

Other qualifications

English, Welsh and Northern Irish HNC/HND
Merits and Distinctions

English, Welsh and Northern Irish access courses
Access to Higher Education - 60 credits, minimum 45 at QCF Level 3, pass at 60% or above.

Email our Admissions Team for advice about other access courses.

International entry requirements

View the entry requirements for your country

Advanced entry

Year 2 and Year 3 entry
Entry into Year 2 or Year 3 may be possible depending on your HNC/HND course. To find out more go to our articulation pages.

Other qualifications
Advanced entry may be possible depending on your qualifications. For more information, contact our Admissions Team at admissions@stir.ac.uk.

Other routes of entry

If you don't currently meet our academic requirements, INTO University of Stirling offers a variety of preparation programmes that can earn you the qualifications and skills you need to progress onto some of our courses. Explore INTO University of Stirling to see the Foundation and International Year 2 routes available.

English language requirements

If English is not your first language you must have one of the following qualifications as evidence of your English language skills:

IELTS Academic or UKVI 6.0 with a minimum of 5.5 in each sub-skill.
Pearson Test of English (Academic) 60 overall with a minimum of 59 in each sub-skill.
IBT TOEFL 78 overall with a minimum of 17 in listening, 18 in reading, 20 in speaking and 17 in writing.

See our information on English language requirements for more details on the language tests we accept and options to waive these requirements.

Pre-sessional English language courses

If you need to improve your English language skills before you enter this course, our partner INTO University of Stirling offers a range of English language courses. These intensive and flexible courses are designed to improve your English ability for entry to this degree.

Find out more about our pre-sessional English language courses

English Program Requirements

If English is not your first language you must have one of the following qualifications as evidence of your English language skills:

IELTS Academic or UKVI 6.0 with a minimum of 5.5 in each sub-skill.
Pearson Test of English (Academic) 60 overall with a minimum of 59 in each sub-skill.
IBT TOEFL 78 overall with a minimum of 17 in listening, 18 in reading, 20 in speaking and 17 in writing.

See our information on English language requirements for more details on the language tests we accept and options to waive these requirements.

Pre-sessional English language courses

Find out more about our pre-sessional English language courses

Career

Preparing you for the world of work

As a Criminology and Sociology graduate, you’ll leave with the critical thinking, analytical and communication skills that are valued by many employers throughout the private, public and voluntary sectors.

Companies we work with

You’ll benefit from our strong links with other organisations situated on the University of Stirling campus. These include the Scottish Centre for Crime and Justice Research, The Scottish Institute for Policing Research, and the Salvation Army Centre for Addiction Services and Research.