Sociology with Criminology BSc (Hons), sandwich with foundation year and work placement

People are not born criminals. On this course, you’ll explore sociology, crime and how human relationships and social structures influence behaviour. You’ll discover how power dynamics and inequalities create crime. And you’ll see people who break and enforce the law in a new light. This degree will equip you with valuable knowledge and key skills to make a real difference in a wide range of exciting careers.

With many diverse options to choose from, you can tailor this BSc (Hons) Sociology with Criminology degree around topics that fascinate you – from race and sexuality, to global inequalities, nationalism, media or serial killing.

Modules are taught by experts who draw directly from their research activity – to give you the latest knowledge in the field.

You'll benefit from a wide array of inclusive teaching activities and assessments and will have multiple opportunities for personal, professional and academic development, helping you to feel confident and prepared for the next step in your journey.

Choosing to study sociology and criminology together opens up a wide range of potential careers, both in and out of the criminal justice system. Whether you’re attracted to careers that involve working closely with other people, or roles that call for analytical and critical thinking, you’ll be well prepared.

This is because you’ll graduate from this sociology and criminology degree with a set of skills that are transferable to all kinds of professions. Those skills include but are not limited to:

• insight into people and social dynamics
• critical thinking and analysis
• written and verbal communication
• qualitative and quantitative research
• independent working, collaboration and teamwork
• organisation and time management
• the ability to shape and communicate an argument

For proof that a wide range of employers value these skills, look at the diversity of roles our recent graduates have taken on. They include: police officer, recruitment consultant, litigation paralegal, digital forensics assistant and victim support caseworker.

What areas can you work in with a sociology with criminology degree?

You’ll graduate ready to pursue a career or further training in areas such as:

• health and social care
• law enforcement
• probation
• counselling
• advertising, marketing and media
• teaching and lecturing
• human resources and recruitment
• business administration and personnel management

You could also progress into research-related jobs or pursue further research and study at postgraduate level.

What jobs can you do with a sociology with criminology degree?

Job roles you could take on include:

• social researcher
• probation officer
• investigative analyst
• police officer
• human resource manager
• counsellor
• teacher
• charity worker
• detention custody officer

We are one of a select few universities in the UK recognised by the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners (ACFE) - a global professional body for counter fraud professionals.

If you take the optional module Economic Crime and Fraud Examination on this course, you'll have the chance to complete the ACFE's Certified Fraud Examiner qualification at a subsidised rate.

Ongoing career support – up to 5 years after you graduate

Get experience while you study, with support to find part-time jobs, volunteering opportunities, and work experience.

Towards the end of your degree and for up to five years after graduation, you’ll receive one-to-one support from our Careers and Employability Service to help you find your perfect role.

Placement year (optional)

After your second or third year of study, you can choose to do a paid work placement year in the UK or overseas. This lets you put your new skills to work while developing valuable links with employers.

It’s fantastic for your CV and will really help you stand out when applying for jobs.

We’ll help you secure a work placement that fits your aspirations – whatever they might be. For example, a recent student joined an anti-poaching operation in South Africa.

Mentoring and support throughout your placement will help you to get the most from the experience.

You can also spend this year studying overseas at one of our partner universities in Europe. 

You could also choose to set up your own business, or take a voluntary placement.

Study abroad year

Between your second and third year, you can choose to study abroad at one of our partner universities in Europe, Asia, Australia or North America. All classes are delivered in English and you'll still be able to get both your tuition fee and maintenance loans. You may also qualify for a government travel grant.

 

"Students that go abroad are more likely to obtain first-class honours [and] more likely to be in graduate employment than their non-mobile peers."

 

Universities UK International: 'Gone International, Rising Aspirations', 2019