COURSE CURRICULUM

This BA Sociology and Criminology course offers a rich, interdisciplinary exploration of social life, crime, and justice. In Year 1, students are introduced to core sociological concepts and classical theories through modules like Sociological Perspectives and Sociological Imagination, which lay the foundations for understanding the interplay between individual experience and broader social forces. Modules such as City, Community and Culture use Birmingham as a living case study, while Politics and Society offers insights into political life beyond institutions. Students also explore criminological thinking in Crime, Punishment and Society and begin their research journey with Becoming a Social Researcher. Year 2 advances theoretical and practical learning with modules like Crime in the City and Race and Crime, focusing on urban criminology and the underrepresented voices in mainstream criminology. Applied Sociological Research enhances methodological skills, while Contemporary Social Theory develops students' analytical depth. Optional modules allow students to tailor their learning, offering choices like Youth Crime and Justice, Media and Popular Culture, and Experiencing Harm. In the final year, the course emphasises independent scholarship and critical thinking. The Integrated Research Project is a substantial piece of work where students apply their knowledge to a research topic of their choice. Core modules such as Globalisation, Migration and Borders and Gender and Crime examine global processes and the gendered nature of crime and justice. A wide range of optional modules provides the chance to explore areas such as cybercrime, deviant leisure, activism, visual cultures, postcolonial studies, or music and society. This diversity allows students to explore contemporary issues like hate crime, social movements, and the harms of powerful institutions. Throughout the course, students develop critical, analytical, and communication skills that prepare them for a wide range of careers in research, social policy, criminal justice, media, education, and beyond, while also being equipped to challenge injustice and understand complex social realities.