COURSE CURRICULUM

The Criminology and Sociology degree provides a comprehensive and critical exploration of crime, inequality, and social structures, equipping students with theoretical understanding and practical research skills. In Year 1, students are introduced to key concepts through modules such as Foundations of Criminology, which examines criminological theories and the social context of criminal behaviour, and Inequality and Social Change, which explores systemic oppression, poverty, and the social movements driving reform. Crime, Criminalisation and Society adopts an applied approach, encouraging students to analyse contemporary crime-related issues and their representation in media and public discourse. Applying the Sociological Imagination encourages students to link personal experiences to broader societal issues, developing a deeper understanding of social constraints and agency, and examining how higher education intersects with employability and identity. In Year 2, students build on foundational knowledge through Key Thinkers in Sociology, a theoretical module focusing on major sociological schools of thought and their relevance to current debates. The Global Sex Industry and Drug Use in Society provide critical perspectives on marginalised and stigmatised populations, while Sociology in Practice offers training in research methods, ethics, data analysis, and evidence communication. In Year 3, students examine complex topics such as the intersections of Gender, Race and Crime, the Sociology of Gender and Sexuality, and Perspectives on Violence. They can choose between a Work Placement or a Dissertation to apply their learning in a practical or academic context. Additional options include Migration and Citizenship, Globalisation, Family and the State, and Social Contexts of Health and Illness, allowing students to specialise in areas of interest. Optional modules like Gangs, Guns and Knife Crime and Critical Criminology challenge dominant narratives and encourage critical reflection on crime, justice, and social policy. Throughout the course, students develop employability and academic skills, preparing them for careers in social research, policy, advocacy, or criminal justice.