COURSE CURRICULUM

The Criminology and Sociology course at Sussex provides a three-year interdisciplinary program that combines theoretical grounding with practical research and applied learning. In the first year, students develop foundational knowledge through modules in criminological theory, critical reading and writing, thinking like a criminologist, 21st century sociology, and understanding the criminal justice system, alongside exploring sociological themes and perspectives. The second year introduces quantitative and qualitative social research methods, while core and optional modules allow students to investigate topics such as gender, crime and justice, victimology, policing, identity, violence, social inequality, education, migration, digital societies, emotions, mental health, and environmental challenges. These options enable students to tailor their studies and engage with contemporary social and criminal issues from multiple perspectives. In the third year, students complete criminology and sociology projects, applying their research skills to independent investigations, while choosing from a wide range of advanced options including capitalism and ecological crisis, class and power, coloniality and racism, crimes against humanity, neurocriminology, sexualities, digital activism, migration, and visual criminology. Across all three years, the program emphasizes critical thinking, interdisciplinary analysis, and practical research skills, preparing graduates to understand crime and society in their cultural, social, and structural contexts, and equipping them for careers in research, criminal justice, policy, advocacy, and related fields.