Program Overview

• Become proficient at using both sociological and criminological approaches to solve complex problems in real casework on cold cases and case reviews
• Consider in-depth many aspects of human experience, including the sociology of deviance, social activism, and the context of crime
• Learn from a teaching team with wide ranging practitioner experience offering genuine insight into the criminal justice system
• Benefit from interactive and practical teaching approaches that bring theory and practice to life

Criminology has never been concerned solely with crime. Criminologists have always wanted to define the nature of crime and explain its social causes. Although you learn a lot about both criminology and sociology on our joint honours programme, the unique value of its interdisciplinary approach is that it provides deeper insights into the nature and origin of crime.

Over three years, you learn to apply both sociological and criminological theories to complex problems. You learn about the relationship of social inequalities and divisions to crime and deviance, and analyse the best ways to control crime. These might include new policing methods, but also potential changes to housing, welfare and education policies. Or it might mean developing new strategies for the work of the prison and probation services.

Year 1 is foundational and you are introduced to the key theories, concepts and perspectives within both criminology and sociology. These include Communities, Identities and Crime, and Social Policy.

In Year 2, you can focus on a range of sociological themes, such as human rights, youth studies, race, migration, the environment and climate change, while also studying criminological theory. You also develop an understanding of applied research skills and knowledge.

In Year 3, you explore more specialised aspects and undertake research into a topic of your choice to write a dissertation within either criminology or sociology. But there are also more opportunities to follow up a range of special interests, from Crime and Deviance, to Globalised Crime: Organised Crime and Cyber Crime in criminology, and from Substance Use and Misuse, to Ideology, Conflict and Terrorism, in sociology.