Program Overview

The mix of Criminology and Sociology is an ideal one to offer you the breadth and depth of knowledge you need to understand classical, radical and critical perspectives on crime, punishment, social change and social inequalities. You will be taught by academics who undertake relevant research and influence government policy development.

Themes include human trafficking, modern slavery, terrorism, counter-terrorism, migration, human rights, prisons, policing, race and more. The degree will train you to critically reflect on emerging new perspectives on crime, including cyber-crime, and the use of artificial intelligence to understand and predict crime.

Crime and society are intertwined. No society is crime free. In the UK criminology is most strongly associated with sociology. Sociologists study how society is organised and how people form social relationships. Criminology examines crime and deviance, how they are socially constructed, and crime patterns and trends across space and time.

You will be taught to explore the variety and volume of big data and how to use it. The study of contemporary themes and issues in criminology and sociology will guide you to choose a career that challenges you to make a difference.

Why St Mary's?
At St Mary’s we have created a purposeful learning community. We will help you to explore social and criminal justice issues you find fascinating and challenging.

You will get the opportunity to hear about contemporary issues from guest speakers including those involved with policy, the media and charitable organisations. These talks will offer you rich information on recent research or policy directions on topics such as modern slavery, human trafficking, organised crime, prisons, policing, youth violence, gangs, media representations of crime and other social issues.

This degree has links with other programmes and research centres across the university. In particular, we have strong links with the Centre for the Study of Modern Slavery – the only dedicated such teaching and research centre in the UK.

They host seminars, events, symposiums and public lectures that you will be encouraged to attend. Researchers associated with the Centre bring current knowledge from research directly to you in the classroom.

These opportunities will enable you to develop learning beyond your undergraduate study in the context of further studies and future careers. We now offer a unique MA in Human Trafficking, Migration and Organised Crime, which you could progress onto after completing this degree.

You will have the opportunity to undertake a work placement during your degree, organised alongside the Workplace Learning Team and in a location that is convenient to you. Previous students have worked within the charitable sector and schools.

About the Foundation Year:
Our four-year degree programmes (including a foundation year) provide an alternative route to undergraduate study at university if you do not have the grades to access higher education in the traditional way.

On successful completion of the Law Foundation Year pathway you will progress on to the three-year undergraduate degree in Criminology and Sociology.