Program Overview

Why choose this course

• Study with us, and you’ll join one of the most prestigious sociology disciplines in the UK, which is also well known for its friendly and supportive ethos.
• We offer inspirational, research-led teaching resulting in high levels of student satisfaction
• You’ll develop a full range of social research skills highly sought after by employers and ideal for developing a career in the public sector, policy development or research
• Our broad range of optional modules in your second and third years gives you the flexibility to shape your degree to your interests and develop specialist knowledge on a range of topics in criminology and sociology
• You can choose to take one of our award-winning Professional Training placements or study abroad at one of our partner universities, or a mix of both

What you will study

Our Criminology and Sociology degree is taught within our interdisciplinary School of Social Sciences.

Crime and justice are endlessly fascinating subjects. Studying sociology and criminology with us, you’ll develop your understanding of the concepts, theories and principles of both criminology and sociology. You’ll explore why people commit crime, the relationship between behaviours and punishments, and the workings of the criminal justice system.

You’ll develop your research and analytical skills in addressing contemporary criminological and sociological problems. You’ll master the methods and analytical tools required to conduct and evaluate research on contemporary problems relating to crime, deviance and social control.  

From the second year, you’ll also be able to choose from a wide variety of different modules, such as hate crime and cyber-crime, among others. All our modules are taught by experts in the field and cover issues at the cutting-edge of current criminological and sociological debates.

Criminology and sociology placements

We strongly encourage you to take advantage of our pioneering Professional Training placement programme. You’ll have the opportunity to put your new academic knowledge into practice and gain experience to enhance your employability prospects, with employers such as:

• Bail for Immigration Detainees
• Citizens Advice Bureau
• Government Social Research
• HM Prison High Down
• Home Office
• Ministry of Justice
• Surrey County Council.
• Surrey Youth Support Service.

We find that our placement students tend to return for their final year of study feeling more confident, mature and organised, and with clearer career aspirations. After graduation, some take up permanent posts with their Professional Training placement provider.

The competitive process of applying for placement positions also enhances your job-seeking skills, which will give you an advantage in the final year and beyond. We make every effort to match placement opportunities with your interests, career plans and location preferences.