UWE Bristol - BA Hons Criminology and Sociology

UWE Bristol

BA Hons Criminology and Sociology

You'll work with organisations through placements and internships, and get to develop your own insights and ideas to help improve people's lives.

Why study criminology and sociology?

Studying the relationship of people and society, with crime and justice, gives us a better understanding of what shapes people's behaviour, beliefs and attitudes.

By looking at the cultural, political, economic and human factors involved, we can look for more effective ways to tackle criminal behaviour and reduce its impact on individuals and society.

The knowledge base and skills these subjects give you will set you up strongly for many different career paths.

Why UWE Bristol?

BA(Hons) Criminology and Sociology lets you devote an equal amount of time to studying these two related subjects.

Through a broad mix of modules, and the support of our staff who are leaders in their field, you'll engage with real issues, and develop fresh insights and solutions to address crime and support the people affected by it.

Learn to evaluate evidence, approach issues from multiple perspectives, and build your expertise in research, analysis and communication.

You'll carry out your own research projects, hear from guest speakers, and take part in work-based learning through our links with organisations such as the Bristol Youth Education Service, Gloucester Community Services and Avon and Somerset police.

Activities such as volunteering, placements and internships will deepen your professional skills and knowledge further, to make you highly sought after when you graduate.

What can I do with a criminology and sociology degree?

The broad skills and industry-focused experience you'll gain will make you attractive to a wide range of employers.

You could pursue a career in research, education, social work, charity work and counselling, or work in the justice, legal or media sectors.

You could also keep studying, and go on to do a postgraduate course or research degree.

Entry Requirements

  • Tariff points: 120
  • GCSE: Grade C/4 or above in English Language or Literature and Mathematics, or equivalent. We do not accept Level 2 Key Skills, Functional Skills or Certificate in Adult Literacy and Numeracy as alternatives to GCSEs.
  • English Language Requirement: International and EU applicants are required to have a minimum overall IELTS (Academic) score of 6.0 with 5.5 in each component.
  • A-level subjects: No specific subjects required.

Career Prospects

BA(Hons) in Criminology and Sociology gives you an understanding of people, society and social groups that will equip you to make a valuable contribution whatever career you choose.

Our graduates are in demand by employers for their understanding of individuals, social institutions and processes. And their research, IT literacy and numeracy skills.

Many choose to work in the public sector in local or central government, the civil service, healthcare, the justice service or education. Others go into journalism, politics, public relations or HR.

You could also go on to postgraduate study or a research degree.

Course Details

Study exchange (if applicable) 

If you choose the study exchange option, you'll spend the first and/or second semester of Year two studying at another university.

If you study on the four year (sandwich) course, you'll spend a year away from the University on a work or study placement after Year two.

Depending on which you choose, you'll either complete a placement learning or learning and development module.

Year 1

Foundations in Social Theory
Introduction to Criminological Theory
Critical Thinking (Sociology and Criminology)
Sociological Practice
Introduction to Criminal Justice
Understanding Crime.

Year 2

Theorising Social Life
Nature and Use of Research (Sociology) OR Nature and Use of Research (Criminology)
Developing Self and Society (Sociology) OR Criminology in Action
Contemporary Perspectives in Criminology.

One optional sociology module
Gender and Society
Transgression
Love, Intimacy and Personal Life: The Sociology of Families.

One optional criminology module
Criminal Psychology
Angels or Demons: Understanding and Managing Youth Offending
Drugs, Crime and Society
Prisons
Crime, Media and Culture
Difference-Race, Ethnicity and Diversity in Contemporary Society
Contemporary Issues in Policing.

Placement year

Final year

Social Sciences Project and Placement Module or Criminology Project or Criminology Placement.

Optional sociology modules from
Stop, Look, Listen: A Sociology of Culture
Protest, Policing and Public Order
Childhood Disorder and Disordered Childhood
Psychoanalysis, Society and the Irrational
Seeing and Society
Digital Media and Society
Bodies, Technology and Society
The Sociology of Madness and Mental Disorders
Religion and Society
Politics and Society in the Global Age
Contemporary Critiques of Modern Society
Representations of Crime and Deviance
Family Problems - Problem Families
Sustainable Futures.

Optional criminology modules
Terrorism
Victims and Victimology
Protest, Policing and Public Order
Risk and Risk Management
Punishment and Human Rights
Hate Crimes: Offending, Victimisation and Policing
Gender, Sex and Social Control
Illegal Drugs: Problems, Markets and Policy
Green Criminology: Environment, Crime and Justice.

*The information’s are correct at the time of publishing, however it may change if university makes any changes after we have published the information. While we try our best to provide correct information, It is advisable to call us or visit university website for up to date information.

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