BA(Hons) Criminology and Sociology
This course is open for applications
Introduction
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.
Structure
Content
The optional modules listed are those that are most likely to be available, but they may be subject to change.
Year one
You'll study:
- Foundations in Social Theory
- Introduction to Criminological Theory
- Critical Thinking (Sociology and Criminology)
- Sociological Practice - Becoming a Social Scientist
- Introduction to Criminal Justice
- Understanding Crime.
Year two
You'll study:
- Theorising Social Life
- Research, Theory and Practice: Developing Skills for Life and Work
- Policing and Crime Prevention.
Plus, up to two optional module from (indicative titles as follows):
- Gender and Society
- Mind, Emotion and Society: An Introduction to Psychosocial Studies
- Criminal Psychology
- Drugs, Crime and Society
- Crime, Media and Culture
- Difference: 'Race', Ethnicity and Diversity in Contemporary Society
- Mental Health, Crime and Criminal Justice.
Placement year (if applicable)
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.
See the Placements and Fees sections for more information.
Final year
You'll study:
- Sociology Project and Placement Module or Criminology Project.
- Transnational Crime and Comparative Criminology.
Plus, optional sociology modules from (the number depending on credit requirements) (indicative titles as follows):
- Stop, Look, Listen! A Sociology of Culture
- Digital Media and Society
- Sociology of Human, Non-Human and Environmental Rights
- Sociology of Sex, Genders, and Sexualities
- Sustainable Futures: Environment and Society in an Age of Crisis.
Or optional criminology modules from (the number depending on credit requirements) (indicative titles as follows):
- Hate Crime: Offenders, Victims and the Criminal Justice System (CJS)
- Gender, Sex and Social Control
- Green Criminology: Environment, Crime and Justice
- Protest, Policing and Public Order
- Organised Crime.
This structure is for full-time students only. Part-time students study the same modules but the delivery pattern will be different.
The University continually enhances our offer by responding to feedback from our students and other stakeholders, ensuring the curriculum is kept up to date and our graduates are equipped with the knowledge and skills they need for the real world. This may result in changes to the course. If changes to your course are approved, we'll inform you.
Learning and Teaching
Learn through a balanced mix of lectures, seminars, workshops, online tutorials, media presentations, project work and reflective diaries.
Work with experienced and enthusiastic academics who are leaders in their field and incorporate their research into their teaching, to give you access to the latest ideas.
Attend regular presentations from visiting practitioners and guest lecturers so you can learn about industry challenges and best practice.
Carry out your own criminological research, focusing on real-world issues that link into your future career.
You'll learn how to think critically, interpret data and evaluate evidence, as well as developing skills in report writing, argumentation and making balanced judgements.
We offer modules that differ in learning approach, so you can choose those that match your style.
Your tutors will be on hand to support you, and you'll have your own personal academic tutor, as a mentor and guide.
See our full glossary of learning and teaching terms.
Community and public projects
Benefit from our close links with local schools, to take part in education-focused projects, apply your knowledge and engage with the local community.
Get involved in our Social Science in the City series of events, which engage the public in research and ideas being pursued across the University.
Study time
During your degree, you'll have at least 12 hours of teaching and related activities each week.
Assessment
We'll assess you using essays, seminar presentations, timed assignments, group and individual projects, web-based assignments, formal unseen exams, seen exams, computer-based conferencing, timed assignments, literature reviews, and group and individual projects.
Learn more about assessments.
Features
Placements
Students who go on work experience tend to graduate with better degrees. Experience also hones your skills, industry knowledge and professional network, making you a sought after graduate.
We have links with lots of organisations. Past students have worked with organisations including the Alzheimer's Society, Avon and Somerset Police Service, Bristol Fair Trade Network, Bristol Refugee Rights, Tamarind Grove, Lifeskills Centre and The Big Issue.
We also offer volunteering and other work-based experiences, to deepen your knowledge and skills.
You'll get help to find a placement and support throughout from staff within the School and our award-winning careers service.
Study year abroad
You'll also have opportunities to study overseas on courses that are taught in English and are relevant to your degree. The study year abroad is not a paid placement.
Study facilities
Learn in our modern, well-equipped facilities within the School, including our university library, open 24 hours a day, which has spaces for silent and group study and rooms you can book.
You'll have use of books, trade press, academic journals, and industry databases both on and off campus.
Learn more about UWE Bristol's facilities and resources.
Take a personalised virtual tour of the Psychology, Sociology and Criminology facilities and experience what a typical day could look like here for you.
Life
Accommodation
An excellent range of options for all of the Bristol campuses and the city centre.
Bristol
A stunning city for student living with all the qualities to make you want to stay.
Sports, societies and activities
There is more to your experience here than study. Choose to make the most of it and try new things.
Health and Wellbeing
We provide support in the way you need it.
Campus and facilities
Discover our campuses and the wealth of facilities provided for our students.
Careers
Careers / Further study
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, as well as 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.
Get inspired
Our award-winning careers service will develop your employment potential through career coaching and find you graduate jobs, placements and global opportunities.
We can also help find local volunteering and community opportunities, provide support for entrepreneurial activity and get you access to employer events.
Visit our employability pages to learn more about careers, employers and what our students are doing six months after graduating.
Fees*
Full-time; Sandwich course
Part time course
Indicative Additional Costs
Supplementary fee information
*The UK Government recently proposed that tuition fees for Home students will increase by 3.1% to £9,535 from 1st August 2025. This increase is subject to Parliamentary approval and the vote is expected to take place later this year.
Any tuition fee which is impacted by this change will be updated following approval.
Please see GOV.UK for further information.
Your overall entitlement to funding is based on how long the course is that you're registered on. Standard funding is allocated based on the standard number of years that your course lasts, plus one additional year.
You'll apply for funding each year that you study and Student Finance will take into account how long the course is in each year that you apply. So if you register for the four year course and then transfer to the three year course, the number of years you can apply for funding will change. Student Finance will reassess your funding based on how many years you have been in study, not just those years for which you received student finance.
Always seek advice before taking any action that may have implications for your funding.
Additional costs
This refers to items you could need during your studies that aren't covered by the standard tuition fee. These could be materials, textbooks, travel, clothing, software or printing.
Entry
Typical offers
- Tariff points: 120
- Contextual tariff: See our contextual offers page.
- GCSE: Grade C/4 in English, or equivalent.
- 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 (or approved equivalent*).
*The university accepts a large number of UK and International Qualifications in place of IELTS. You can find details of acceptable tests and the required grades you'll need in our English Language section. Please visit our English language requirements page. - A-level subjects: No specific subjects required.
- EDEXCEL (BTEC) Diploma: No specific subjects required. For information on required Guided Learning Hours please see our minimum entry requirements page.
- Access: No specific subjects required.
- Baccalaureate IB: No specific subjects required.
- Irish Highers: No specific subjects required.
- Welsh Baccalaureate: We accept tariff points achieved from the Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales in conjunction with other Level 3 qualifications.
- Cambridge Technical: No specific subjects required.
- T Levels: No specific subjects required.
Entry requirements
If you don't meet the entry requirements, you may be eligible for BA(Hons) Criminology and Sociology (with Foundation Year).
International applicants
For country specific entry requirements please find your country on the country information pages. If you are an international student and do not meet the academic requirements to study this course, you can qualify by completing preparatory study at our International College.
If you are applying to study at UWE Bristol and require additional support to meet our English language requirements, you may be able to attend one of our pre-sessional English courses. Read more about our Pre-Sessional English Programme.
Read more about entry requirements.
How to apply
Read more about undergraduate applications.
Read more about international applications and key international deadline dates.
For further information
- Email:
UK applicants
Admissions@uwe.ac.ukInternational/EU applicants
International@uwe.ac.uk - Telephone:
UK applicants
+44 (0)117 32 83333International/EU applicants
+44 (0)117 32 86644