Criminology and Sociology BA(Hons)
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Overview
Why do people commit crimes? How do societies respond to crime and deviance?
This course is designed for students who are interested in crime and how societies react to it, but who also wish to look further and deeper into crime as a social and cultural issue. More pertinent questions might therefore be: Why do certain types of societies appear to experience significantly more criminality or violence than others? Why is our mass media still so fascinated by crime whilst large sections of the public seem to live in fear of victimisation? Why do some societies appear more intolerant of criminality and deviance? And ultimately, what can the study of crime tell us about our society, culture and social relationships?
Course duration
Full-time: 3 years
Part-time: 6 years (max 8 years)
UCAS code LM39
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Course content
Course structure
The course incorporates placement and independent study opportunities, international exchange options, and an open choice of dissertation projects.
Areas of study
Students are encouraged to bring contemporary sociological and cultural ideas to bear on the study of crime and social control. The academic emphasis is on analysis, explanation and interpretation. Key themes include understanding deviance and control, gender and crime, youth and delinquency, race and crime, and cross-cultural issues in crime and justice. Lecturers are currently engaged in research into topics including crime and gender, violence, youth offending, firearms, crime and policing.
Syllabus
Year 1
Introduction to Criminal Justice Studies
Theories of Crime
Sociological Imaginations
Foundations of Sociology
Contemporary Social Inequalities
Research MethodsYear 2
Criminologies of Crime Control
Critical Perspectives on Criminal Justice
Theorising the Social World; Sociology and the Lifecourse
Researching Social and Cultural Life
Critical Analysis or Community Engagement
Theory into PracticeYear 3
Cross-Cultural Criminology or Global Issue
Crime, Power, Harm
Criminology and Criminal Justice Topic Options
Sociology Topics 1
Sociology Topics 2
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Entry requirements
Typical entry requirements
individual offers may varyA-levels:
BBB. Applicants with only two full A-levels or a double award will be considered on an individual basis.International Baccalaureate:
32 points.QAA-approved access course:
acceptable.GCSE (minimum grade C):
at least three subjects including English language and mathematics or a science.Foundation degree/HND
/HNC direct to year 2.For non-native speakers of English:
IELTS 6.0 overall, with 6.0 in writing and a minimum of 5.5 in the other elements.Other:
relevant professional experience. -
Location
Location
Falmer -
Career opportunities
The degree prepares graduates for careers in many fields including crime prevention, community safety planning and tackling youth offending, as well as social planning, and research and evaluation. Graduates are well equipped to work in voluntary agencies, private sector welfare agencies, and central and local government.
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Fees and costs
The fees listed here are for full-time courses beginning in the academic year 2012-13. Further tuition fees are payable for each subsequent year of study.
The tuition fee you have to pay depends on a number of factors including the kind of course you take, and whether you study full- or part-time. If you are studying part-time you will normally be charged on a pro rata basis depending on the number of modules you take. Different rules apply to research degrees - please contact the Doctoral College for advice.
To help you plan for your time here we will be providing further information about what is included in your tuition fee, and any optional costs you may need to budget for, later in the autumn.
Our website wwww.brighton.ac.uk/money provides advice about funding and scholarships as well as further information about fees and advice on international and island fee paying status.
BA(Hons) Criminology and Sociology [L1EA006] UK/EU (Full Time) 9,000 GBP Island Students (Full Time) 9,000 GBP International (Full Time) 12,500 GBP -
More details
Excellent Facilities
The School of Applied Social Science is located on the attractive Falmer campus, only four miles from central Brighton. Facilities at Falmer include a state of the art computer centre, extensive library and a media resources centre for student use.
Other student support services include the university’s careers centre, welfare service, a counselling service, chaplaincy and childcare provision.
Research
To keep our teaching well-informed, interesting and dynamic, our dedicated criminology and sociology lecturers are involved in national and international research and are frequently reported in local, national and international media:
· SASS criminology professor quoted in the Wall Street Journal
· Peter Squires: Straight shooter, The Guardian, October 2007
Our degrees enable students to acquire the essential research skills needed for investigating experience and behaviour. They are supported in developing the ability to conduct research independently.
Community participation and development
Teaching and research within the School of Applied Social Science is supported by our links with local communities.
The School’s close working relationship with the university’s Community University Partnership project (Cupp) allows us to offer our undergraduate students the opportunity to combine practical experience within a community or voluntary organisation with academic study.
The Community Participation and Development (CPD) module offers the opportunity to explore some of your personal values and aspirations while working for 30 to 50 hours on a relevant placement. Staff and students provide their skills and expertise, working alongside community organisations to help them achieve their aims. For example students on criminology courses may wish to work with a crime prevention organisation while sociology students may wish to work in a homeless shelter or a local pressure group.
It is offered in 10- and 20-credit modules at levels 2 and 3, and assessment is based on reflective as well as analytical assignments which encourage you to look at your own personal journey as well as the policy and practice of the organisation in which your placement is based.
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Student views
Aderonke Alao, Criminology and Sociology BA(Hons)
I really enjoyed my degree, in particular the work placement in the second year where you have the opportunity to spend 50 hours working within a not-for-profit organisation.
I worked for a children's charity. It was an independent placement that I found myself. The charity was based in Staffordshire but I worked on my own in the Brighton area.
I worked on a project to engage with local children through art. This gave me a really valuable experience of managing my own time, working with other professionals and working with children with disabilities.
Emine Ali-Jackson, Criminology and Sociology BA(Hons)
During my final year I found the Gangs module, run by Peter Squires, particularly interesting. It allowed me to explore a topic which is really current in today’s society. Overall, the most enjoyable module was Community and Personal Development. For this I undertook a work placement at Varndean School mentoring the pupils. This was a great experience as it allowed me to develop essential everyday skills such patience, planning and communication skills.
My overall university experience was excellent. I had quite a few ups and downs but the experience has really helped me to mature. The nature of independent living and looking after yourself prepares you for the real world. I also feel that working to deadlines is excellent preparation for life after university.
01273 643988
sassenquiries@brighton.ac.uk
Crime, its causes and how we respond to it
Taking a degree in criminology at Brighton will give you a cutting edge grasp on new theories, methods and approaches to crime, its prevention and its consequences.
Visit our criminology and sociology pages for more information.
Visit the school or college site
Related Courses
Applied Psychology and Criminology BA(Hons)
Criminology and Social Policy BA(Hons)
Open Days
Our open days provide an excellent opportunity to learn more about our courses.