Criminology and Sociology BA(Hons)

Course structure

The course covers the following areas of study:

• deviance and control
• youth and delinquency
• the relationship between gender and crime
• the relationship between race and crime
• cross-cultural issues in crime and justice.

You are taught through a mixture of lectures, seminars and workshops, but there is an increasing emphasis on independent study as the course progresses. Although assessment is split between essays and exams in year 1, your second and final years consist mainly of coursework.

Making sure that what you learn with us is relevant, up-to-date and what employers are looking for is our priority, so courses are reviewed and enhanced on an ongoing basis. When you have applied to us, you will be told about any new developments through our applicant portal.

Year 1

In your first year, you will study modules that introduce you to both sociology and criminology. You will also begin to develop the research skills which you will use throughout your degree.

Modules

• Introduction to Research Methods

  The module introduces you to the range of research methods used in the social sciences and will enable you to develop the skills necessary to collect and analyse both quantitative and qualitative data.

• Sociological Imaginations

  This module will introduce you to contemporary ‘sociological imaginations’ of the social world and will give you the opportunity to apply sociological theories and concepts to contemporary topics. You'll develop your ability to think sociologically, by first understanding key sociological concepts and then exploring how these are applied in contemporary sociological research examples.

• Criminal Justice Matters

  This module will introduce you to the criminal justice system in England and Wales by exploring its main institutions and agencies: eg. police, courts, prison and probation. You'll explore some of the key debates and policies in relation to sentencing, victims and crime prevention. You will gain an understanding of the politics and controversies in criminal justice and develop your skills in identifying, analysing information and presenting coherent arguments.

• Foundations of Sociology

  This module will equip you with an understanding of traditional sociological theory and its applications today. You'll be introduced to the foundations of sociology including key thinkers, key debates, and main theoretical perspectives.

  The module will examine the development of classical ideas and the continued relevance for different sociological perspectives throughout the twentieth century. Recent challenges to traditional sociological theory will also be examined and assessed.

• Theories of Crime

  On this module you will examine criminological theories from an historical perspective, and gain an understanding of the political, social and cultural context in which different theories were developed, as well as the strengths and weaknesses of their current application.

• Contemporary Social Inequalities

  This module will provide you with the theoretical and conceptual tools to confront normative/normalising explanations of difference and inequality. You'll understand the ways that ‘differences’ and inequalities are formed and their consequences for everyday lived realities.

Year 2

In your second year, you will build on the knowledge and skills you gained in year 1, and learn about the different ways in which societies try to control crime.

The community engagement module is an opportunity to undertake a voluntary work placement with a local organisation. Our students have worked with organisations including Sussex Police and Sussex Pathways, a mentoring scheme working with local offenders.

Modules

• Theorising the Social World
• Sociology and the Life Course
• Critical Perspectives on Criminal Justice
• Researching Social and Cultural Life

Options*

• Inquiries in Crime and Deviance
• Community Engagement: Theory into Practice 
• Punishment, Power and the State OR Policing and Society

*Option modules are indicative and may change, depending on timetabling and staff availability.

Final year

In your final year at Brighton, you will write a dissertation on a topic in criminology, sociology or both. The dissertation is an opportunity to develop an idea independently, with the support of an academic supervisor throughout. 

Modules

• Dissertation or Empirical Dissertation
• Sociology Topic 1
• Sociology Topic 2
• Contemporary Studies in Crime and Justice

Options*

Choose one from:

• Critical Addiction Studies
• Criminology of Borders
• Global Issues: Crime, Power, Harm

*Option modules are indicative and may change, depending on timetabling and staff availability.

Volunteering

Volunteering is a great opportunity to develop your vocational skills and gain practical work experience while contributing to the wider community. Our award-winning Community University Partnership Programme (CUPP) can pair you up with a local organisation and find a volunteering placement that is right for you.

Option module, Community Engagement, in year 2 allows you to incorporate volunteering in your degree programme. It involves 30 to 50 hours of work with a not-for-profit or community organisation that reflects your academic interests and career aspirations.

Previous students have had volunteering roles including:

• activity volunteer for CCHF All About Kids
• centre volunteer for the Centre for Ecotherapy
• communication supporter for Connect
• listening and support volunteer for the Samaritans
• support volunteer for the MS Society
• volunteer for Fresh Start
• volunteer befriender for the Alzheimer's Society.

CUPP is an award-winning project that aims to tackle disadvantage and promote sustainable development through partnership with local organisations

International requirements

We can help you meet our English language or academic entry requirements.

Course fees

Info

The fees listed here are for full-time courses beginning in the academic year 2019–20.

Further tuition fees are payable for each subsequent year of study and are subject to an annual increase of no more than 5% or RPI (whichever is the greater). The annual increase for UK/EU students, who are subject to regulated fees, will increase no more than the statutory maximum fee.

You can find out more about our fees in the university's student contract and tuition fee policy (pdf).

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-time 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.

What's included in the fee?

When costs such as health or DBS checks, or use of specialist materials are incurred as a mandatory requirement of the course they are included in your tuition fee.

You may incur additional costs depending on the optional modules or activities you choose. The cost of optional activities is not included in your tuition fee and you will need to meet this cost in addition to your fees. Before you apply check with us for advice about what is included and what optional costs you could face so you can budget accordingly. You can chat with our enquiries team through the Stay in touch panel at the end of this page.

See our finance pages for advice about funding and scholarships as well as further information about fees and advice on international and island fee-paying status.

Local area

Campus where this course is taught

Accommodation

Maps

Accommodation

University building

Falmer campus