Criminology and sociology

Our criminology and sociology degree courses take a career-focused approach to your learning, giving you practical, transferable skills as well as theoretical knowledge.

Studying with us in Sussex you'll find stimulating and demanding programmes that cover both traditional and radical new perspectives on sociology and crime.

You can study degree courses in either subject or choose a joint degree. Unsure why you might prefer one or the other, or have more questions, take a look at our undergraduate degree courses or contact us.

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Why study criminology and sociology degree courses?

If you choose to study criminology and sociology you can learn why crime, social inequality and cultural are related in society. These degree courses introduce you to the theoretical foundations of criminology and criminal law, and help you understand social science research methods.

You will also have the opportunity to spend part of your second year in a voluntary work placement gaining valuable contacts and practical experience. You could also volunteer in your local community through our Active Student programme and put your studies into context in another country with our international exchange programme.

Criminology and sociology students in class

Criminology and sociology degree courses help you become an insightful critical thinker able to make an impact on the world.

You'll also become part of the School of Humanities and Social Science, a socially engaged academic community that is stimulating, demanding and relevant.

What jobs can I do with a criminology and sociology degree?

There are many jobs you could enter with a criminology and sociology degree, and careers in areas such as the civil service, local government, social research, policing, housing, the welfare services, probation, crime prevention, community safety, journalism and education.

10 jobs you could do with a sociology and criminology degree

Advice worker
Child care worker
Community development worker
Counsellor
Detective
Human rights officer
Prison officer
Probation officer
Social researcher
Social worker

Studying Criminology at Brighton

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Latest from this subject

Criminology lecturer in Guardian article on data showing people of colour more likely to be fined for lockdown raves

Lambros Fatsis says about the figures that show that more than a third of 441 fines in England and Wales for ‘amplified music’ events were issued to Black, Asian and mixed-race people: “These statistics are shocking but not surprising.

Thinking of studying sociology?

We’ve rounded up some fascinating listens on the subject to get your mind around what is meant by sociology, its history and the types of topics – from societal rules, to shopping, to alcohol, to class – that we explore in sociology at the University of Brighton.

Criminology lecturer Jon Robins on how the UK press is failing victims of miscarriages of justice

Jon Robins, a Criminology lecturer at the University of Brighton and special adviser to the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Miscarriages of Justice, has written in The Conversation about the British media and wrongful convictions.

Lecturers’ study reveals complex response by LGBTQ+ people and mental health struggles in the UK’s ‘gay capital’

The two-year project led by University of Brighton researchers Dr Zoë Boden-Stuart and Dr Nick McGlynn asks ‘Does living in Brighton make for LGBTQ+ happiness?