BA Criminology and Sociology

Undergraduate

BA Criminology and Sociology

Discover the social, cultural, economic and political factors that lead to crime.

Key information

Study mode

Full-time

Course length

3 years

Typical offer

112 points

A Level grades: BBC

UCAS code

LM39

Choose an option

Start date

Course overview

Criminology and sociology are a logical – and valuable – combination of subjects. Crime happens in social contexts. Sociology helps us understand those contexts. Demand for criminologists with insight into crime’s impact on society is higher than ever.

This course can train you to meet that demand.  Through real-world examples, you'll explore crime’s effect on society and how society responds to crime.

You'll consider your own attitudes to crime, criminals and victims. And you’ll study topics like the relationship between the individual and society, the concept of deviance and how offenders are punished.

You'll also get the chance to work with real offenders through the Learning Together network† - which allows students and prisoners to learn alongside, and from each other.

Put what you learn into practice in our purpose-built replica crime scene facility right here on campus. A recent addition to the university, it provides detailed and realistic crime scenes for you to explore. Get hands on: collect evidence, explore criminal activity and see the world of forensic science brought to life.

Learn more about your course in our subject sessions

On-demand session

Criminology and Sociology

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Download your 2022 prospectus Come to an Open Day Accommodation Fees and finance Choose Hull Department of Criminology and Sociology

Six reasons to study Criminology and Sociology at Hull

  1. Get hands on experience using our replica crime scene facility
  2. Chance for placements with Humberside Police
  3. Chance to learn alongside prisoners at HMP Hull
  4. Annual criminal justice careers event
  5. Tailor your studies to fit your interests
  6. 92% graduate employability rating*

What you'll study

The course consists of 120 credits per year. Most modules are 20 credits, meaning you’ll study six modules each year. Some longer modules, such as a dissertation, are worth more (e.g. 40 credits). In these cases, you’ll study fewer modules - but the number of credits will always add up to 120.

First year modules

  • Compulsory

    Crime, Deviance and Society

    Look back to the origins of criminology by focusing upon the concepts and study of deviance. You'll trace how crime and deviance have been - and continue to be - deeply intertwined. 

    Sociology of Inclusion and Exclusion

    This module will introduce you to the concept and idea of the 'other'. Explore how difference is socially constructed, how it plays out visually and how material includes some and excludes others.

    Introducing The Sociological Imagination: The Individual and Society

    This module maps the relationship between the individual and society. It will encourage you to think of yourself as a sociologist and to consider your place in the world.

    Social Research in Practice

    The module takes an integrative approach to research ethics and design. It's a foundation for skills in understanding research and practical skills for conducting independent research.

    Exploring Murder

    You'll examine the responses to murder from criminal justice systems in an international context, and explore representations of murder in the mass media and popular culture. 

    Social Theory: The Question of Modernity

    Discover how society has been theorised over the last 150 years by studying 'the founding fathers' - Marx, Durkheim and Weber - and later major theorists like Bourdieu. 

Second year modules

  • Compulsory

    Punishment, Dangerousness and Risk

    Study how and why we punish offenders and how the penal system deals with them. You'll consider a range of case studies of different types of offenders. 

    Visual and Material Cultures

    You’ll be looking at the social and criminal life of images and objects, such as dark web trade, war photography, consumer culture and crime and counterfeit products, or prison tattoos and photography.

    Digital Citizens

    In this module, you’ll learn about digital citizenship and participatory democracy. You will observe the creation of content on an social media site and critically analyse its means of production.

    Analysing Social Data

    Building on the Collecting Social Data module, here you'll start the next stage of social research: the analysis and interpretation of data, through a range of approaches. 

    Ritual Crime, Magic, and Myth

    You’ll be looking at how rituals and myths are linked to deviance, power, and crime, for example: ritual violence in Africa, female genital mutilation, myths of nationhood and violence and crime, illegal animal smuggling.

  • Optional

    Inequalities, Social Divisions and Social Conflict

    In austerity Britain, social inequalities are causing political debate and public disquiet. You'll consider social divisions; the 'problem of youth' ; and the consequences of social conflict. 

    Policing and Criminal Investigation

    Explore policing's key functions and the issues facing police today. You'll examine the methods, tools, and controversies associated with criminal investigation. 

    Race and Social Justice

    You will review the historical origins and current patterns of settlement of minority ethnic communities within Britain. You'll reflect on the ‘race card’ in British politics, on hate crime, on the demonisation of asylum seekers and on the politicisation of immigration. You'll consider the disproportionate and racist policing of Britain’s black and Asian communities. You'll also gain an appreciation of the considerable political, cultural, social and economic contributions of minority communities and new immigrants to Britain.

Final year modules

  • Compulsory

    Dissertation

    You will make an original contribution to research by designing, carrying out and writing up your own project on a topic you choose, supported by your dissertation supervisor.

  • Optional

    Understanding & Interpreting Quantitative Data

    On this module, you'll learn how to present quantitative results in meaningful and informative ways. And you'll develop skills that allow you to accurately interpret and assess statistical output.

    Sociology at Work

    Learn about human development theory and apply this knowledge through the investigation of recent UK employment policy and labour market institutions.

    Cyberterrorism and Extremism

    Your work this module will reflect real-world practice as you look closer at what’s happening in the world today, and discuss and debate key terms such as ‘cyber’, 'radicalisation', 'terrorism', ‘extremism’ and 'violent extremism'. 

    Surveillance and Social Control

    You'll study a range of theoretical perspectives on the emergence of a surveillance society a - and examine the impact this is having on policing, criminal justice and social justice.

    Transnational Organised Crime

    Learn the concepts behind our grasp of transnational organised crime. You'll cover areas including the drugs and arms trade; people trafficking; cybercrime; and terrorism. 

    Restorative Justice and Peacemaking Criminology

    Examine the development of restorative justice and peacemaking criminology, analysing their key concepts, values, principles and practices - as well as the controversies surrounding them.

    Histories of punishment

    You will study the history of punishment and penal policy between the mid-eighteenth and the early twentieth century. You will examine public punishments, notably execution, transportation overseas, the birth of the prison, the operation of the Victorian penal system and the ways in which different offenders have been punished. You'll explore how these things have changed over time - for example, in the case of female offenders and juvenile offenders.

    Criminal Justice and Community Safety Placements

    Experience the nature and range of work carried out by the police and other criminal justice agencies on a work placement. You'll gain a range of skills to enhance your employability. 

    Sociology of Popular Culture

    On this module, you’ll learn how to critically analyse social media and products of popular culture, how they challenge or reinforce inequalities, and give meaning to everyday life.

    Learning Together - Desistance from Crime

    On this module, you'll attend weekly lectures at HMP Hull where, alongside prisoners, you'll study how and why people stop offending. It's a unique learning environment and a unique experience.

    Sex Work, Policy and Crime

    Discover the cultural, social and political issues surrounding the commercial sex industry. Through lectures and seminars, you'll consider why people buy and sell sexual services.

    Drug Use Today

    This module introduces the study of ‘the drug problem’, in Western society. You'll explore the sociological and psychological perspectives used to explain drug-using behaviour. 

    Modern-Day Slavery in the UK

    Slavery in the UK has risen exponentially over the past 20 years - now reaching some 136,000 victims. You'll consider definitions of slavery and how its scale is measured. 

    Contemporary Imprisonment

    Study the contemporary sociology of imprisonment. You'll examine current controversies in the use of prison sentences and consider the effects of incarceration on offenders. 

All modules are subject to availability and this list may change at any time.

How you'll study

Throughout your degree, you’re expected to study for 1,200 hours per year. That’s based on 200 hours per 20 credit module. And it includes scheduled hours, time spent on placement and independent study. How this time’s divided among each of these varies each year and depends on the course and modules you study.

Overall workload

240 hours

Scheduled study Scheduled hours typically include lectures, seminars, tutorials, workshops, and supervised laboratory and studio sessions.

960 hours

Independent study Independent study is the time outside your scheduled timetable, where you’ll be expected to study independently.

Indicative assessment proportions

100%
  • Coursework

    Coursework typically includes essays, written assignments, dissertations, research projects or producing a portfolio of your work.

Overall workload

240 hours

Scheduled study Scheduled hours typically include lectures, seminars, tutorials, workshops, and supervised laboratory and studio sessions.

960 hours

Independent study Independent study is the time outside your scheduled timetable, where you’ll be expected to study independently.

Indicative assessment proportions

100%
  • Coursework

    Coursework typically includes essays, written assignments, dissertations, research projects or producing a portfolio of your work.

Overall workload

156 hours

Scheduled study Scheduled hours typically include lectures, seminars, tutorials, workshops, and supervised laboratory and studio sessions.

1,044 hours

Independent study Independent study is the time outside your scheduled timetable, where you’ll be expected to study independently.

Indicative assessment proportions

100%
  • Coursework

    Coursework typically includes essays, written assignments, dissertations, research projects or producing a portfolio of your work.

Social Sciences Criminology and Forensic Science Jasmine Morley UNI-1433
Jasmine Morley Criminology

Why I chose Criminology at Hull

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Lauren-Kelsall-Criminology-with-Forensic-Science-outside-Hull-Prison

Learning together

Opportunity to attend weekly lectures at HMP Hull where you will study ‘desistance’ – how and why people stop offending - alongside prisoners.

Crime Scene facility 1200x800

Crime Scene Facility

Put what you learn into practice in our purpose-built replica crime scene facility right here on campus. A recent addition to the university, it provides detailed and realistic crime scenes for you to explore. Get hands on: collect evidence, explore criminal activity and see the world of forensic science brought to life.

Entry requirements

Typical offer

  • A level grades BBC

  • BTEC grades DMM

  • Points required 112

Work out your estimated points

Points can be from any qualifications on the UCAS tariff, but must include at least 80 points from

  • A levels
  • BTEC Subsidiary Diploma, Diploma or Extended Diploma
  • OCR Cambridge Technical Introductory Diploma, Diploma or Extended Diploma
  • CACHE Diploma or Extended Diploma
  • Irish Leaving Certificate
  • Scottish Highers
  • Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced Diploma
  • or a combination of appropriate Level 3 qualifications

Alternative qualifications

  • IB Diploma: 28 points.
  • Access to HE Diploma: pass with minimum of 45 credits at merit.

Worried you don’t quite meet our entry requirements?

We consider experience and qualifications from the UK and worldwide which may not exactly match the combinations above.

But it’s not just about the grades – we’ll look at your whole application. We want to know what makes you tick, and about your previous experience, so make sure that you complete your personal statement.

If you have any questions, our admissions team will be happy to help.

If you require a student visa to study or if your first language is not English you will be required to provide acceptable evidence of your English language proficiency level.

This course requires academic IELTS 6.0 overall, with no less than 5.5 in each skill. See other English language proficiency qualifications accepted by this University.

If your English currently does not reach the University's required standard for this programme, you may be interested in one of our English language courses.

Visit your country page to find out more about our entry requirements.

Our teaching staff

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Take a tour of the facilities

Criminology and Sociology students enjoy 24/7 access to the recently-restored Brynmor Jones Library which boasts more than a million books.

Explore the virtual tour

Fees and funding

UK

£9,250 per year*

EU/International

£15,400 per year

*The amount you pay may increase each year, in line with inflation - but capped to the Retail Price Index (RPI).

The fees shown are for 2022 entry. The fees for 2023 have not yet been confirmed and may increase.

UK students can take out a tuition fee loan to cover the cost of their course and a maintenance loan of up to £9,488 to cover living costs.

Substantial discounts are available for International students.  

More information on fees can be found in the Money section of our website.

Your tuition fees will cover most costs associated with your programme (including registration, tuition, supervision, assessment and examination).

There are some extra costs that you might have to pay, or choose to pay, depending on your programme of study and the decisions you make. The list below has some examples, and any extra costs will vary.

  • Books (you’ll have access to books from your module reading lists in the library, but you may want to buy your own copies)
  • Optional field trips
  • Study abroad (including travel costs, accommodation, visas, immunisation)
  • Placement costs (including travel costs and accommodation)
  • Student visas (international students)
  • Laptop (you’ll have access to laptops and PC’s on campus, but you may want to buy your own)
  • Printing and photocopying
  • Professional-body membership
  • Graduation (gown hire and photography)

Remember, you’ll still need to take into account your living costs. This could include accommodation, travel and food – to name just a few. 

An affordable city for students

From bills, to meals, to pints – you’ll find that your money goes a lot further in Hull.

Your future prospects

  • Police officer
  • Prison officer
  • Probation officer
  • Social worker
  • Civil servant
  • Charity worker

Demand for Criminology graduates has increased significantly in recent years and our degree equips you with the knowledge and skills that are invaluable for a career in the field of criminal justice.

We hold an annual Criminal Justice careers event to introduce you to criminal justice and related organisations, helping you make vital career connections.

Open Day at University of Hull

Ready to apply?

You can apply for this course through UCAS. As well as providing your academic qualifications, you’ll be able to showcase your skills, qualities and passion for the subject.

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This. Is. Hull.

A place where we stand up to kings, do deals with the world and take a wrecking ball to the slave trade. A place where culture stands out and the phone boxes are a different colour. A place where we're free-thinking, independent and proud of it.

*Percentage of students from social sciences subject area in work or further study within 15 months of graduating: UK domicile full-time first degree leavers, Graduate Outcomes survey for the academic year 2017/18, published by HESA 2020.

†Subject to the annual approval of the UK Ministry of Justice

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