BSc (Hons) Sociology and Criminology
Key details
Award
Degree of Bachelor of Arts
UCAS Course Code
K003
Fees
£8,500 per year
Awarding Body
University of East Anglia
Course Length
3 years
Course Start Date
September 2026
*This course is subject to validation
Course overview
The BSc (Hons) Sociology and Criminology degree explores the dynamic relationship between society and crime. The programme focuses on the social dimensions of criminology, examining human behaviour, deviance, and changing attitudes towards crime and social control over time.
You will study a wide range of criminological themes, including victimology, cybercrime, terrorism and extremism, and sexual offences, developing a critical understanding of how and why social harm occurs. Alongside this, sociology modules explore key social institutions such as the family, religion, healthcare, and political systems, while examining the work of major social theorists and their critiques of society.
The programme offers flexibility to develop your own research interests, supported by expert tutors with strong links to government resources, criminal justice agencies, and the media. Graduates are well prepared for a variety of rewarding careers across sociology and criminology-related fields, including roles within social services, criminal justice, and civil and police work.
You will study in our modern University and Professional Development Centre in Bury St Edmunds, part of West Suffolk College and Eastern Education Group.
Why study with us?
Globally recognised degrees from the University of East Anglia (UEA)
Small class sizes with experienced tutors guiding your learning
Strong links with local employers and industry experts
What you’ll study
In your first year, you will develop a strong foundation in sociology and criminology. You will be introduced to key sociological thinkers, criminological perspectives, and research methods, alongside an exploration of crime, punishment, and deviance within social contexts. The focus is on building core academic skills while developing a critical understanding of how society responds to crime and social harm. Modules include:
- Introduction to Qualitative Methods
- Introduction to the Sociological Imagination
- The Big Deal – The Sociology of Drugs, Dealing, and Addiction
- Perspectives on Criminology
- Introduction to Penology and Offender Management
- Introduction to Criminal Law (TBC)
In the second year, you will deepen your theoretical knowledge and research skills while exploring contemporary social and criminological issues. You will examine how society functions, how crime is experienced by victims, and how offending evolves in digital and violent contexts. Greater emphasis is placed on applied research, social inequality, and critical analysis. Modules include:
- Conducting Sociological Research
- The Sociology of Religion and Spirituality
- How Society Works
- Criminality in the Online Space
- Victimology
- Criminological Perspectives on Serious and Violent Crime
In your final year, you will engage with advanced and critical debates in sociology and criminology while completing an independent research project. You will analyse complex issues such as policing, health, profiling, politics, and power, applying sociological and criminological theory to real-world challenges and global contexts. Modules include:
- Major Project
- Sociology of Medicine
- Critical Perspectives on Policing
- Interrogating Criminal Profiling
- Politics, Propaganda, and International Relations
Future careers
Graduates of BSc (Hons) Sociology and Criminology develop strong analytical, research, and communication skills that are highly valued across a wide range of sectors. Typical pathways include:
YOUTH JUSTICE OFFICER
Salary: £25,000-£40,000+
SOCIAL RESEARCHER
Salary: £30,000-£45,000+
CIVIL SERVICE
Salary: £30,000-£60,000+
Data collected by Lightcast. Lightcast is a leading provider of labour market analytics, offering data-driven insights to connect people with jobs. It integrates economic, labour market, demographic, and job posting data from various sources
Facilities
Study in a vibrant and welcoming space at our University and Professional Development Centre, designed to support learners of all ages and backgrounds. From our well-equipped library and quiet study zone to social spaces like Costa Coffee, to dedicated computer areas and an innovative XR Lab, you’ll have everything you need to excel. You’ll have access beyond timetabled hours, giving you the freedom to study, collaborate and work on projects whenever inspiration strikes.
Explore our creative resources in more detail using our interactive 3D map:
Hear from our students
Sadie French
Kerry Whiting
Hannah Price
Fees and entry requirements
UCAS Tariff: 96
A Level: CCC
BTEC L3 Ext. Diploma: MMM
Applicants who do not meet the published entry requirements will be considered on an individual basis based upon prior learning and relevant experience.
Tuition Fees
This course is £8,500 per year. Find out how to secure student finance here.
Course Related Costs
Please see the Course Factsheet for details on other course-related costs.
Funding and Bursaries
Please see Additional Funding and Bursaries for more information.
Click here to view the full Course Factsheet.
More courses for you
How to apply
Apply for this course through the University and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS), using the UCAS Hub. UCAS Hub is a secure online application system that allows you to apply for the full-time undergraduate courses at University and Colleges in the United Kingdom.
Please search for ‘West Suffolk College‘ as the institution name on UCAS.
Progressing students at Eastern Education Group
If you are already a student within the Eastern Education Group (West Suffolk College, Abbeygate Sixth Form College or One Sixth Form College), or have been within the last three years, you can apply directly through our Internal Application Form and save up to £1,000 off your first-year tuition fees*.
*The College offers a discount to students who have studied a full-time qualification within the Eastern Education Group in the past three years. Fixed discounts of £1,000 on the first year of a degree course and £500 for first year of a HNC, HTQ or HND course. Students are only allowed to benefit from one discount within any three-year period. Higher or degree apprenticeships are not eligible for this award. The College reserves the right to remove this offer at any time. Other terms and conditions are not affected by this offer.
Disclaimer: There is no need to apply for this award. Full terms and conditions as outlined apply. The progression discounts are in place for students applying to start at University Centre at Eastern Education Group for entry in the same year as their application. Students must be enrolled and in attendance at University Centre at Eastern Education Group.