Sociology and Criminology

UCAS code: L314

Here's what Nottingham Trent University says about its Sociology and Criminology course.

In today’s world, social justice is essential in truly understanding and challenging inequalities within and beyond the Criminal Justice System. With this BA (Hons) Sociology and Criminology degree, you’ll see the world and the criminal justice system through a sociological lens. You’ll explore the issues that matter to you – empowering you to make meaningful change.

Sociology and criminology are distinct yet connected, which is why we’ve combined the insights of our BA Sociology and BA Criminology courses into one innovative, interdisciplinary degree. Moving beyond the content offered by these separate courses, the BA Sociology and Criminology degree includes bespoke modules. These modules challenge common images and explanations of crime, allowing you to interrogate justice and injustices in contemporary societies. Put simply, together we will turn the definition of justice on its head.

Studying with NTU, you’ll gain the skills and confidence to make you stand out and help shape future directions of policy and practice. You’ll challenge inequalities and enhance social justice within communities and organisations, allowing you to make a real difference in society – whether that's within the Criminal Justice System or in other areas such as education, the civil service or the third sector.

This is justice reimagined.

Why study Sociology and Criminology at NTU?

• We’re big on personalization and community. You’ll study an inspiring range of modules, including those unique to the Sociology and Criminology course in an environment which is friendly and supportive.

• Our friendly and approachable team has a wealth of teaching and research experience. Their diverse backgrounds and expertise will guide and refine your studies.

• Take on the latest issues including gender equality, race and ethnicity, green criminology, social and criminal harms, and the impact of digital technologies in a rapidly changing world.

• Pair up with a partner in the local community to work on a project and tackle a particular social challenge. Partners include organisations working in areas such as homelessness, domestic violence, human rights and asylum seeking.

Our BA (Hons) Sociology and Criminology combines theory and hands-on practice. We'll work with you to really get to grips with applying sociological and criminological knowledge to the real world. We'll explore gender equality, race and ethnicity, green criminology, social and criminal harms, and the impact of digital technologies. We’ll encourage you to step away from the preconceived ideas of crime and justice and apply your knowledge and skills in innovative ways to challenge injustices and help shape future directions.

With a diverse range of compelling modules, you can shape your learning and take the path that’ll guide your future career.

Here’s a breakdown of the core and optional modules you’ll be studying across your course:

In Year One you'll study: Images of Crime and Criminal Justice; Constructing Crime; Foundations of Social Theory; What is Society?; Working Lives; and Foundations of Social Research and Academic Practice.

In Year Two you'll study: Reconceptualising Sustainable Justice; Explaining Crime; Constructing Modern Societies; Sociology and Service Learning; and Applied Social Research. Optional modules include: Gender, Sex and Sexuality; Sociology of Consumption; The Body in Society; Sociology of Education; Religion, Nonreligion and Everyday Belief; and Politics and Social Justice.

In Final Year you'll study: Theorising Contemporary Society; your Research Project; and Sociology of Work and Career. Optional modules include: Sociology of Harm; Environmental Justice; Race, Culture and Society; Popular Culture; Identities and Intimacies; Media & Crime; Gender & Crime; Cultural Criminology; Crime, Race & Empire; Digital Culture and Society; and Political Violence and Terror.

The majority of your work will be assessed through coursework-based essays, reports and a final year research-based dissertation. You'll also be assessed through a combination of formal examinations and practical assessments such as group and individual presentations and portfolios.