About this course
Explore the relationship between social behaviour and crime with this fusion of 2 fascinating disciplines. On this BSc degree, you’ll examine our perception of what is right or wrong, and how this changes over time and between cultures. You’ll learn from expert tutors who are consulted by the government, criminal justice agencies and the media. A wide range of rewarding sociology and criminology-related careers await, including social and police work.
This programme is highly flexible, allowing you to develop your own specialist research interests in both sociology (examining the identities, relationships and practices within our world) and criminology (the study of crime, law enforcement and the criminal justice system).
You’ll find many optional modules to choose from, including:
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Criminological Psychology
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Race and Ethnicity
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Violent and Sexual Offenders
Your core modules will help you develop key knowledge and skills in areas such as:
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theoretical approaches and perspectives in sociology and criminology
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the relationship between individuals, groups and institutions
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research methods in social sciences, including quantitative and qualitative research
As part of your degree you can:
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take an active part in seminars, workshops and lectures at our interdisciplinary hub, the Institute of Criminal Justice Research
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develop your leadership skills and make a difference in our Social Impact Lab
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study complementary modules from other areas, such as languages, anthropology or sustainability
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study a semester abroad with one of our partner universities in Brazil, Canada or China
Course location
This course is based at Highfield.
Awarding body
This qualification is awarded by the University of Southampton.
Download the programme specification
The programme specification sets out the learning outcomes of this course and details how the course is taught and assessed.
Entry requirements
For Academic year 202021
A-levels
ABB
A-levels additional information
Offers typically exclude General Studies and Critical Thinking.
A-levels with Extended Project Qualification
If you are taking an EPQ in addition to 3 A levels, you will receive the following offer in addition to the standard A level offer:
BBB and grade A in the EPQ
A-levels contextual offer
We are committed to ensuring that all applicants with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise an applicant's potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience.
Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme, as follows:
BBB
International Baccalaureate Diploma
Pass, with 32 points overall with 16 points at Higher Level
International Baccalaureate contextual offer
We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.
International Baccalaureate Career Programme (IBCP) statement
Offers will be made on the individual Diploma Course subject(s) and the career-related study qualification. The CP core will not form part of the offer. Where there is a subject pre-requisite(s), applicants will be required to study the subject(s) at Higher Level in the Diploma course subject and/or take a specified unit in the career-related study qualification. Applicants may also be asked to achieve a specific grade in those elements.
Please see the University of Southampton International Baccalaureate Career-Related Programme (IBCP) Statement for further information. Applicants are advised to contact their Faculty Admissions Office for more information.
BTEC
D in the BTEC Subsidiary Diploma plus AB from two A levels
DD in the BTEC Diploma plus B grade from one A-level
DDM in the BTEC Extended Diploma
BTEC additional information
There are no additional requirements
Other requirements
GCSE requirements
Applicants must hold GCSE English language (or GCSE English) (minimum grade 4/C) and mathematics (minimum grade 4/C)
Got a question?
Please contact our enquiries team if you're not sure that you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course.
Email: enquiries@southampton.ac.uk
Tel: +44(0)23 8059 5000
Course structure
COVID-19: we've made some changes to the structure of the course for this academic year. Download the programme specification addendum in 'About this course' to learn more.
You’ll study a mixture of core and optional modules across sociology and criminology.
Each year you’ll also have the chance to choose modules from other courses at the University. This will give you valuable opportunities to expand your knowledge and create an impressive CV.
Year 1 overview
Your core modules will prepare you for successful study in both disciplines. Topics include:
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Understanding Everyday Life
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Introduction to Criminology
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Criminal Justice Studies
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Social Problems and Social Policy
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Transformations of the Modern World
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Foundations of Social and Anthropological Thought
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Introduction to Quantitative Methods
Optional modules will allow you to delve deeper into some of the most relevant topics of our time. Choose from subjects like:
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Population and Society
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Global Health
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Human Origins
Year 2 overview
Go broader and deeper into key areas, with core modules including:
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Perspectives in Criminology
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Social Theory
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Research Methods in the Social Sciences
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Qualitative Research: Foundations, Principles and Skills
Optional modules allow you to explore subjects that generate news coverage and debate, including:
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Gender and Society
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Criminological Psychology
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Race and Ethnicity
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Criminology: Policy and Practice
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Globalisation, Inequalities and Power
Year 3 overview
You’ll put your research skills into practice by investigating and writing a 10,000-word dissertation on a subject of your choice.
You’ll also consider the most important processes of social change taking place today in a core module in comparative sociology. Your last core module explores historical and contemporary issues in law enforcement and social control.
Prepare for your chosen career or onward study by selecting modules such as:
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The Deserving and Undeserving: Victims and Scroungers in Criminology and Social Policy
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Sexuality and Intimacy
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Violent and Sexual Offenders
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Global Crime and Justice
Want more detail? See all the modules in the course.
Modules
For entry in Academic Year 2021-22
Year 1 modules
You must study the following modules in year 1:
Learning and assessment
The learning activities for this course include the following:
- lectures
- classes and tutorials
- coursework
- individual and group projects
- independent learning (studying on your own)
Course time
How you'll spend your course time:
Year 1
Study time
Your scheduled learning, teaching and independent study for year 1:
How we'll assess you
Your assessment breakdown
Year 1:
Academic support
You’ll be supported by a personal academic tutor and have access to a senior tutor.
Course leader
Paul Bridgen is the course leader.
Careers
This dual degree will lead to career opportunities across a range of sectors, including the management, planning and delivery of social and public services, and criminal justice. It also offers an excellent foundation for professional training or postgraduate study.
Our graduates embark on diverse career pathways including:
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government
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criminal justice
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social services
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research and education
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community development
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police
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social research
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academia
Students have also secured paid internships in government organisations, such as the Office for National Statistics.
Careers services at Southampton
We are a top 20 UK university for employability (QS Graduate Employability Rankings 2019). Our Careers and Employability Service will support you throughout your time as a student and for up to 5 years after graduation. This support includes:
work experience schemes
CV and interview skills and workshops
networking events
careers fairs attended by top employers
a wealth of volunteering opportunities
study abroad and summer school opportunities
We have a vibrant entrepreneurship culture and our dedicated start-up supporter, Futureworlds, is open to every student.
Work in industry
You’ll have the opportunity to take a Year in Employment, which is a paid work placement between your second and third year.
Fees, costs and funding
Tuition fees
Fees for a year's study:
- UK students pay £9,250.
- EU and international students pay £18,520.
What your fees pay for
Your tuition fees pay for the full cost of tuition and all examinations.
Find out how to:
Accommodation and living costs, such as travel and food, are not included in your tuition fees. Explore:
Bursaries, scholarships and other funding
If you're a UK or EU student and your household income is under £25,000 a year, you may be able to get a University of Southampton bursary to help with your living costs. Find out about bursaries and other funding we offer at Southampton.
If you're a care leaver or estranged from your parents, you may be able to get a specific bursary.
Get in touch for advice about student money matters.
Scholarships and grants
You may be able to get a scholarship or grant that's linked to your chosen subject area.
We award scholarships and grants for travel, academic excellence, or to students from underrepresented backgrounds.
Support during your course
The Student Services Centre offers support and advice on money to students. You may be able to access our Student Support fund and other sources of financial support during your course.
Funding for EU and international students
Find out about funding you could get as an international student.
How to apply
When you apply use:
- UCAS course code: LL63
- UCAS institution code: S27
What happens after you apply?
We will assess your application on the strength of your:
- predicted grades
- academic achievements
- personal statement
- academic reference
We aim to respond to you within 2 to 6 weeks with a decision about your application.
Equality and diversity
We treat and select everyone in line with our Equality and Diversity Statement.
Got a question?
Please contact our enquiries team if you're not sure that you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course.
Email: enquiries@southampton.ac.uk
Tel: +44(0)23 8059 5000
