Course description

The highlights

• Explore the connection between crime and society, and understand how you can make a difference
• Apply your knowledge to real-life issues through our Social Justice Hub
• Immerse yourself in the complexities and challenges of the environments in which offenders and victims of crime are made
• You'll have the chance to develop your research skills and applying them to real world, working situations

A need for change

The Covid-19 pandemic and national lockdowns have highlighted the social and economic factors that impact crime numbers and types. Anti-social behaviour and drug offences have risen, with overall crime rates remaining higher in areas facing poverty and low educational attainment.

This course seeks to address these differences and find community-based solutions that will reduce criminality.

Why Criminology and Sociology?

Combining insights from both these disciplines will give you a deep understanding of what shapes people’s behaviour, beliefs and attitudes. You’ll explore the reasons why people commit crime and the social factors at play, including inequality, prejudice and substance abuse.

You’ll also look at the impact that crime has on both local communities and wider society. And you’ll apply your learning to help make a difference with local communities.

This course could open up career opportunities to work for or with national or local government, the charity sector, the voluntary sector, social or health services.

Real-world impact

This is a highly relevant degree that tackles current issues head-on. We’ll help you develop strong research and analytical skills to understand and evaluate criminal behaviour and responses to it.

You’ll work with local and national community organisations on live briefs, offering research and solutions to the key issues they deal with.

Study visits and fieldtrips will give you intriguing insights into how organisations work. These could include visits to courts, prisons, police forces and youth offender training centres.

Global thinking

Global perspectives are an integral part of our Criminology and Social Sciences courses. Exploring how other countries approach criminal justice and social issues is key to learning how we can make positive changes moving forward.

In your second year, you will go on a bespoke trip that will focus on conflict resolution.

In your third year, there is also the chance to go on a three-day study trip to The Hague, where you could visit prisons, police academies and the International Criminal Court.

Expert teaching

You’ll learn from a team with a wealth of knowledge; these include researchers, police officers, sociologists and criminologists. Many are still actively practising, which helps you keep up to date with contemporary issues.

As a BA (Hons) Criminology and Sociology student, you can take part in regular departmental research seminars delivered by leading professionals and academics from other institutions. You’ll also have the chance to meet influential leaders in the profession. Our regular programme of guest speakers keeps you in tune with the latest developments in policy and practice. Previous guest speakers include crown court judges, police investigators and professionals from the youth justice practice.

Research projects cover everything from drug use, hate crime and human trafficking to extremism and counter-terrorism, organised crime and conspiracy theories. So your teaching will be informed by the latest thinking in this field, and you may have the chance to get involved yourself.

Where you'll study

You’ll be based on the Derby Campus at One Friar Gate Square. Offering the perfect environment for innovative and engaging teaching, it includes well-resourced lecture theatres, seminar rooms, and social learning spaces.

You will study alongside our Law, Policing and Social Sciences students, sharing knowledge and expertise. You’ll gain practical experience using our first-rate facilities including a replica crown court and police custody suite, complete with interview rooms and cell.

How you will learn

You’ll learn through a combination of:

• lectures
• tutorials
• group work
• independent learning

How you are assessed

Assessment is via a stimulating mix of:

• coursework
• portfolios
• individual and group projects/presentations
• examinations

Who you’ll meet

You’ll be taught by our team of engaging, passionate and inspiring subject experts. We also offer a high level of support to students, including a unique personal tutor system to help steer your academic and professional development.