Understanding the society we live in and the minds of criminals within it.

Are you keen to grow your knowledge of criminological and sociological theories and concepts? Do you want to understand what makes these disciplines distinctive and explore social research methods through real world research?

Our Criminology and Sociology degree will develop your intellectual curiosity. You will explore the relationship between crime, justice and society on the one hand, and link individual actions to social structures on the other, all through an examination of contemporary theories, policies and practice.  As an active and responsible member of global society, you will use your knowledge to think independently, as well as to challenge the opinions and conduct of others. You will recognise the value of your discipline in shaping society, through critical evidence-based responses to crime and criminal justice problems.

What opportunities will you have in a Criminology and Sociology degree?

You will have the option to apply for a relevant work placement – for instance, in a prison or police station – and learn from lecturers who are also leading researchers in a variety of cutting-edge research fields in criminology and sociology. You can take part in modules that speak to our other thought-provoking specialisms within criminology (e.g. victimisation, sex work) and sociology (e.g. happiness, international development), offering synergised breadth and depth across both disciplines.

Why choose Northumbria to study Criminology and Sociology?

On joining this course you will become part of an exciting, dynamic and distinctive university department which has received continued praise for their high quality, research-rich teaching and learning experience.  

Student Rated: Over 85% of students studying Criminology and Sociology at Northumbria believed the library resources and staff supported their learning (NSS, 2023).

Graduate Prospects: Sociology at Northumbria is ranked 2nd in the UK for Graduate Prospects (Guardian University Guide, 2024). This is because 82% of our graduates are in highly skilled employment or further study 15 months after graduation.

To keep up to date with the latest from the department, follow us on Twitter at https://twitter.com/CriminologyNU and https://twitter.com/SociologyNU.

See other similar courses you may be interested in, such as BSc (Hons) Sociology and Criminology Courses, to expand your understanding of human behaviour, social issues, and the criminal justice system.

How is both Criminology and Sociology integrated into your learning?

This course is designed to be responsive to your needs in providing a learning environment that is both challenging and supportive. You will study core modules aimed at developing your understanding of social and criminological theory as well as deepening your research skills.

This combination of modules is designed to help you to engage with contemporary debates, drawing on lectures and seminars which will allow you to explore how the divisions of Criminology and Sociology undertake research through critically assessing the work of others as well as conducting original empirical research.

Our innovative modules also enhances students’ employability skills and attributes, particularly skills in critical thinking, knowledge of contemporary social issues and appropriate intervention policies and presentation skills.

How is your learning applied to real life experiences?

In second and third year of the BSc Criminology and Sociology programme, we also offer opportunities for students to apply their academic knowledge to criminology/criminal justice This includes experience of working with either the police, within a prison or within the public/voluntary sector. There are also opportunities for you to spend a semester or year abroad to experience the study of criminology in an alternative cultural context

The Sociology department has also developed a blog to keep you up-to-date with current and relevant debates in the subject, and share the latest department news

Who teaches Criminology and Sociology at Northumbria?

Northumbria offers expertise and teaching across a wide variety of topics within Criminology and Sociology. All of our staff have either doctorates or extensive professional experience in the criminology/the criminal justice sector.

Both criminologists and sociologists on the course produce research outputs of international quality, they play leading roles within professional associations and serve on the editorial boards of leading disciplinary journals.

What Criminology and Sociology facilities are available at Northumbria University?

Throughout the course we make use of current technology to enhance our teaching practices and ensure that your learning experiences are interactive, dynamic and extend beyond the traditional lecture/classroom environment. For example, in lectures and seminars we use mobile technology software (e.g. Socrative) so that you are able to participate and engage in real time.

What resources are available to support student research?

We complement our classroom learning through our online virtual learning environment, where we direct you to electronic learning sources and compose video podcasts and online quizzes to consolidate and evaluate your acquired knowledge. We develop your technology skills to prepare you for the world of work by asking you to collaborate with your peers on tasks using web-based platforms (e.g. PebblePad) and to design posters and webpages for assessments.

How does Criminology and Sociology at Northumbria University help with employability?

Our graduates stand out from their peers. You will be equipped with the intellectual and practical skills to be a critical and reflective member of society, and a desirable candidate to employers.

We place a very real emphasis on skills that are eminently transferable and that will be valuable in future employment. You will develop writing, communication, analytical and problem-solving skills, quantitative and qualitative research skills, as well as the ability to work individually and in groups, all of which will be vitally important in your career. You will also learn about the ways in which criminal justice agencies operate and about the challenges faced by these agencies, giving you an excellent grounding for jobs within related organisations.

How will studying at Northumbria prepare you for the future?

Our graduates have a mature intellectual curiosity which allows them to explore the relationship between crime, justice and society on the one hand, and link individual actions to social structures on the other. An active and responsible member of global society, you will use your knowledge to think independently and to challenge the opinions and conduct of others. You will recognise the value of your discipline in shaping society through critical evidence-based responses to crime and criminal justice problems.

Our graduates go on to a wide range of careers including managerial and professional posts in the public and not-for-profit sectors, such as local and central government, the police, the probation service, the prisons system, community safety, health agencies, the civil service and various research posts. Others move into business including management training in the retail sector, media, marketing, information technology and advertising.