BA in Criminology and Sociology
University of Stirling
Key Information
Campus location
Stirling, United Kingdom
Languages
English
Study format
On-Campus
Duration
48 months
Pace
Full time
Tuition fees
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Application deadline
Request info
Earliest start date
Sep 2024
* For up-to-date fee information, please see website.
Introduction
Overview
Choose our Criminology and Sociology degree and you’ll benefit from studying two closely related disciplines; with training both in criminology and the theory and methods of applied social science. Learn how to ‘think like a criminologist’ and apply criminology to the context of modern life, social diversity and inequalities in society. Criminologists are interested in how activities are defined as criminal, explanations for crime and social reactions to crime.
Top reasons to study with us
#1 Ranked 1st in Scotland and Top 5 in the UK for Criminology (Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2023)
#2 Ranked 3rd in Scotland for Sociology (The Complete University Guide 2023)
#3 Our course reflects the latest developments in social research
Curriculum
Our Criminology and Sociology course reflects the latest developments in social research and is taught by experts in their fields.
Course details
In Semesters 1-4, you’ll take the following core modules:
- Social Differentiation - the effects that differences in gender, age, ethnicity and status have on the way in which people are treated in different societies.
- Social Problems - contemporary social issues and policy responses including crime, white-collar crime and immigration crime.
- Understanding Social Policy - historical and theoretical perspectives on social policy analysis including crime policy.
- The Development of Social Theory: An Introduction to Classical and Contemporary Social Theory
- Crime and Criminal Justice - the architecture of the criminal justice system, and evidence on, and explanations for, crime and offending.
You’ll also take two additional modules in any subject in semesters 1-4.
In Semesters 5-8, you’ll take two core modules:
- The Research Process is split into two modules. The first is an introduction to a range of research methods and a number of issues relating to the exploration of the social world. In the second, you’ll gain a deeper practical and theoretical understanding of research methods in sociology and social policy.
You’ll also choose four advanced option modules, which could include: Sociology of Childhood; Crimes of the Powerful; Social Stratification; Punishment and Society; Social Networks and Social Connections; Crime Trends; Work and Society; Drugs Crime and Society; or Gender, Crime and Justice. When you reach your final year of the Honours degree, you'll undertake a research dissertation.
As a University of Stirling student, you’ll have the opportunity to broaden your horizons and study abroad through our well-established connections with several international universities.
Program Outcome
You’ll explore fascinating questions surrounding the criminal justice system, the social contexts of crime, and the relationship between behaviour and punishment. Why and how do people break the law? How can the criminal justice system define this, and how do we police, prosecute and punish people?
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Career Opportunities
As a Criminology and Sociology graduate, you’ll leave with the critical thinking, analytical and communication skills that are valued by many employers throughout the private, public and voluntary sectors. Also you’ll have the perfect training required for jobs related to crime, justice and welfare, such as a probation officer, police officer, youth worker and community development worker.
Stirling Criminology, Sociology and Social Policy graduates have a higher-than-average employment rate in degree-relevant careers (in the UK).
Our Criminology and Sociology degree provides you with excellent training if you’re considering a career in areas such as:
- the police
- prison service
- probation
- social work
- community care
- the law
- human rights agencies
- youth work
- charitable foundations
The analytical and critical-thinking skills you’ll develop, are also ideal for going into research, data-science and policy-related roles.