Undergraduate Course
Sociology with Criminology BA (Hons)
Question the norms shaping society, develop critical solutions addressing inequalities and injustice, and explore the social context of criminality.
On this course you will apply sociological and criminological theories to examine issues of victimisation, identity, and social marginalisation. You will develop your analytical skills by investigating the challenges societies face and exploring topic social and cultural issues.
1 in Yorkshire and Humber for student satisfaction in Sociology and Criminology (9th in the UK). (Complete University Guide 2024)
95% Sociology students responded with a 95% positivity score for how well teaching staff supported their learning. (National Student Survey 2023)
York campus
- UCAS code – LL33
- Duration – 3 years full time, 6 years part time
- Start date – September 2024, September 2025
- School – York Business School
Minimum entry requirements
104 UCAS Tariff points
3 GCSEs at grade C/4 (or equivalent) including English Language.
Tuition fees
UK 2024 entry £9,250 per year full time
International 2024 entry £11,500 per year full time
Discover Social Sciences
Dr Rosie Binfield-Smith, Senior Lecturer in Sociology and Criminology, and Dr Steven Hirschler, Senior Lecturer in Criminology introduce us to the Social Sciences courses at York St John University.
Course overview
This course is about exploring the fundamentals of sociology and criminology simultaneously, learning about different theories and applying them to the world around you. For example, you will consider how society responds to crime and deviance, and how these are portrayed by the media. You will investigate how crime and the justice system may contribute to social inequalities. Throughout the course you will explore various ideas and perspectives on how to shape a better society.
75% of your modules will be Sociology, while the other 25% will be made up of Criminology modules, giving you the chance to build your knowledge in both areas. As you progress through the degree you can choose from a range of modules covering varied sociological and criminological topics. This means you can tailor your degree to your interests and future career ambitions.
On specialist modules you will learn the qualitative and quantitative research methods and apply them to your own research. We will also introduce you to the different theoretical perspectives you will use to analyse topics such as:
- Victimology
- Deviance
- Gender and identity
- Inequality
- Technology and media
- Death
You will also have opportunities to engage with professionals working in different sectors. You can learn from their experiences and ask advice to help you prepare for the future. The careers module is co-run with local and regional employers to give you the chance to connect and build networks as well as gathering experience and knowledge
We will help you to develop your critical thinking skills so you can back up your ideas with evidence and reason. The staff who will support you as you study are all active in social research, meaning the material you cover is the most relevant it can be.
Course structure
Year 1
Our academic year is split into 2 semesters.How many modules you study each semester will depend on whether you are a full time or part time student.
In your first year, if you are a full time student, you will study:
- 3 compulsory modules in semester 1
- 3 compulsory modules in semester 2
If you are a part time student, the modules above will be split over 2 years.
You can find out which modules are available in each semester on the Course Specifications.
Modules
Credits: 20
Compulsory module
Gain the knowledge and skills you need for successful study at university. We will introduce you to different approaches in social science research, and support you to develop an awareness of the philosophical, practical and ethical debates that inform them. You will gain skills in academic reading, researching, writing and presenting. By building these skills at the start of studies you will be equipped to make the most of your course and succeed in the field of social science.
Credits: 20
Compulsory module
On this module we will introduce you to classical theories of sociology. You will learn to identify these theories and discuss how they have developed, identifying the common criticisms of each theory and thinking about how they can help us to understand the society we live in. Some of the theories we will introduce you to include:
- Functionalism
- Marxism
- Feminism
- Neo-liberalism
Credits: 20
Compulsory module
On this module we will introduce you to the study of everyday life as a field of sociological inquiry. You will start to make sociological sense of ordinary situations, people, events and things. Your sessions are based around specific objects and artefacts, such as a bank note or a ring. You will explore how these relate to everyday experiences and discuss their relationship to power, the economy, love and the patriarchy.
Credits: 20
Compulsory module
On this module you will explore the idea that criminal behaviour can be prevented and, where that is not possible, can be justifiably punished. You will study the social construction of punishment, the purpose of punishment, and how we can evaluate its success. You will also consider different approaches to crime prevention, paying attention to both formal and societal approaches to policing. As part of your exploration of prevention, you will also consider rehabilitation techniques and how this can prevent reoffending.
Credits: 20
Compulsory module
On this module you will consider how some people are socially and culturally constructed as more vulnerable. You will also think about how society and the justice system interacts with these victims. This will allow you to recognise and evaluate the factors, such as age and gender, that can contribute to experiencing crime. This includes an exploration of how ignoring a victim can weaken attempts to handle crime.
Credits: 20
Compulsory module
On this module you will develop your understanding of social norms and what it means to deviate from them. We will guide you through various themes that highlight how social norms are established, upheld and challenged. You will also explore the complexities of social conformity and deviance. This module will give you practical experience in non-participant observation, where you will observe people without interacting with them. This is an important skill you can use throughout your degree.
Year 2
In your second year, if you are a full time student, you will study:
- 1 compulsory module and 2 optional modules in semester 1
- 1 compulsory modules and 2 optional module in semester 2
If you are a part time student, the modules above will be split over 2 years.
You can find out which modules are available in each semester on the Course Specifications.
Optional modules will run if they receive enough interest. It is not guaranteed that all modules will run every year.
Modules
Credits: 20
Compulsory module
On this module you will build on the skills you gained in the first year module, Research and Presenting, further developing your knowledge, skills and techniques in qualitative research. You will examine and evaluate a range of qualitative methods, considering their strengths and weaknesses. Throughout the module we will encourage you to reflect on the ethical issues involved in qualitative research.
Credits: 20
Optional module
On this module you will explore the changing nature of work and employment, discussing power and workplace inequalities in the UK. You will consider how power and inequality can affect the lived experiences of people working in this country. You will also develop an understanding of debates in the sociology of work and employment, mapping how they have changed over time.
Credits: 20
Optional module
On this module you will build on your knowledge of the criminal justice system as you study some of the ethical issues and controversies facing the institution. You will discuss claims that suspects' rights have been eroded over time, and address the ways victims are treated by the criminal justice system. You will discuss competing theories of punishment and social control, and consider how crime is becoming increasingly political.
Credits: 20
Optional module
On this module you will explore the relationship between crime and the economy. We will introduce you to the key themes in economic thought and the practices that are used to explain crime. Topics covered in the module include:
- Social class, poverty, and crime
- Crime and economic recession
- Economic theory and crime
- Austerity and crime
- Environmental crimes
- International finance and crime
Credits: 20
Compulsory module
On this module you will study quantitative research. You will look at the different sources relevant to sociological study, learn about the quantitative research process, and identify the most commonly used methods. We will support you to obtain your own primary data through surveys and to access and evaluate secondary data. You will also perform basic descriptive statistics on the data you gather, and write up your findings.
Credits: 20
Optional module
On this module you will familiarise yourself with debates in politics, focusing on social elements you may not have considered before. You will look at topics such as:
- The state
- Democracy
- Capitalism
- The environment
- Social movements
- Major political ideologies
These topics will be studied alongside the ideas of key political and social thinkers such as Marx, Rawls and Nozick.
Credits: 20
Optional module
On this module we will introduce you to some of the biggest social, cultural and political questions of our time, as you learn about society through the most extreme events it creates and endures. Build on your knowledge of social theories as you apply them to extreme events. You will look at topics such as:
- War
- Genocide
- Climate change
- Terrorism
By studying the very worst that can happen, you will evaluate how society shapes their causes and responses, and consider how we can work to prevent them.
Credits: 20
Optional module
On this module you will further develop your understanding of social inequalities as you examine contemporary debates in inequality. You will move beyond the traditional forms of social division, and consider how other factors are impacting our way of life in the 21st century. These factors will include:
- Age
- Disability
- Sexuality
- The body
Year 3
In your third year, if you are a full time student, you will study:
- 1 research module across semesters 1 and 2
- 2 optional module in semester 1
- 2 optional modules in semester 2
If you are a part time student, the modules above will be split over 2 years.
You can find out which modules are available in each semester on the Course Specifications.
Optional modules will run if they receive enough interest. It is not guaranteed that all modules will run every year.
Modules
Credits: 40
Compulsory module
On this module you will apply your knowledge and focus your studies on the topic that interests you the most to produce a substantial piece of research work. You will choose an issue of sociological importance and conduct detailed social research as you follow your line of enquiry. You will carry out your research in a systematic and ethical way, drawing on the skills you have learnt. An academic tutor will support you throughout the module, offering 1 to 1 advice and guidance on your research.
Credits: 20
Optional module
On this module you will examine the historical, legal, social and cultural elements of the sex industry. You will develop an understanding of the current politics of sex work reform, both locally and globally, evaluating research studies on crime, justice and the sex industry. In seminar groups you will investigate and debate the major criminological approaches to sex work, including feminist and queer theories.
Credits: 20
Optional module
On this module you will gain an understanding of the theoretical foundations of critical criminology. You will examine new views of crime, power and control and consider how you can use these to understand local and global crimes. You will analyse power structures, inequalities and surveillance systems through the perspectives of feminism, Marxism and abolitionism.
Credits: 20
Optional module
On this module you will bring the body to the centre of your sociological analysis. We will encourage you to think about how bodies are considered as a sign of identity and an embodiment of success as they are measured against social values. This will lead you to think about how different bodies experience privileges or discriminations. You will consider how bodies are thought about in relation to:
- Gender
- Sexuality
- Race
- Health
- Class
Credits: 20
Optional module
This module will give you the skills needed to analyse the relationship between the social and the spatial. You will consider different theoretical positions on the value, issues and ideas of space. From this you will explore how space is connected to other social concerns such as power, culture, the everyday, and deviance.
Credits: 20
Optional module
On this module you will look at the importance of theoretical and conceptual thinking for understanding society. You will take a different social theorist each week and assess the influences, value and legacy of their ideas. Through examining social theories and concepts and putting these to work, you will learn to understand social phenomena.
You will also get to grips with the act of theorising itself, getting hands on with concepts, making your own theoretical contributions to social issues and problems, and reflecting on the process of theorising.
Credits: 20
Optional module
On this module you will study crime in the media in a way that goes beyond traditional topics. You will draw on new developments in criminology to explore how crime is presented in video games, wound culture, and the aesthetics of crime. You will also think about the role crime plays in stories, about voyeurism, and the impact the media has on policymaking.
Credits: 20
Optional module
On this module you will focus on imprisonment and penal policy. You will engage with debates about the value of prison as you critique arguments on its value as punishment, as a deterrent, and as rehabilitation. By engaging with the theory, practice and history of imprisonment you will evaluate the development and use of prisons within the justice system. You will also examine the philosophy of punishment and consider how social control is fundamental to aspects of social relations.
Credits: 20
Optional module
Understanding youth is an essential part of understanding societal vulnerabilities, policies, cultures and inequalities. This module gives you the opportunity to build that understanding. You will engage in discussion about the nature and construction of youth and explore the cultural aspects of young peoples' lives. Focusing on youth justice, you will also analyse aspects of contemporary youth policy and consider different sociological perspectives on youth and resistance.
Credits: 20
Optional module
On this module we will introduce you to the sociological understanding of migration through the ages, considering migration alongside political and economic processes. This will allow you to understand how migration has shaped and challenged the formation of states and the concept of nationhood. You will also consider how it impacts national and local economies.
Credits: 20
Optional module
This module gives you the chance to study the sociology of health and illness, a key area of sociological study. You will apply your knowledge of sociological concepts to discuss topics like:
- Illness and self identity
- The doctor-patient relationship
- Therapy cultures
- Power and privilege in healthcare
- The placebo effect
- Heath inequalities
Credits: 20
Optional module
On this module you will explore the social context of death by analysing how societies define, interact with and portray death. You will develop an understanding of the role death plays in contemporary cultures and societies, examining how attitudes to death are changing. You will cover a range of themes including:
- Death tourism and death in museums
- Consuming death, murder, and murderabilia
- How death is managed on social media
- Obituaries and the cultural dissemination of death
- Corpses, cremation, burial and disposal
Teaching and assessment
Teaching and learning
We deliver your modules through:
- Lectures - explore different themes and issues
- Seminars - discuss, debate and analyse material from your lectures
- Workshops - discuss a topic with your coursemates
You will usually study 3 modules per semester. Each has 2 to 4 hours of contact time a week. We schedule our taught sessions between 9.00am and 8.00pm, Monday to Friday.
You will need to conduct independent study outside of this time. This might include reading, writing tasks and research. You can also arrange academic tutorials with your module tutors throughout the year to receive feedback on your work and discuss the course content.
Our teaching draws on both our research and professional experience. This means your learning is informed by the most current thinking in the subject area. You can find out more about our research and backgrounds by visiting our staff pages.
Assessment
Assessment types vary from module to module. Some of your assessments might include:
- Annotated bibliography
- Essay
- Online portfolio
- Podcast
- Presentations
- Research proposal
For each assessment you will have the chance to talk to a tutor about your work before submission. Each assessment will be returned with feedback so you can improve your academic writing.
Career outcomes
Your future with a degree in Sociology with Criminology
On this course you will gain valuable skills which can lead to a variety of jobs in areas such as welfare, social research and law enforcement. You will gain research, analytical and presentation skills that are in high demand in a range of careers.
This degree could be the first step toward your career as a:
- Charity officer
- Crime scene investigator
- Detective
- Probation officer
- Social researcher
- Youth worker
You could also progress onto a postgraduate degree and take your learning even further.
PGCE at York St John University
Further your education and work towards a rewarding career in teaching by studying for a Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) after you graduate. For over 180 years, we have worked with enthusiastic individuals who want to shape the future of young people across both primary and secondary school settings. You'll spend a lot of time in schools, developing your practice by teaching. You will graduate with Qualified Teacher Status and become part of the well respected alumni of York St John educators.
Whatever your ambitions, we can help you get there.
Our careers service, LaunchPad provides career support tailored to your ambitions. Through this service you can access:
- Employer events
- LinkedIn, CV and cover letter sessions
- Workshops on application writing and interview skills
- Work experience and volunteering opportunities
- Personalised career advice
This support doesn't end when you graduate. You can access our expert career advice for the rest of your life. We will help you gain experience and confidence to succeed.
Entry requirements
Qualifications
Minimum entry requirements
104 UCAS Tariff points
3 GCSEs at grade C/4 (or equivalent) including English Language.
Calculate your UCAS Tariff points
International students
If you are an international student you will need to show that your qualifications match our entry requirements.
Information about international qualifications and entry requirements can be found on our International pages.
If English is not your first language you will need to show that you have English Language competence at IELTS level 6.0 (with no skill below 5.5) or equivalent.
International entry requirements
Mature Learners Entry Scheme
If you have been out of education for 3 years or more and have a grade C GCSE in English Language or equivalent, you are eligible for our entry scheme for mature learners. It's a scheme that recognises non-traditional entry qualifications and experience for entry onto this course. Information on how to apply can be found on our dedicated page.
This course is available with a foundation year
If you do not yet meet the minimum requirements for entry straight onto this degree course, or feel you are not quite ready for the transition to higher education, this is a great option for you. Passing a foundation year guarantees you a place on this degree course the following academic year.
You can choose between 2 possible foundation year routes for this course, depending on where your interests lie:
Law, Policing and Social Sciences foundation year
If you are interested in the connections between law, crime and society, then the Law and Social Science foundation year is the perfect choice for you. This course explores contemporary topics related to crime, policing, criminal justice, law and sociology. It draws on the expertise of both research staff at York St John University and our external partners. This foundation year will equip you with all the skills you need to thrive at undergraduate level on courses in criminology, law, policing and sociology.
Liberal Arts foundation year
If you are interested in the broad implications of Criminology for society and culture, drawing on its connections with other subject areas, then you can choose the Liberal Arts foundation year. This is an interdisciplinary foundation year that explores topics and approaches across the humanities, languages and social sciences, including Sociology, Politics, History, Geography and Film and Media.
Terms and conditions
Our terms and conditions, policies and procedures contain important information about studying at York St John University. You can read them on our Admissions page.
Fees and funding
To study for an undergraduate degree with us, you will need to pay tuition fees for your course. How much you pay depends on whether you live inside the UK, or internationally (outside the UK). Tuition fees may be subject to inflation in future years.
UK 2024 entry
The tuition fee for 2024 entry onto this course is:
- £9,250 per year for full time study
- £6,935 per year for the first 4 years if you study part time
These prices apply to all UK, Jersey, Guernsey and Isle of Man students
You can find out more about funding your degree by visiting our funding opportunities page:
Placement year funding
If you choose to take a placement year, and your course offers it, you can apply for the Tuition Fee and Maintenance Loan for your placement year. How much you are awarded is based on the type of placement being undertaken and whether it is a paid or unpaid placement. The tuition fee for your placement year will be reduced.
Tuition fees
UK 2024 entry £9,250 per year full time
International 2024 entry £11,500 per year full time
International 2024 entry
The tuition fee for 2024 entry to this course is £11,500 per year for full time study.
This price applies to all students living outside the UK.
Due to immigration laws, if you are an international student on a Student Visa, you must study full time. For more information about visa requirements and short-term study visas, please visit the International Visa and Immigration pages.
Find out more about funding your degree:
Additional costs and financial support
There may also be some additional costs to take into account throughout your studies, including the cost of accommodation.
Course-related costs
While studying for your degree, there may be additional costs related to your course. This may include purchasing personal equipment and stationery, books and optional field trips.
Study Abroad
For more information on tuition fee reductions and additional costs for studying abroad, please visit our study abroad pages.
Accommodation and living costs
For detailed information on accommodation and living costs, visit our Accommodation pages.
Financial help and support
Our Funding Advice team are here to help you with your finances throughout your degree. They offer a personal service that can help you with funding your studies and budgeting for living expenses.
For advice on everything from applying for scholarships to finding additional financial support email fundingadvice@yorksj.ac.uk.
Course highlights
Learn through the city
On this course you will have the opportunity to take your learning beyond the classroom and into the heart of York. The spatial sociology module is taught through outdoor workshops, taking you around the city with experts to give you insight into the spatial layout in the modern world.
Explore love for culture
If you select the Media, Culture and the Social World module you will also be given free access the Aesthetica film festival. The careers module is co-run with local and regional employers to give you the chance to connect and build networks as well as gathering experience and knowledge.
Specialise in your passions
This course allows you to study both sociology and criminology, giving you the chance chance to explore how crime impacts society. You will be able to select modules that reflect your interests in both Sociology and Criminology from your second year of learning onward, to suit your interests and career development. You will also receive training on industry-standard research software for use during your studies and to give you a head start when you enter a career in your relevant sector.
Off campus visit opportunities
On this course you will receive a varied learning experience with more than just classroom based learning. Each visit has been set up to compliment your learning and provide you with insight into the course, some examples are field trips to York Dungeons and possibility of cemetery/crematorium and/or live autopsy depending on availability and a Manchester visit to the People's History and National Football Museums.
Extra-curricular activity
Let your hair down outside of learning hours, both Criminology and Sociology pathways have a student-organised ball at the end of each academic year, designed and set up by the Social Sciences student representative committee to celebrate your academic achievements in the year. Spend your free time in the day discussing media at the film and book club to delve into your favourite creative works and on an evening take on the challenge of our our student and staff quiz.
Charlie Sociology
The thing I value most from the sociology course is that I did not just learn pockets of information and theoretical trivia. The course allowed me to develop my own ideas and build on my ability to contribute to important debates in the social world, on issues which affect us all.
More to explore
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