Programme Specification for the 2024/5 academic year
BA (Hons) Sociology and Criminology with Employment Experience
1. Programme Details
| Programme name | BA (Hons) Sociology and Criminology with Employment Experience | Programme code | UFA4HPSHPS76 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Study mode(s) | Full Time |
Academic year | 2024/5 |
| Campus(es) | Streatham (Exeter) |
NQF Level of the Final Award | 6 (Honours) |
2. Description of the Programme
The BA in Sociology and Criminology with Employment Experience at Exeter offers those with an interest in studying crime, criminal justice, and society to pursue their concerns in a supportive environment. The inter-disciplinary make up of the programme is rooted in sociological approaches, but also offers the potential to combine these perspectives for understanding and responding to crime and deviance with those from historical, political, and psychological studies. You will explore theoretical, empirical and methodological issues associated with these fields of social research. The emphasis will be on developing analytical and communication skills.
As a discipline, Sociology provides a critical understanding of society by examining a wide range of social activities from intimate personal relations to the operation of political and economic institutions. Students will examine cultural and economic issues such as identity, employment, inequality, deviance and health. Our sociology modules cover diverse subjects including music, media, cyborg studies, technology, terrorism, addiction, sexuality, ethnicity and immigration, and other subjects.
Criminology aims to provide systematic understanding of the historical patterning of crime, the causes of criminal behaviour and its consequences, as well as policy response. Through Criminology at Exeter you will learn to understand the multi-perspectival nature of crime, to explore terrains that are often contested, and to develop a critical appreciation of disciplinary perspectives. Throughout, attention will be given to the methodological issues and substantive challenges of the study of crime.
Studying Sociology and Criminology together will provide you with a full range of social science research skills that will enable you to engage with the nature and complexity of social life, deviance, and crime.
This programme is studied over four years. The first two years and the final year are university-based, and the third year is spent gaining employment experience at a suitable location in the UK.
This Employment Experience variant of the programme is a great way to incorporate graduate-level work placement or placements undertaken in the United Kingdom directly into your programme of study, to reflect critically upon these experiences, and for them to count towards the assessment of your degree. There is no better way to gain valuable employment experience that can be rewarded and recognised clearly by future employers. With preparation, support and approval from the Faculty, you can also demonstrate adaptability and resourcefulness by organising suitable placements in areas of employment related to your interests and potential future career.
3. Educational Aims of the Programme
The Programme will:
- Provide an excellent Honours-level education in Sociology and Criminology, which meets the criteria for Honours level awards as set out in the FHEQ and the University’s statement of Levels and Awards, and which meets the standards set in the national Subject Benchmarking statements for both subject areas.
- Facilitate graduates to become useful, productive and questioning members of society.
- Provide a stimulating and supportive environment for students that is informed by research where deemed appropriate.
- Work in partnership with students to produce graduates who are grounded in the main themes of Sociology through a combination of modules which develops a good understanding of how societies, institutions and practices of all kinds came into being, how they are currently organised around matters of identity, deviance, and crime, and how they might change in the future.
- Work in partnership with students to produce graduates who are grounded in the main themes of Sociology and Criminology through a combination of modules offered across the university which develop a deep understanding of methodology and method in social research.
- Offer a structured framework of study which ensures that within the time span of the programme every student follows a balanced and complementary range of modules, whilst allowing sufficient choice to ensure that students are able to follow individual areas of learning.
- Develop students’ competence in the subject-specific skills required in Sociology and in Criminology through practical engagement with primary and empirical data.
- Expose students to different teaching and assessment methods within an appropriate learning environment, supported by feedback, monitoring and pastoral care.
- Provide a range of academic and personal skills which will prepare students from varied educational backgrounds for employment or further study, which will foster mental agility and adaptability, and which will enable them to deploy their knowledge, abilities and skills in their entirety, displaying balance and judgement in a variety of circumstances.
4. Programme Structure
The BA Sociology and Criminology with Employment Experience is a 4-year full-time programme of study at Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF) level 6 (as confirmed against the FHEQ). This programme is divided into 4 stages. Each stage is normally equivalent to an academic year.
5. Programme Modules
The following tables describe the programme and constituent modules. Constituent modules may be updated, deleted or replaced as a consequence of the annual programme review of this programme.
https://www.exeter.ac.uk/study/studyinformation/modules/?prog=sociology
Stage 1
90 credits of compulsory modules, 30 credits of optional modules
Compulsory Modules
A - you may pick ONE of these modules
B - this module is core ONLY for students transferring from BSc Criminology in Term 2. They will not take SPA1000.
| Code | Module | Credits | Non-condonable? |
|---|---|---|---|
| SOC1000 | Contemporary Society: Themes, Perspectives and Case Studies [See note a] | 30 | No |
| SPA1000 | Imagining Social Worlds | 30 | No |
| SOC1039 | Social Issues: Part I - Introducing Crime and Deviance | 15 | No |
| SOC1040 | Social Issues: Part II - Themes in Criminology | 15 | No |
| SOC1001 | Social Analysis [See note a] | 30 | No |
| SOC1053 | Imagining Social Worlds: Social Research Methods [See note b] | 15 | No |
| HAS1905 | Employment Experience HASS | 0 | No |
Optional Modules
30 credits of stage 1 Sociology or Criminology (SOC1xxx) option modules
Sociology and Criminology modules https://www.exeter.ac.uk/study/studyinformation/modules/?prog=sociology
You may elect to take a maximum of 30 credit options outside of Sociology and Criminology, for example to develop skills attractive to employers such as language proficiency; to examine an issue you’ve covered in one of your Sociology modules from a different disciplinary perspective; or to widen your horizons and challenge yourself intellectually SSI1005 and SSI1006 are recommended optional modules that will provide a basis for being able take modules in later stages to add the Q-Step ‘Proficiency in Applied Data Analysis’ to your degree title.
| Code | Module | Credits | Non-condonable? |
|---|---|---|---|
| SSI1005 | Introduction to Social Data | 15 | No |
| SSI1006 | Data Analysis in Social Science 1 | 15 | No |
Stage 2
75 credits of compulsory modules, 45 credits of optional modules
Compulsory Modules
| Code | Module | Credits | Non-condonable? |
|---|---|---|---|
| SPA2000 | Knowing the Social World | 30 | No |
| SOC2005 | Theoretical Sociology | 30 | No |
| SOC2036 | International Criminal Justice: Application of Theory to Transnational and International Crime | 15 | No |
| HAS2905 | Employment Experience HASS | 0 | No |
Optional Modules
You will be able to choose 45 credits from a wide range of Sociology and Criminology options covering topics as diverse as counter cultures, health, media, forensic science, war crimes, ethics, addiction and human rights.
Sociology and Criminology modules https://www.exeter.ac.uk/study/studyinformation/modules/?prog=sociology
Faculty-wide modules (including SSIxxxx) https://www.exeter.ac.uk/study/studyinformation/modules/?prog=hass
Please note that modules are subject to change and not all modules are available across all programmes, this is due to timetable, module size constraints and availability
| Code | Module | Credits | Non-condonable? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Criminology Stage 2 Option Modules 2024-5 | |||
| ARC2514 | Forensic Anthropology | 15 | No |
| BIO2068 | Forensic Science | 30 | No |
| PHL2061 | Philosophy of Law | 15 | No |
| SOC2024 | Power and Domination | 15 | No |
| SOC2063 | Policy Analysis in Criminology | 15 | No |
| SOC2068 | Race, Ethnicity and Criminalisation | 15 | No |
| SOC2069 | Crimes of the Powerful | 15 | No |
| SOC2098 | Sociology of Imprisonment | 15 | No |
| SOC2101 | Police and Policing | 15 | No |
| SOC2104 | Victimology | 15 | No |
| SOC2133 | The Anthropology of Prisons | 15 | No |
| SOC2135 | Forensic Cultures | 15 | No |
| SOC2136 | Deprivation of liberty: Imprisonment and beyond | 15 | No |
| SOC2033 | Addiction | 15 | No |
| SOC2126 | Forensic Science, Conflict and Justice | 15 | No |
| SOC2137 | Organised Crime and Criminal Networks | 15 | No |
| POL2057 | Security Studies | 15 | No |
Stage 3
Compulsory Modules
120 credit compulsory placement module
| Code | Module | Credits | Non-condonable? |
|---|---|---|---|
| SSI3020 | Employment Experience (UK and Abroad) | 120 | Yes |
Stage 4
30 credit compulsory Dissertation, 90 credits of optional modules
Compulsory Modules
| Code | Module | Credits | Non-condonable? |
|---|---|---|---|
| SOC3040 | Dissertation | 30 | No |
Optional Modules
45 credits Level 3 Sociology options, 45 credits approved Level 3 Criminology options
Sociology and Criminology modules https://www.exeter.ac.uk/study/studyinformation/modules/?prog=sociology
Please note that modules are subject to change and not all modules are available across all programmes, this is due to timetable, module size constraints and availability
| Code | Module | Credits | Non-condonable? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Criminology Final Stage Option Modules 2024-5 | |||
| ARC3510 | Experimental Approaches to Forensic and Archaeological Investigations | 15 | No |
| PHL3061 | Philosophy of Law | 15 | No |
| PSY3411 | Psychology and Law | 15 | No |
| SOC3034 | International Criminal Justice: Comparative Criminology | 15 | No |
| SOC3036 | International Criminal Justice: Application of Theory to Transnational and International Crime | 15 | No |
| SOC3098 | Sociology of Imprisonment | 15 | No |
| SOC3101 | Police and Policing | 15 | No |
| SOC3104 | Victimology | 15 | No |
| SOC3121 | Policy Analysis in Criminology | 15 | No |
| SOC3126 | Race, Ethnicity and Criminalisation | 15 | No |
| SOC3127 | Crimes of the Powerful | 15 | No |
| SOC3134 | Forensic Science, Conflict and Justice | 15 | No |
| SOC3141 | The Anthropology of Prisons | 15 | No |
| SOC3143 | Forensic Cultures | 15 | No |
| SOC3145 | Deprivation of liberty: Imprisonment and beyond | 15 | No |
| SOC3033 | Addiction | 15 | No |
| SOC3111 | Evidence-Based Policing | 15 | No |
| SOC3115 | Deception | 15 | No |
| SOC3149 | Organised Crime and Criminal Networks | 15 | No |
6. Programme Outcomes Linked to Teaching, Learning and Assessment Methods
Intended Learning Outcomes
A: Specialised Subject Skills and Knowledge
| Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) On successfully completing this programme you will be able to: | Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) will be... | |
|---|---|---|
| ...accommodated and facilitated by the following learning and teaching activities (in/out of class): | ...and evidenced by the following assessment methods: | |
1. Demonstrate an analytical understanding of Sociology, taking into account different sociological perspectives, modes of social analysis and their concomitant theoretical and conceptual frameworks | Sociology 1.This skill is developed on all sociology modules through lectures, tutorials and guided independent study, and is an aim of the sociology side of the programme, especially on core modules. 2-4. These skills are developed initially through lectures, seminars and essay work for stage 1 and 2 core modules and are developed on subsequent modules. 5-6 These skills are developed through similar methods on stage 1 core modules, and further developed on subsequent modules. 7. This skill is developed through the optional modules taken. The level of competence expected of students intensifies at each stage of the programme. 8. These skills will be developed through some of the stage 2 core modules and expanded on in optional modules. 9.-10. These skills will be practised through coursework and examination and seminar work in all modules, and consolidated specifically in core modules for stage 2 and the dissertation.
Criminology 11-13. These skills are developed in the approved criminology modules. 14-16. These skills are developed through core modules. 17-19. These skills will be practised through coursework and examination and seminar work in all modules, and consolidated specifically in core modules for stage 2 and the dissertation. | Exams (1,2,4,5,6, 7, 8-15, 18-19) Essays (1,2,3, 5,6,7, 8-15, 18-19) Other coursework (e.g. written analytical reflections, posters, research proposals) (3, 6, 8, 17, 18) Presentations (1,2,5,6,7, 11-17) Dissertation (1-19) |
Intended Learning Outcomes
B: Academic Discipline Core Skills and Knowledge
| Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) On successfully completing this programme you will be able to: | Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) will be... | |
|---|---|---|
| ...accommodated and facilitated by the following learning and teaching activities (in/out of class): | ...and evidenced by the following assessment methods: | |
20. Draw thematic comparisons between material from different sources. | These skills are developed throughout the degree programme, but the emphasis becomes more complex as students move from stage to stage. They are developed through lectures and seminars, written work (including essays, reports, research outlines, dissertation), and oral work (both presentation and class discussion). | Exams (21-25, 29, 31) Essays and other written assignments (20-29, 32) Presentations (20-27, 30, 31) Dissertation (20-30, 32) Criminology-specific skills (32) will be assessed through exams, written assignments, presentations, and the dissertation |
Intended Learning Outcomes
C: Personal/Transferable/Employment Skills and Knowledge
| Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) On successfully completing this programme you will be able to: | Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) will be... | |
|---|---|---|
| ...accommodated and facilitated by the following learning and teaching activities (in/out of class): | ...and evidenced by the following assessment methods: | |
33. Undertake independent study and work to deadlines. | 33. This skill is an essential part of the successful completion of the programme and will be developed through regular assignments such as essays and presentations towards vigorously monitored and enforced deadlines. 34. This skill is developed through the requirement that all written work be word-processed, and through the requirement on students to use the WWW for bibliographical searches. 35. This skill is developed through essay and presentation work throughout the programme. 36. This skill is encouraged and developed throughout, and is aided by the student Self-Appraisal system which takes place in the inter-semester week of Spring Term. 37. This skill is developed through practice: at all stages, students are partly assessed by timed, unseen examinations. 38. This skill is developed through seminars, which form the whole or part basis of all modules. Skills 39-43 are developed to some extent in all modules, through interaction in seminars and in discussion with tutors about essay work, and in response to criticism both collective and individual. 44. This skill is developed through the through the Dissertation, which has a single end of year deadline | Exams (37, 42, 43) Essays (33 -35, 42, 43) Team Reports (36, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43) Individual Presentations (32, 35, 36, 38, 42, 43) Group Presentations (33, 35, 36, 38-43) Dissertation (33-36, 40, 42-44) |
7. Programme Regulations
Classification
Full details of assessment regulations for all taught programmes can be found in the TQA Manual, specifically in the Credit and Qualifications Framework, and the Assessment, Progression and Awarding: Taught Programmes Handbook. Additional information, including Generic Marking Criteria, can be found in the Learning and Teaching Support Handbook.
8. College Support for Students and Students' Learning
9. University Support for Students and Students' Learning
Please refer to the University Academic Policy and Standards guidelines regarding support for students and students' learning.
10. Admissions Criteria
Undergraduate applicants must satisfy the Undergraduate Admissions Policy of the University of Exeter.
Postgraduate applicants must satisfy the Postgraduate Admissions Policy of the University of Exeter.
Specific requirements required to enrol on this programme are available at the respective Undergraduate or Postgraduate Study Site webpages.
11. Regulation of Assessment and Academic Standards
Each academic programme in the University is subject to an agreed College assessment and marking strategy, underpinned by institution-wide assessment procedures.
The security of assessment and academic standards is further supported through the appointment of External Examiners for each programme. External Examiners have access to draft papers, course work and examination scripts. They are required to attend the Board of Examiners and to provide an annual report. Annual External Examiner reports are monitored at both College and University level. Their responsibilities are described in the University's code of practice. See the University's TQA Manual for details.
14. Awarding Institution
University of Exeter
15. Lead College / Teaching Institution
Faculty of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences (HASS)
16. Partner College / Institution
Partner College(s)
Not applicable to this programme
Partner Institution
Not applicable to this programme.
17. Programme Accredited / Validated by
Not applicable to this programme.
18. Final Award
BA (Hons) Sociology and Criminology with Employment Experience
19. UCAS Code
Not applicable to this programme.
20. NQF Level of Final Award
6 (Honours)
21. Credit
| CATS credits | 480 |
ECTS credits | 240 |
|---|
22. QAA Subject Benchmarking Group
[Honours] Criminology
[Honours] Sociology
23. Dates
| Origin Date | Date of last revision |
|---|


