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Undergraduate Study

BA Sociology and Criminology - 2025 entry

Please note: The below is for 2025 entries. Click here for 2024 entries.
UCAS code LM39
Duration 3 years
Entry year 2025
Campus Streatham Campus
Discipline Sociology
Contact

Web: Enquire online
Phone: +44 (0)1392 723192

Typical offer

View full entry requirements

A levels: AAB
IB: 34/665
BTEC: DDD

Contextual offers

A-Level: BBB
IB: 30/555
BTEC: DDM

Overview

  • You’ll investigate the causes of criminal behaviour as well as its consequences for victims and society as a whole
  • The interdisciplinary nature of the programme will give you sociological, historical, political and psychological perspectives for understanding and responding to crime and deviance
  • You’ll explore theoretical, empirical and methodological issues associated with sociology and other fields of social research, and develop skill in critical analysis
  • Our broad range of optional modules in your second and third years gives you the flexibility to tailor your degree to your interests and develop specialist knowledge on a range of topics
  • Get ready for your future career by developing a range of transferable skills relevant to a wide range of careers from social research to media and culture and development work

View 2024 Entry

Request a prospectus

Open days and visiting us

How to apply

Contact

Web: Enquire online

Phone: +44 (0)1392 72 72 72

Top 15 icon

Top 15 in the UK for Sociology

Joint 15th in The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2025

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Top 15 in the UK for Criminology

15th in the Guardian University Guide 2025

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100% of our Sociology research has internationally excellent impact

Based on research impact rated 4* + 3* in REF 2021. Our research in Sociology, Philosophy, Anthropology and Criminology was returned to this UoA

An image of a globe on a stand, depicted through a line drawing, showcasing the continents and countries of the world.

Opportunities to study abroad

Top 15 icon

Top 15 in the UK for Sociology

Joint 15th in The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2025

Rosette icon

Top 15 in the UK for Criminology

15th in the Guardian University Guide 2025

Earth icon

100% of our Sociology research has internationally excellent impact

Based on research impact rated 4* + 3* in REF 2021. Our research in Sociology, Philosophy, Anthropology and Criminology was returned to this UoA

An image of a globe on a stand, depicted through a line drawing, showcasing the continents and countries of the world.

Opportunities to study abroad

I really enjoy the topics that I get to study as part of my subject. I have been able to study modules from education, media and disability to terrorism, war and the criminal and judicial system.

The assessment usually consists of essays on a broad topic so you can really choose what you’re interested in and research and write about it. The department as a whole has an amazing support system with personal tutors giving 1:1 sessions to be able to talk about anything academic or not.

Read more from Charlotte

Charlotte

Undergraduate student, BSc Sociology and Criminology

Entry requirements (typical offer)

Qualification Typical offer Required subjects
A-Level AAB n/a
IB 34/665 n/a
BTEC DDD n/a
GCSE C or 4 English Language
Access to HE 30 L3 credits at Distinction Grade and 15 L3 credits at Merit Grade N/A
T-Level Distinction N/A
Contextual Offer

A-Level: BBB
IB: 30/555
BTEC: DDM

Specific subject requirements must still be achieved where stated above. Find out more about contextual offers.

Other accepted qualifications

View other accepted qualifications

English language requirements

International students need to show they have the required level of English language to study this course. The required test scores for this course fall under Profile B2. Please visit our English language requirements page to view the required test scores and equivalencies from your country.

NB General Studies is not included in any offer.

Grades advertised on each programme webpage are the typical level at which our offers are made and provide information on any specific subjects an applicant will need to have studied in order to be considered for a place on the programme. However, if we receive a large number of applications for the programme we may not be able to make an offer to all those who are predicted to achieve/have achieved grades which are in line with our typical offer. For more information on how applications are assessed and when decisions are released, please see: After you apply

Course content

The BA Sociology and Criminology degree programme is made up of compulsory (core) and optional modules, which are worth 15 or 30 credits each. Full-time undergraduate students need to complete modules worth a total of 120 credits each year.

Depending on your programme you can take up to 30 credits each year in another subject, for instance a language or business module, to develop career-related skills or just widen your intellectual horizons.

The modules we outline here provide examples of what you can expect to learn on this degree course based on recent academic teaching. The precise modules available to you in future years may vary depending on staff availability and research interests, new topics of study, timetabling and student demand.

The first year gives you a foundational knowledge of sociological and criminological theory and concepts. You will also gain important analytical techniques that will be useful across a range of subjects and research tasks.

90 credits of compulsory modules, 30 credits of optional modules.

Compulsory modules

Your first year will give you an excellent grounding in the theories and application of Sociology with a particular focus on the issues facing the contemporary world such as social inequality, crime, deviance, migration and globalisation.

CodeModule Credits
SOC1000 Contemporary Society: Themes, Perspectives and Case Studies 30
SPA1000 Imagining Social Worlds 30
SOC1039 Social Issues: Part I - Introducing Crime and Deviance 15
SOC1040 Social Issues: Part II - Themes in Criminology 15

Optional modules

30 credits from level 1 SOC options

View option modules here (SOC)

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.

CodeModule Credits
SSI1005 Introduction to Social Data Recommended Option15
SSI1006 Data Analysis in Social Science 1 Recommended Option15

75 credits of compulsory modules and 45 credits of options.

In the second year you will advance your grasp of sociological and criminological knowledge and methods through a set of compulsory modules. Optional modules enable you to develop specialist knowledge on a range of topics.

Compulsory modules

75 credits of core Sociology and Criminology modules

CodeModule Credits
SPA2000 Knowing the Social World 30
SOC2005 Theoretical Sociology 30
SOC2036 International Criminal Justice: Application of Theory to Transnational and International Crime 15

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

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

CodeModule Credits
Criminology Stage 2 Option Modules 2024-5
ARC2514 Forensic Anthropology 15
BIO2068 Forensic Science 30
PHL2061 Philosophy of Law 15
SOC2024 Power and Domination 15
SOC2063 Policy Analysis in Criminology 15
SOC2068 Race, Ethnicity and Criminalisation 15
SOC2069 Crimes of the Powerful 15
SOC2098 Sociology of Imprisonment 15
SOC2101 Police and Policing 15
SOC2104 Victimology 15
SOC2133 The Anthropology of Prisons 15
SOC2135 Forensic Cultures 15
SOC2136 Deprivation of liberty: Imprisonment and beyond 15
SOC2033 Addiction 15
SOC2126 Forensic Science, Conflict and Justice 15
SOC2137 Organised Crime and Criminal Networks 15
POL2057 Security Studies 15

The centre-point of the final year is the dissertation. This provides you with the opportunity to explore an area of interest and to demonstrate what you have learned over the previous years of your degree. You will also take up to three other specialist modules to create a programme of work fully reflecting your interests. 30 credits of compulsory modules, 90 credits of optional module

Compulsory modules

CodeModule Credits
SOC3040 Dissertation 30

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

CodeModule Credits
Criminology Final Stage Option Modules 2024-5
ARC3510 Experimental Approaches to Forensic and Archaeological Investigations 15
PHL3061 Philosophy of Law 15
PSY3411 Psychology and Law 15
SOC3034 International Criminal Justice: Comparative Criminology 15
SOC3036 International Criminal Justice: Application of Theory to Transnational and International Crime 15
SOC3098 Sociology of Imprisonment 15
SOC3101 Police and Policing 15
SOC3104 Victimology 15
SOC3121 Policy Analysis in Criminology 15
SOC3126 Race, Ethnicity and Criminalisation 15
SOC3127 Crimes of the Powerful 15
SOC3134 Forensic Science, Conflict and Justice 15
SOC3141 The Anthropology of Prisons 15
SOC3143 Forensic Cultures 15
SOC3145 Deprivation of liberty: Imprisonment and beyond 15
SOC3033 Addiction 15
SOC3111 Evidence-Based Policing 15
SOC3115 Deception 15
SOC3149 Organised Crime and Criminal Networks 15

Course variants

UCAS code: LMH9

Our four-year ‘with Study Abroad’ degree, offers you the possibility of spending your third year abroad, studying with one of our many partner universities.

Why Study Abroad?

Living and studying in a different country is an exciting experience that broadens your academic and cultural horizons, as well as giving you the opportunity to widen your circle of friends. Students who have studied abroad demonstrate initiative, independence, motivation and, depending on where they stay, may also have gained a working knowledge of another language – all key qualities that employers are looking for in today’s competitive employment environment.

Where can I Study Abroad?

We have partnership arrangements with many prestigious institutions across the globe. Exactly where you can apply to study will depend on the subjects you are studying at Exeter. For a full list please visit the Study Abroad website.

Does it count towards my degree?

Credit for academic work during your year abroad is arranged by agreement between the University of Exeter and the host institution. These marks are then translated back into your degree at Exeter. If you are Studying Abroad for a semester or full year, your time abroad will count toward your final degree. Please refer to your College Study Abroad co-ordinator for further details.

How does it affect my tuition fee and funding?

For the year that you spend studying abroad you will pay a significantly reduced tuition fee to Exeter, but nothing to your host university – for more information visit our fees pages. You will continue to receive a maintenance loan if you are eligible for this whilst on your Study Abroad year.

UCAS code: LM40

Our four-year ‘with Employment Experience’ degree, offers you the possibility of spending your third year carrying out a graduate-level work placement or placements within the UK as part of your degree.

Why choose to include Employment Experience?

Undertaking graduate-level work during your degree unlocks a world of experience that allows you to develop essential employability and interpersonal skills that relate to your degree and future career. A work placement will dramatically boost your confidence, enhance your CV and develop graduate level skills and competencies that employers are looking for.

Where will I do my work placement?

The sector you choose to work within is very much your choice as you will be responsible for finding and organising your placement. We will provide plenty of guidance and support during your first and second years which will prepare you to research and apply for placements. Ultimately, the university will give final approval to your placement to make sure you have a valuable experience.

How does it affect my tuition fees and funding?

For your ‘Year In Industry’ you will pay a significantly reduced tuition fee to Exeter – for more information visit our fees pages. If you were previously eligible, you will continue to receive a maintenance loan whilst on your year of work placement/s.

Find out more

Visit our website to learn more about employment experience opportunities. 

Fees

Tuition fees for 2025 entry

UK students: £9,535 per year
International students: £24,700 per year

Scholarships

The University of Exeter has many different scholarships available to support your education, including £5 million in scholarships for international students applying to study with us in the 2025/26 academic year, such as our Exeter Excellence Scholarships*.

Financial support is also available for students from disadvantaged backgrounds, lower income households and other under-represented groups to help them access, succeed and progress through higher education.

* Terms and conditions apply. See online for details.

Find out more about tuition fees and scholarships

I have loved studying Criminology over the past four years, and have undertaken exciting classes such as Forensic Science as well as areas of the subject with a more quantitative focus, such as Social Data.

As part of my course, I studied for a year abroad in Milan, which was also a wonderful experience – I met lifelong friends and had the opportunity to experience a new culture and higher education system for a year! 

Read more from Ands

Ands

BA Sociology and Criminology with Study Abroad

Learning and teaching

How will I learn

We use a wide range of teaching and learning methods and also ensure that you have regular tutorials with your tutor, together with a small group of students to discuss oral and written assignments. Teaching includes:

  • Lectures
  • Seminars
  • Group work
  • Practical exercises
  • Small group tutorials
  • Independent study

You will also have access to personal and subject tutors who will give you the individual help and guidance you need to succeed.

How will I be assessed?

  • Exams
  • Essays
  • Projects
  • Field work notebooks
  • Dissertation in your final year

You must pass your first year modules in order to proceed but your performance at this level does not count towards your final degree classification

ExeTalks

ExeTalks are a chance to discover some of the fascinating research undertaken at the University of Exeter delivered by the academics who teach on our programmes.

Optional modules outside of this course

Each year, if you have optional modules available, you can take up to 30 credits in a subject outside of your course. This can increase your employability and widen your intellectual horizons.

Proficiency in a second subject

If you complete 60 credits of modules in one of the subjects below, you may have the words 'with proficiency in [e.g. Social Data Science]' added to your degree title when you graduate.

  • A Foreign Language
  • Data Science
  • Entrepreneurship
  • Innovation
  • Law (Penryn Campus only)
  • Leadership
  • Management
  • Social Data Science

Find out more about proficiency options

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Your future

student wearing mortar board on graduation

As a Sociology graduate you will be well prepared for a number of careers including teaching, the media, business, social research, work in the public and charity sectors, and the legal profession. Throughout your studies you will develop a range of professional, academic and personal skills including:

  • Analytical, critical and independent thinking
  • Independent research
  • Problem solving
  • Discussion and group work
  • Collecting, assessing and presenting evidence
  • Written and verbal communication
  • Articulating ideas and constructing arguments
  • Organising, planning and time management

Career paths

The wealth of transferable skills gained on a Sociology degree enables graduate to pursue further study or employment in a wide range of careers including:

  • Actuaries, economists and statisticians
  • Archivists and curators
  • Information technology professionals
  • Insurance underwriters
  • Legal associate professionals
  • Management consultants and business analysts
  • Police officers
  • Prison service officers
  • Teaching professionals
  • Youth and community workers

Exeter Award and Exeter Leaders Award

Many of our students participate in the Exeter Award and Exeter Leaders Award. These schemes encourage you to participate in employability related workshops, skills events, volunteering and employment which will contribute to your career decision-making skills and success in the employment market.

Developing your skills and career prospects

We provide a range of support to help you develop skills attractive to employers. You will be able to access a range of specific activities such as careers skills sessions and employer-led events, or seek bespoke advice and support from Employability Officers.

The Career Zone also organises a busy schedule of activities including careers fairs, skills workshops, and training events, and can advise on graduate opportunities and volunteering.

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