Criminology and Sociology

Criminology and sociology are disciplines that illuminate one another. Sociology provides the theoretical frameworks for understanding social structures, inequality, power and culture, while criminology applies those frameworks to the specific questions of crime, deviance, victimisation, policing, punishment and the justice system. Together they offer a rich analysis of how and why societies define and respond to behaviour that violates their norms, and what the consequences of those responses are for individuals, communities and social order.

At Northumbria, this extended four-year programme gives you additional time to build a thorough grounding in both disciplines before specialising at a deeper level in later years. The extended format is designed for students who will benefit from a stronger foundation or who wish to explore the disciplines more broadly before narrowing their focus. The programme includes a sandwich year, a year abroad and work placement opportunities, all of which add professional and international experience to the academic content.

You will study sociological theory, criminological theory, research methods, criminal justice systems, victimology, policing and penology, alongside the sociological analysis of inequality, race, gender, class and globalisation. The typical entry tariff is 120 UCAS points.

Graduates work in probation, prison and youth justice services, the police, social work, community development, policy research, academic research, journalism, charities and public sector organisations concerned with crime, justice and social welfare. Many continue to postgraduate study in criminology, social policy, criminal justice or sociology. The combination of theoretical understanding and professional experience that this programme provides prepares graduates for a range of careers at the intersection of social analysis and practical intervention.