Sociology with Criminology
UCAS code T809
- Study mode
- Full-time
- Duration
- 3 years
- Start date and application deadlines
-
- Start date
About this course
Our Sociology with Criminology programme offers you the opportunity to combine two closely related and complementary disciplines, tackling some of the most interesting and important social issues of our times.
Introduction
Sociology, the major component of this programme (75%), involves the study of the ways in which societies are organised and how they function. How is the particular society we live in organised? Does it function effectively? Is it harmonious? Is it equal? Is it fair? What about other societies? Our particular approach to Sociology involves the ‘critical’ study of society, which means asking serious questions about power, social inequality and social injustice.
Criminology, the minor component of this programme, involves the study of crime as a particular aspect of all societies. What is crime, who commits it, who are the victims, how do societies deal with crime, its perpetrators and its victims? Again, our approach to Criminology is critical and involves asking important questions about who gets to define the criminal, who gets to determine the measures implemented to address crime as an aspect of society, as well as questions about the unequal experience of offending, victimisation and justice within and between societies.
Studying these subjects together means tackling some of the most interesting and important social issues of our times. The programme involves critical engagement with relevant theories, concepts and ideas, as well as the development of a wide range of critical thinking, research and communication skills. You will be taught and supervised by world-leading experts in the subject areas and experience a range of research-engaged teaching, learning and assessment methods, including opportunities for applied and practice-based learning. You will also be provided with opportunities to tailor your learning to suit your own particular interests and aspirations as you progress.
If you are interested in understanding how the society you are part of works, the inequalities and injustices that exist within it, and how they manifest themselves in terms of crime and criminal justice in particular, then this is the programme for you.
What you'll learn
- Qualitative and quantitative research methods
- Collecting, analysing and interpreting data
- Report writing
- Critical thinking
- Presentation
- Appreciating the complexity and diversity of social situations
- Applying sociological theory to society’s organisations including schools, hospitals and offices
- Researching, judging and evaluating complex information
- Making reasoned arguments and ethical judgements
- Developing opinions and new ideas on social issues
- The ability to understand, scrutinise and re-assess common perceptions of the social world
- Relating sociological knowledge to social, public and civic policy
Course content
Discover what you'll learn, what you'll study, and how you'll be taught and assessed.
Year one
Modules in year one of the programme provide a broad introduction to the two subject areas and disciplines via a series of mandatory modules. This includes an introduction to sociological theories and thinking, an introduction to criminological thinking and ideas, as well as an introduction to related social policy issues and debates. Year one also involves the development of key academic study skills, and an introduction to social science research methods.
*Some modules may not be available depending on your selected programme of study.
Modules
Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change.
Year two
Mandatory modules in year two of the programme build on these foundations by introducing you to more advanced and contemporary sociological and criminological theorising, as well as more advanced social science research methods. You are also required to select two options from our constantly evolving list of research-led modules. These modules allow you to specialise and develop expertise in specific topic areas and reflect the staff group’s own unique research interests and expertise.
*Some modules may not be available depending on your selected programme of study.
Modules
Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change.
Year three
In year three, you are required to undertake a substantive piece of supervised but original research, either in the form of a dissertation or an applied Interchange Portfolio project. Both provide you with the unique opportunity to apply the competencies you have been developing over the previous two years to a topic area or issue that is important to you. The third year also provides opportunities for you to further your specific interests and specialisms through selected optional modules.
*Some modules may not be available depending on your selected programme of study.
Dissertation Routes:
You must choose SOCI301 or SOCI303 or SOCI347 or SOCI311 (Semester 1 only).
Modules
| Compulsory modules | Credits |
|---|---|
| DISSERTATION (SOCI301) | 30 |
| INTERCHANGE PORTFOLIO: WORK-BASED LEARNING (SOCI303) | 30 |
| CREATIVE CONSULTANT: DISSERTATION BY PORTFOLIO (SOCI347) | 30 |
| SHORT INTERCHANGE PROJECT (SOCI311) | 15 |
Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change.
Teaching and assessment
How you'll learn
You will be taught through a combination of face-to-face teaching in group lectures and small class sessions, tutorials and seminars, which are supplemented by opportunities to get one-to-one guidance from academic staff during their weekly ‘open office’ hours. The rest of your study time will be spent undertaking directed independent study, making use of our excellent library and IT facilities.
You will also be supported throughout by an individual academic adviser. Learning is delivered in a variety of formats including lectures, seminars, workshops, tutorials, guided independent study, group work and reflective and experiential learning.
The primary purpose of lectures is to provide you with a broad introduction to key areas and debates on a given topic pitched at the appropriate level of study. The lectures aim to facilitate your reading and highlight issues to be explored during independent study time in preparation for seminars and assessment.
Seminars provide opportunities to explore particular issues and debates in greater detail in a way that supplements and builds upon the lectures. Seminars also allow for greater levels of student participation and such participation will be actively encouraged throughout the programme. Workshops frequently follow the format of seminars but they also may be used to develop particular skills in a teaching context. For example, workshops develop skills in data analysis and skills in interviewing.
Guided independent study may also feature in your learning experience. Group work is a feature of all seminar teaching and group work takes place both with and outside of formal scheduled classes.
How you're assessed
Assessment takes many forms, each appropriate to the learning outcomes of the particular module studied. Most modules are assessed by means of a mixture of essays and examinations. Typically, a module in year two might involve a 4,000 word essay or a 2,500 word essay plus a one hour examination. Some modules are assessed wholly or in part by other appropriate means, such as the preparation of projects and individual or group presentations. The final degree class is based on year two and three marks, weighted in favour of year three marks.
Liverpool Hallmarks
We have a distinctive approach to education, the Liverpool Curriculum Framework, which focuses on research-connected teaching, active learning, and authentic assessment to ensure our students graduate as digitally fluent and confident global citizens.
The Liverpool Curriculum framework sets out our distinctive approach to education. Our teaching staff support our students to develop academic knowledge, skills, and understanding alongside our graduate attributes:
- Digital fluency
- Confidence
- Global citizenship
Our curriculum is characterised by the three Liverpool Hallmarks:
- Research-connected teaching
- Active learning
- Authentic assessment
All this is underpinned by our core value of inclusivity and commitment to providing a curriculum that is accessible to all students.
Entry requirements
The qualifications and exam results you'll need to apply for this course.
| Qualification | Details |
|---|---|
| A levels |
BBC |
| BTEC Level 3 national extended diploma |
DDM.. |
| BTEC combinations |
BTEC National Diploma DM plus B at A level; BTEC National Extended Certificate M plus BB at A level. |
| Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced |
C in the Welsh Baccalaureate, plus BB at A level |
| Access |
Pass relevant Access to HE Diploma with 45 Level 3 credits with 27 at Distinction and 18 at Merit |
Course options
Studying with us means you can tailor your degree to suit you. Here's what is available on this course.
Global opportunities
University of Liverpool students can choose from an exciting range of study placements at partner universities worldwide. Choose to spend a year at XJTLU in China or a year or semester at an institution of your choice.
Year in China
Immerse yourself in Chinese culture on an optional additional year at Xi'an Jiaotong Liverpool University in stunning Suzhou.
- Learn Chinese
- Study in a bustling world heritage city
- Improve employment prospects
- Study Chinese culture
- 30 minutes from Shanghai
- Learn new skills
Year abroad
Broaden your world by spending an additional year of study at a partner university abroad following your second year of study.
- Choose from up-to 26 countries
- Experience another way of life
- Inspire your future career or studies
- Improved prospects of earning a 2:1 or First
- More likely to earn higher salary
- More likely to be employed after graduating
Where can I spend a year abroad on this course?
- Australia
- Canada
- Hong Kong
- Malaysia
- Singapore
- South Korea
- USA
Semester abroad
Take a semester of your second year of study at one of our worldwide partner institutions.
- Inspire your future career or studies
- Improved prospects of earning a 2:1 or First
- More likely to earn higher salary
- More likely to be employed after graduating
Summer abroad
Spend a summer abroad on a study placement or research project at one of our worldwide partner institutions.
- Spend a summer abroad in addition to your degree programme
- Study abroad without adding an extra year
- Choose any summer between your first and final year of study
- Get the chance to study subjects outside your discipline
Where can I spend a summer abroad on this course?
- Hong Kong
- Japan
- South Korea
Language study
Every student at The University of Liverpool can study a language as part of, or alongside their degree. You can choose:
- A dedicated languages degree
- A language as a joint or major/minor degree
- Language modules (selected degrees)
- Language classes alongside your studies
Your experience
Your course will be delivered by the Department of Sociology, Social Policy and Criminology, in the School of Law and Social Justice Building. You’ll have access to state-of-the-art facilities and be a short walk from the Sydney Jones Library. Based in the Knowledge Quarter, just 10 minutes’ walk from the city centre, you’ll be surrounded by history and culture.
Explore where you'll study
A day in the life of Sociology, Social Policy & Criminology student Bame
Virtual tour
Supporting your learning
From arrival to alumni, we’re with you all the way:
- Careers and employability support, including help with career planning, understanding the job market and strengthening your networking skills
- A dedicated student services team can help you get assistance with your studies, help with health and wellbeing, and access to financial advice
- Confidential counselling and support to help students with personal problems affecting their studies and general wellbeing
- Support for students with differing needs from the Disability advice and guidance team. They can identify and recommend appropriate support provisions for you.
Chat with our students
Want to find out more about student life?
Chat with our student ambassadors and ask any questions you have.
Careers and employability
We will enable you to develop a range of social scientific, analytical and communication skills, as well as a variety of transferable skills valued by many employers in a range of industries (e.g. media organisations, local government and charitable organisations, and commercial and financial services sectors).
Our graduates have gone onto successful careers in:
- public and private sectors
- social welfare and criminal justice agencies (the police and probation services)
- non-governmental organisations (NGOs).
Studying with us also provides a sound basis from which you will be able to pursue postgraduate studies either with a vocational orientation (MA in Social Work, Legal Practice Course, for example) or to further your research skills at masters and doctoral levels.
Recent Employers
- Merseyside Police
- HM Prison Service
- National Probation Service
- Legal Services Commission
- Mencap
- IPSOS Mori
- Shell
- British Council
Work experience opportunities
We invite you to take part in SLSJ Extra—a series of talks and workshops featuring experts from the legal, criminal and voluntary sectors, along with leading professionals and reform advocates from the UK and beyond. Through SLSJ Extra, you’ll see how the fields of law, sociology, social policy and criminology can open doors to a wide range of fulfilling careers. This rich extracurricular experience supports your future aspirations and helps you explore where your studies can take you.
We’re also here to help you make the most of work experience opportunities. In your second year, you can choose to integrate work experience into your studies. By your third-year, you can take advantage of work placements through our Interchange service, which connects you with voluntary and charitable organisations across the region, giving you the chance to apply your skills in real-world settings. You can also gain valuable volunteering experience with support from our Employability & Interchange Coordinators or by joining the Peer Mentoring Scheme.
We offer placements that allow you to undertake research projects with real impact on both local and national communities. These opportunities continue to grow each year. This year, for example, our research placements include collaborations with organisations such as the National Youth Advocacy Service and The Heseltine Institute.
Wherever you want to go, we’ll help you get there.
Postgraduate opportunities
We offer a series of specialist postgraduate programmes including:
- Social Research Methods MA
- Criminology Research MRes
- Social Research MRes.