A degree in Criminology and Sociology enables you to explore a wide range of social issues and to consider the role of crime in societies past and present. Crime, deviance and social order are some of the most taxing issues our society faces.
Many of the major challenges facing the world today, such as terrorism, environmental destruction, corruption, and inequalities, can be understood better through a combination of sociological and criminological approaches. On this course you will explore the ways in which institutions, systems of power, culture and economics impact on crime, disorder and social problems.
Studying Criminology and Sociology will enable you to think independently, critically, and imaginatively about the issues that shape our everyday lives and our futures.
The compulsory sociology modules will provide you with a grounding in the key areas of the discipline: inequalities, social theory and research methods. Our programme covers a wide range of topics including families, health, activism and protest, social media, globalisation and urban life.
Likewise, the criminology programme introduces you to the theory, practice and research methods associated with criminology as a discipline, as well as offering the chance to learn in more depth about some of the key crime and criminal justice issues affecting contemporary societies. There are also opportunities to gain hands on experience through volunteering in the community and/or work experience with external agencies who work in criminal justice or resettlement.
Work placement and volunteering opportunities
During the third year of your studies you will have the opportunity to choose a work placement module. This will enable you to gain skills specific to your subject of choice as well as the employability skills required for real-life work. Recent Criminology work placements have taken place in Integrated Offender Management Units, Mental Health and Offending Service and various charities.
COMBINATIONS
You can study Criminology as a Single Honours programme, as well as combining it with any of the following subjects
The entry grades outlined in this section indicate the likely offer or range of offers which would be made to candidates along with any subject specific requirements. This is for general information only. Keele University reserves the right to vary offer conditions depending upon a candidate’s application. Read more about our undergraduate entry requirements for United Kingdom, European Union and International students.
A Level requirements
A Level requirement CCC
GCSE requirements
English at C (or 4)
BTEC
BTEC requirements MMM
International Baccalaureate
26 points
Access to HE Diploma requirements
Obtain Access to Higher Education Diploma with 106-96 UCAS Tariff points including a minimum of 15 Level 3 credits at Distinction.
Not got the grades?
If you don't think you'll meet the entry requirements specified, Foundation Year offers an alternative route to study for this degree.
PREPARATION PROGRAMMES FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS
International students who do not meet the direct entry requirements for this course have the opportunity to study an International Foundation Year programme.
These courses are designed to prepare international students to enter into Keele University undergraduate degrees.
Fees and funding
Going to university can be a daunting as well as an exciting experience. It can be difficult to understand the true costs of being a student, as well as the financial support that is available to help you meet those costs.
We can help you to manage your funds, create a budget and ensure that you receive any funding for which you may be eligible. We also offer financial support such as the Keele University Hardship Fund and emergency loans.
96% of Keele graduates were in a job or further study within six months of graduating (DLHE, 2017)
The course offers modules that will enable you to develop your employability skills. You will be encouraged to use primary data (court documents, historical material, statistics, and media reports for example), to analyse and present material to a range of different audiences, and get opportunities to hear from practitioners and researchers active in the field. This range of opportunities will strengthen and diversify your skills, experience and your CV.
Many students who study this combination find their degree useful for careers in probation, social work, socio-legal work, the voluntary sector, and policing. Alternatively, you might seek to develop a career in the creative industries, social care, the health sector, advertising and marketing, the charity sector, youth services, and local government. Some of our graduates choose to pursue further academic study.
Recent employers
Addiction
Brighter Futures
NHS
Her Majesty's Prison Service
HMRC
Metropolitian Police Force
Police Now
Probation Office
Local Government
Bright Horizons
Civil Service
Police
HMP
Higher Education
Nationwide
Vodafone
Jobs that a graduate of this course could go on to do:
Community Development Worker
Police Officer
Probation Officer
Social Worker
Prison Officer
Solicitor
Social Researcher
Youth Worker
Advice Worker
Regardless of which career you pursue after Keele, employers will want evidence of the range of skills and personal qualities you possess and which are required for the job. Your degree is clearly important in this respect but don’t forget the extra-curricular activities, positions of responsibility, jobs and voluntary work you may have been engaged in while studying at Keele. These activities allow you to demonstrate the skills and personal qualities required by employers and will be vital in your attempts to secure graduate employment. It is estimated that 60% of jobs are open to graduates of any discipline. This demonstrates the flexibility of many graduate employers when setting out their academic requirements and that students are not necessarily restricted to careers related to their degree.
