Course content

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

• Criminology and Forensic Science - Single Honours
• Criminology and Law - Single Honours
• Criminology and Psychology
• Criminology and History 

Course structure

Our degree courses are organised into modules. Each module is usually a self-contained unit of study and each is usually assessed separately with the award of credits on the basis of 1 credit = 10 hours of student effort. An outline of the structure of the programme is provided in the tables below.

There are three types of module delivered as part of this programme. They are:

• Compulsory modules: a module that you are required to study on this course;
• Optional modules: these allow you some limited choice of what to study from a list of modules;
• Elective modules: a free choice of modules that count towards the overall credit requirement but not the number of subject-related credits.

The module details given above are indicative and will give you a good idea of the range of subjects that we teach. We regularly review our teaching to ensure that the modules we offer are up-to-date; therefore, the modules available to study are liable to change.

Entry requirements

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.

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.

For more information visit our money, advice and guidance section.

Career prospects

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

Find out more about our careers and employability services, including career planning, alumni mentoring, jobs, internships, starting your own business and much more.