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BA (Hons) Sociology with Criminology
Develop new ways of thinking about crime
Year of entry: 2026/27
Show year of entry: 2025/26
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1stin the UK for Sociology research impact
7thin the UK for Criminology
5thin the UK for Graduate Prospects in Criminology
By combining Sociology with Criminology, you'll learn about the impact of crime in our wider culture and society.
Why choose Sociology with Criminology at York?
Develop new ways of thinking about our society's relationship to criminal justice. You'll challenge your preconceptions of the nature of crime and disorder. You'll also explore some of our society's most hotly debated topics.
Investigate the social, economic and cultural aspects to crime. You'll examine how these forces shape our society. In the process, you'll learn to think critically, evaluate evidence and craft convincing arguments.
Benefit from teaching that's research-led and covers real-world issues. You'll engage with key aspects of crime and deviance from various academic perspectives. You'll also have the opportunity to study wider sociological themes and research.
Nurture your emerging criminological and sociological specialisms. As you progress, you'll not only have the chance to learn more about what you're most interested in, but also discover new areas of criminology and sociology that you're passionate about. Our wide range of option modules will allow you to tailor your degree to your emerging expertise.
Prepare for your future with employability support and opportunities. During your studies, you'll have access to careers support, events and opportunities. You'll also have the option of adding a placement year or year abroad to your degree. This allows you to gain invaluable experience working or studying in another country before you graduate.

What I find with Sociology is how relevant it is to everyday life. I’ll see things that I have been studying appear in the news or on social media. Areas of study feature topics that I would have conversations with family and friends about!
Course content
- Year 1 - six core modules
- Year 2 - three core modules and three option modules
- Year 3 - two core modules, including a 40-credit dissertation, and three option modules
This course progresses from broad to specialist topics, comprising two thirds Sociology modules and one third Criminology modules.
As you progress you'll focus your studies, choosing option modules to develop your expertise. In your final year you'll undertake independent research leading to your dissertation.
Year 1
You'll be introduced to the foundations of sociology and criminology through your modules.
Core modules
- Cultivating a Sociological Imagination
- Becoming a Social Researcher
- Explaining Crime and Deviance
- Investigating Social Problems
- Theorising the Social World
- Understanding Self in Society
Academic integrity module
In addition to the above you will also need to complete our online Academic Integrity module.
Year 2
Core modules
Option modules
You will also study three option modules. Examples can be found below. Some option module combinations may not be possible. The options available to you will be confirmed after you begin your course.
- Health and Illness
- Popular Culture, Media and Society
- Social Interaction and Conversation Analysis
- Humans and Other Animals
- People and the State
- Gender, Sexuality and Inequalities
- Body and Society
- Working in the Criminal Justice System
- Urban Pasts and Futures
- Societies and the Climate Crisis
Elective modules
You may be able to replace one option module with an elective module, studying a complementary subject, a language or an interdisciplinary topic.
Year 3
Core modules
Option modules
You will also study three option modules. Examples can be found below. Some option module combinations may not be possible. The options available to you will be confirmed after you begin your course.
- Racial State
- Global Transformation of Health
- Crime, Media and Culture
- AI in Society
- Human and Other Animals
- Crime, Gender and Sexuality
- Working in the Criminal Justice System
- Talk at Work
- Spiritual Realities
- Morbidity, Culture and Corpses
Elective modules
You may be able to replace one option module with an elective module, studying a complementary subject, a language or an interdisciplinary topic.
Our modules may change to reflect the latest academic thinking and expertise of our staff, and in line with Department/School academic planning.
Learning outcomes
Every course at York has been designed to provide clear and ambitious learning outcomes. These learning outcomes give you an understanding of what you will be able to do at the end of the course. We develop each course by designing modules that grow your abilities towards the learning outcomes and help you to explain what you can offer to employers. Find out more about our approach to teaching and learning.
Learning outcomes for this course
- Interpret, explain and analyse offending behaviour through a critical understanding of sociologically informed theories of crime and deviance, to confront the complexity of victimisation and norm breaking in different national and cultural contexts.
- Critically evaluate current sociological debates about crime, culture and social change and analyse the interconnected nature of sociological understandings of real-world social problems, transgressions and crime-related problems in different cultural contexts.
- Work creatively in teams by cooperating with others in a manner which is respectful of diverse views, values and the cultural position of others to engage with social and criminological issues.
- Design and undertake ethical criminological research projects which draw upon appropriate qualitative and/or quantitative skills to produce empirically rigorous analysis of social issues, patterns of social inequality, crime and transgression.
- Synthesise complex arguments and evidence about contemporary society and crime to challenge assumptions and misperceptions about offending behaviours in culturally attuned ways and in different cultural contexts.
- Critically communicate information and well-reasoned arguments in appropriate formats concerning sociological understanding and analysis of crime and deviance using a range of media and global digital technologies.
- Identify and plan future learning requirements by recording, reflecting on and evaluating personal learning and development, towards a range of future careers.
Fees and funding
Annual tuition fees
UK (home) | International and EU |
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£9,535 | £26,900 |
UK (home) or international fees?
The level of fee that you will be asked to pay depends on whether you're classed as a UK (home) or international student. Check your fee status.
Fees for subsequent years
- UK (home) fees may increase within the government fee cap in subsequent academic years. We will notify you of any increase as soon as we can.
- International fees are subject to increase in subsequent years in line with the prevailing Consumer Price Index (CPI) inflation rate (up to a maximum of 10%).
More information
For more information about tuition fees, any reduced fees for study abroad and work placement years, scholarships, tuition fee loans, maintenance loans and living costs see undergraduate fees and funding.
Funding
We'll confirm more funding opportunities for students joining us in 2026/27 throughout the year.
York, Oxford, Cambridge, Imperial
Just four UK universities are rated Gold for teaching and top ten for research* in the latest national assessment exercises.
* Awarded joint 10th in the Times Higher Education ranking of the Research Excellence Framework 2021.
Teaching and assessment
You’ll study and learn with academics who are active researchers, experts in their field and have a passion for their subjects. Our approach to teaching will provide you with the knowledge, opportunities, and support you need to grow and succeed in a global workplace. Find out more about our approach to teaching and learning.
Teaching format
Our courses consist of a mixture of classroom-based lectures, seminars, and supervisor meetings.
Our research-informed curriculum will provide you with the ability to think critically, develop effective solutions to various work-based problems, and work both independently and as part of a team.
You’ll be taught in a range of specialist subject areas, allowing you to delve deeply into complex topics, explore a whole spectrum of social issues, and develop a resilient, adaptable and challenging mindset that will aid you both within and beyond your study.
Timetabled activities
In your first year, you can expect:
Lectures | 7-8 hours per week |
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Seminars | 4 hours per week |
These figures are representative of a typical week. Your contact hours will vary throughout the year due to your module choices, non-compulsory classes, exam periods and changes to scheduled activities.
Outside your timetabled hours, you'll study independently. This may include preparation for classes, follow-up work, wider reading, practice completion of assessment tasks, or revision.
In the UK, full-time students are expected to spend 1,200 hours a year learning. That's about 40 hours of classes and independent study each week during semesters. Everyone learns at a different rate, so the number of hours you spend on independent study will be different to other students on your course.
Teaching location
You will be based in the Department of Sociology on Campus East. Your teaching will take place at various locations across Campus East and Campus West.
About our campus
Our beautiful green campus offers a student-friendly setting in which to live and study, within easy reach of the action in the city centre. It's easy to get around - everything is within walking or pedalling distance, or you can use the fast and frequent bus service. Take a campus tour.
Assessment and feedback
As you progress, you'll complete a range of assessments designed to help you develop the skills needed to be an effective scholar. Your assessments will be varied, ranging from essays and reports to observational exercises, podcasts and even visual analysis and communication skills workshop design. What assessments you complete will depend on what modules you take.
You’ll submit summative work, which counts towards your final degree score, and formative work, which doesn’t count towards your final grade but gives you the chance to practice techniques and identify areas to improve. We’ll provide detailed feedback on the work you submit, supporting you to develop your academic skills.

In Sociology, there are so many opportunities, placement years and internships available. For example, becoming a Sociology Student Ambassador! This department makes sure that all students are not only looked after, but have opportunities for work and career-building apprenticeships/internships that can be carried out throughout your course.
Careers and skills
Criminology at York is ranked 9th in the UK for Graduate Prospects according to the Times Good University Guide, 2025. We’ll help you focus your career goals, gain valuable experience, and meet the right employers. You’ll also have the opportunity to undergo internships, take part in volunteering, and even pursue a year away from York, either as a placement year or studying abroad.
Career opportunities
- Criminal justice, policing and law
- Social research
- Education
- Media and creative industries
- Health and cultural services
- Charity sector
Transferable skills
- Problem-solving
- Evaluating evidence
- Forming reasoned arguments
- Thinking creatively
- Considering different viewpoints
Entry requirements
Qualification | Typical offer |
---|---|
A levels | ABB |
Access to Higher Education Diploma | 30 credits at Distinction and 15 credits at Merit or higher |
BTEC National Extended Diploma | DDM |
European Baccalaureate | An overall average of 75% |
International Baccalaureate | 34 points overall |
T levels | We will consider a range of T Level qualifications for entry. Please visit our dedicated T Levels page for a full list of accepted T Levels. |
Scottish Highers / Advanced Highers | Scottish Highers - ABBBB Advanced Highers - not required for entry We may also be able to consider three Advanced Highers or a combination of Highers and Advanced Highers, where an applicant does not meet the grade requirement through Highers alone. Please contact us to discuss your qualifications. |
International foundation programme | Foundation Certificate from our International Pathway College or an appropriate alternative. |
Other international qualifications | Equivalent qualifications from your country |
Alternative offers
Meeting the following additional criteria may qualify you for an alternative offer.
Criteria | Adjustment |
---|---|
Widening participation | If you successfully complete one of the following programmes, you may be eligible for an alternative offer up to two A level grades (or equivalent) below our typical offer: Black Access Programme, Next Step York, Realising Opportunities. More about widening participation. |
Contextual offer | BBB |
EPQ | If you achieve C or higher at EPQ, you may be eligible for an alternative offer up to one A level grade (or equivalent) below our typical offer. |
Core Maths | If you achieve B or higher in Core Maths, you may be eligible for an alternative offer up to one A level grade (or equivalent) below our typical offer. |
MOOCs | If you successfully complete our online course Imagining York: Discovering the everyday do let us know, as you may be eligible for an alternative offer up to one A level grade (or equivalent) below our typical offer. More about MOOCs. |
English language
If English isn't your first language you may need to provide evidence of your English language ability. We accept the following qualifications:
Qualification | Minimum requirement |
---|---|
IELTS (Academic) | 6.5, with a minimum of 6.0 in each component |
IB English | A score of 4 in English A or 5 in English B (Higher Level or Standard Level) |
Cambridge CEFR | 176, with a minimum of 169 in each component |
Oxford ELLT | 7, with a minimum of 6 in each component |
Oxford Test of English Advanced | 136, with a minimum of 126 in each component |
Duolingo | Integrated subscores: 120 overall, with a minimum of 105 in each component |
GCSE/IGCSE/O level English Language (as a first or second language) | Grade C / Grade 4 |
LanguageCert SELT | B2 with a minimum score of 33/50 in each component |
LanguageCert Academic | B2 with a minimum score of 33/50 in each component |
Kaplan Test of English Language | 478 Main Flight score with 444 in each component |
Skills for English | B2: Merit overall, with Pass with Merit in each component |
PTE Academic | 61, with a minimum of 55 in each component |
TOEFL | 87 overall, with a minimum of 21 in each component |
Trinity ISE III | Merit in all components |
Other English language qualifications | We also accept other English Language qualifications, including various school-leaving certificates. |
For more information see our undergraduate English language requirements.
If you haven't met our English language requirements
You may be eligible for one of our pre-sessional English language courses. These courses will provide you with the level of English needed to meet the conditions of your offer.
The length of course you need to take depends on your current English language test scores and how much you need to improve to reach our English language requirements.
After you've accepted your offer to study at York, we'll confirm which pre-sessional course you should apply to via You@York.
Next steps
Contact us
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