BA (Hons) Sociology & Criminology

Course overview

This exciting innovative degree course enables students to gain an academic qualification which is validated by The Open University.

Our Sociology and Criminology degree covers everything from the fundamentals of family, as well as criminalisation, social inequalities, and forensic psychology. You'll study society from every angle.

You can find the programme specification for this course here and the programme handbook here.

This thought-provoking degree develops your critical understanding of crime, human behaviour, and the social organisation of society. You'll learn how to think critically about how people engage and interact with the world around them as you study topics such as criminology theories and concepts, sociological imagination and power, control and resistance.

This course will put you at the forefront of the critical social debates defining the 21st century, from dealing with crime and addiction to the social impact of violence against women and girls.

You’ll receive a strong grounding in theory and research methods, along with programme enhancements like regular expert guest lectures. This degree helps to develop your critical thinking skills which enhances your employability, opening up a wide variety of career options.

This programme is taught on a face-to-face basis over three years on the full time route, and across six years on the part time route. There is no annual price increase and no additional costs will be incurred where possible. A copy of our Fee Policy is available upon request.

Course requirements

A genuine interest in the subject is essential - and an interview will take place.

A minimum of 80 UCAS Points from the following:

• A-Levels

• Level 3 Extended Diploma

• Level 3 Diploma

• A combination of Level 3 Certificates

• Access to HE with 80 UCAS points as a minimum.

• International qualifications equating to 80 UCAS points will be considered

GCSE Maths and English at Grade 4/C or above; or Level 2 Functional Skills qualifications in English/Literacy and Maths/Numeracy.

Life and employment experience will also be considered when reviewing applications from mature students. Each individual applicant will be considered.

If you are unsure as to whether your previous qualifications would qualify you for entry onto our degree programme, please email start@bacoll.ac.uk and we will let you know if you are eligible.

What will I do?

Level 4 modules include:

Sociological Imagination, Social Problems: Myths and Realities, The Changing Concept of Family, Criminology: Theories and Concepts, Policing Crime and Society, Introduction to Forensic Psychology

Level 5 Modules include:

Introduction to Social Science Research, Self Identity and Society, Popular Culture Media and Society, Crime Culture and Social Change, Applied Forensic Psychology, Social Inequalities

Level 6 Modules include:

Dissertation, Criminology & Globalisation, Anthropological Traditions, The Sociology of Power Control and Resistance

You will be fully supported by a personal tutor and dissertation supervisor.

What will it give me?

Completion of all three years (or all six years if studying on a part time basis) will give you a BA (Hons) Degree in Sociology & Criminology.

Materials needed

You will need all basic stationery items for studying. Students will also be made aware of any key texts / books which may be advisable to purchase for the programme. If this is the case, you will be notified of these during induction. A laptop computer would be advantageous however this is not essential as the College has dedicated IT facilities for degree students and adults.

What can I do when I finish?

Following successful completion of the BA (Hons) Sociology & Criminology, students can apply for further study on a Masters programme or move into a range of employed roles in the sector. You will be supported throughout this degree programme to consider your next steps, and you will be exposed to a range of employers and universities at which you can consider continuing your studies to Level 7 and beyond.

Graduates from this course can go on to find employment in organisations such as:

• The Police Service

• Prisons

• Probation

• Community safety teams

• The Civil Service

• Youth Justice Service

• Civil Service roles

• Research and analyst positions

• Charities

• Teaching

What next?

If you would like to apply for this exciting degree programme, then please apply via our website if you already attend Bishop Auckland College. You can also attend our next Higher Education Open Night – please check our website homepage for details of this.