BA (Hons) Sociology & Criminology (Top Up)

Course overview

This degree programme is designed for students who want to ‘top up’ to an Honours Degree, having already completed a Level 5 qualification such as an HND or Foundation Degree in Criminal Justice, Public Services, Policing, Health & Social Care or similar subject.

You will take four modules which cover a broad range of subjects representing contemporary issues and debates in criminology and sociology. The modules are as follows: Dissertation, Criminology & Globalisation, Anthropological Traditions, The Sociology of Power Control and Resistance.

New to Bishop Auckland College, this exciting innovative degree course enables students to gain an academic qualification which is validated by The Open University.

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.

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 one year on the full time route, and across two 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 a Merit in a previous Level 6 qualification such as a Higher National Diploma (HND) or a Foundation Degree.

International qualifications equating to Level 5 will also be considered.

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

If you are unsure as to whether your previous qualifications would qualify you for entry onto our Level 6 Top Up, please email start@bacoll.ac.uk and we will let you know if you are eligible.

What will I do?

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 the one year (or two 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 new degree top up programme, then please apply via our website if you already attend Bishop Auckland College. Alternatively if you are new to the College please apply via our UCAS web page.