Sociology and Criminology, BSc Hons at University of Greenwich

Our sociology and criminology degree takes an in-depth approach to society and crime by focusing on issues such as class, ethnicity, identity, gender and inequality.

Through this course in sociology and criminology, you'll explore how social structures and institutions shape the individual and society. You'll gain an understanding of crime and violence, crime policy and the relationship between social status and access to justice and rights.

The course also explores how we define crime, how society deals with crime, and how the distinction between crime and deviance changes over time.

Popular careers for our sociology and criminology graduates include criminal justice, public policy, education, youth work, social services, community work and policing.

What you should know about this course

•  Issues explored include how crime is defined, how society deals with crime, state regulation of crime and how the distinction between crime and deviance changes over time
•  Sociology BA Hons rated 1st in London in the 2017 Guardian Subject League Tables, and achieved 90% student satisfaction in the 2018 NSS
•  Introduces students to sociological theories and methods, with a particular focus on the social, legal, and political responses to crime
•  Gain a thorough grounding in sociological approaches and debates including understanding inequality, social stratification, identity, gender ethnicity and social policy
•  Provides an understanding of theories and current debates within sociology and criminology and focuses on applied research skills and on enhancing career opportunities.

Careers and placements

Will I have a work placement?

You can choose to take a 30-credit work placement in your final year alongside your other modules.

You can also opt to register on 'sandwich mode' which means you can do a one year, full time, paid placement in between your second and final year. Whilst on a sandwich placement you retain your student status and have full support from the University and your tutors as normal. Students are responsible for finding their own placements though we will support you through the application process.

How long is my placement?

The 30-credit work placement requires you to gain 150 hours in total.

Sandwich placements must last for a minimum of 36 weeks, full time, though can be as long as 13 months.

What are the financial arrangements?

Credit-bearing work placements are unpaid. However, sandwich placements are normally paid, full time positions. The salary should reflect the going rate for an entry level role in the relevant industry.

What sort of careers do graduates pursue?

The skills you acquire through studying our courses will prepare you for careers in a wide range of industries and jobs. Graduates of this course have gone on to careers in public policy, criminal justice, education, social services, community work, policing, probation and social welfare. Some career options may require further study.

Are internships available?

Students are encouraged to gain relevant work experience if possible, including internships, and can be paid or unpaid. Students are responsible for finding their own internships though we will support you through the application process.

Do you provide employability services?

Employability activities take place all the time at Greenwich and students are encouraged to take part in as many opportunities as possible.The central Employability and Careers Service provides support for students preparing to apply for placements and graduate roles, such as CV clinics, mock interviews and Employability skills workshops.

Each School also has its own Employability Officer who provides specific opportunities relevant to your own course. They work closely with professionals in industry to ensure you are well-prepared for the work-place and have already begun to build your professional network by the time you graduate.