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BA (Hons) Sociology with Criminology

Global Development, Politics and Sociology
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LOCATION
Stratford Campus
Location Fees and Funding
Here's the fees and funding information for each year of this course
Overview
Do you want to make sense of the rapidly changing society in which we live and the freedom with which information, money, goods and services now move across national boundaries? Would you like to understand the effects of this globalisation on modern Britain?
Are you interested in how deviance in social circumstances can lead to crime? Are you fascinated by social justice, human rights and the workings of the criminal justice system?
On this course, you'll study these issues in the vibrant, multicultural setting of east London. You'll graduate with a degree that has vocational relevance while putting no limit on your career options.
If you want to be a probation officer, for example, you need to know about criminology. This course is an exciting way of preparing for a career while studying the wider questions that sociology addresses and the impact it has on our daily lives.
Please note, international applications are now closed for September 2022.
What makes this course different
WHAT YOU'LL LEARN
This three-year (full-time) or four-year (part-time) degree course will connect you to the real-world issues that exist in our community.
Sociology is about the world we live in, how we interact and relate to each other. Developing your understanding of people will help your understanding of criminality.
The course combines social theory and the appliance of that theory to the real world beyond the classroom or the lecture hall with an unusual combination of criminology modules.
You can choose to study youth crime and sub-culture, football hooliganism and global illicit drug trafficking. Or perhaps you will be drawn to the appeal of terrorism studies and surveillance, technology and society.
You'll learn about the different types of crimes that exist and explore various theories about why people commit certain crimes.
As well as providing you with a strong theoretical grounding through a variety of criminology options, we'll also give you a comprehensive knowledge of criminal law.
DOWNLOAD COURSE SPECIFICATIONS
COURSE SPECIFICATION - BA (Hons) Sociology with Criminology
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MODULES
- Core Modules
Mental Wealth 1: Knowledge, Skills, Practice and the Self CloseMental Wealth 1: Knowledge, Skills, Practice and the Self
The module aims to ground and complement other shared or common level 4 programme modules by providing an introduction to the key Vision 2028 ‘UEL Graduate Attributes’, such as the psychological and physical determinants of human performance that are difficult or impossible to be replicated by Artificial Intelligence (AI). The module takes a psychosocial approach to exploring ‘the self’ in both personal and professional contemporary contexts. The module aspires to provide an intellectually integrative and socially cohesive workshop experience.
The module will provide an opportunity for students to review their own personal development to date self-reflexively.
With these ends in mind, the module introduces students to theories of individual and social inequalities and how the latter can inform one’s approach to ‘community businesses ‘that is, all kinds of activities and enterprises run by local people for local people’ https://www.powertochange.org.uk/get-inspired). In the context of understanding the concept of, designing and exploring a community business, students will identify their employment and career aspirations and their personal, professionally relevant skills and potential abilities. Students will learn to develop skills with a psychosocial approach to research by gathering and presenting data in relation to their proposed community project.
Contemporary Issues in Criminology CloseContemporary Issues in Criminology
You will develop positive notions of mutual respect by fostering a safe learning environment where you are encouraged to share your views on key political and criminological issues. You will develop listening skills and experience the power of having your voice heard. The module will provide you with a stimulating introduction to a selection of the issues of current concerns within the fields of criminology and criminal justice studies. The module also intends to introduce you to more general issues pertaining to the position and relevance of criminology in the 21st Century.
Social Theory 1 CloseSocial Theory 1
This module is about decolonising social theory which means looking at how social theory as an attempt to understand 'modernity' needs to incorporate, rather than relegate the significance of colonialism and empire.
The Mess We Are In (And How We Got Here) CloseThe Mess We Are In (And How We Got Here)
In this module we will consider the representation of the present as a moment of crisis. This will include consideration of:
- Economic crisis, including welfare reform and austerity
- Political crisis, including democratic deficits and populism
- Ecological crisis
- National crisis, including questions of identity, racism and justice
- Emotional crisis, including links between individual well-being and social structures.
The module will introduce students to histories of empire and colonialism in order to understand long-standing processes of expropriation and ecological degradation in the name of progress.
Digital Sociology and the 4th Industrial Revolution CloseDigital Sociology and the 4th Industrial Revolution
Since the 1970s when social theorists like Bell and Touraine proclaimed the coming of post-industrial society there has been a growing interest in the implications of technological change on society and in particular on the central role of information in these transformations.
This module is about the relationships between technological change, i.e. the emergence of the so-called 4th Industrial revolution (Schwab 2017) and social relationships. Moreover, it is also concerned with the implications of all of this for are capacity and ability to make sense of these changes via social science and the arguments that we need to develop a 'digital sociology' (Orton-Johnson and Prior 2013, Lupton 2015, and Marres 2017) to do this.
Issues in Contemporary Society CloseIssues in Contemporary Society
This module introduces students to key debates in contemporary society, including discussions of gender, sexuality, and feminism; the legacy of imperial histories; racism and the media; new technologies; ecological crisis; democratic deficit.
- Core Modules
Space, Bodies and Power CloseSpace, Bodies and Power
This module introduces students to debates about bodies and embodiment and the exercise of power across spaces. We will discuss practices of surveillance, bordering and the relation of these practices to colonial practices of ordering and to ecological crisis. We will revisit questions of inequality, inclusion and stigmatisation. This will include a consideration of questions of sexuality and sexual rights and disability rights.
Social Theory 2 CloseSocial Theory 2
The aim of the module is to provide a comprehensive introduction to classical and contemporary sociological theories as they developed from the 19th century to explain the emergence of 'modern' societies and continued to track the development and transformation of modern societies in the 20th century and the emergence of what has been increasingly understood as globalisation by the start of 21st century.
The module examines five major ideas that have structured the development sociological theories since the establishment of the discipline. These ideas are the industrial society, democracy, individualism and modernity which in turn emphasise the economic, political, social and cultural aspect of the social. In addition, the module will also look at the more recent development of ideas of globalisation.
Mental Wealth 2: Social Enterprise CloseMental Wealth 2: Social Enterprise
This module aims to introduce students to a range of planning and fundraising models and techniques used in the third sector. It will build their competence and confidence in designing and presenting their own projects and fundraising ideas. It will be delivered in collaboration with UEL Enterprise and other partner third sector organisations. This is the second of 3 modules running through the BA (Hons) International Development with NGO Management, which will incrementally build a full set of competencies for work in the not-for-profit sector.
Optional ModulesTheoretical Criminology CloseTheoretical Criminology
The module is intended to provide an introduction to criminological theory, examining historical, social and cultural context surrounding the development of various theoretical perspectives, how these propose we deal with crime and their relevance to contemporary problems.
Crime and Social History CloseCrime and Social History
The primary aim will be to introduce students to the understanding of crime through the study of social history, focusing in particular on the emergence and growth of the modern 'crimino-legal complex'. Students will be made aware that throughout history the explanation of 'crime' and the concept of 'the criminal' has been constructed, and this construction is intimately connected to changes in philosophical and social ideas, and, economic and political forces. More specifically the course aims to introduce students from diverse disciplinary backgrounds to the benefits of thinking of crime in the context of social history. This will involve looking at philosophy, social theory and cultural studies as well as criminology. Students will finish the course with a clear understanding of the importance of social history for the discipline of criminology, as well as a command of key theoretical concepts such as modernity and for postmodernity.
Intersectionality and Digital Culture CloseIntersectionality and Digital Culture
Intersectionality is a way of understanding our multiple identities and the impact of intersecting structures of inequality on our lives. Increasingly, in our digital world, processes of discrimination, harassment and hatred take place through digital means. At the same time, we live mediatised lives, presenting ourselves online and crafting new identities for pleasure and for work. This module will introduce students to debates about intersectionality and the place of digital cultures in staging and remaking our identities and relations to each other.
Generations Age and Meaning CloseGenerations Age and Meaning
The aim of this module is to explore the meaning of age and ageing throughout the life course, by exploring the relationship between ‘biographical aging’ (Randall and Kenyon 2001), and social structure. How do individuals experience aging throughout their life course, and how are these experiences mediated by social institutions? Aging has often been constructed as a ‘problem’ affecting isolated individuals at the end of their lives. Adopting a critical gerontological perspective, this module will examine the assumptions built into such a construction, explore their origins and implications
Policing and Society: Critical Perspectives ClosePolicing and Society: Critical Perspectives
The module assists students to develop engagement with ideas beyond police investigation and operations by considering the wider social context of contemporary policing. Recent developments and current debates on police and policing are explored in relation to the demands created by modern diverse communities, seeking to help students develop independent thinking on the social consent given to the police role in dealing with crime as part of a criminal justice system.
- Optional Modules
Optional placement CloseOptional placement
This course offers the opportunity of year-long placement between years two and three. If you choose to take this option, you’ll spend your third year on a placement with a relevant company or organisation, adding valuable practical experience to your growing academic knowledge.
The extra placement year means it will take four years to complete your studies, instead of three. - Core Modules
Applied Research Project in Social Sciences CloseApplied Research Project in Social Sciences
This module allows you to apply your understanding of key social scientific theories and concepts as well as issues and methods in social and community work to a research question of your choice. The module introduces necessary research and evaluation tools and methods and ethical procedures, data collection and analysis methods and starts you on your journey to becoming independent researchers. You will complete an independent research project or an evaluation of a project you have been involved with through placements, volunteering or work experience. You will receive support and guidance throughout the independent research and are encouraged to reflect on the methodological, ethical and theoretical issues that you will face in the course of your research experience.
Mental Wealth 3: Placement Reflections CloseMental Wealth 3: Placement Reflections
The Placement Reflections module aims to bring together learning from reading, lectures, coursework and discussions during the first two years, first by applying the skills learned in a real- life work environment, then by reflecting on the Placement experience and relating it to the key concepts and debates in your area of study. To achieve this, you are required to work for at least two days a week for a minimum of 10 weeks (or 20 working days total) as a volunteer for an organisation with a speciality in your area of study. During this time, you should carry out an identifiable project agreed with the host organisation for this Module. The Module Leaders of each programmes will provide guidance and briefings for you on securing a suitable placement.
During the work placement you are expected to:
- Improve skills for future employment
- Engage in “real -life” projects which will enable students to put academic knowledge into practice and place practice into an academic context.
- Develop key personal and professional skills such as team-working, time management, working under pressure and self-evaluation.
Optional ModulesYouth Crime. Gangs and Sub-culture CloseYouth Crime. Gangs and Sub-culture
The module will aim to introduce you to the main theoretical discourses and empirical research - both historically and within contemporary context - pertaining to the understanding of:
(i) the diverse cultural formations adopted by young people
(ii) subcultural (and post-subcultural) theories of youth culture with regards to explanations of crime and deviance
(iii) youth transitions, social exclusion and crime
(iv) of media representations of 'deviant' youth cultures / styles, and
(v) the contested notion of the emergence of violent street gangs in England’s urban centres.Life Histories CloseLife Histories
The module is designed to develop understandings of the relationship between the personal and the social dimensions of identity. It examines this relationship through an exploration of life accounts.
Gender Studies CloseGender Studies
The aim of this module is to familiarise you with key concepts, issues, questions and debates in gender studies and explore and analyse gender relations in a range of social spheres and institutions such as education, work, culture, law and the family.
Constructions of 'Race' in Culture and Politics CloseConstructions of 'Race' in Culture and Politics
The aim of this module is to examine the ways in which concepts of race have developed historically in the West and to look at some of the key social, political and theoretical consequences of this. The module begins with looking at the argument that ‘race’ is a social construct then the module examines the ways in which this has been constructed and reconstructed in different historical periods, and the political struggles that have surrounded this.
Surveillance, Technology and Society CloseSurveillance, Technology and Society
This module will build on your existing knowledge of routine surveillance to enable you to recognise security breaches, ethical issues raised by mishandling of sensitive data and the value of confidentiality/privacy as a human right. It provides you with invaluable skills at a personal and professional level essential for research, employment and your daily life.
To live in the 21st century means experiencing multiple systems of surveillance, in what is termed a 'surveillance society'. This interdisciplinary module introduces students to the functions of a society that has overlapping systems that track, measure and judge individuals on a continuous, daily basis in a more pervasive way than could have possibly been imagined. We have become habituated to incessant surveillance to the extent that we share aspects of our everyday lives on social media and increasingly popular reality shows embed it into our culture leading to even greater acceptance of it.
This module looks at the origins of surveillance right up to the latest emerging automated surveillance systems and pre-crime surveillance. It considers how surveillance 'works' on persons to modify behaviour and how categorisation of individuals results in social sorting that can affect our life chances. It also explains how surveillance capitalism functions and if we can employ means of 'digital self-defence' to protect ourselves from such intrusion.
Culture, Media and Politics CloseCulture, Media and Politics
This module introduces students to key debates in the field of cultural sociology, including debates about fashion, media, memory and the presentation of self.
Psychological Criminology ClosePsychological Criminology
The aim of this module is to provide you with an introduction to the developing relationship between psychology and criminology. You will combine the study and practice of forensic psychology and criminology, particularly in relation to police and court systems. You will be encouraged to critically appraise the relevance and efficacy of psychological and forensic studies of crime.
HOW YOU'LL LEARN
You'll learn how to gather, organise and use data, information and evidence from a variety of sources. You'll gain an understanding of how to construct reasoned argument and put forward solutions to problems.
Debate will be at the centre of your learning experience when you study criminology. The amount of data produced, particularly in relation to crime, can be colossal, and interpreting it intelligently - as you will learn to do - is the basis for conducting informed and coherent debate on social issues.
Coursework will include, research-based assignments essays, video presentations and a research dissertation.
The approximate percentages for this course are:
- Year 1, 2, 3: 100% coursework
You'll be taught by research-active staff who are passionate about their subjects. We're committed to providing you with a world-class education in a socially diverse environment. Staff with relevant experience and practice to ensure you learn from real life experience and our current research.
We encourage an educational experience that is active, social, collaborative, engaging and student-owned. You will have access to a variety of resources ensuring your learning experience goes beyond the classroom.
When not attending timetabled lectures you will be expected to continue learning independently through self-study. This will typically involve reading journal articles and books, working on individual and group projects, undertaking preparing coursework assignments and presentations, and preparing for exams. Your independent learning is supported by a range of excellent facilities including online resources, Microsoft Teams and Moodle.
We are investing in key areas beyond your studies including our career services, library and well-being, to be available both face-to-face on campus and online with many of these available 24/7.
You will be supported with any academic or subject related queries by an Academic Advisor, module leaders, former and current UEL students. If you need a bit of extra help with certain skills such as academic writing, English, maths or statistics, our Academic Tutors offer workshops, drop-in sessions and one-to-one appointments to help our students achieve their potential.
You can receive advice and guidance on all aspects of the IT systems provided by the University from our IT Service Desks located on all three campuses. Our Student Support hubs in Docklands and Stratford feature centralised helpdesks to cater for your every need.
We have new, modern library facilities on both campuses offering inspirational environments for study and research. Libraries contain resources in print and digital formats, a range of study spaces and a dedicated librarian who can assist with your learning.
UEL provides also support and advice for disabled students and those with specific learning difficulties (SPDs). Your overall workload consists of class and online tutor-led sessions, individual learning, practical activities.
Our aim is to prepare you for a broad range of careers so that you can make amazing contributions to your communities. When you arrive, we'll introduce you to your personal tutor. This is the member of staff who will provide academic guidance, be a support throughout your time at UEL and who will show you how to make the best use of all the help and resources that we offer.
As a student, you'll be able to opt for a work placement and will be eligible to apply for paid summer work as part of our undergraduate research internship scheme. The scheme offers up to £2,000 to enable students to work on important research projects and boost their CVs.
HOW YOU'LL BE ASSESSED
All modules are assessed through different forms of coursework – typically 2,000-word essays – and some of the optional modules also include exams.
In addition to traditional essays, we'll expect you to write reports and policy reviews and to give presentations. This is to ensure you'll gain the relevant skills that can be transferred to the workplace. In your final year, you'll write a research dissertation.
CAMPUS and FACILITIES

Stratford Campus, Water Lane, Stratford
WHO TEACHES THIS COURSE
The teaching team includes qualified academics, practitioners and industry experts as guest speakers. Full details of the academics will be provided in the student handbook and module guides.
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What we're researching
At the University of East London we are working on the some of the big issues that will define our future; from sustainable architecture and ethical AI, to health inequality and breaking down barriers in the creative industries.
Our students and academics are more critically engaged and socially conscious than ever before. Discover some of the positive changes our students, alumni and academics are making in the world.

The tutors are all very approachable. You can talk to them about things you are struggling with and they are very happy to help you. It's an atmosphere of encouragement. I had a real interest and passion for criminal behaviour and finding out what actually causes it. What stands out to me are all of the different theories about what may cause people to commit crime."
Zenani Sibindi
Sociology with Criminology BA (Hons)
YOUR FUTURE CAREER
A sociology degree from UEL will prepare you for a wide range of jobs such as teaching, journalism and social work. Add criminology to your qualification and you'll be able equipped with the knowledge to join the police force, the probation service, pressure groups, the central and local government.
UEL has strong links with criminal justice organisations who work with us both in and out of the classroom. You'll benefit from these links as they can help you choose your career after you graduate.
You may wish to become a prison officer, a community development worker, a probation officer or a youth worker.
This degree will also give you the skills to move into a career as an adult guidance worker, a housing management officer or manager or a social researcher, or it could set you on the road to becoming a solicitor.
Alternatively, you may decide you want to continue your fascinating discovery of the social issues that affect us all by staying on at UEL and helping to shape the local community on one of our postgraduate courses.
Explore the different career options you can pursue with this degree and see the median salaries of the sector on our Career Coach portal.