Course Overview
Attendance
* Price per 20-credit module
Course summary
Immigration, crime, social injustice and youth unemployment make headline news almost daily. These are the key issues of our time. If you’re interested in such issues, and want to understand how societal structures impact on people's everyday lives and interactions, or how criminal justice relates to social justice, then you should consider studying sociology and criminology. Combined, these two disciplines develop your sociological and criminological imagination and answer questions about society and its various institutions.
You’ll be taught by active researchers, whose expertise includes human rights, migration, comparative and transnational criminology, convict criminology, youth justice, terrorism studies, psychology of crime, education, gender and sexuality, 'race' and ethnicity, social movements, families, media and cultural studies. You’ll have access to a wide range of specialist option modules in both disciplines, and you’ll have the opportunity to take a work experience module where you can put into practice the personal and professional skills you've developed while studying.
This combined degree enables you to sufficiently specialise in criminology to enter professions connected to the criminal justice system, but also benefit from the broader careers available to sociologists. You'll also gain the transferable skills necessary for lifelong personal and professional development.
Our students go on to careers in the police and police-supporting organisations, crime prevention, the probation service, the charity and non-governmental organisations sector, local and central government, teaching, social work, youth work, and many more.
This course offers a unique curriculum. A distinctive feature of the course is our use of London as a learning and teaching resource, with several modules offering field trips around the city such as museum visits and themed street walks. You’ll be part of a diverse and international student culture, and you can also gain valuable experience studying abroad for a semester.
Top reasons to study with us
- Study in a multicultural city – London is one of the world's most diverse cities, making it a fascinating place to study sociology and criminology. We make the most of our central location, with field trips around the city, museum visits and themed street walks
- Thrive in an academically supportive environment – you'll be taught by friendly, dedicated lecturers who are all active researchers
- Engage critically with contemporary issues – our curriculum focuses on social and criminal justice and, together with students from diverse backgrounds, you'll explore some of the most important issues facing the world today
- A wide-ranging learning experience – by combining sociology and criminology you'll have access to a broad range of specialist modules, giving you a well-rounded learning experience that enables you to pursue a variety of careers
Course structure
Teaching and learning methods include lectures, seminars, practical classes and workshops, online discussions, individual and group tutorials, and field trips.
We make use of a wide range of assessment methods to suit different learning styles, from essays and exams to portfolios, research reports, policy analyses, group presentations, and your final year dissertation.
The contents of this course are the same, whether you study full-time or part-time. Please note, Level 4 corresponds to Year 1 of the full-time version of the course, Level 5 corresponds to Year 2, Level 6 corresponds to Year 3
The following subjects are indicative of what you will study on this course.
Subjects of study include:
- Identity and Society
- Researching Crime and Society
- Criminological Imagination
- Criminological Perspectives
- Thinking Sociologically
- Controversies in Criminal Justice
- Crime and the London Underworld
- Gender and Sexuality Studies
- Justice and Human Rights
- London Explored
- Psychology and Crime
- Social Media, Culture and Society
- Understanding Race
Credit Level 4
Subjects of study include:
- Modern Social Theory
- Radical Criminology
- Research Methods in Sociology and Criminology
- Work-based Learning
- Childhood Youth and Society
- Education Now
- Emotional Life
- Food, Taste and Consumption
- Forensic Criminal Psychology
- Gender, Crime and Justice
- Globalisation and the Media
- Globalisation, Crime and Control
- Leisure, Pleasure and the Sociology of Fun
- Race, Power & Criminal Justice
- The City, Community, and Belonging
- Youth, Crime and Justice
Credit Level 5
Professional experience or study abroad year
Between Levels 5 and 6, you’ll have the opportunity to undertake a professional placement year in industry. Completing the placement year will lead to the final award Bachelor of Arts with Honours - Sociology and Criminology with International Experience.
Alternatively, you can undertake a period of study abroad at one of Westminster’s partner institutions. Successful completion will lead to the final award Bachelor of Arts with Honours - Sociology and Criminology with Professional Experience.
Find out more about the costs involved in taking a study abroad or placement year.
Subjects of study include:
- Dissertation in Sociology and Criminology
- Contemporary Issues in Criminal Justice
- Contemporary Social Theory
- Families, Intimacies and Personal Life
- Gender, Education and Identity
- Human Rights and Global Injustice
- Immigration, Borders and (In)Justice
- Issues in State Crime
- Making Bodies
- Making the News
- Media and Crime
- Psychology, Crime and the Popular Imagination
- Punishment and Modern Society
- Social movements, media and society
- Sociology of Religion
- The Cultural Politics of Race
- Work Experience in Criminology and Criminal Justice
Credit Level 6
For more details on course structure, modules, teaching and assessment Download the programme specification (PDF).
To request an accessible version please email [email protected]
Get your copy of the University of Westminster prospectus and browse the range of courses on offer.
Contact us for general course enquiries:
+44 (0)20 7911 5000 EXT 65511
(Mon–Fri, 10am–4pm GMT)
Live chat with us
(Mon–Fri, 10am–4pm GMT)
Open days
Join us at an open day online or on campus. Get a feel for student life at the University of Westminster and talk to course leaders and our support teams.
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Careers
Successful alumni
Previous graduates have found positions in companies and organisation including the Department for Work and Pensions, Great Ormond Street Hospital and Save the Children.
Work experience
Some of the organisations with which previous students have found work placements include Prisoner Advice and Care Trust and Great Ormond Street Hospital.
Employers around the world
The University’s Careers and Employability Service has built up a network of over 3,000 employers around the world, helping all our students explore and connect with exciting opportunities and careers.
Career development
Sociology and Criminology BA students have the opportunity to take a work experience module in either the second or third year of their degree, where they are supported to find placements with a range of graduate employers.
Some of the organisations with which previous students have found placements include:
- George Mitchell School
- Great Ormond Street Hospital
- London Metropolitan Police
- Prisoner Advice and Care Trust
- Victim Support
Job roles
This course will prepare you for roles, such as:
- Charity/NGO worker
- Local government official
- Probation officer
- Social worker
- Teacher
- Youth worker
Graduate employers
Recent employers of our graduates include:
- Department for Work and Pensions
- Great Ormond Street Hospital
- Haverstock School
- Kent Police
- Medway Youth Trust
- Save the Children
International Opportunities
Many of our courses offer international study and work experiences, and the University provides other global opportunities that all students can apply for - so whatever you're studying, you'll have the chance to go abroad.
Opportunities could include:
- Taking part in semester or year-long exchanges at institutions around the world
- Attending an international summer school or field trip
- Developing your CV through volunteering or work placements abroad
International experience broadens horizons, boosts self-confidence, and improves global understanding, alongside being fantastic for your career.
Find out more about our international opportunities, including funding options and where you can go.
Course Leader
Dr Francis Ray White
Reader
Francis Ray White has been a member of the Sociology team at Westminster for just over ten years. Having completed their PhD at Goldsmiths, Francis started as a part-time tutor at Westminster, teaching on a wide range of modules in the department before becoming a full-time member of staff. Their teaching and research is mainly in the field of gender studies, and they lead several specialist modules in gender, feminist theory and sexualities. Francis became Course Leader in 2014 and is proud to lead a dedicated and passionate staff team who have all contributed to Sociology’s recent success in improving students’ degree results and achieving high levels of student satisfaction year on year. Francis and the whole staff team are committed to ensuring students get the support they need to get the most out of the course and their study of Sociology.
The whole staff team are committed to ensuring students get the support they need to get the most out of the course and their study of Sociology.
Course Team
- Dr Umit Cetin - Senior Lecturer
- Dr Adam Eldridge - Senior Lecturer
- Dr Emily Falconer - Senior Lecturer
- Professor Val Gillies - Professor
- Dr Celia Jenkins - Principal Lecturer in Sociology
- Dr David Khabaz - Lecturer in Sociology
- Dr Ben Pitcher - Reader in Sociology
- Dr Naomi Rudoe - Senior Lecturer in Sociology
- Dr Francis Ray White - Reader
- Dr Shamila Ahmed - Senior Lecturer
- Dr Andreas Aresti - Senior Lecturer
- Mark Cambridge - Senior Lecturer
- Dr Sacha Darke - Reader
- Dr Lea Sitkin - Lecturer and Deputy Course Leader, Criminology
- Dr Morwenna Bennallick - Senior Lecturer
- Dr Charlotte English - Senior Lecturer
- Dr Jeane Gerard - Lecturer in Criminology and Deputy Course Leader for BSc Psychology and Criminology
- Dr Sally Atkinson-Sheppard - Senior Lecturer
- Dr Melahat Sahin-Dikmen - Senior Lecturer
- Dr Jennifer Fraser - Principal Lecturer
Why study this course?
Graduates in work or further study
90% of students are in work and/or further study 15 months after the course. (Source: Discover Uni, accessed in December 2020)
A supportive environment
Our teaching staff are dedicated, friendly and supportive, and challenge all our students to achieve to the best of their ability.
Wide-ranging learning experience
This course combines sociology and criminology to provide a well-rounded learning experience.
Studying Sociology and Criminology
Studying Criminology
Studying Sociology
Entry Requirements
- A levels – BCC (104 UCAS Tariff points)
- T levels – 104 UCAS Tariff points
- International Baccalaureate – 104 UCAS Tariff points from all components of the Diploma Programme. International Baccalaureate Career-related Programme will be considered on a case-by-case basis
- BTEC Extended Diploma – DMM
- BTEC Diploma – D*D
- Access – 104 UCAS Tariff points from the Access course
In addition to one of the above, you should have:
GCSE English Language grade 4/C – IB grade 4 Higher level, GCSE Maths grade 4/C – IB grade 4
If your first language is not English, you will need an IELTS of 6.0 overall, with 5.5 in each component.
We also welcome applications from students who are taking a combination of qualifications listed above. For further information, please contact Course Enquiries.
View more information about our entry requirements and the application process.
- International Baccalaureate – 104 UCAS Tariff points from all components of the Diploma Programme. International Baccalaureate Career-related Programme will be considered on a case-by-case basis. You can refer to the UCAS calculator to determine your point score
- We accept a wide range of international high school level qualifications. Please see information on Country-specific entry requirements
- We work in partnership with Kaplan International College London who provide International Foundation Certificate courses for students who don’t meet our entry requirements. Upon successful completion, you can progress to your chosen degree at the University of Westminster. Find out about a range of university preparation courses that are accepted for entry.
English language requirements
- If your first language is not English, you should have an IELTS score of 6.0 overall, with a score of 5.5 in each component. Please note we accept a wide range of English language qualifications and assessments. Find out more at English language requirements.
- If you don't meet the English language requirements yet, then we offer online and on campus pre-sessional English programmes to help develop your English language skills to the required level before you start your course. Find out more about our pre-sessional English programmes.
More information
What our students say
Gerda Kovacs
Sociology and Criminology BA - 2022
When you study social sciences, one of the most important things you can learn is to always question and challenge the dominant narrative, and I am so glad we were always encouraged to do exactly that.
Kelsea Costin
Sociology BA - 2023
The Sociology team at Westminster are incredibly compassionate, and I always felt supported in and outside of class. This helped to create trusting relationships with my lecturers and I felt comfortable being myself.
Maheera Choudhury
Sociology and Criminology BA - 2023
Throughout my time at university, I made it my mission to get involved and take advantage of every opportunity for growth that the university supplied.
Learn new skills
Learn a new language
From Arabic to Spanish, you can learn a new language alongside your degree with our Polylang programme.
Develop your entrepreneurial skills
Our award-winning Westminster Enterprise Network offers industry networking events, workshops, one-to-one business advice and support for your startup projects.
Gain extra qualifications
We provide access to free online courses in Adobe and Microsoft Office applications, as well as thousands of specialist courses on LinkedIn Learning.
Fees and Funding
UK tuition fee: £1,540 (Price per 20-credit module)
When you have enrolled with us, your annual tuition fees will remain the same throughout your studies with us. We do not increase your tuition fees each year.
Find out how we set our tuition fees.
Funding
As well as tuition fee loans, there is a range of funding available to help you fund your studies.
Find out about undergraduate student funding options.
Scholarships
The University is dedicated to supporting ambitious and outstanding students and we offer a variety of scholarships to eligible undergraduate students, which cover all or part of your tuition fees.
Find out if you qualify for one of our scholarships.
Additional costs
See what you may need to pay for separately and what your tuition fees cover.
International tuition fee: £2,830 (Price per 20-credit module)
When you have enrolled with us, your annual tuition fees will remain the same throughout your studies with us. We do not increase your tuition fees each year.
Find out how we set our tuition fees.
EU Qualifications Welcome Award Scheme
If you are an international student accepted on an undergraduate programme starting in September 2024 or September 2025 at level 3 (Foundation) or level 4 (first year) on the basis of an eligible EU qualification only, you will be awarded a tuition fee reduction which will align your fee more closely to the one for UK students. For more information, see the EU Qualifications Welcome Award Scheme.
International student funding
Find out about funding for international students.
Additional costs
See what you may need to pay for separately and what your tuition fees cover.
Teaching and Assessment
Below you will find how learning time and assessment types are distributed on this course. The graphs below give an indication of what you can expect through approximate percentages, taken either from the experience of previous cohorts, or based on the standard module diet where historic course data is unavailable. Changes to the division of learning time and assessment may be made in response to feedback and in accordance with our terms and conditions.
How you'll be taught
Teaching methods across all our undergraduate courses focus on active student learning through lectures, seminars, workshops, problem-based and blended learning, and where appropriate practical application. Learning typically falls into three broad categories:
- Scheduled hours: examples include lectures, seminars, practical classes, workshops, supervised time in a studio
- Placement: placement hours normally include placement opportunities, but may also include live projects or virtual activity involving employers
- Independent study: non-scheduled time in which students are expected to study independently. This may include preparation for scheduled sessions, follow-up work, wider reading or practice, completion of assessment tasks, or revision
How you'll be assessed
Our undergraduate courses include a wide variety of assessments.
Assessments typically fall into three broad categories:
- Practical: examples include presentations, videos, podcasts, lab work, creating artefacts
- Written exams: end of semester exams
- Coursework: examples include essays, reports, in-class tests, portfolios, dissertation
Data from the academic year 2022/23
Supporting you
Our Student Hub is where you’ll find out about the services and support we offer, helping you get the best out of your time with us.
- Study support — workshops, 1-2-1 support and online resources to help improve your academic and research skills
- Personal tutors — support you in fulfilling your academic and personal potential
- Student advice team — provide specialist advice on a range of issues including funding, benefits and visas
- Extra-curricular activities — volunteering opportunities, sports and fitness activities, student events and more
Course location
Our Regent Campus is comprised of two sites, situated on and around Regent Street – one of the most famous and vibrant streets in London.
Subjects including Criminology and Sociology, English and Creative Writing, History, Languages, Politics and International Relations and Visual Culture are based at 309 Regent Street, which includes recently refurbished social spaces, gym facilities and our Regent Street Cinema.
For more details, visit our locations page.
Contact us
Call our dedicated team on:
+44 (0)20 7911 5000 ext 65511
Opening hours (GMT): 10am–4pm Monday to Friday
Opening hours (GMT): 10am–4pm Monday to Friday
More information
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