Criminology and Sociology Bachelor of Arts (with Honours) - BA (Hons)

This thought-provoking Criminology and Sociology degree teaches you to think critically about crime and how people engage and interact with the world. It covers everything from addiction and criminalisation to human rights and climate change.

You’ll be at the forefront of the critical social debates defining the 21st century, learning how crime is defined, controlled and regulated in modern society.

Criminology and Sociology is a flexible degree. For the first two years, everyone studies the same curriculum. In third year you can choose to stay on this course, or switch to another 'criminology with' pathway.

Abertay's Criminology degrees are ranked TOP in Scotland for Criminology teaching (Times & Sunday Times GUG 2026).

Work placements and external speakers

You'll get an opportunity to do a placement that relates to the causes or the effects of crime. This gives you essential work experience and networking opportunities.

Our students have been on work placements with organisations like SACRO, Victim Support, Perth Prison, and Police Scotland (Special Constables). Others have worked with Tayside Council on Alcohol, With You (substance abuse support) and ones that support young people at risk of getting involved in crime. Some graduates have gone on to get jobs in the organisation where they did their placement or through the contacts they made there.

We actively incorporate external speakers into the curriculum. These come from the media, business, the criminal justice system, the voluntary sector and local community groups. 

Developing key skills

You will dive into key criminal issues and learn about the relationship between crime, society, politics, media and criminal justice policy. You'll understand both sides of the critical social debates defining the 21st century, from crime and addiction to human rights and climate change. 

You'll get a strong grounding in theory and research methods and critical thinking skills, along with training in specialist data-analysis software. We aim to help you develop all the essential skills you need to go straight into employment or further study.