Sociology and Criminology Bachelor of Science (with Honours) - BSc (Hons)
Course Overview - Sociology and Criminology Bachelor of Science (with Honours) - BSc (Hons)
What defines crime, and who decides? On this degree, you will explore the relationship between social behaviour and crime, combining insights from sociology and criminology to understand how societies define and respond to deviance.\
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You will examine how ideas of ‘normal’ and ‘criminal’ are shaped by social, cultural and political influences, and how these change over time. Your learning is informed by world-leading research from the Institute of Criminal Justice Research and the Work Futures Research Centre, connecting theory to real-world policy and practice.\
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What defines crime, and who decides? On this degree, you will explore the relationship between social behaviour and crime, combining insights from sociology and criminology to understand how societies define and respond to deviance.\
\
You will examine how ideas of ‘normal’ and ‘criminal’ are shaped by social, cultural and political influences, and how these change over time. Your learning is informed by world-leading research from the Institute of Criminal Justice Research and the Work Futures Research Centre, connecting theory to real-world policy and practice.\
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At Southampton, ranked 4th in the UK for Criminology and in the top 5 for Sociology research quality, you will develop the knowledge and perspective to analyse complex social issues and contribute to meaningful change.\
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Key features of the course**\
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Study on a course ranked 4th in the UK for Criminology and in the top 5 for Sociology research quality\
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Explore global perspectives with opportunities to study abroad in Brazil, Canada or China\
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Work on real-world challenges through our Social Impact Lab\
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Learn from research produced by the Institute of Criminal Justice Research and the Work Futures Research Centre\
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Develop skills in quantitative and qualitative research methods, alongside key theoretical approaches\
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Shape your degree with specialist modules and employability workshops aligned to your interests and career goals\
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Student support\
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Your Personal Academic Tutor (PAT) will support you throughout your time at Southampton, offering guidance on your studies, career planning and access to pastoral services if needed.\
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You will also benefit from support from experienced academics, helping you develop your research skills and explore your academic interests.\
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Further information\
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By the time you graduate, you will be able to analyse crime from a sociological perspective and understand how research informs policy and practice. This prepares you for a range of careers or further study across sociology, criminology and related fields.
Course Information
1 option available
Some courses vary and have tailored teaching options, select a course option below.
Course Details
Information
Study Mode
Full-time
Duration
3 Years
Start Date
2027-09-20
Campus
Main Site - Highfield Campus
Application Details
Provider Details
Codes/info
Course Code
A23-F24
Institution Code
S27
Points of Entry
Year 1
Entry Requirements
A level
Typical offer: ABB If you are taking an EPQ in addition to 3 A levels, you will receive the following offer in addition to the standard A-level offer: BBB to include grade A in the EPQ
UCAS Tariff
Not accepted
Scottish Higher
We normally consider applicants who offer at least 1 Advanced Higher. Applicants presenting with only Highers will be considered on a case by case basis. Where Highers are taken over two years it might be expected that higher grades are achieved, particularly in any specific subjects required. For example, S5 – S6 (2 years): AABBB (A in specific subject) or S6 (1 year): ABBBB (A in specific subject). Unless a more advanced level (Higher or Advanced Higher) is specified in the stated entry requirements, all applicants will be required to have achieved a pass in Mathematics and English at Standard Grade, Grade 3 or National 5, Grade C, the equivalent of GCSE Grade C/ Grade 4"
Pearson BTEC Diploma (QCF)
DD in the BTEC Diploma plus B grade from one A-level BTEC qualifications should be in Health and Social Care, Public Services, or Forensic and Criminal Investigation. Please check with us if your BTEC qualification is in a different subject before applying.
Access to HE Diploma
offer-distinction: 30.0, offer-merit: 15.0
Typical offer: 60 credits with a minimum of 45 credits at Level 3, of which 30 must be at Distinction and 15 credits at Merit
GCSE/National 4/National 5
Applicants must hold GCSE English language (or GCSE English) (minimum grade 4/C) and mathematics (minimum grade 4/C)
Pearson BTEC Extended Diploma (QCF)
DDM in the BTEC Extended Diploma BTEC qualifications should be in Health and Social Care, Public Services, or Forensic and Criminal Investigation. Please check with us if your BTEC qualification is in a different subject before applying.
Pearson BTEC Subsidiary Diploma (QCF)
D in the BTEC Subsidiary Diploma plus AB from two A levels
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)
DD in the BTEC National Diploma plus B from one A-level BTEC qualifications should be in Health and Social Care, Public Services, or Forensic and Criminal Investigation. Please check with us if your BTEC qualification is in a different subject before applying.
Extended Project
The University of Southampton values the Extended Project Qualification. Applicants taking the EPQ in addition to three A levels, may also be made an alternative offer one grade below the standard offer, conditional on an A grade in the EPQ. For more information on the University of Southampton’s EPQ Admissions Policy, please see our EPQ Admissions Policy webpage.
International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme
Pass, with 32 points overall with 16 points at Higher Level International Baccalaureate Career-related Programme (IBCP): Offers will be made on the individual Diploma Course subject(s) and the career-related study qualification. The CP core will not form part of the offer. Where there is a subject pre-requisite(s), applicants will be required to study the subject(s) at Higher Level in the Diploma course subject and/or take a specified unit in the career-related study qualification. Applicants may also be asked to achieve a specific grade in those elements. Please see the University of Southampton International Baccalaureate Career-Related Programme (IBCP) Statement for further information. Applicants are advised to contact their Faculty Admissions Office for more information.
WJEC Level 3 Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales
ABB from three A levels or AB from two A levels and B from the Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)
DDM in the BTEC National Extended Diploma BTEC qualifications should be in Health and Social Care, Public Services, or Forensic and Criminal Investigation. Please check with us if your BTEC qualification is in a different subject before applying.
Leaving Certificate - Higher Level (Ireland) (first awarded in 2017)
All applicants would be required to have achieved a grade of O4 in Mathematics and English, the equivalent of GCSE Grade C/4
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate (first teaching from September 2016)
D in the BTEC National Extended Certificate plus AB from two A levels
Cambridge International Pre-U Certificate - Principal
Typical offer: D3, M2, M2 Cambridge Pre-U's can be used in combination with other qualifications such as A Levels to achieve the equivalent of the typical offer
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Fees and funding
| Region | Costs | Academic Year | Year | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EU, International | £0 | 2026/27 | Year 1 | |
| Channel Islands, England, Northern Ireland, Wales, Scotland, Republic of Ireland | £10,050 | 2026/27 | Year 1 |
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