MA Digital Media and Creative Industries
The MA Digital Media and Creative Industries at Loughborough University aims t...
BSc (Hons) Criminology and Sociology
Loughborough
INTAKE: October
Program Overview
The BSc (Hons) Criminology and Sociology degree at Loughborough University aims to foster a deep understanding of crime, criminal behavior, and the societal responses to crime. The program is structured to give students both theoretical insights and practical skills, exploring various aspects of criminology and sociology, including crime prevention, social justice, and criminal justice systems. The course is designed to be flexible, offering opportunities for students to tailor their studies according to personal interests and career aspirations.
Curriculum: The curriculum of the BSc Criminology and Sociology program at Loughborough University is designed to provide students with a well-rounded education in both disciplines. Core modules include criminological theory, research methods, social policy, and the sociological study of inequality, while optional modules allow students to delve deeper into specialized topics such as youth crime, global criminology, and social justice. The program emphasizes critical thinking, analytical skills, and the application of theoretical knowledge to real-world issues. In addition, students benefit from practical placements, allowing them to gain valuable work experience and insights into the criminal justice field.
Research Focus: Loughborough University is committed to research excellence, and the Criminology and Sociology departments are no exception. The university's research focus is interdisciplinary, with key areas including crime and justice, social inequalities, and the impact of social policy. Staff members actively engage in cutting-edge research that informs both teaching and practice. Students have the opportunity to contribute to research projects, enhancing their learning experience and gaining exposure to the latest developments in the field.
Industry Engagement: Loughborough University places a strong emphasis on industry engagement, which is a key feature of the BSc Criminology and Sociology program. Students have access to a range of placement opportunities, allowing them to work with leading organizations in law enforcement, social research, and criminal justice. The university's strong links with local and national agencies ensure that students can gain hands-on experience, develop professional networks, and enhance their employability upon graduation. The program also offers opportunities for internships and work-based learning, ensuring that students are well-prepared for the demands of the workforce.
Global Perspective: Loughborough University is internationally recognized for its commitment to offering a global perspective in its education. The BSc Criminology and Sociology program encourages students to think critically about social issues on a global scale, with modules that explore international criminology and global social issues. The university’s diverse student body and its global network of academic partnerships offer students opportunities to engage with a wide range of perspectives, enriching their learning experience. Furthermore, the program encourages study abroad opportunities, allowing students to gain a broader understanding of criminological and sociological issues from an international viewpoint.
Location
Loughborough
Score
IELTS 6.5
Tuition Fee
£ 23000
Undergraduate Entry Requirements
Academic Qualifications: Applicants should have successfully completed their secondary education with a minimum overall score of 75% or equivalent in their respective country's grading system.
English language proficiency:
- IELTS: A minimum overall score of 6.0 or 6.5 with no individual component below 6.0.
- TOEFL: A minimum overall score of 92.
- PTE Academic: A minimum overall score of 67.
- DET Academic: A minimum overall score of 120.
- Some programs may have specific subject prerequisites or additional requirements.
Loughborough University offers a range of scholarships for international students to support their education and make studying in the UK more affordable. These scholarships recognize academic excellence, financial need, and the potential for students to contribute to the university community.
International Excellence Awards: These are merit-based scholarships offered to international students applying for undergraduate and postgraduate programs. These awards typically cover part of the tuition fees and are designed to attract outstanding students from around the globe.
Global Scholarships: Loughborough offers various global scholarships based on geographical location, supporting students from specific regions or countries with reduced tuition fees.
Loughborough University Elite Sports Scholarships: These are available for students who are competing at an elite level in their sport. The scholarship includes financial support, as well as access to the university's world-class sports facilities, coaching, and training programs.
Country-Specific Scholarships: Loughborough University offers country-specific scholarships for students from particular countries. These scholarships are designed to support students who demonstrate high academic potential and a commitment to contributing to their home country upon graduation.
Graduates of the BSc Criminology and Sociology program from Loughborough University have access to a broad spectrum of career paths, thanks to the multidisciplinary nature of their studies. These career options range from positions within law enforcement and public services to roles in social research, policy development, and nonprofit organizations. The university's strong industry links, combined with a curriculum that integrates practical learning and work placements, ensure that students are job-ready upon graduation.
Criminal Justice and Law Enforcement: Many graduates choose to pursue careers within the criminal justice system. This includes roles such as police officers, criminal intelligence analysts, probation officers, and prison officers. The program’s emphasis on criminological theory and practice provides a deep understanding of crime and criminal behavior, enabling graduates to effectively work in law enforcement or rehabilitation services. Additionally, students can work with various criminal justice agencies, such as courts, probation services, and youth offending teams, where they can apply their theoretical knowledge in practical settings.
Social Research and Policy Analysis: Another prominent career path for graduates is in social research and policy analysis. The analytical and research skills gained throughout the Criminology and Sociology program prepare students for roles in public policy, research organizations, and think tanks. Graduates may work as social researchers, policy advisors, or data analysts, where they can contribute to the development of social policies aimed at addressing issues like inequality, crime prevention, and justice reform. Many graduates also go on to work with government agencies or non-governmental organizations (NGOs) focused on social welfare and human rights.
Social Work and Community Development: For those passionate about making a difference in the lives of individuals and communities, careers in social work or community development offer rewarding opportunities. Graduates may find roles as social workers, community support officers, or youth workers, helping to support vulnerable populations, including those involved in criminal activity, addiction recovery, or homelessness. The skills acquired in understanding social behaviors, inequality, and societal structures are highly beneficial in these roles.
Education and Teaching: Graduates with a BSc in Criminology and Sociology from Loughborough University can also pursue careers in education. With further qualifications, such as a Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE), they can become secondary school teachers or university lecturers specializing in criminology, sociology, or social sciences. Their expertise in social behavior, crime, and justice will be valuable in educating future generations on these critical issues.
Private Sector and Security Industry: Some Loughborough graduates may be drawn to careers in the private sector, particularly in security and risk management. This includes roles such as security consultants, risk analysts, and corporate investigators. With their criminology background, graduates are equipped to assess risks, prevent fraud, and ensure the safety of organizations and businesses. In addition, private security firms and corporations offering surveillance or risk mitigation services value the unique skill set that criminology graduates bring.
Nonprofit and Voluntary Sector: Many graduates from the BSc Criminology and Sociology program pursue careers in the nonprofit and voluntary sectors. These organizations, which focus on causes such as social justice, human rights, and crime prevention, often seek individuals with strong backgrounds in sociology and criminology. Careers in these sectors include working for charitable organizations, victim support services, or advocacy groups, where graduates can apply their knowledge to make a positive impact on communities and individuals affected by crime and social inequality.
Further Education and Specialization: For those who wish to further their expertise, Loughborough University offers postgraduate study options, including Master’s degrees and PhD programs in criminology, sociology, and related fields. Further education allows graduates to specialize in areas such as criminological research, social policy, or international criminology, enhancing their career prospects and opening doors to higher-level positions in academia, research institutes, or government bodies.
