MA Digital Media and Creative Industries
The MA Digital Media and Creative Industries at Loughborough University aims t...
BSc (Hons) Criminology and Sociology with Placement Year
Loughborough
INTAKE: October
Program Overview
The BSc (Hons) Criminology and Sociology with Placement Year offers a comprehensive understanding of crime, criminal behavior, and societal responses to crime through the dual lens of criminology and sociology. The course provides students with critical insights into social issues such as inequality, justice, and human behavior, as well as a solid foundation in criminological theory and research methods. The inclusion of a placement year in this program allows students to gain valuable, hands-on experience in the industry, enhancing their employability and providing practical exposure to real-world challenges in criminal justice and social services.
Curriculum: The curriculum of the BSc (Hons) Criminology and Sociology with Placement Year program at Loughborough University is carefully structured to blend theoretical learning with practical applications. Key modules include criminological theory, research methodology, social policy, crime prevention, and the sociology of inequality. Students are encouraged to engage critically with contemporary social issues such as policing, crime control, social justice, and the impact of policies on vulnerable groups. The program also offers a variety of optional modules, allowing students to tailor their studies based on their specific interests. The placement year is an integral part of the program, providing students with the opportunity to apply their academic knowledge in a professional setting, whether in law enforcement, social research, or community services.
Research Focus: Loughborough University has a strong research culture, and the criminology and sociology departments are no exception. The research focus in the BSc (Hons) Criminology and Sociology with Placement Year program centers on contemporary issues related to crime, justice, social inequality, and social change. The university’s research strengths include areas such as crime prevention, criminal behavior, restorative justice, social exclusion, and the intersection of law and social policy. Students are encouraged to engage with ongoing research projects, providing them with the opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge work that has real-world applications in criminal justice and social welfare.
Industry Engagement: Industry engagement is a cornerstone of the BSc (Hons) Criminology and Sociology with Placement Year program at Loughborough University. The program’s placement year provides students with an invaluable opportunity to gain real-world experience by working with partner organizations in the criminal justice system, law enforcement, social services, and non-governmental organizations (NGOs). These placements help students to develop practical skills, build professional networks, and gain insights into the daily operations of criminal justice and social policy institutions. The university's strong ties with various local, national, and international agencies ensure that students have access to a wide range of opportunities to enhance their practical knowledge and employability.
Global Perspective: Loughborough University is dedicated to providing students with a global perspective, which is especially important in the study of criminology and sociology. The BSc (Hons) Criminology and Sociology with Placement Year program encourages students to explore global issues related to crime, justice, and social inequality. Students engage with international criminological perspectives and have the opportunity to study global patterns of crime, the impact of international law, and the role of global organizations in addressing social issues. Additionally, Loughborough University has a diverse student body and a network of international academic partnerships, allowing students to broaden their understanding of criminology and sociology in different cultural and global contexts. The opportunity for study abroad programs and international placements further enriches the global perspective of the degree.
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 with Placement Year from Loughborough University are highly sought after by employers due to their blend of theoretical knowledge and practical experience. The inclusion of a placement year allows students to apply their learning in real-world settings, enhancing their employability and providing them with the skills needed for a successful career.
Criminal Justice and Law Enforcement: One of the most popular career paths for graduates is within the criminal justice system. The program’s focus on criminology and crime prevention equips graduates with the necessary knowledge to pursue roles such as police officers, probation officers, criminal analysts, and prison officers. The placement year provides practical experience in law enforcement agencies, allowing students to gain a firsthand understanding of the criminal justice system’s operations. Graduates can also explore careers in criminal intelligence, working for national or international agencies to investigate criminal activity and assist in law enforcement.
Social Research and Policy Development: Many graduates are drawn to roles in social research and policy development. The program emphasizes research methodology and critical thinking, which are essential for careers in policy analysis, social research, and evaluation roles. Graduates can work for government bodies, think tanks, or nonprofit organizations, helping to shape policies related to crime prevention, social justice, and public safety. Roles such as social researchers, data analysts, and policy advisors allow graduates to contribute to the development of evidence-based policies that address pressing social issues.
Social Work and Community Development: For those interested in supporting vulnerable communities, a career in social work or community development may be a rewarding option. Graduates of the BSc Criminology and Sociology with Placement Year program can become social workers, youth workers, or community outreach officers. These roles allow individuals to work directly with at-risk populations, helping to prevent crime, provide support for rehabilitation, and promote social inclusion. The placement year offers valuable experience working with individuals and communities, enhancing graduates' ability to manage complex social issues effectively.
Education and Teaching: Loughborough graduates can also pursue careers in education. With the required teaching qualifications, graduates may become secondary school teachers, specializing in sociology or criminology. Additionally, those who choose to further their studies may pursue a Master’s degree or PhD in criminology, sociology, or social policy, leading to academic roles such as university lecturers or researchers. The program’s comprehensive understanding of crime, justice, and social systems provides a strong foundation for teaching and research in educational institutions.
Private Sector and Risk Management: Graduates can also apply their criminology and sociology expertise in the private sector, particularly in risk management, corporate security, and fraud prevention. Many private companies require professionals with a solid understanding of crime, risk, and human behavior to assess vulnerabilities and develop strategies to mitigate risks. Graduates can work as risk analysts, security consultants, or corporate investigators, ensuring organizations are protected from potential criminal activity. These roles often require the analytical and problem-solving skills developed during the placement year.
Nonprofit and Humanitarian Work: Many graduates of the BSc Criminology and Sociology with Placement Year program go on to work for nonprofit organizations and humanitarian agencies. This may include roles with charities, advocacy groups, and victim support services that focus on social justice, crime victim support, human rights, and community development. Graduates may find themselves working as program coordinators, case managers, or fundraisers, where they can have a direct impact on vulnerable individuals and communities.
Further Education and Specialization: Some graduates may choose to continue their education through postgraduate study. Loughborough University offers a range of Master’s degrees in criminology, sociology, and social policy, which enable students to specialize in areas such as criminological research, social justice, or international criminology. Further education can open doors to more advanced careers in academia, policy analysis, and specialized areas of criminology, including cybercrime, restorative justice, and forensic psychology.
