BA (Hons) Criminology and Sociology

Program Overview

The BA (Hons) Criminology and Sociology program provides a balanced and interconnected study of the social dimensions of crime and the broader social context in which it occurs. It emphasizes a critical and analytical approach to understanding the causes, consequences, and responses to crime, alongside an exploration of the fundamental concepts and theories of sociology. The program encourages students to examine the social, economic, and political factors that contribute to crime and social inequality, and to analyze the role of social institutions in shaping both criminal behavior and societal responses. Through a combination of lectures, seminars, debates, and research projects, students develop a comprehensive understanding of crime as a social phenomenon.

Curriculum: The curriculum is structured to provide a progressive learning experience, starting with foundational modules that introduce key concepts in both criminology and sociology. In criminology, students explore the nature of crime, theories of crime causation, and the workings of the criminal justice system. In sociology, they study core sociological theories, social structures, culture, and socialization. As students advance, they engage with more specialized modules, such as policing and crime prevention, penology and punishment, youth crime, gender and crime, race and crime, social stratification, globalization and social change, and sociological research methods. The program encourages students to explore the intersections between criminological and sociological perspectives, understanding how broader social forces influence crime and how crime impacts social structures and inequalities. A significant component involves developing research skills through the design and execution of research projects, alongside critical analysis of theoretical debates and empirical studies.

Research Focus: The University of Worcester fosters a research-informed teaching environment within its School of Humanities and Social Science, which directly benefits the BA (Hons) Criminology and Sociology program. Faculty members are actively engaged in research across various areas of criminology and sociology, including policing, prisons, youth justice, social inequality, gender studies, and the sociology of health. Students benefit from being taught by academics who are actively contributing to their fields and may have opportunities to engage with research through their studies and final-year dissertations. The program aims to cultivate a research-oriented mindset, encouraging students to critically evaluate existing research and contribute their own analytical insights to understanding crime and society.

Industry Engagement: The BA (Hons) Criminology and Sociology program recognizes the importance of preparing students for successful careers in criminal justice and related social science fields. The curriculum often incorporates guest lectures from practitioners working in the criminal justice system, social policy organizations, and research institutions. The University of Worcester actively seeks to build and maintain links with local and national organizations involved in crime prevention, rehabilitation, social welfare, and policy development. This engagement may include opportunities for volunteering, internships, and research collaborations, providing students with valuable practical experience and insights into potential career pathways. The aim is to ensure that graduates possess the skills and knowledge that are highly valued by employers in fields that require a strong understanding of crime, society, and social justice.

Global Perspective: The University of Worcester welcomes a diverse international student body, enriching the learning experience within the BA (Hons) Criminology and Sociology program. Crime and social issues are global phenomena, and the program encourages students to develop a comparative understanding of criminal justice systems, crime trends, and social inequalities across different countries and cultures. Discussions and analyses often incorporate international examples, and students have opportunities to interact with peers from various cultural backgrounds, fostering a global perspective essential for understanding the complexities of crime and society in an increasingly interconnected world.