- Criminology
BSc (Hons) — 2025 entry Criminology
What is criminal behaviour? What motivates offenders? How does crime impact victims, and which punishments should be imposed on criminals? These are some of the questions you’ll explore on our Criminology BSc course.
Why choose
this course?
- This research-led course will help you develop a critical perspective on contemporary problems relating to crime, deviance and social control, teaching you the methods necessary to conduct and evaluate research in these areas.
- Our Criminology BSc gives you the knowledge and analytical skills you need to pursue a professional career in criminal justice, the public sector, forensic science, business, education, health and medicine, social work or counselling.
- You’ll have the option to take one of our award-winning Professional Training placements that will prepare you for roles in industry.
Statistics
7th in the UK
For Criminology by the Guardian University Guide 2025
7th in the UK
Sociology is ranked 7th for overall satisfaction* in the National Student Survey 2024
8th in the UK
for sociology in The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2025
*Measured by % positivity based on Q1-24 for all institutions listed in the Guardian University Guide
**Measured by % positivity based on Q1-24, National Student Survey 2024
What you will study
This course focuses on the study of crime, deviance and the criminal justice system. It will develop your understanding of the concepts, theories and principles of criminology and their application across a range of case studies and examples.
You’ll study the:
- Cause and effect of criminal actions
- Form and outcome of social disorders
- Policing and regulation of public order
- Procedures and techniques of the criminal justice system
- Relationship between behaviours and punishments.
Through combining criminological theory with training in professional social research, you’ll graduate with a broad range of communicative, analytical and organisational skills – and the confidence to apply them in your future career.
Foundation year
If you don’t meet our entry requirements, you might still be able to apply for this degree with a Social Sciences Foundation Year. This is an extra year of study to develop your skills and make it easier for you to get started at university. On successful completion of your foundation year, you’ll be ready to progress to the first year of your degree.
To see what modules you’ll be studying, refer to the foundation tab in the 'Course structure' section.
Facilities
You’ll benefit from our modern teaching facilities including a recently expanded and fully networked computer laboratory.
You will also have access a fully functional mock criminal court. This enables our students to use the interactive facilities to understand contemporary and future elements of legal practice.
The course also makes increasing use of online resources, including videos, podcasts, web-based audience response systems and student discussion forums.
The academic year is divided into two semesters of 15 weeks each. Each semester consists of a period of teaching, revision/directed learning and assessment.
The structure of our programmes follow clear educational aims that are tailored to each programme. These are all outlined in the programme specifications which include further details such as the learning outcomes.
- Criminology BSc (Hons)
- Criminology BSc (Hons) with placement
- Criminology BSc (Hons) with foundation year
- Criminology BSc (Hons) with foundation year and placement
Please note: The full module listing for the optional Professional Training placement part of your course is available in the relevant programme specification.
Modules
Modules listed are indicative, reflecting the information available at the time of publication. Modules are subject to teaching availability, student demand and/or class size caps.
The University operates a credit framework for all taught programmes based on a 15-credit tariff.
Course options
Year 1 - BSc (Hons)
Semester 1
Compulsory
This first-year module gives you an introduction to the sociological study of crime and deviance. The module aims to think of crime sociologically and to explore patterns of crime and deviance in relation to the organization of contemporary society. In order to achieve this, the module explores how crime and responses to crime are structured in relation to key aspects of social differentiation (for example, gender and ethnicity). The module also covers a number of substantive concerns such as, for example, the inter-relationship between crime and contemporary developments in internet technologies, and the growth of prisons.
View full module detailsThe purpose of this module is to give students a fundamental understanding of the conceptual frameworks underpinning forensic science. In this first-year module a very wide array of evidence types are covered. Casework examples are used to give students a broad understanding of how forensic evidence is retrieved, packaged, analysed and reported in court. This module interacts with material that students are taught through analytical chemistry modules and demonstrates the application of relevant techniques to forensic casework. This module supports further learning across a number of criminology modules.
View full module detailsSemester 2
Compulsory
The Criminal Justice System comprises those institutions and agencies that are collectively responsible for managing a state’s response to crime and disorder. This module provides an introduction to the key agencies within the contemporary criminal justice system in England and Wales but parallels are also drawn to other jurisdictions (where appropriate). We will focus on the role and function of the police service, prosecutors, courts, prisons and the probation service.
View full module detailsThis module is designed to help students successfully make the transition from further to higher education, in context of experiences and reflections from semester 1 and into semester 2, and lays the groundwork for thriving at university. It introduces students to the academic, employability and professional, and other skills and capabilities that they will need throughout their course (and beyond) and provides foundations upon which to build their confidence in meeting the varying demands of their degree programme. As such, the module aims to introduce and develop resourcefulness and resilience amongst students (alongside other skills and capabilities – see ‘other information’, below) that will prepare them for concurrent and future module requirements. Rather than simply being about ‘study skills’, this module approaches the development of academic learning, employability, and professional and other relevant skills and capabilities from a holistic, subject area-specific perspective. The intention here is to enable students to situate their learning within the expectations of the social sciences more generally, but within the demands of criminology more specifically, with a particular focus on the interconnectivity of what might initially appear to be discreet and/or loosely related components. Moreover, the module is ‘outward facing’ in the sense that it recognises the requirements of other modules across the programme and further integrates the development of the capabilities required for those here. Namely, this includes development of skills in international and comparative approaches to crime and deviance, victimisation and criminal justice, helping to address Global and Cultural Competences in students. The module is delivered in semester 2 in order to enable students to draw upon their experiences thus far from semester 1 and to capitalize on their readiness and receptiveness for self-reflection and personal development.
View full module detailsSemester 1 & 2
Compulsory
This module will introduce students to the major theoretical perspectives that have been developed within criminology to conceptualise 'crime' and 'deviance', and to explain the different ways societies respond to crime. Part A covers a number of theoretical developments from 'classical' criminological theory onwards, focusing in particular on innovations in the UK and USA since the 20th century inter-war period. It situates these theories within specific contexts of society and criminal justice, exploring the interplay between theory and practice. Part B builds on knowledge acquired in Part A and provides an overview of contemporary debates and discussions within criminology, including but not limited to critical and radical approaches, problems of governance, and criminal justice policy. The module will help students to develop a critical awareness of how contemporary criminological theories both contribute to an understanding of criminality as well as shaping and generating ideas and responses to crime and deviance. Students will also explore how specific theoretical perspectives can help us to address criminal justice problems such as punishment, incarceration, and social control. In so doing, students will gain a deeper understanding of the interplay between theory and practice and how the two can inform and influence one another.
View full module detailsThis module introduces students to qualitative and quantitative approaches to research design, methodology and data analysis. Part A focuses on qualitative field methods, including in-depth interviews, focus groups, and ethnographic observation, and their place within the wider research process. Students will explore the insights and possibilities generated by qualitative research as well as some of the challenges that qualitative researchers may encounter. Students will gain experience in designing, collecting, producing, and analysing their own data. Part B is designed to introduce students to the statistical techniques necessary for implementing and critically evaluating quantitative social research. Emphasis will be put on when and how data is collected, how to use basic statistical techniques to analyse the data appropriately, and how to interpret results. Students will also acquire a familiarity with R, a software environment for statistical computing and graphics.
View full module detailsYear 2 - BSc (Hons)
Semester 1
Compulsory
This module is concerned with understanding the contribution of psychological explanations (connecting to Sociological and Criminological) for understanding criminal behaviour. It introduces students to theories and concepts of criminal behaviour according to Psychology and the context in which these ideas emerge. In particular, the module focuses on specific categories of criminal behaviour – for example, mentally disordered offences, the ‘psychopath’, violent criminals, and serial murderers. In doing so, the module seeks to examine how particular crimes come to be sensationalised and glorified by and through various media platforms. The module also sets out to examine the means for managing and evaluating interventions designed to reduce crime and re-offending, and thus enable students to consider more widely, the role of Psychology within Western criminal justice systems.
View full module detailsThis module builds upon the research methods training which students received in their first year to provide students with a more robust understanding of some of the main quantitative analysis approaches in the social sciences. Students will learn about multivariate quantitative analyses with the help of R, a software environment for statistical computing and graphics. They will investigate a range of topics in sociology and criminology by accessing suitable secondary data from the UK Data Service, analysing data using R, and interpreting and presenting the results of quantitative analyses.
View full module detailsOptional
This module examines contemporary ways that power and (in)equality intersect with crime victimisation and the operation of the criminal justice system. The module considers how different sections of society are treated and affected by crime, victimisation and criminal justice, with a focus on socio-economic status, race and ethnicity, religion, and gender. It examines the tensions that arise within criminal justice and as affect social (dis)order and control. It aims to delineate how crime, victimisation and criminal justice processes reflect and reinforce wider patterns of discrimination and marginalization and to situate criminal justice within a wider global and local social context.
View full module detailsThis module looks at the role of contemporary technologies within crime and the criminal justice system and critically engages with current thinking around the extent to which technology can be a ‘enabler’ or ‘facilitator’ of crime. The module seeks to develop critical understanding of the increasing role of technology within the criminal justice system – for example, forensic technologies such as fingerprinting and DNA profiles, ‘predictive’ technologies such as polygraph tests and neural scanning and enforcement/punitive technologies such as tasers. The module pays special attention to arguments that ‘technological fetishism’ may be undermining the autonomy of the justice system, with the result that ‘technological justice’ may be replacing due process and the rule of law, engaging with the increasing role of AI and automation within justice.
View full module detailsWithin this module students will explore the relationship between drugs and wider society. Students will delve into what constitutes a ‘drug’ and will consider the boundaries between health and illness, licit and illicit drugs. Students will be equipped to bring a critical lens to topics such as drug markets and recovery; and will develop a sociological understanding of why people take drugs and the ‘effects’ they have. Throughout the module students will be encouraged to take a global perspective and consider how the relationship between drugs and society is historically and socio-culturally variable. Students will also increase their employability through working in groups to produce a digital deliverable.
View full module detailsThis module focuses on social need and how societies organise to provide for those in need. We examine how poverty is defined and policies formulated in response to this, at local, national and global levels. Exploring how the political context changes overtime and diversity in cultural experiences, allows us to take a global perspective but to interrogate this by looking at particular welfare systems. We consider the relative position of social classes, generations, ethnicities, and men and women in respect to poverty, inequality and welfare. We explore the changing boundaries between the roles of the state, the market, the family and the voluntary sector in the mixed economy of welfare. Diverse topics are covered to facilitate this, such as: education, health, housing, criminal justice, arts and culture, and work and pensions ¿ which also encourages students to consider their own employability plans. As an urgent global challenge, which can significantly impact individual life chances, a sociological framework is utilised to understand poverty, incorporating both historical developments, such as workhouses and development of the NHS, and contemporary issues, such as food banks and the cost of living crisis.
View full module detailsA number of key global challenges are introduced in this module, focusing on the valuable contribution social research can make to addressing issues such as climate emergency and sustainable living, food insecurity, precarious work and resilience, energy crisis and health inequalities. We examine the role of research in developing, evaluating and improving policy at local, national and global levels. The process of policy making is studied at its different stages, how researchers can contribute and the types of interventions that are possible and effective. Only by understanding this process can research be designed and communicated in appropriate ways to inform policy and change behaviour, so increasing the value of the research, of the work of the researcher and the impact the research has. The concept of research impact is explored as part of the module, in terms of making a positive contribution to improve practices, as well as in terms of academic agendas for impactful research and its relationship to funding. In particular, we employ the latest Research Evaluation Framework (REF) Impact Case Studies to explore good examples of impactful research. This also serves to reinforce an understanding of the relationship between good project design and research outcomes, and provides an opportunity to showcase the impactful work of Surrey University staff. Students will have the opportunity to study a series of specific social challenges, with access to academic experts sharing the challenges, recommendations and impacts of the research they have contributed to address these. Not only does this enable research-led teaching, but students will build up an understanding of the specific global challenges and policy areas, as well as what the research, policy making and evaluation career pathways can involve.
View full module detailsSemester 2
Compulsory
The module explores the variety of ways that individuals, groups and states have responded to crime problems, looking at the philosophical justifications and the sociological explanations. It will consider the way of punishment has been implemented, what they intended to achieve and their outcomes.
View full module detailsThis module builds upon the research methods training which students receive in their first year in order to provide students with a more detailed understanding of qualitative methods. While recognising interplay between the different stages, this module is structured around the general stages of conducting qualitative research - planning, conducting, analysing and writing about qualitative research. Students will learn about new developments in qualitative research including creative and visual methods, different types of ethnographies and mobile methodologies. They will also enhance their skill set by learning different methods of analysing qualitative data including computer assisted qualitative data analysis.
View full module detailsOptional
The relationships between crime and the media have long been the subject of intense debate. This module introduces students to the sociological analysis of crime and its representation in the media. We will explore how crime is portrayed in the media and assess the extent to which such media representations are accurate. We will also examine what effects, if any, these representations have on offending and public opinion about crime as well as on criminal justice.
View full module detailsThis module will introduce students to the study of environmental crime. It will examine a wide range of issues related to the damaging relationship between humans and the ecological world. It will include a detailed examination of specific topics such as climate change, corporate environmental crime, threats to biodiversity and waste crime. Additionally, key theoretical debates surrounding the legal notions of harms against the environment and the classification of non-humans as victims of crime will be discussed. Students will be introduced to a range of approaches to policing different types of environmental crimes and the legal, financial and practical problems these present for governments and enforcement agencies.
View full module detailsThis module examines the history, role, and function of the police service. We consider the nature of the policing task, the contemporary organisation of the service and a range of issues to do with accountability, efficiency, and effectiveness. We will also consider styles of policing, how they have changed over time and the investigation and detection of crime. We look also at some areas which have proved difficult for the service to police which include rape, domestic violence, drugs and organised crime and terrorism.
View full module detailsWork is important for individuals, for identity and survival, and for society, for stability and productiveness. This module focuses on the changing role of work, what impacts how it is experienced, and how theoretical approaches both inform and are informed by the study of working life. Students will explore the concept of work and its representation through different media, including film, music, fiction, art, photography, and virtual, augmented and mixed realities. The module offers a global perspective at its core, appreciating the importance of rooted historical accounts and diversity of cultural experience, but recognising the interconnectivity of issues of work and employment (as well as the lack of it) in the global economy. Students will also consider the future of work, its sustainability and connect this to employability, equipping students to evaluate their own work experience, resilience and career aspirations from a sociological perspective.
View full module detailsOptional modules for Year 2 - FHEQ Level 5
Students must select two optional modules per semester
Year 3 - BSc (Hons)
Semester 1
Optional
This module will focus specifically on the use of prisons as a form of punishment in society. This will include an examination of the growing prison crisis, the rise of supermax prisons and the privatisation of prisons. It will also consider how particular social groups experience prison, and the harms of imprisonment for individuals.
View full module detailsThis module traces the social relations between youth, crime, and changing social, political and policy cultures. The ways young people have been responded to by a variety of controlling agencies, such as the police, prison system, and more social welfare orientated agencies such as social services has been a recurrent theme in criminology. This has encompassed critical questions with respect to; why young people receive more focus than adults? What kinds of young people are subject to greater levels of intervention? Whether this is just or necessary? And in what ways have particular social control technologies affected the lives of young people? This module will place particular focus on specific digital capacities of control, how and why they have developed, and the significance these have for the practical outcomes of policy agendas such as ‘youth diversion’, ‘anti-social behaviour’ and ‘youth justice’, including whether these interventions work across international contexts from global and cultural capabilities perspectives. Overall, the module will encourage students to actively apply the linkages between historical, theoretical, and everyday policies of social control used against young people, and to demonstrate a critical knowledge of these debates and issues using a range of criminological and sociological approaches. Practice examples are offered throughout the module, to understand ways of working with young people in accordance with employability, as well as ways of utilising resources to support youth from a resourcefulness and resilience perspective.
View full module detailsIdeas of deviance and the impulse to regulate human behaviour accordingly have not always focused exclusively on more obvious and familiar “crimes”. A striking feature in the development of all societies has been the apparent need to police and control the bodies & associated pleasures of their citizens. While this has always centred around predictably “deviant” activities like sexual behaviour, dance, carnival, and so on it is arguable that the will to proscribe ranges of ostensibly harmless enjoyments as deviant has expanded significantly in the aftermath of the “permissive” revolutions of the 60’s. Contemporary drug-culture, the multi-faceted sexual behaviours of the modern world, the explosion of pornography facilitated by the internet; the dance & club scene, extreme sports & bloodsports; ‘cruelty’ TV and so on all represent arenas where societal tensions between the experience of pleasure and the urge to criminalise it continue to develop. But given that the majority of pleasure-seeking behaviours are personal and non-harmful and given further that, (as Schlosser has recently argued) the drugs and sex industries now constitute bigger industries than traditional ones in advanced economies like the US, it is an obvious question to ask why the regulation of pleasure is still an issue at all? This level 6 module seeks to critically examine why the impulse to regulate bodies and their behaviour has developed in the way that it has and how this has manifested itself within modernity. It aims to challenge students across the Criminology and Sociology programmes to re-evaluate the nature of social order and to consider the relation between these social sciences in responding to this. .
View full module detailsThis module focuses on victims of crime. Recent years have seen increasing awareness of and attention to victims’ experiences of crime and the criminal justice system. This module explores the nature and extent of victimisation, victim policy and practice, and the role of victims within the criminal justice system. The module covers theoretical perspectives on victims and victimisation, national and international policy development, the ”victims’ movement” and the nature and impact of public perceptions/attitudes towards different types of victim. The module critically examines who is and is not recognised as a victim, and how this has changed over time. The module explores new and changing approaches to responding to victimisation, including restorative justice.
View full module detailsThis module builds upon students’ knowledge gained in year 1 of Criminal Law modules 1 and 2 (LAW1029 and 1030) to explore how the UK sentencing framework follows the principles of sentencing. This module is interdisciplinary in nature, tracing the private and public conceptualisations of sentencing and penal policy (the latter covering prisons and community corrections) through changing legal, political, economic, and social cultures. The Magistrates’ Court visit will aid and consolidate students’ understanding of the theory and enable development of practical and employability skills, such as networking with persons in the legal industry and securing a training contract. This Court visit also feeds directly into the Summative 1 and 2 assessments.
View full module detailsSemester 2
Optional
In the preface to the third edition of their textbook, Rogers and Pilgrim (2005) emphasize that their book is ‘A sociology of mental health and illness’ and not ‘The sociology of mental health and illness’. They make this point because any book (or indeed course) on mental health and illness will have to be selective and will not be able to cover everything. They also highlight how the word ‘sociology’ in the title is a little troublesome as “sociological analyses of our topic are not offered only by sociologists”. In this module students will encounter a range of sociological perspectives on mental health and illness and will delve into critical debates surrounding definitions, concepts and the ways in which mental health has been ‘organized’ and responded to. Through focusing on topics such as inequalities, and mental health in prisons, students will be equipped to think critically about current, global, mental health care policy and practice. At points in the course, students will have the opportunity to meet professionals working in related fields and connect this to their own employability.
View full module detailsWhilst the problem of hate crime has been, until relatively recently, largely neglected as a distinct area of criminological research in the UK and around the world, changes to political, criminal and social justice agendas have given hate crime much greater significance over the past 30 years or so. This module is therefore designed to provide students with a broad historical, theoretical, and contemporary understanding of the key issues relating to hate crime. Particular focus is placed on examining the different forms that hate crime can take and the impact it can have on victims and wider communities, whilst the motivations behind hate crime perpetration are also explored, as are the various legal and wider criminal justice and other relevant responses to it, all within an international context. Students are also encouraged to think critically about issues relating to identity politics, diversity, and the broader social construction of contemporary crime problems. The module relates to the degree programme more broadly by discussing policing, victimisation, legislation, the criminal justice system, offending, social justice, and notions of identity and diversity, within the hate crime context. As such it builds upon previous learning that students will have undertaken in prior modules throughout the first two years of their degree programme.
View full module detailsThe study of cybercrime and cybersecurity not only represents one of the key emerging areas of research within contemporary criminology but is also a crucial problem of national policy and crime control. Recent (2016) data from the Crime Survey for England and Wales suggest that cybercrime may now be the most prevalent form of criminality in the UK and repeated breaches to key infrastructures across most jurisdictions have emphasized why it is has also become one of the main threats to international peace and security. This module will introduce students to the key themes within the study of cybercrime and cybersecurity – including, offence types and their prevalence; typical victims and perpetrators; policing and control measures; varieties of cybersecurity responses and the ‘human’ problem in making these resilient.
View full module detailsThe criminal justice process has often been charged with an over focus upon ‘working class’ crimes such as burglary or street robbery. As a result, it has been argued that many more serious crimes effected by more powerful or collective agents like corporations have been overlooked or policed less effectively. For example, environmental damage, financial misconduct, or illicit trading. In this module the nature of criminality effected by the corporate and business worlds and the kinds of measures intended to make corporations more responsible’ will be examined in detail. We consider how agents like corporations can be constructed as criminal actors, both conceptually and legally, the typical kinds of offences they are implicated in and what kinds of responses from the criminal justice system would be most appropriate in dealing with this. A series of case studies across a representative selection of corporate sectors will be used the structure and direct the module content.
View full module detailsThe module is concerned with understanding the source, practice, effect and response to terrorism in the modern world. In particular, the objective is to provide students with a clearer understanding of how and why terrorism exists and how other political actors respond to it.
View full module detailsSemester 1 & 2
Compulsory
This module enables students to focus on and research a topic of significance of their own choice. It enables them to build on, bring together and demonstrate the range of analytic, knowledge based and digital skills they have developed throughout their degree and equips them with new transferable skills of designing and developing an independent project. Students will use their digital, global and cultural capabilities to synthesize and communicate knowledge within their chosen project. Students work on their project with the guidance of an individual supervisor and participate in a series of workshops designed to provide guidance for key stages of the project. Students conduct independent research which will involve reviewing appropriate literature, developing a suitable research approach and carrying out appropriate forms of analysis. Project approaches are diverse and include collection of primary data (e.g through interviews or surveys); secondary analysis of existing data sets; analysis of documentary or media sources or a systematic review of existing literature. A final project report of 10-12,00 words is prepared.
View full module detailsOptional modules for Year 3 - FHEQ Level 6
Students must select three optional modules in semester 1 and two optional modules in semester 2
Year 1 - BSc (Hons) with placement
Semester 1
Compulsory
This first-year module gives you an introduction to the sociological study of crime and deviance. The module aims to think of crime sociologically and to explore patterns of crime and deviance in relation to the organization of contemporary society. In order to achieve this, the module explores how crime and responses to crime are structured in relation to key aspects of social differentiation (for example, gender and ethnicity). The module also covers a number of substantive concerns such as, for example, the inter-relationship between crime and contemporary developments in internet technologies, and the growth of prisons.
View full module detailsThe purpose of this module is to give students a fundamental understanding of the conceptual frameworks underpinning forensic science. In this first-year module a very wide array of evidence types are covered. Casework examples are used to give students a broad understanding of how forensic evidence is retrieved, packaged, analysed and reported in court. This module interacts with material that students are taught through analytical chemistry modules and demonstrates the application of relevant techniques to forensic casework. This module supports further learning across a number of criminology modules.
View full module detailsSemester 2
Compulsory
The Criminal Justice System comprises those institutions and agencies that are collectively responsible for managing a state’s response to crime and disorder. This module provides an introduction to the key agencies within the contemporary criminal justice system in England and Wales but parallels are also drawn to other jurisdictions (where appropriate). We will focus on the role and function of the police service, prosecutors, courts, prisons and the probation service.
View full module detailsThis module is designed to help students successfully make the transition from further to higher education, in context of experiences and reflections from semester 1 and into semester 2, and lays the groundwork for thriving at university. It introduces students to the academic, employability and professional, and other skills and capabilities that they will need throughout their course (and beyond) and provides foundations upon which to build their confidence in meeting the varying demands of their degree programme. As such, the module aims to introduce and develop resourcefulness and resilience amongst students (alongside other skills and capabilities – see ‘other information’, below) that will prepare them for concurrent and future module requirements. Rather than simply being about ‘study skills’, this module approaches the development of academic learning, employability, and professional and other relevant skills and capabilities from a holistic, subject area-specific perspective. The intention here is to enable students to situate their learning within the expectations of the social sciences more generally, but within the demands of criminology more specifically, with a particular focus on the interconnectivity of what might initially appear to be discreet and/or loosely related components. Moreover, the module is ‘outward facing’ in the sense that it recognises the requirements of other modules across the programme and further integrates the development of the capabilities required for those here. Namely, this includes development of skills in international and comparative approaches to crime and deviance, victimisation and criminal justice, helping to address Global and Cultural Competences in students. The module is delivered in semester 2 in order to enable students to draw upon their experiences thus far from semester 1 and to capitalize on their readiness and receptiveness for self-reflection and personal development.
View full module detailsSemester 1 & 2
Compulsory
This module will introduce students to the major theoretical perspectives that have been developed within criminology to conceptualise 'crime' and 'deviance', and to explain the different ways societies respond to crime. Part A covers a number of theoretical developments from 'classical' criminological theory onwards, focusing in particular on innovations in the UK and USA since the 20th century inter-war period. It situates these theories within specific contexts of society and criminal justice, exploring the interplay between theory and practice. Part B builds on knowledge acquired in Part A and provides an overview of contemporary debates and discussions within criminology, including but not limited to critical and radical approaches, problems of governance, and criminal justice policy. The module will help students to develop a critical awareness of how contemporary criminological theories both contribute to an understanding of criminality as well as shaping and generating ideas and responses to crime and deviance. Students will also explore how specific theoretical perspectives can help us to address criminal justice problems such as punishment, incarceration, and social control. In so doing, students will gain a deeper understanding of the interplay between theory and practice and how the two can inform and influence one another.
View full module detailsThis module introduces students to qualitative and quantitative approaches to research design, methodology and data analysis. Part A focuses on qualitative field methods, including in-depth interviews, focus groups, and ethnographic observation, and their place within the wider research process. Students will explore the insights and possibilities generated by qualitative research as well as some of the challenges that qualitative researchers may encounter. Students will gain experience in designing, collecting, producing, and analysing their own data. Part B is designed to introduce students to the statistical techniques necessary for implementing and critically evaluating quantitative social research. Emphasis will be put on when and how data is collected, how to use basic statistical techniques to analyse the data appropriately, and how to interpret results. Students will also acquire a familiarity with R, a software environment for statistical computing and graphics.
View full module detailsYear 2 - BSc (Hons) with placement
Semester 1
Compulsory
This module is concerned with understanding the contribution of psychological explanations (connecting to Sociological and Criminological) for understanding criminal behaviour. It introduces students to theories and concepts of criminal behaviour according to Psychology and the context in which these ideas emerge. In particular, the module focuses on specific categories of criminal behaviour – for example, mentally disordered offences, the ‘psychopath’, violent criminals, and serial murderers. In doing so, the module seeks to examine how particular crimes come to be sensationalised and glorified by and through various media platforms. The module also sets out to examine the means for managing and evaluating interventions designed to reduce crime and re-offending, and thus enable students to consider more widely, the role of Psychology within Western criminal justice systems.
View full module detailsThis module builds upon the research methods training which students received in their first year to provide students with a more robust understanding of some of the main quantitative analysis approaches in the social sciences. Students will learn about multivariate quantitative analyses with the help of R, a software environment for statistical computing and graphics. They will investigate a range of topics in sociology and criminology by accessing suitable secondary data from the UK Data Service, analysing data using R, and interpreting and presenting the results of quantitative analyses.
View full module detailsOptional
This module examines contemporary ways that power and (in)equality intersect with crime victimisation and the operation of the criminal justice system. The module considers how different sections of society are treated and affected by crime, victimisation and criminal justice, with a focus on socio-economic status, race and ethnicity, religion, and gender. It examines the tensions that arise within criminal justice and as affect social (dis)order and control. It aims to delineate how crime, victimisation and criminal justice processes reflect and reinforce wider patterns of discrimination and marginalization and to situate criminal justice within a wider global and local social context.
View full module detailsThis module looks at the role of contemporary technologies within crime and the criminal justice system and critically engages with current thinking around the extent to which technology can be a ‘enabler’ or ‘facilitator’ of crime. The module seeks to develop critical understanding of the increasing role of technology within the criminal justice system – for example, forensic technologies such as fingerprinting and DNA profiles, ‘predictive’ technologies such as polygraph tests and neural scanning and enforcement/punitive technologies such as tasers. The module pays special attention to arguments that ‘technological fetishism’ may be undermining the autonomy of the justice system, with the result that ‘technological justice’ may be replacing due process and the rule of law, engaging with the increasing role of AI and automation within justice.
View full module detailsWithin this module students will explore the relationship between drugs and wider society. Students will delve into what constitutes a ‘drug’ and will consider the boundaries between health and illness, licit and illicit drugs. Students will be equipped to bring a critical lens to topics such as drug markets and recovery; and will develop a sociological understanding of why people take drugs and the ‘effects’ they have. Throughout the module students will be encouraged to take a global perspective and consider how the relationship between drugs and society is historically and socio-culturally variable. Students will also increase their employability through working in groups to produce a digital deliverable.
View full module detailsThis module focuses on social need and how societies organise to provide for those in need. We examine how poverty is defined and policies formulated in response to this, at local, national and global levels. Exploring how the political context changes overtime and diversity in cultural experiences, allows us to take a global perspective but to interrogate this by looking at particular welfare systems. We consider the relative position of social classes, generations, ethnicities, and men and women in respect to poverty, inequality and welfare. We explore the changing boundaries between the roles of the state, the market, the family and the voluntary sector in the mixed economy of welfare. Diverse topics are covered to facilitate this, such as: education, health, housing, criminal justice, arts and culture, and work and pensions ¿ which also encourages students to consider their own employability plans. As an urgent global challenge, which can significantly impact individual life chances, a sociological framework is utilised to understand poverty, incorporating both historical developments, such as workhouses and development of the NHS, and contemporary issues, such as food banks and the cost of living crisis.
View full module detailsA number of key global challenges are introduced in this module, focusing on the valuable contribution social research can make to addressing issues such as climate emergency and sustainable living, food insecurity, precarious work and resilience, energy crisis and health inequalities. We examine the role of research in developing, evaluating and improving policy at local, national and global levels. The process of policy making is studied at its different stages, how researchers can contribute and the types of interventions that are possible and effective. Only by understanding this process can research be designed and communicated in appropriate ways to inform policy and change behaviour, so increasing the value of the research, of the work of the researcher and the impact the research has. The concept of research impact is explored as part of the module, in terms of making a positive contribution to improve practices, as well as in terms of academic agendas for impactful research and its relationship to funding. In particular, we employ the latest Research Evaluation Framework (REF) Impact Case Studies to explore good examples of impactful research. This also serves to reinforce an understanding of the relationship between good project design and research outcomes, and provides an opportunity to showcase the impactful work of Surrey University staff. Students will have the opportunity to study a series of specific social challenges, with access to academic experts sharing the challenges, recommendations and impacts of the research they have contributed to address these. Not only does this enable research-led teaching, but students will build up an understanding of the specific global challenges and policy areas, as well as what the research, policy making and evaluation career pathways can involve.
View full module detailsSemester 2
Compulsory
The module explores the variety of ways that individuals, groups and states have responded to crime problems, looking at the philosophical justifications and the sociological explanations. It will consider the way of punishment has been implemented, what they intended to achieve and their outcomes.
View full module detailsThis module builds upon the research methods training which students receive in their first year in order to provide students with a more detailed understanding of qualitative methods. While recognising interplay between the different stages, this module is structured around the general stages of conducting qualitative research - planning, conducting, analysing and writing about qualitative research. Students will learn about new developments in qualitative research including creative and visual methods, different types of ethnographies and mobile methodologies. They will also enhance their skill set by learning different methods of analysing qualitative data including computer assisted qualitative data analysis.
View full module detailsOptional
The relationships between crime and the media have long been the subject of intense debate. This module introduces students to the sociological analysis of crime and its representation in the media. We will explore how crime is portrayed in the media and assess the extent to which such media representations are accurate. We will also examine what effects, if any, these representations have on offending and public opinion about crime as well as on criminal justice.
View full module detailsThis module will introduce students to the study of environmental crime. It will examine a wide range of issues related to the damaging relationship between humans and the ecological world. It will include a detailed examination of specific topics such as climate change, corporate environmental crime, threats to biodiversity and waste crime. Additionally, key theoretical debates surrounding the legal notions of harms against the environment and the classification of non-humans as victims of crime will be discussed. Students will be introduced to a range of approaches to policing different types of environmental crimes and the legal, financial and practical problems these present for governments and enforcement agencies.
View full module detailsThis module examines the history, role, and function of the police service. We consider the nature of the policing task, the contemporary organisation of the service and a range of issues to do with accountability, efficiency, and effectiveness. We will also consider styles of policing, how they have changed over time and the investigation and detection of crime. We look also at some areas which have proved difficult for the service to police which include rape, domestic violence, drugs and organised crime and terrorism.
View full module detailsWork is important for individuals, for identity and survival, and for society, for stability and productiveness. This module focuses on the changing role of work, what impacts how it is experienced, and how theoretical approaches both inform and are informed by the study of working life. Students will explore the concept of work and its representation through different media, including film, music, fiction, art, photography, and virtual, augmented and mixed realities. The module offers a global perspective at its core, appreciating the importance of rooted historical accounts and diversity of cultural experience, but recognising the interconnectivity of issues of work and employment (as well as the lack of it) in the global economy. Students will also consider the future of work, its sustainability and connect this to employability, equipping students to evaluate their own work experience, resilience and career aspirations from a sociological perspective.
View full module detailsOptional modules for Year 2 (with PTY) - FHEQ Level 5
Students must select two optional modules per semester
Year 3 - BSc (Hons) with placement
Semester 1
Optional
This module will focus specifically on the use of prisons as a form of punishment in society. This will include an examination of the growing prison crisis, the rise of supermax prisons and the privatisation of prisons. It will also consider how particular social groups experience prison, and the harms of imprisonment for individuals.
View full module detailsThis module traces the social relations between youth, crime, and changing social, political and policy cultures. The ways young people have been responded to by a variety of controlling agencies, such as the police, prison system, and more social welfare orientated agencies such as social services has been a recurrent theme in criminology. This has encompassed critical questions with respect to; why young people receive more focus than adults? What kinds of young people are subject to greater levels of intervention? Whether this is just or necessary? And in what ways have particular social control technologies affected the lives of young people? This module will place particular focus on specific digital capacities of control, how and why they have developed, and the significance these have for the practical outcomes of policy agendas such as ‘youth diversion’, ‘anti-social behaviour’ and ‘youth justice’, including whether these interventions work across international contexts from global and cultural capabilities perspectives. Overall, the module will encourage students to actively apply the linkages between historical, theoretical, and everyday policies of social control used against young people, and to demonstrate a critical knowledge of these debates and issues using a range of criminological and sociological approaches. Practice examples are offered throughout the module, to understand ways of working with young people in accordance with employability, as well as ways of utilising resources to support youth from a resourcefulness and resilience perspective.
View full module detailsIdeas of deviance and the impulse to regulate human behaviour accordingly have not always focused exclusively on more obvious and familiar “crimes”. A striking feature in the development of all societies has been the apparent need to police and control the bodies & associated pleasures of their citizens. While this has always centred around predictably “deviant” activities like sexual behaviour, dance, carnival, and so on it is arguable that the will to proscribe ranges of ostensibly harmless enjoyments as deviant has expanded significantly in the aftermath of the “permissive” revolutions of the 60’s. Contemporary drug-culture, the multi-faceted sexual behaviours of the modern world, the explosion of pornography facilitated by the internet; the dance & club scene, extreme sports & bloodsports; ‘cruelty’ TV and so on all represent arenas where societal tensions between the experience of pleasure and the urge to criminalise it continue to develop. But given that the majority of pleasure-seeking behaviours are personal and non-harmful and given further that, (as Schlosser has recently argued) the drugs and sex industries now constitute bigger industries than traditional ones in advanced economies like the US, it is an obvious question to ask why the regulation of pleasure is still an issue at all? This level 6 module seeks to critically examine why the impulse to regulate bodies and their behaviour has developed in the way that it has and how this has manifested itself within modernity. It aims to challenge students across the Criminology and Sociology programmes to re-evaluate the nature of social order and to consider the relation between these social sciences in responding to this. .
View full module detailsThis module focuses on victims of crime. Recent years have seen increasing awareness of and attention to victims’ experiences of crime and the criminal justice system. This module explores the nature and extent of victimisation, victim policy and practice, and the role of victims within the criminal justice system. The module covers theoretical perspectives on victims and victimisation, national and international policy development, the ”victims’ movement” and the nature and impact of public perceptions/attitudes towards different types of victim. The module critically examines who is and is not recognised as a victim, and how this has changed over time. The module explores new and changing approaches to responding to victimisation, including restorative justice.
View full module detailsThis module builds upon students’ knowledge gained in year 1 of Criminal Law modules 1 and 2 (LAW1029 and 1030) to explore how the UK sentencing framework follows the principles of sentencing. This module is interdisciplinary in nature, tracing the private and public conceptualisations of sentencing and penal policy (the latter covering prisons and community corrections) through changing legal, political, economic, and social cultures. The Magistrates’ Court visit will aid and consolidate students’ understanding of the theory and enable development of practical and employability skills, such as networking with persons in the legal industry and securing a training contract. This Court visit also feeds directly into the Summative 1 and 2 assessments.
View full module detailsSemester 2
Optional
In the preface to the third edition of their textbook, Rogers and Pilgrim (2005) emphasize that their book is ‘A sociology of mental health and illness’ and not ‘The sociology of mental health and illness’. They make this point because any book (or indeed course) on mental health and illness will have to be selective and will not be able to cover everything. They also highlight how the word ‘sociology’ in the title is a little troublesome as “sociological analyses of our topic are not offered only by sociologists”. In this module students will encounter a range of sociological perspectives on mental health and illness and will delve into critical debates surrounding definitions, concepts and the ways in which mental health has been ‘organized’ and responded to. Through focusing on topics such as inequalities, and mental health in prisons, students will be equipped to think critically about current, global, mental health care policy and practice. At points in the course, students will have the opportunity to meet professionals working in related fields and connect this to their own employability.
View full module detailsWhilst the problem of hate crime has been, until relatively recently, largely neglected as a distinct area of criminological research in the UK and around the world, changes to political, criminal and social justice agendas have given hate crime much greater significance over the past 30 years or so. This module is therefore designed to provide students with a broad historical, theoretical, and contemporary understanding of the key issues relating to hate crime. Particular focus is placed on examining the different forms that hate crime can take and the impact it can have on victims and wider communities, whilst the motivations behind hate crime perpetration are also explored, as are the various legal and wider criminal justice and other relevant responses to it, all within an international context. Students are also encouraged to think critically about issues relating to identity politics, diversity, and the broader social construction of contemporary crime problems. The module relates to the degree programme more broadly by discussing policing, victimisation, legislation, the criminal justice system, offending, social justice, and notions of identity and diversity, within the hate crime context. As such it builds upon previous learning that students will have undertaken in prior modules throughout the first two years of their degree programme.
View full module detailsThe study of cybercrime and cybersecurity not only represents one of the key emerging areas of research within contemporary criminology but is also a crucial problem of national policy and crime control. Recent (2016) data from the Crime Survey for England and Wales suggest that cybercrime may now be the most prevalent form of criminality in the UK and repeated breaches to key infrastructures across most jurisdictions have emphasized why it is has also become one of the main threats to international peace and security. This module will introduce students to the key themes within the study of cybercrime and cybersecurity – including, offence types and their prevalence; typical victims and perpetrators; policing and control measures; varieties of cybersecurity responses and the ‘human’ problem in making these resilient.
View full module detailsThe criminal justice process has often been charged with an over focus upon ‘working class’ crimes such as burglary or street robbery. As a result, it has been argued that many more serious crimes effected by more powerful or collective agents like corporations have been overlooked or policed less effectively. For example, environmental damage, financial misconduct, or illicit trading. In this module the nature of criminality effected by the corporate and business worlds and the kinds of measures intended to make corporations more responsible’ will be examined in detail. We consider how agents like corporations can be constructed as criminal actors, both conceptually and legally, the typical kinds of offences they are implicated in and what kinds of responses from the criminal justice system would be most appropriate in dealing with this. A series of case studies across a representative selection of corporate sectors will be used the structure and direct the module content.
View full module detailsThe module is concerned with understanding the source, practice, effect and response to terrorism in the modern world. In particular, the objective is to provide students with a clearer understanding of how and why terrorism exists and how other political actors respond to it.
View full module detailsSemester 1 & 2
Compulsory
This module enables students to focus on and research a topic of significance of their own choice. It enables them to build on, bring together and demonstrate the range of analytic, knowledge based and digital skills they have developed throughout their degree and equips them with new transferable skills of designing and developing an independent project. Students will use their digital, global and cultural capabilities to synthesize and communicate knowledge within their chosen project. Students work on their project with the guidance of an individual supervisor and participate in a series of workshops designed to provide guidance for key stages of the project. Students conduct independent research which will involve reviewing appropriate literature, developing a suitable research approach and carrying out appropriate forms of analysis. Project approaches are diverse and include collection of primary data (e.g through interviews or surveys); secondary analysis of existing data sets; analysis of documentary or media sources or a systematic review of existing literature. A final project report of 10-12,00 words is prepared.
View full module detailsOptional modules for Year 3 (with PTY) - FHEQ Level 6
Students must select three optional modules in semester 1 and two optional modules in semester 2
Year 3 - BSc (Hons) with placement
Semester 1 & 2
Core
This module supports students’ development of personal and professional attitudes and abilities appropriate to a Professional Training placement. It supports and facilitates self-reflection and transfer of learning from their Professional Training placement experiences to their final year of study and their future employment. The PTY module is concerned with Personal and Professional Development towards holistic academic and non-academic learning and is a process that involves self-reflection. Development and learning may occur before and during the placement, and this is reflected in the assessment model as a progressive process. However, the graded assessment takes place primarily towards the end of the placement. Additionally, the module aims to enable students to evidence and evaluate their placement experiences and transfer that learning to other situations through written skills.
View full module detailsThis module supports students’ development of personal and professional attitudes and abilities appropriate to a Professional Training placement. It supports and facilitates self-reflection and transfer of learning from their Professional Training placement experiences to their final year of study and their future employment. The PTY module is concerned with Personal and Professional Development towards holistic academic and non-academic learning, and is a process that involves self-reflection, documented via the creation of a personal record, planning and monitoring progress towards the achievement of personal objectives. Development and learning may occur before and during the placement, and this is reflected in the assessment model as a progressive process. However, the graded assessment takes place primarily towards the end of the placement. Additionally, the module aims to enable students to evidence and evaluate their placement experiences and transfer that learning to other situations through written skills.
View full module detailss module supports students’ development of personal and professional attitudes and abilities appropriate to a Professional Training placement. It supports and facilitates self-reflection and transfer of learning from their Professional Training placement experiences to their final year of study and their future employment. The PTY module is concerned with Personal and Professional Development towards holistic academic and non-academic learning, and is a process that involves self-reflection, documented via the creation of a personal record, planning and monitoring progress towards the achievement of personal objectives. Development and learning may occur before and during the placement, and this is reflected in the assessment model as a progressive process. However, the graded assessment takes place primarily towards the end of the placement. Additionally, the module aims to enable students to evidence and evaluate their placement experiences and transfer that learning to other situations through written and presentation skills.
View full module detailsOptional modules for Professional Training Year (PTY) -
Students taking the PTY Year must choose one of the following modules; SOCP010, SOCP011 or SOCP012
BSc (Hons) with foundation year
Semester 1
Compulsory
The module examines law in a social, ethical, political, historical and international context. Students will be introduced to the English Legal System and analyse how laws in England and Wales are implemented. The focus will be on contemporary issues, to illustrate how academic studies relate to law in practice and the impact it has on society. It requires students to examine how public opinion, politics and the media influence lawmakers and provides students with a variety of transferable employability skills including group work, writing a diary, oral presentation and self-reflection.
View full module detailsThis module introduces students to contemporary issues in sociology, media and communication, and criminology. Students will build foundational knowledge around the three disciplines, exploring key concepts and debates. The focus of the module is to encourage students to evaluate and think critically about the social world and structures they reside in, and to identify ways in which research in these disciplines can help us to understand society and solve contemporary issues.
View full module detailsSemester 2
Compulsory
The module: Provides an overview of the core characteristics of contemporary political issues Introduces distinctions between and demonstrate interactivity between empirical and conceptual frameworks for understanding those issues Introduces key domestic and international political institutions Introduces students to key research and concepts on domestic and international politics Introduces problem areas such as Ideology, Brexit, Populism, Representation, Security.
View full module detailsThis module will involve students collaborating on a week-long group project, with a primary emphasis on addressing issues within their respective subject areas that serve the public interest and promote the common good. After participating in a series of preparatory workshops, student groups will actively engage in identifying a societal need, scoping out the problem, defining a solution, executing the plan, and measuring its impact. Subsequently, they will present their solution to an academic panel and then the relevant social stakeholders. In addition to their group efforts, each student will compose a reflective project report to encapsulate their individual learning and growth throughout this experience.
View full module detailsThis module will be based around an innovative assignment: a student-led broadcast - The Weekly Social - devised, researched, delivered and reviewed by groups of students who will take on the roles of producers, researchers and presenters on a rolling basis. Underpinned by specialist lectures in the relationship between the law, politics and sociology with the media, and supported by media theory and broadcast practice, the module will allow students to apply key learnings across real-world situations in the social sciences through innovative learning practices that will build skills in social science research, written and oral communication, team working and presentation.
View full module detailsSemester 1 & 2
Compulsory
The module creates opportunities for students to draw on their learning from the law, politics and sociology modules and apply them to social issues, enabling them to recognize the interplay between the subjects. The module will ensure topical social issues are raised and analysed from the political, sociological, and legal perspectives. Learners will develop knowledge and understanding of how the policy landscape and other interventions may tackle social issues. They will also complete activities that help them to understand their own aptitudes and learning preferences.
View full module detailsOptional modules for Foundation - FHEQ Level 3
For further information on FHEQ levels 4, 5 and 6 please view the programme specification for the full-time BSc (Hons) Criminology programme.
BSc (Hons) with foundation year and placement
Semester 1
Compulsory
The module examines law in a social, ethical, political, historical and international context. Students will be introduced to the English Legal System and analyse how laws in England and Wales are implemented. The focus will be on contemporary issues, to illustrate how academic studies relate to law in practice and the impact it has on society. It requires students to examine how public opinion, politics and the media influence lawmakers and provides students with a variety of transferable employability skills including group work, writing a diary, oral presentation and self-reflection.
View full module detailsThis module introduces students to contemporary issues in sociology, media and communication, and criminology. Students will build foundational knowledge around the three disciplines, exploring key concepts and debates. The focus of the module is to encourage students to evaluate and think critically about the social world and structures they reside in, and to identify ways in which research in these disciplines can help us to understand society and solve contemporary issues.
View full module detailsSemester 2
Compulsory
The module: Provides an overview of the core characteristics of contemporary political issues Introduces distinctions between and demonstrate interactivity between empirical and conceptual frameworks for understanding those issues Introduces key domestic and international political institutions Introduces students to key research and concepts on domestic and international politics Introduces problem areas such as Ideology, Brexit, Populism, Representation, Security.
View full module detailsThis module will involve students collaborating on a week-long group project, with a primary emphasis on addressing issues within their respective subject areas that serve the public interest and promote the common good. After participating in a series of preparatory workshops, student groups will actively engage in identifying a societal need, scoping out the problem, defining a solution, executing the plan, and measuring its impact. Subsequently, they will present their solution to an academic panel and then the relevant social stakeholders. In addition to their group efforts, each student will compose a reflective project report to encapsulate their individual learning and growth throughout this experience.
View full module detailsThis module will be based around an innovative assignment: a student-led broadcast - The Weekly Social - devised, researched, delivered and reviewed by groups of students who will take on the roles of producers, researchers and presenters on a rolling basis. Underpinned by specialist lectures in the relationship between the law, politics and sociology with the media, and supported by media theory and broadcast practice, the module will allow students to apply key learnings across real-world situations in the social sciences through innovative learning practices that will build skills in social science research, written and oral communication, team working and presentation.
View full module detailsSemester 1 & 2
Compulsory
The module creates opportunities for students to draw on their learning from the law, politics and sociology modules and apply them to social issues, enabling them to recognize the interplay between the subjects. The module will ensure topical social issues are raised and analysed from the political, sociological, and legal perspectives. Learners will develop knowledge and understanding of how the policy landscape and other interventions may tackle social issues. They will also complete activities that help them to understand their own aptitudes and learning preferences.
View full module detailsOptional modules for Foundation (with PTY) - FHEQ Level 3
For further information on FHEQ levels 4, 5 and 6 and professional training year please view the programme specification for the full-time with PTY BSc (Hons) Criminology programme.
Teaching and learning
At Surrey, we emphasise the development of your practical and analytical skills in addressing contemporary criminological problems.
You’ll benefit from a range of teaching methods, including small group tutorials, projects and workshops, as well as lectures and classes. We find that our students learn effectively in this environment, and projects will contribute to the development of your personal skills in leadership, effective communication and analytic ability.
During your studies, you’ll develop sophisticated skills in conducting both qualitative and quantitative research. Our excellent facilities – including a dedicated networked computer suite – are available to aid your studies.
You will have the opportunity to be taught by leading academics working in fields of policing (Karen Bullock), hate crime (Jon Garland and Nathan Hall), prisons (Maria Adams and Dan McCarthy), cyber-crime (Mike McGuire), Dimitris Akrivos (crime, deviance and media), Giulia Berlusconi (drugs, trafficking and organised crime), Ian Brunton-Smith (spatial patterning of crime), Francesca Menichelli (crime prevention and crime control), and Emily Setty (young people, online harms and harmful sexual behaviour), among others.
- Tutorials
- Project work
- Workshops
- Lectures
- Seminars
- Independent study
- Group work
Assessment
We assess modules individually and award credits for the successful completion of each one. Assessment takes place through a combination of examination and/or coursework, practical examinations and reports. For a small number of modules, you will be required to complete group work.
Check individual module information to see full details at a module level.
General course information
Contact hours
Contact hours can vary across our modules. Full details of the contact hours for each module are available from the University of Surrey's module catalogue. See the modules section for more information.
Timetable
New students will receive their personalised timetable in Welcome Week. In later semesters, two weeks before the start of semester.
Scheduled teaching can take place on any day of the week (Monday – Friday), with part-time classes normally scheduled on one or two days. Wednesday afternoons tend to be for sports and cultural activities.
View our code of practice for the scheduling of teaching and assessment (PDF) for more information.
Location
Stag Hill is the University's main campus and where the majority of our courses are taught.
We offer careers information, advice and guidance to all students whilst studying with us, which is extended to our alumni for three years after leaving the University.
Studying criminology will provide you with a broad social science basis and wide range of analytical and communication skills that are attractive to employers.
Our course gives you the knowledge and analytical skills you need to pursue a professional career in criminal justice, the public sector, forensic science, business, education, health and medicine, social work or counselling.
It offers preparation for fields that involve investigative skills and working with diverse people, such as policing, journalism, politics, marketing, business, human resources or public administration.
Our criminology course also provides you with the strong research skills needed for positions in the criminal justice system, business, social service and government. It’s a first step for future graduate work in criminology, in order to become a researcher or academic.
One of the benefits of a degree in criminology is flexibility in the job market. Some of the roles our recent graduates have gone on to work in include:
- Police Officer, British Transport Police
- Training Assistant, Citizens Advice Bureau
- Safer Custody Coordinator, HMP Maidstone
- Trainee Probation Officer, National Probation Service
- Police Constable, Metropolitan Police
- Research Officer, HM Inspectorate of Prisons
- HR Case Manager, Ministry of Justice.
About a quarter of undergraduate students in Sociology go on to postgraduate study. On successful completion of this course you might want to progress to one of our masters courses.
Abisola Adeolu
Student - Criminology BSc (Hons)
"The University of Surrey is a great citadel of learning."
Emily Beckett
Student - Criminology BSc (Hons)
"My university experience at Surrey has been amazing. I love my course and that it’s different.... There’s a lot of work, but I enjoy it. There was even a practical crime scene investigation (CSI) day, which was great fun!"
Learn more about the qualifications we typically accept to study this course at Surrey.
Typical offer
Overall:
- BSc (Hons):
- BBB
- BSc (Hons) with foundation year:
- CCC
Please note: A-level General Studies and A-level Critical Thinking are not accepted for either route. Applicants taking an A-level science subject with the Science Practical Endorsement are expected to pass the practical element.
GCSE or equivalent: English Language at Grade 4 (C) and Mathematics at Grade 4 (C).
Overall:
- BSc (Hons):
- DDM.
- BSc (Hons) with foundation year:
- MMM.
GCSE or equivalent: English Language at Grade 4 (C) and Mathematics at Grade 4 (c).
Overall:
- BSc (Hons):
- 32.
- BSc (Hons) with foundation year:
- 29.
GCSE or equivalent: English A HL4/SL4 or English B HL5/SL6 and Mathematics (either course) HL4/SL4.
Overall:
- BSc (Hons):
- 75%.
- BSc (Hons):
- 68%.
GCSE or equivalent: Maths 6 and either English Language (1/2) 6 or English Language (3)7.
Overall:
- BSc (Hons):
- QAA recognised Access to Higher Education Diploma with 45 level 3 credits overall including 27 at Distinction and 18 at Merit.
- BSc (Hons) with foundation year:
- QAA recognised Access to Higher Education Diploma with 45 level 3 credits overall including 21 at Distinction, 3 at Merit and 21 at Pass.
GCSE or equivalent: English Language and Mathematics at Grade 4 (C).
Overall:
- BSc (Hons):
- ABBBB.
- BSc (Hons) with foundation year:
- BBBCC.
GCSE or equivalent: English Language - Scottish National 5 - C Maths - Scottish National 5 - C.
- BSc (Hons):
- BBB from a combination of the Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales and two A-levels.
- BSc (Hons) with foundation year:
- CCC from a combination of the Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales and two A-levels.
Please note: A-level General Studies and A-level Critical Thinking are not accepted for either route. Applicants taking an A-level science subject with the Science Practical Endorsement are expected to pass the practical element.
GCSE or equivalent: English Language and Mathematics – Numeracy as part of the Welsh Baccalaureate. Please check the A-level drop down for the required GCSE levels.
Applicants taking the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) will receive our standard A-level offer for this programme, plus an alternate offer of one A-level grade lower, subject to achieving an A grade in the EPQ. The one grade reduction will not apply to any required subjects.
Applicants can only receive one grade reduction from the published grades, an EPQ grade reduction can’t be applied in addition to other grade reductions made through other schemes such as Contextual Admissions or In2Surrey.
English language requirements
IELTS Academic: 6.5 overall with 6.0 in writing and 5.5 in each other element.
View the other English language qualifications that we accept.
If you do not currently meet the level required for your programme, we offer intensive pre-sessional English language courses, designed to take you to the level of English ability and skill required for your studies here.
International Foundation Year
If you are an international student and you don’t meet the entry requirements for this degree, we offer the International Foundation Year at the Surrey International Study Centre. Upon successful completion, you can progress to this degree course.
Selection process
We normally make offers in terms of grades.
If you are a suitable candidate you will be invited to an offer holder event. During your visit to the University you can find out more about the course and meet staff and students.
Recognition of prior learning
We recognise that many students enter their higher education course with valuable knowledge and skills developed through a range of professional, vocational and community contexts.
If this applies to you, the recognition of prior learning (RPL) process may allow you to join a course without the formal entry requirements or enter your course at a point appropriate to your previous learning and experience.
There are restrictions on RPL for some courses and fees may be payable for certain claims. Please see the code of practice for recognition of prior learning and prior credit: taught programmes (PDF) for further information.
Contextual offers
Did you know eligible students receive support through their application to Surrey, which could include a grade reduction on offer?
Fees
Explore UKCISA’s website for more information if you are unsure whether you are a UK or overseas student. View the list of fees for all undergraduate courses.
Payment schedule
- Students with Tuition Fee Loan: the Student Loans Company pay fees in line with their schedule.
- Students without a Tuition Fee Loan: pay their fees either in full at the beginning of the programme or in two instalments as follows:
- 50% payable 10 days after the invoice date (expected to be early October of each academic year)
- 50% in January of the same academic year.
The exact date(s) will be on invoices. Students on part-time programmes where fees are paid on a modular basis, cannot pay fees by instalment.
- Sponsored students: must provide us with valid sponsorship information that covers the period of study.
Professional training placement fees
If you are studying on a programme which contains a Professional Training placement year there will be a reduced fee for the academic year in which you undertake your placement. This is normally confirmed 12 to 18 months in advance, or once Government policy is determined.
Additional costs
There are no required additional costs associated with this course.
Optional expenses
Occasional optional trips to London or within Surrey will be organised by the University which may incur travel costs – £70 approximately.
Our award-winning Professional Training placement scheme gives you the chance to spend a year in industry, either in the UK or abroad.
We have thousands of placement providers to choose from, most of which offer pay. So, become one of our many students who have had their lives and career choices transformed.
Criminology placements
On our four-year BSc (Hons) Criminology course, you’ll enhance your knowledge by taking a Professional Training placement during the third year.
This provides you with an opportunity to apply the knowledge and skills gained during your first two years of study in a work environment, while receiving training and carrying out responsible work.
As a result of the placement, we find that our students return to their final year significantly more confident, mature and organised, and with clearer career aspirations.
The process of preparing and applying for placement positions also significantly enhances job-seeking skills, which come into play in the final year and beyond when applying for graduate employment. After graduation, some students take up permanent posts with their professional placement employer.
We make every effort to identify possible placement opportunities according to your interests, career plans and location preferences.
While you are expected to find your own placement, support is available both internally in Sociology and through our careers service. Some of our placements are paid, usually in the region of £12,000-15,000 a year. If you work on an unpaid placement, you can claim extra financial support and may also work for a reduced amount of time.
Companies and organisations that have participated in the scheme include:
- Citizens Advice Bureau
- HM Inspectorate of Prisons
- HM Prison High Down
- Home Office
- Ministry of Justice
- Romford Police Station
- Surrey County Council.
- Surrey Youth Support Service.
Applying for placements
Students are generally not placed by the University. But we offer support and guidance throughout the process, with access to a vacancy site of placement opportunities.
Find out more about the application process.
Discover, develop and dive in
Find out how students at Surrey developed their skills in industry by undertaking a placement year.
Discover, develop and dive in
Find out how students at Surrey developed their skills in industry by undertaking a placement year.
Study and work abroad
Studying at Surrey opens a world of opportunity. Take advantage of our study and work abroad partnerships, explore the world, and expand your skills for the graduate job market.
The opportunities abroad vary depending on the course, but options include study exchanges, work/research placements, summer programmes, and recent graduate internships. Financial support is available through various grants and bursaries, as well as Student Finance.
Perhaps you would like to volunteer in India or learn about Brazilian business and culture in São Paulo during your summer holidays? With 140+ opportunities in 36+ different countries worldwide, there is something for everyone. Explore your options via our search tool and find out more about our current partner universities and organisations.
Apply for your chosen course online through UCAS, with the following course and institution codes.
About the University of Surrey
Need more information?
Contact our Admissions team or talk to a current University of Surrey student online.
- BSc (Hons)View ULE10F0007U
- BSc (Hons) with placementView ULE10S0007U
- BSc (Hons) with foundation yearView ULE10F0015U
- BSc (Hons) with foundation year and placementView ULE10S0015U
Terms and conditions
When you accept an offer to study at the University of Surrey, you are agreeing to follow our policies and procedures, student regulations, and terms and conditions.
We provide these terms and conditions in two stages:
- First when we make an offer.
- Second when students accept their offer and register to study with us (registration terms and conditions will vary depending on your course and academic year).
View our generic registration terms and conditions (PDF) for the 2023/24 academic year, as a guide on what to expect.
Disclaimer
This online prospectus has been published in advance of the academic year to which it applies.
Whilst we have done everything possible to ensure this information is accurate, some changes may happen between publishing and the start of the course.
It is important to check this website for any updates before you apply for a course with us. Read our full disclaimer.