Studying criminology and sociology together will give you vital insights into the world of crime as well as how human relationships and society influence our behaviour. Our course prepares you for fields that involve investigative skills and working with diverse people, such as journalism, politics, marketing, human resources or public administration, as well as for in positions in the criminal justice system, social service and government.
* Placement year fees: Approximately 20% of UK full-time fees of the academic year
Why choose this course?
Study with us, and you’ll join one of the most prestigious sociology disciplines in the UK, which is also well known for its friendly and supportive ethos.
We offer inspirational, research-led teaching resulting in high levels of student satisfaction.
You’ll develop a full range of social research skills highly sought after by employers and ideal for developing a career in the public sector, policy development or research.
Our broad range of optional modules in your second and third years gives you the flexibility to shape your degree to your interests and develop specialist knowledge on a range of topics in criminology and sociology.
We’re preparing you for the future by integrating AI into every course, building digital skills, confidence and creativity that employers value in tomorrow’s workplace.
Our Criminology and Sociology degree is taught within our interdisciplinary School of Social Sciences.
Crime and justice are endlessly fascinating subjects. Studying sociology and criminology with us, you’ll develop your understanding of the concepts, theories and principles of both disciplines. You’ll explore why people commit crime, the relationship between behaviours and punishments, and the workings of the criminal justice system.
You will develop your research and analytical skills in addressing contemporary criminological and sociological problems. You’ll master the methods and analytical tools required to conduct and evaluate research on contemporary problems relating to crime, deviance and social control.
You'll explore the impact of new and emerging digital technologies on our society. Our criminology programmes investigate the impact of algorithms, body technologies, data justice for individuals and communities.
From the second year, you’ll also be able to choose from a wide variety of different modules, such as hate crime and cyber crime, among others. All our modules are taught by experts in the field and cover issues at the cutting-edge of current criminological and sociological debates.
Which criminology undergraduate degree is right for me?
We offer five pathways to study criminology. Let us take you through the differences between all of our courses so you know what makes each of them special.
Facilities
You’ll be able to take advantage of a range of facilities on this course, including a recently expanded and fully networked computer laboratory.
The course also makes increasing use of online resources, including module guides 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.
Please note: Thefull 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.
New for 2026 entry: At Surrey, we want you to be a future-ready graduate. That’s why all our courses will offer at least one module that integrates and teaches AI tools in discipline-specific ways. You’ll develop the digital skills that employers are looking for and get comfortable with the tech of the future.
Module information is not available for this programme There are no modules currently listed for this pathway. Please check back soon.
Module information is not available for this programme There are no modules currently listed for this pathway. Please check back soon.
Teaching and learning
Our Criminology and Sociology degree content is split between criminology and sociology modules to give you a solid foundation in both disciplines.
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 more 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 range of audio-visual equipment and a networked computer suite – are available to aid your studies.
Tutorials
Project work
Workshops
Seminars
Lectures
Group work
Independent study
AI learning
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.
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 during Welcome Week. In later semesters, at least one week before the start of the 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.
This course is based at Stag Hill campus. 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.
93%
Employability
of Surrey undergraduates are in work or further study within 15 months of graduating (Graduate Outcomes 2026, HESA)
Depending on which modules you choose, our BSc (Hons) Criminology and Sociology course can provide you with the knowledge and analytical skills needed to pursue a wide variety of careers. This includes professions in the public sector, business, education, health and medicine, social work, or counselling.
Our course prepares you for fields that involve investigative skills and working with diverse people, such as journalism, politics, marketing, human resources or public administration.
You’ll be provided with the strong research skills needed for positions in the criminal justice system, social service and government. It’s a first step for future graduate work in criminology and sociology in order to become a researcher or academic.
Where do our students go?
Given the broad education a degree in social sciences offers, one of the benefits of a degree in criminology and sociology is flexibility in the job market. Some of the roles our students have taken after graduation include:
Case Administrator
HR Case Manager
Intelligence Researcher
Police Constable
Research Officer
Social Researcher
Strategy Officer
Trainee Probation Officer.
They work for employers such as:
Access to Justice Foundation
HM Inspectorate of Prisons
Ministry of Justice
National Probation Service
Office for National Statistics
PricewaterhouseCoopers
Surrey Police
Youth Justice Board.
In addition, 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.
Learn more about the qualifications we typically accept to study this course at Surrey.
Typical offer
Overall:
BSc (Hons):
BBB
Please note: A-level General Studies and A-level Critical Thinking are not accepted. 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
GCSE or equivalent: English Language at Grade 4 (C) and Mathematics at Grade 4 (C).
Please see the alternative qualifications guidance if you are taking a mixture of BTECs and A-levels or if you are taking other qualifications types.
Overall:
BSc (Hons):
32
GCSE or equivalent: English A HL4/SL4 or English B HL5/SL6 and Mathematics (either course) HL4/SL4.
Overall:
BSc (Hons):
75%
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 credits at Distinction and 18 at Merit.
GCSE or equivalent: English Language and Mathematics at Grade 4 (C).
Overall:
BSc (Hons):
ABBBB.
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.
Please note: A-level General Studies and A-level Critical Thinking are not accepted. Applicants taking an A-level science subject with the Science Practical Endorsement are Expected to pass the practical element.
GCSE or equivalent: Please check the A-level dropdown for the required GCSE levels.
BSc (Hons):
Distinction overall, with minimum C in the Core Component.
GCSE or equivalent: English Language at Grade 4 (C) and Mathematics at Grade 4 (C).
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.
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.
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.
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.
Contextual offers
Did you know eligible students receive support through their application to Surrey, which could include a grade reduction on offer?
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.
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 during October to November 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.
Additional costs
Optional expenses: Occasional optional trips to London or within Surrey will be organised by the University which may incur travel costs – £70 approximately.
Scholarships and bursaries
Discover what scholarships and bursaries are available to support your studies.
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.
Statistics
Placement Statistics
92%
of students who did a placement entered into graduate level employment*
80%
of placements are paid, with 60% paying between £18,000 - £30,000
48%
of our students have been offered a graduate role from their placement provider**
*Graduate Outcomes 2025, HESA
**Professional training year returners survey 2024
Criminology and sociology placements
We strongly encourage you to take advantage of our pioneering Professional Training placement programme. You’ll have the opportunity to put your new academic knowledge into practice and gain experience to enhance your employability prospects, with employers such as:
Bail for Immigration Detainees
Citizens Advice Bureau
Government Social Research
HM Prison High Down
Home Office
Ministry of Justice
Surrey County Council
Surrey Youth Support Service.
We find that our placement students tend to return for their final year of study feeling more confident, mature and organised, and with clearer career aspirations. After graduation, some take up permanent posts with their Professional Training placement provider.
The competitive process of applying for placement positions also enhances your job-seeking skills, which will give you an advantage in the final year and beyond. The University supports you in your search to find a placement which matches your interests, career plans and location preferences.
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.
I was lucky enough to absolutely love my Professional Training placement. It gave me clarity on my future career aspirations and introduced me to a working environment I never would have considered before.
Jessica Anthony Criminology and Sociology BSc (Hons) Student profile
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.
We provide these terms and conditions at the offer stage. You will be asked to accept these when you accept the offer made to you. You will be provided with these terms and conditions again at registration by way of reminder.
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.
