Criminology and Sociology BSc (Hons) – 2024 entry

Key information

Start date: September 2024

AwardUCAS codeCourse duration
BSc (Hons) UCAS: LM393 years View KIS data set
BSc (Hons) UCAS: ML944 years with foundation year View KIS data set
BSc (Hons) UCAS: ML934 years with professional training View KIS data set
BSc (Hons) UCAS: ML955 years with foundation year and professional training View KIS data set

Apply for your chosen course online through UCAS, with the following course and institution codes.

CourseUCAS codeInstitution code
BSc (Hons) with professional trainingML93S85
BSc (Hons)LM39S85
BSc (Hons) with foundation yearML94S85
BSc (Hons) with foundation year and professional trainingML95S85

Visit UCAS.com

Why choose this course

2nd

For sociology in the National Student Survey 2022, with an overall satisfaction score of 100%

7th

In the UK for sociology in The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2023

Studying criminology and sociology together will give you vital insights into the world of crime.

On our BSc Criminology and Sociology course, you’ll explore fascinating topics surrounding:

  • The cause and effect of criminal actions
  • The form and outcome of social disorders
  • The criminal justice system
  • Policing
  • The relationship between behaviours and punishments.

Our award-winning Professional Training placements prepare students for roles in industry.

We were shortlisted for University of the Year in The Times/Sunday Times Good University Guide 2023.

Introducing the Department of Sociology | University of Surrey

Five reasons to study a course in criminology, sociology or media and communication at Surrey

What you will study

This course will develop your understanding of the concepts, theories and principles of both criminology and sociology. You’ll also learn how they apply to a range of areas.

We’ll help you to develop your practical 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.

From the second year, you’ll also be able to choose from a variety of different modules, such as hate crime and cyber-crime, among others. All our modules are taught by experts in the field, meaning that content is always up-to-date and covers issues at the cutting-edge of current criminological and sociological debate.

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.

Careers and graduate prospects

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.

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.

Given the broad education a degree in sociology offers, one of the benefits of a degree in criminology and sociology is flexibility in the job market. Some of the jobs our students have taken after graduation include:

  • Learning Mentor and Therapy Assistant, St Dominic's School
  • Case Administrator, National Offender Management Service
  • Intelligence Researcher, Surrey Police
  • Training Assistant, Citizens Advice Bureau
  • Learning Support Assistant, St Luke's School
  • Trainee Probation Officer, National Probation Service
  • Police Constable, Metropolitan Police
  • Research Officer, HM Inspectorate of Prisons
  • Student Recruitment Officer, PricewaterhouseCoopers
  • HR Case Manager, Ministry of Justice
  • Administrative Officer, The Access to Justice Foundation
  • Strategy Officer, Youth Justice Board
  • Senior PMO Analyst, Accenture UK
  • Data Processor, McLaren Automotive Ltd
  • Social Researcher, Office for National Statistics
  • Assistant Director, Explore Learning.

Academic year structure

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.

Modules

Modules listed are indicative, reflecting the information available at the time of publication. Please note that modules may be 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. Modules usually can be either 15, 30, 45 or 60, 75 and 120 credits, and additionally for some masters dissertations, 90 credits.

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: The full module listing for the optional Professional Training placement part of your course can be viewed on the relevant programme specification.

Optional 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 and Sociology programme.

Timetables

Course timetables are normally available one month before the start of the semester. Please note that while we make every effort to ensure that timetables are as student-friendly as possible, scheduled teaching can take place on any day of the week (Monday – Friday). Wednesday afternoons are normally reserved for sports and cultural activities. View our Code of practice for the scheduling of teaching and assessment (PDF).

Teaching

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.

There may be occasions when the delivery of your teaching is supported by graduate teaching assistants. The University has a set of procedures that govern the use of postgraduate research students in this way.

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.

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.

Entry requirements

A-level

Overall: 

  • BSc (Hons):
    • BBB

Applicants taking an A-level science subject with the Science Practical Endorsement are required to pass the practical element.

  • BSc (Hons) with foundation year: 
    • CCC

Please note: A-level General Studies and A-level Critical Thinking are not accepted.

GCSE or equivalent: English Language at Grade C(4) and Mathematics at Grade C (4) (or equivalent).

BTEC (QCF Level 3) Extended Diploma

Overall: DDM.

GCSE or equivalent: English Language at Grade C(4) and Mathematics at Grade C (4) (or equivalent).

International Baccalaureate

Overall: 32.

GCSE or equivalent: English HL4/SL4 and either Maths HL4/SL4 or Maths Studies HL4/SL4.

European Baccalaureate

Overall: 75%.

GCSE or equivalent: Maths 6 and either English Language (1/2) 6 or English Language (3)7.

Access to HE Diploma

Overall: 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 C(4) (or equivalent).

Scottish Highers

Overall: ABBBB.

GCSE or equivalent: English Language - Scottish National 5 - C Maths - Scottish National 5 - C.

Welsh Baccalaureate

Overall: Pass overall with BBB from a combination of the Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate and two A-levels.

Applicants taking an A-level science subject with the Science Practical Endorsement are required 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.

Please note: A-level General Studies and A-level Critical Thinking are not accepted.

Extended Project Qualification (EPQ)

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.

Do I meet the requirements for this course?

We require you to submit a full application so that we can formally assess whether you meet the criteria published. Unfortunately, we are unable to provide an outcome based on an enquiry (via email, webform enquiry, phone or live chat).

International entry requirements by country

Other international qualifications

If you are an international student and you don’t meet the entry requirements to this degree, we offer the International Foundation Year at the Surrey International Study Centre. Upon successful completion, you can progress to this degree course.

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.

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.

Foundation

A foundation year can develop your skills and make it easier to get started at university. It is an extra year of study at the start of your course that leads into a full degree programme.

During a foundation year you’ll learn about your chosen subject, develop your study skills and get acquainted with university life. On successful completion of your foundation year, you’ll be ready to progress to the first year of your degree course.

The programme aims to provide you with knowledge of social science concepts, theories, ideas and tools. Furthermore, we want to help you develop your ability to apply this knowledge and the skills you have acquired, to the solution of theoretical and applied problems in the social sciences.

The foundation year will equip you with appropriate tools of analysis to tackle issues and problems associated with social science policy-making in a global context.

By the end of the programme you will be familiar with ethical frameworks and their repercussions for decision-making, as well as a range of generic skills that will be of value in your future career. These skills include:

  • Team working
  • Networking
  • Independent research skills
  • Building an empathetic mindset, social awareness and capacity of intelligence-based decision making
  • Enhancing employability through a developing awareness of the workplace and associated skills.

Find out more about our degrees with foundation year.

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 a 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. 

Please contact Admissions on +44 (0)1483 682222 with any queries. 

Fees

The annual tuition fees for courses starting in September 2024

BSc (Hons)

UK
To be confirmed
Overseas
To be confirmed

BSc (Hons) (with foundation year)

UK
To be confirmed

BSc (Hons) (with professional training year)

UK
To be confirmed
Overseas
To be confirmed
Professional training
To be confirmed

BSc (Hons) (with foundation and professional training year)

UK
To be confirmed
Professional training
To be confirmed

View a complete listing of all ongoing fees for our undergraduate courses.

  • Fees for UK students: The University will apply annual regulated increases in the fee rates as set by Government each year, in order to maintain the same value in real terms. 
  • Fees for EU students: The UK is now no longer part of the EU, we are awaiting further instruction from the UK government and we will publish this as soon as it is provided. Find out more information about Studying in the UK and the Scholarships for EU students.
  • Fees for international students: Annual fees will increase by 4% for each subsequent year of study, rounded up to the nearest £100, subject to any overriding applicable legislative requirements. 
  • Fees for international students with an integrated foundation year: The programme fee for Year 0 will match the lowest Year 1 overseas fee rate from across the substantive programmes for that year of entry. Students subsequently progressing into Year 1 will be liable for the same fee as overseas students joining at Year 1 for the same programme in that year. Annual fees after Year 1 will increase by 4% for each subsequent year of study, rounded up to the nearest £100, subject to any overriding applicable legislative requirements. 

The University will assess your fee status. If you are unsure whether you are likely to be considered a home, EU or overseas student for fees purposes, the UKCISA website offers more information.

Payment schedule

  • Students in receipt of a Tuition Fee Loan: will have their fees paid by the Student Loans Company in line with their schedule.
  • International students, or UK/EU students who have not taken out a Tuition Fee Loan: are required to 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 detailed on invoices. Students on certain part-time programmes, where fees are paid on a modular or stage basis, are not eligible to pay their fees by instalment.

If you are sponsored: you will provide us with valid sponsorship information that covers the period of your 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.

See the information about 2023/24 academic year Professional Training placement fees.

Additional costs

There are no associated costs with this course.

Optional expenses

Occasional optional trips to London or within Surrey will be organised by the School which may incur travel costs – £70 approximately.

These additional costs are accurate as of September 2022 and apply to the 2023 year of entry. Costs for 2024 entry will be published in September 2023.

Placements

Our award-winning Professional Training programme offers you the option to spend a career-enhancing year in industry, either in the UK or abroad. We have thousands of placement providers to choose from or you can source your own placement. 

Most placements are paid, and we will support you every step of the way. 

Find out more about Professional Training placements and discover how these have transformed our students’ lives and career choices. 

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:

  • Home Office
  • Citizens Advice Bureau
  • HM Prison High Down
  • Surrey Youth Support Service
  • Ministry of Justice
  • Bail for Immigration Detainees
  • Government Social Research
  • Surrey County Council.

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. We make every effort to match placement opportunities with your interests, career plans and location preferences.

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 you may also work for a reduced amount of time.

Applying for placements

Students are generally not placed by the University, however we offer support and guidance throughout the process alongside access to a vacancy portal representing thousands of placement opportunities each year. We also provide support if you wish to source your own placement. 

Find out more about the application process.

Please be aware there may be travel costs incurred when attending interviews and assessment centres at the placement provider’s premises.

Find out how students at Surrey developed their skills in industry by undertaking a placement year.

Study and work abroad

Studying at Surry opens up a world of opportunity. We want you to take advantage of our international partnerships, explore the world and expand your skills for the graduate job market.  

Perhaps you would like to volunteer in India or learn about Brazilian business and culture in São Paulo during your summer holidays? With more than 200 partnerships, from 50 different countries worldwide, there is something for everyone. 

View our study and work abroad information to find out more and see where you can go. 

Partner institutions

We offer you the opportunity to internationalise your degree by spending one or two semesters abroad at one of our partner universities:

  • Copenhagen University, Denmark
  • VU Amsterdam, Netherlands
  • Nanyang Technological University, Singapore
  • Seoul National University, South Korea
  • University of Cincinnati, US
  • North Carolina State University, US
  • University of Central Florida, US
  • Maryland University, College Park, US
  • Monash University, Australia
  • La Trobe University, Australia
  • Swinburne University of Technology, Australia
  • University of Queensland, Australia
  • Brock University, Canada
  • Virginia Commonwealth University, US
  • University of North Carolina, Wilmington, US
  • George Mason University, US.

Students share their experiences of going on an international exchange to Hong Kong.

Terms and conditions

When you accept an offer of a place at the University of Surrey, you are agreeing to comply with our policies and procedures, the student regulations , and our terms and conditions. These terms and conditions are provided in two stages: first when we make an offer and second when students who have accepted their offers register to study at the University. View our offer terms and conditions for the 2023/24 academic year and our registration terms and conditions (PDF) for the 2022/23 academic year as a guide as to what to expect. 

Please note: our offer terms and conditions will generally be available in the September of the calendar year prior to the year in which you begin your studies. Our registration terms and conditions will vary to take into account specifics of your course and changes for the specific academic year.  

Disclaimer

This online prospectus has been prepared and published in advance of the academic year to which it applies. The University of Surrey has used its reasonable efforts to ensure that the information is accurate at the time of publishing, but changes (for example to course content or additional costs) may occur given the interval between publishing and commencement of the course. It is therefore very important to check this website for any updates before you apply for a course with us and before you accept an offer. Read our full disclaimer.

Course location and contact details

Campus location

Stag Hill

Stag Hill is the University's main campus and where the majority of our courses are taught. 

Placement location

As part of this course you have the option to complete a Professional Training placement which would require attendance off campus, depending on where you secure your placement.

University of Surrey Admissions

Contact Admissions Team

Address

University of Surrey
Guildford
Surrey GU2 7XH