| UCAS code | LM39 |
|---|---|
| Duration | 3 years |
| Entry year | 2026 |
| Campus | Streatham Campus |
| Discipline | Sociology |
| Contact | Web: Enquire online |
| Typical offer | |
|---|---|
|
A-Level: BBB |
| UCAS code | LMH9 |
|---|---|
| Duration | 4 years |
| Entry year | 2026 |
| Campus | Streatham Campus |
| Discipline | Sociology |
| Contact | Web: Enquire online |
| UCAS code | LM40 |
|---|---|
| Duration | 4 years |
| Entry year | 2026 |
| Campus | Streatham Campus |
| Discipline | Sociology |
| Contact | Web: Enquire online |
| Typical offer | A levels: AAB |
|---|---|
|
A-Level: BBB |
Overview
- You’ll investigate the causes of criminal behaviour as well as its consequences for victims and society as a whole
- The interdisciplinary nature of the programme will give you sociological, historical, political and psychological perspectives for understanding and responding to crime and deviance
- You’ll explore theoretical, empirical and methodological issues associated with sociology and other fields of social research, and develop skill in critical analysis
- Our broad range of optional modules in your second and third years gives you the flexibility to tailor your degree to your interests and develop specialist knowledge on a range of topics
- Get ready for your future career by developing a range of transferable skills relevant to a wide range of careers from social research to media and culture and development work
Top 15 in the UK for Sociology
Joint 15th in The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2025
Top 15 in the UK for Criminology
15th in the Guardian University Guide 2025
100% of our Sociology research has internationally excellent impact
Based on research impact rated 4* + 3* in REF 2021. Our research in Sociology, Philosophy, Anthropology and Criminology was returned to this UoA
Opportunities to study abroad
Top 15 in the UK for Sociology
Joint 15th in The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2025
Top 15 in the UK for Criminology
15th in the Guardian University Guide 2025
100% of our Sociology research has internationally excellent impact
Based on research impact rated 4* + 3* in REF 2021. Our research in Sociology, Philosophy, Anthropology and Criminology was returned to this UoA
Opportunities to study abroad
I really enjoy the topics that I get to study as part of my subject. I have been able to study modules from education, media and disability to terrorism, war and the criminal and judicial system.
The assessment usually consists of essays on a broad topic so you can really choose what you’re interested in and research and write about it. The department as a whole has an amazing support system with personal tutors giving 1:1 sessions to be able to talk about anything academic or not.
Charlotte
Undergraduate student, BSc Sociology and Criminology
Entry requirements (typical offer)
| Qualification | Typical offer | Required subjects |
|---|---|---|
| A-Level | AAB | n/a |
| IB | 34/665 | n/a |
| BTEC | DDD | n/a |
| GCSE | C or 4 | English Language |
| Access to HE | 30 L3 credits at Distinction Grade and 15 L3 credits at Merit Grade | N/A |
| T-Level | Distinction | N/A |
| Contextual Offer * Please note: The contextual offer shown is an example based on offers made to students starting in 2025, and is for guidance only. We will confirm the contextual offer for 2026 entry later this year.* Please note: The contextual offer shown is an example based on offers made to students starting in 2024, and is for guidance only. We will confirm the contextual offer for 2025 entry later this year. |
A-Level: BBB |
Specific subject requirements must still be achieved where stated above. Find out more about contextual offers. |
| Other accepted qualifications | ||
| English language requirements |
International students need to show they have the required level of English language to study this course. The required test scores for this course fall under Profile B2. Please visit our English language requirements page to view the required test scores and equivalencies from your country. |
|
NB General Studies is not included in any offer.
Grades advertised on each programme webpage are the typical level at which our offers are made and provide information on any specific subjects an applicant will need to have studied in order to be considered for a place on the programme. However, if we receive a large number of applications for the programme we may not be able to make an offer to all those who are predicted to achieve/have achieved grades which are in line with our typical offer. For more information on how applications are assessed and when decisions are released, please see: After you apply
Course content
The BA Sociology and Criminology degree programme is made up of compulsory (core) and optional modules, which are worth 15 or 30 credits each. Full-time undergraduate students need to complete modules worth a total of 120 credits each year.
Depending on your programme you can take up to 30 credits each year in another subject, for instance a language or business module, to develop career-related skills or just widen your intellectual horizons.
The modules we outline here provide examples of what you can expect to learn on this degree course based on recent academic teaching. The precise modules available to you in future years may vary depending on staff availability and research interests, new topics of study, timetabling and student demand.
The first year gives you a foundational knowledge of sociological and criminological theory and concepts. You will also gain important analytical techniques that will be useful across a range of subjects and research tasks.
90 credits of compulsory modules, 30 credits of optional modules.
Compulsory modules
Your first year will give you an excellent grounding in the theories and application of Sociology with a particular focus on the issues facing the contemporary world such as social inequality, crime, deviance, migration and globalisation.
A - you may pick ONE of these modules
B - this module is core ONLY for students transferring from BSc Criminology in Term 2. They will not take SPA1000.
| Code | Module | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| SOC1000 | Contemporary Society: Themes, Perspectives and Case Studies [See note a] | 30 |
| SPA1000 | Imagining Social Worlds | 30 |
| CRI1003 | Social Issues: Part I - Introducing Crime and Deviance | 15 |
| CRI1004 | Social Issues: Part II - Themes in Criminology | 15 |
| SOC1001 | Social Analysis [See note a] | 30 |
| SOC1053 | Imagining Social Worlds: Social Research Methods [See note b] | 15 |
Optional modules
30 credits from level 1 SOC options
View option modules here (SOC)
You may elect to take a maximum of 30 credit options outside of Sociology and Criminology, for example to develop skills attractive to employers such as language proficiency; to examine an issue you’ve covered in one of your Sociology modules from a different disciplinary perspective; or to widen your horizons and challenge yourself intellectually SSI1005 and SSI1006 are recommended optional modules that will provide a basis for being able take modules in later stages to add the Q-Step ‘Proficiency in Applied Data Analysis’ to your degree title.
| Code | Module | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| SSI1005 | Introduction to Social Data Recommended Option | 15 |
| SSI1006 | Data Analysis in Social Science 1 Recommended Option | 15 |
75 credits of compulsory modules and 45 credits of options.
In the second year you will advance your grasp of sociological and criminological knowledge and methods through a set of compulsory modules. Optional modules enable you to develop specialist knowledge on a range of topics.
Compulsory modules
75 credits of core Sociology and Criminology modules
| Code | Module | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| SPA2000 | Knowing the Social World | 30 |
| SOC2005 | Theoretical Sociology | 30 |
| CRI2004 | International Criminal Justice: Application of Theory to Transnational and International Crime | 15 |
Optional modules
You will be able to choose 45 credits from a wide range of Sociology and Criminology options covering topics as diverse as counter cultures, health, media, forensic science, war crimes, ethics, addiction and human rights.
Sociology and Criminology modules https://www.exeter.ac.uk/study/studyinformation/modules/?prog=sociology
Please note that modules are subject to change and not all modules are available across all programmes, this is due to timetable, module size constraints and availability
| Code | Module | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Criminology Stage 2 Option Modules 2024-5 | ||
| ARC2514 | Forensic Anthropology | 15 |
| BIO2068 | Forensic Science | 30 |
| PHL2061 | Philosophy of Law | 15 |
| SOC2024 | Power and Domination | 15 |
| SOC2063 | Policy Analysis in Criminology | 15 |
| SOC2068 | Race, Ethnicity and Criminalisation | 15 |
| SOC2069 | Crimes of the Powerful | 15 |
| SOC2098 | Sociology of Imprisonment | 15 |
| SOC2101 | Police and Policing | 15 |
| SOC2104 | Victimology | 15 |
| SOC2133 | The Anthropology of Prisons | 15 |
| SOC2135 | Forensic Cultures | 15 |
| SOC2136 | Deprivation of liberty: Imprisonment and beyond | 15 |
| SOC2033 | Addiction | 15 |
| SOC2126 | Forensic Science, Conflict and Justice | 15 |
| SOC2137 | Organised Crime and Criminal Networks | 15 |
| POL2057 | Security Studies | 15 |
The centre-point of the final year is the dissertation. This provides you with the opportunity to explore an area of interest and to demonstrate what you have learned over the previous years of your degree. You will also take up to three other specialist modules to create a programme of work fully reflecting your interests. 30 credits of compulsory modules, 90 credits of optional module
Compulsory modules
| Code | Module | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| SOC3040 | Dissertation | 30 |
Optional modules
45 credits Level 3 Sociology options
45 credits approved Level 3 Criminology options
Sociology and Criminology modules https://www.exeter.ac.uk/study/studyinformation/modules/?prog=sociology
Please note that modules are subject to change and not all modules are available across all programmes, this is due to timetable, module size constraints and availability
| Code | Module | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Criminology Final Stage Option Modules 2024-5 | ||
| ARC3510 | Experimental Approaches to Forensic and Archaeological Investigations | 15 |
| PHL3061 | Philosophy of Law | 15 |
| PSY3411 | Psychology and Law | 15 |
| SOC3034 | International Criminal Justice: Comparative Criminology | 15 |
| SOC3036 | International Criminal Justice: Application of Theory to Transnational and International Crime | 15 |
| SOC3098 | Sociology of Imprisonment | 15 |
| SOC3101 | Police and Policing | 15 |
| SOC3104 | Victimology | 15 |
| SOC3121 | Policy Analysis in Criminology | 15 |
| SOC3126 | Race, Ethnicity and Criminalisation | 15 |
| SOC3127 | Crimes of the Powerful | 15 |
| SOC3134 | Forensic Science, Conflict and Justice | 15 |
| SOC3141 | The Anthropology of Prisons | 15 |
| SOC3143 | Forensic Cultures | 15 |
| SOC3145 | Deprivation of liberty: Imprisonment and beyond | 15 |
| SOC3033 | Addiction | 15 |
| SOC3111 | Evidence-Based Policing | 15 |
| SOC3115 | Deception | 15 |
| SOC3149 | Organised Crime and Criminal Networks | 15 |
Course variants
UCAS code: LMH9
Our four-year ‘with Study Abroad’ degree, offers you the possibility of spending your third year abroad, studying with one of our many partner universities.
Why Study Abroad?
Living and studying in a different country is an exciting experience that broadens your academic and cultural horizons, as well as giving you the opportunity to widen your circle of friends. Students who have studied abroad demonstrate initiative, independence, motivation and, depending on where they stay, may also have gained a working knowledge of another language – all key qualities that employers are looking for in today’s competitive employment environment.
Where can I Study Abroad?
We have partnership arrangements with many prestigious institutions across the globe. Exactly where you can apply to study will depend on the subjects you are studying at Exeter. For a full list please visit the Study Abroad website.
Does it count towards my degree?
Credit for academic work during your year abroad is arranged by agreement between the University of Exeter and the host institution. These marks are then translated back into your degree at Exeter. If you are Studying Abroad for a semester or full year, your time abroad will count toward your final degree. Please refer to your College Study Abroad co-ordinator for further details.
How does it affect my tuition fee and funding?
For the year that you spend studying abroad you will pay a significantly reduced tuition fee to Exeter, but nothing to your host university – for more information visit our fees pages. You will continue to receive a maintenance loan if you are eligible for this whilst on your Study Abroad year.
UCAS code: LM40
Our four-year ‘with Employment Experience’ degree, offers you the possibility of spending your third year carrying out a graduate-level work placement or placements within the UK as part of your degree.
Why choose to include Employment Experience?
Undertaking graduate-level work during your degree unlocks a world of experience that allows you to develop essential employability and interpersonal skills that relate to your degree and future career. A work placement will dramatically boost your confidence, enhance your CV and develop graduate level skills and competencies that employers are looking for.
Where will I do my work placement?
The sector you choose to work within is very much your choice as you will be responsible for finding and organising your placement. We will provide plenty of guidance and support during your first and second years which will prepare you to research and apply for placements. Ultimately, the university will give final approval to your placement to make sure you have a valuable experience.
How does it affect my tuition fees and funding?
For your ‘Year In Industry’ you will pay a significantly reduced tuition fee to Exeter – for more information visit our fees pages. If you were previously eligible, you will continue to receive a maintenance loan whilst on your year of work placement/s.
Fees
Tuition fees for 2025 entry
UK students: £9,535 per year
International students: £24,700 per year
Scholarships
The University of Exeter has many different scholarships available to support your education, including £5 million in scholarships for international students applying to study with us in the 2025/26 academic year, such as our Exeter Excellence Scholarships*.
Financial support is also available for students from disadvantaged backgrounds, lower income households and other under-represented groups to help them access, succeed and progress through higher education.
* Terms and conditions apply. See online for details.
I have loved studying Criminology over the past four years, and have undertaken exciting classes such as Forensic Science as well as areas of the subject with a more quantitative focus, such as Social Data.
As part of my course, I studied for a year abroad in Milan, which was also a wonderful experience – I met lifelong friends and had the opportunity to experience a new culture and higher education system for a year!
Ands
BA Sociology and Criminology with Study Abroad
Learning and teaching
How will I learn
We use a wide range of teaching and learning methods and also ensure that you have regular tutorials with your tutor, together with a small group of students to discuss oral and written assignments. Teaching includes:
- Lectures
- Seminars
- Group work
- Practical exercises
- Small group tutorials
- Independent study
You will also have access to personal and subject tutors who will give you the individual help and guidance you need to succeed.
How will I be assessed?
- Exams
- Essays
- Projects
- Field work notebooks
- Dissertation in your final year
You must pass your first year modules in order to proceed but your performance at this level does not count towards your final degree classification.
Optional modules outside of this course
Each year, if you have optional modules available, you can take up to 30 credits in a subject outside of your course. This can increase your employability and widen your intellectual horizons.
Proficiency in a second subject
If you complete 60 credits of modules in specified subjects, you may have the words 'with proficiency in’ added to your degree title when you graduate.
Your future
As a Sociology graduate you will be well prepared for a number of careers including teaching, the media, business, social research, work in the public and charity sectors, and the legal profession. Throughout your studies you will develop a range of professional, academic and personal skills including:
- Analytical, critical and independent thinking
- Independent research
- Problem solving
- Discussion and group work
- Collecting, assessing and presenting evidence
- Written and verbal communication
- Articulating ideas and constructing arguments
- Organising, planning and time management
Career paths
The wealth of transferable skills gained on a Sociology degree enables graduate to pursue further study or employment in a wide range of careers including:
- Actuaries, economists and statisticians
- Archivists and curators
- Information technology professionals
- Insurance underwriters
- Legal associate professionals
- Management consultants and business analysts
- Police officers
- Prison service officers
- Teaching professionals
- Youth and community workers
Exeter Award and Exeter Leaders Award
Many of our students participate in the Exeter Award and Exeter Leaders Award. These schemes encourage you to participate in employability related workshops, skills events, volunteering and employment which will contribute to your career decision-making skills and success in the employment market.
Developing your skills and career prospects
We provide a range of support to help you develop skills attractive to employers. You will be able to access a range of specific activities such as careers skills sessions and employer-led events, or seek bespoke advice and support from Employability Officers.
The Career Zone also organises a busy schedule of activities including careers fairs, skills workshops, and training events, and can advise on graduate opportunities and volunteering.
