University of Exeter United Kingdom

BA Sociology and Criminology

Integrated Masters with deeper specialization and research focus
Taught in English
Duration 3 Years
Mode On Campus
Level Undergraduate
Degree Bachelors Degree
Closing soon September 2026

Course Overview

The BA Sociology and Criminology at the University of Exeter offers you a comprehensive exploration of social structures, inequality, and the complex dynamics of crime and justice. You will delve into foundational sociological and criminological theories, developing critical analytical techniques to understand contemporary societal issues like social inequality, migration, and globalisation. This interdisciplinary undergraduate degree is designed for students eager to examine the causes and consequences of criminal behaviour, equipped with perspectives from sociology, psychology, and law. You will gain a robust academic grounding in social research methods and theoretical frameworks, preparing you to critically engage with the social world.

Studied full-time on campus over three years, this Bachelors Degree programme balances compulsory modules with a wide array of optional units, allowing you to tailor your studies. You will advance your knowledge through compulsory modules in theoretical sociology and international criminal justice, while optional units let you specialise in areas such as forensic science, victimology, or policing. In your final year, you will undertake a significant dissertation, applying your research skills to an area of personal interest. You will graduate with advanced analytical, research, and critical thinking skills, prepared for diverse careers in social research, policy analysis, criminal justice, and beyond.

Course Curriculum & Details

Detailed information for serious evaluators

Program Overview

This BA Sociology and Criminology program offers a comprehensive exploration of societal structures, social issues, and the complexities of crime and justice. Students will engage with foundational sociological concepts and research methods, alongside an in-depth examination of criminological theories and their application to contemporary issues. The curriculum progresses to cover international criminal justice, forensic science, and various specialized areas within sociology and criminology, culminating in a dissertation.

1 Year 1

Contemporary Society: Themes, Perspectives and Case Studies Compulsory
Imagining Social Worlds [See note a] Compulsory
Social Issues: Part I - Introducing Crime and Deviance Compulsory
Social Issues: Part II - Themes in Criminology Compulsory
Social Analysis [See note a] Compulsory
Imagining Social Worlds: Social Research Methods [See note b] Compulsory
Introduction to Social Data Recommended Option Optional
Data Analysis in Social Science 1 Recommended Option Optional

2 Year 2

Knowing the Social World Compulsory
Theoretical Sociology Compulsory
International Criminal Justice: Application of Theory to Transnational and International Crime Compulsory
Forensic Anthropology Optional
Forensic Science Optional
Philosophy of Law Optional
Power and Domination Optional
Policy Analysis in Criminology Optional
Race, Ethnicity and Criminalisation Optional
Crimes of the Powerful Optional
Sociology of Imprisonment Optional
Police and Policing Optional
Victimology Optional
The Anthropology of Prisons Optional
Forensic Cultures Optional
Deprivation of liberty: Imprisonment and beyond Optional
Addiction Optional
Forensic Science, Conflict and Justice Optional
Organised Crime and Criminal Networks Optional
Security Studies Optional

3 Final year

Dissertation Compulsory
Experimental Approaches to Forensic and Archaeological Investigations Optional
Philosophy of Law Optional
Psychology and Law Optional
International Criminal Justice: Comparative Criminology Optional
International Criminal Justice: Application of Theory to Transnational and International Crime Optional
Sociology of Imprisonment Optional
Police and Policing Optional
Victimology Optional
Policy Analysis in Criminology Optional
Race, Ethnicity and Criminalisation Optional
Crimes of the Powerful Optional
Forensic Science, Conflict and Justice Optional
The Anthropology of Prisons Optional
Forensic Cultures Optional
Deprivation of liberty: Imprisonment and beyond Optional
Addiction Optional
Evidence-Based Policing Optional
Deception Optional
Organised Crime and Criminal Networks Optional

Cost & Affordability

A clear picture of what this course will cost you

Program Costs

First Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 33,724.00
Second Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 33,724.00
Third Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 33,724.00
Total Program Cost Estimated total tuition
USD 101,174.00

Currency note: Program costs shown in USD based on the available tuition breakdown.

Living Costs

Food & Groceries USD 2,417.00 - USD 4,028.00
Transport USD 645.00 - USD 1,289.00
Utilities & Bills USD 1,128.00 - USD 1,934.00
Estimated Total USD 4,190.00 - USD 7,251.00

Living cost estimates are based on Streatham Campus.

Outcomes & Employability

What happens after you graduate

92%
Graduate Employment Rate Within 6 to 12 months of graduation

Common Graduate Roles

Accreditation & Assessment ServicesAviation & Air TransportEducational Support ServicesEnvironmental & Sustainability ConsultingGovernment & Regulatory AgenciesHealth Technology & Digital HealthHealthcare ConsultingHome Health & Long‑Term CareMedical Research & Clinical TrialsSecondary & High School Education

Top Employers Hiring for this course

Devon County Council

University of Portsmouth

Waitrose & Partners

Why Study BA Sociology and Criminology at University of Exeter

What makes this program stand out

September 2026 Closing soon

Next intake is in September 2026

Life at University of Exeter in United Kingdom

What daily life looks like for international students

Language

English

Primary language everywhere

Climate

Mild & Rainy

10-20°C average, pack layers

Safety (Numbeo Safety Index)

Very Safe

Exeter is one of UK's safest cities

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about BA Sociology and Criminology at University of Exeter

Can I work while studying?

Degree course students can work up to 20 hours per week during term time and full-time during breaks. No separate work permit is required.

What English language score do I need for this course?

For English test requirements, students need a Duolingo overall score of 120 or equivalent scores on tests like TOEFL (90 total) and IELTS (6.5 total). Make sure to check specific score requirements for each skill.

What jobs can I get after studying this course?

Graduates can pursue careers as social researchers, policy analysts, criminal justice professionals, and more.

What will I actually study in this course?

The BA Sociology and Criminology at the University of Exeter offers you a comprehensive exploration of social structures, inequality, and the complex dynamics of crime and justice. You will delve into foundational sociological and criminological theories, developing critical analytical techniques to understand contemporary societal issues like social inequality, migration, and globalisation. This interdisciplinary undergraduate degree is designed for students eager to examine the causes and

When can I start — what are the intake months?

The BA Sociology and Criminology program starts in September. Ensure you're prepared for this intake date.
ℹ️️
ℹ️️
ℹ️️
Account
  • New student?

Search for universities & courses

ℹ️️
ℹ️️
ℹ️️
ℹ️️