Birmingham City University United Kingdom

Sociology and Criminology with a Foundation Year - BA (Hons)

Integrated Masters with deeper specialization and research focus
Taught in English
Duration 4 Years
Mode On Campus
Level Undergraduate
Degree Bachelors Degree With Integrated Foundation Year
Closing soon September 2026

Course Overview

The BA (Hons) Sociology and Criminology with a Foundation Year at Birmingham City University is your pathway to understanding the complex social forces that shape our world and the dynamics of crime and justice within it. This undergraduate degree is ideal if you are passionate about exploring societal structures, power relations, and inequality, and wish to gain a critical perspective on criminal behaviour and societal responses. You will delve into core sociological concepts and criminological theories, developing a robust academic foundation that prepares you for advanced study and critical engagement with contemporary social issues.

This full-time, on-campus programme spans four years, beginning with a foundation year designed to equip you with essential academic and research skills. Throughout your degree, you will engage with modules such as Sociological Perspectives, Crime, Punishment and Society, and Applied Sociological Research, alongside opportunities to specialise through optional modules like Youth Crime and Justice or Media and Popular Culture. You will undertake an Integrated Research Project in your final year, allowing you to investigate a topic of personal interest. You will graduate with the analytical and critical thinking abilities necessary for careers in social research, policy development, criminal justice, and the third sector.

Course Curriculum & Details

Detailed information for serious evaluators

Program Overview

This BA (Hons) degree offers a comprehensive exploration of sociology and criminology, beginning with a foundational year covering core concepts and research skills. Subsequent years delve into diverse sociological perspectives, the complexities of crime, punishment, and societal structures. You will engage with contemporary social theory, analyze issues such as race and crime, and develop advanced research methodologies, culminating in an integrated research project that examines global and specific societal challenges.

1 Foundation Year

Sociology: The Foundations Compulsory
Criminology: The Foundations Compulsory
Skills for Social Scientists Compulsory
Sociology and Criminology in Practice Compulsory
Criminality, Crime Control and Society Compulsory
Independent Research Project Compulsory

2 First Year

Sociological Perspectives Compulsory
City, Community and Culture Compulsory
Crime, Punishment and Society Compulsory
Sociological Imagination Compulsory
Politics and Society Compulsory
Becoming a Social Researcher Compulsory

3 Second Year

Crime in the City Compulsory
Applied Sociological Research Compulsory
Contemporary Social Theory Compulsory
Race and Crime Compulsory
Issues in Criminal Investigation Optional
Experiencing Harm Optional
Youth Crime and Justice Optional
Media and Popular Culture Optional

4 Final Year

Globalisation, Migration and Borders Compulsory
Gender and Crime Compulsory
Integrated Research Project Compulsory
Hate Crime Optional
Emotions in Crime & Criminal Justice Optional
Cybercrime Optional
Deviant Leisure Optional
Harms of the Powerful Optional
Local to Global Organised Crime Optional
Music & Society Optional
Activism, Social Movements & Social Change Optional
Black Arts Movement Optional
Global Cities Optional
Postcoloniality Optional
Visual Cultures Optional

Cost & Affordability

A clear picture of what this course will cost you

Program Costs

First Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 25,101.00
Second Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 25,101.00
Third Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 25,101.00
Fourth Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 25,101.00
Total Program Cost Estimated total tuition
USD 100,404.00

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

Living Costs

Accommodation
USD 607.00 - USD 1,191.00
Food & Groceries USD 3,222.00 - USD 4,028.00
Transport USD 806.00 - USD 3,222.00
Utilities & Bills USD 4,028.00 - USD 5,034.00
Estimated Total USD 8,056.00 - USD 11,278.00

Living cost estimates are based on Birmingham City Campus.

Outcomes & Employability

What happens after you graduate

97%
Graduate Employment Rate Within 6 to 12 months of graduation

Common Graduate Roles

Accounting & AuditingCorporate & Commercial LawEmployment & Labor LawFood Marketing & Brand ManagementHealthcare Administration & ManagementInsurance & Risk ManagementIntellectual Property LawNursing & Allied HealthRehabilitation & PhysiotherapySupply Chain & Food Logistics

Top Employers Hiring for this course

Global Legal Law Firm

NHS

Sainsbury's

Why Study Sociology and Criminology with a Foundation Year - BA (Hons) at Birmingham City University

What makes this program stand out

September 2026 Closing soon

Next intake is in September 2026

Moderate Application response time

Birmingham City University typically responds to applications within 1 - 2 weeks, giving you clarity on your options quickly.

Life at Birmingham City University 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 Sociology and Criminology with a Foundation Year - BA (Hons) at Birmingham City University

Can I work while studying?

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

What English language score do I need for this course?

To meet English language requirements, international students can take tests like TOEFL (minimum score of 80), IELTS (minimum score of 6.0), or PTE (minimum score of 59). Specific sub-scores are also listed for each test.

What jobs can I get after studying this course?

Potential job titles include Social Researcher, Criminologist, Policy Analyst, Community Outreach Coordinator, and Sociologist.

What will I actually study in this course?

This BA (Hons) degree focuses on doing sociology and understanding crime within society. Key topics include social norms and the complexities of crime and criminality.

When can I start — what are the intake months?

The course begins in September, allowing you to start your academic journey in sociology and criminology at a convenient time.
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