Program Overview

Introduction to BSc (Hons) Criminology and Sociology

The BSc (Hons) Criminology and Sociology program at Manchester Metropolitan University offers students the opportunity to combine the study of two cutting-edge disciplines. This joint degree provides a thorough understanding of crime and its causes, patterns, consequences, and responses, as well as the social structures and institutions that shape modern society.

Course Overview

The program is designed to equip students with a deep understanding of criminological and sociological theories, research methods, and practices. Students will explore the complex relationships between individuals, groups, and social institutions, and examine the ways in which social structures, such as gender, class, and ethnicity, impact on crime and justice.

Course Structure

The program is structured over three years, with increasing levels of flexibility and optionality in the second and third years. Students will study core modules in criminology and sociology, as well as optional modules that allow them to specialize in areas of interest.

Year 1

In the first year, students will study core modules in criminology and sociology, including:

• Crime and Society: This module introduces students to the foundations of criminological and sociological perspectives, exploring contemporary challenges in the world, such as poverty, crime, education, and internationally based topics.
• Working with Data and Evidence: This module teaches students how to use data and evidence to tell sociological and criminological stories and interpret complex social problems.
• Criminology and Sociology in Action: This module provides students with the opportunity to apply current research and theory to real examples of injustice and inequality, presented by visiting external experts in the field.
• Global Social Justice: This module allows students to explore current social injustices taking place in society, applying what they learn in the classroom to the real world.

Year 2

In the second year, students will examine sociological theory, issues, and debates in contemporary sociology, as well as criminology modules, including:

• Decoding Crime and Society: This module explores a range of challenging questions, allowing students to think and engage with questions about why problems and crimes exist, who defines them, and what societal structures lead to these issues.
• Qualitative and Quantitative Research Methods: This module provides students with the knowledge and skills to engage, analyze, manage, and interrogate complex data used to make decisions in wider world settings.
• Criminology and Sociology in Practice: This module provides students with the opportunity to collaboratively engage with organizations, academic staff, and peers to bring their discipline to life, taking a problem-based learning approach to tackle wider world issues.

Year 3

In the third year, students will have the opportunity to select a specialism in Justice Studies, Quantitative Methods, or Global Youth Justice, or continue with the core BSc (Hons) Criminology and Sociology program. Students will also conduct an independent research project and have the opportunity to work alongside industry experts.

Entry Requirements

The typical entry requirements for the program are:

• 104-112 UCAS tariff points
• IELTS score of 6.0 overall with no component below 5.5
• GCSE grade C/4 in English Language and Mathematics

Fees and Funding

Tuition fees for the 2026/27 academic year are still being finalized. However, information on 2025/26 standard undergraduate fees for UK/Channel Islands and EU/Non-EU international students is available.

Careers Support and Prospects

The program is designed to equip students with the skills and knowledge required for a wide range of careers, including teaching, policing, probation, housing, local or national government, research, and marketing. The university's Careers Service provides support and guidance to help students achieve their career goals.

Research Areas

The program is supported by a number of research centers, including the Manchester Centre for Youth Studies, the Crime and Wellbeing Big Data Centre, and the Policy Evaluation and Research Unit. These centers provide students with opportunities to engage with cutting-edge research and work with experts in the field.

Conclusion

The BSc (Hons) Criminology and Sociology program at Manchester Metropolitan University provides students with a comprehensive understanding of crime and justice, as well as the social structures and institutions that shape modern society. With its flexible and optional structure, the program allows students to specialize in areas of interest and develop the skills and knowledge required for a wide range of careers.