“I feel very lucky to study at Solent University and have always felt valued by the academic team.”
BA (Hons)Criminology and Sociology
Apply on UCAS
- 2026
- 2025
- 3 years
- 4 years with foundation year
UCAS code: CAS1
Institution code: S30
UCAS points: 104-120Flexible entry options available
Campus: Southampton City CentreView on Google Maps
Why study a criminology and sociology degree at Solent University
This degree helps you develop critical perspectives on social behaviours, exploring justice, crime and inequality, to prepare you for a successful career and make a meaningful contribution to society.
- 0rdin the UK for sustained graduate employment (LEO 2025)
- Top0in the UK for satisfaction with assessment in criminology, out of 86 institutions (Guardian Uni Guide 2026)
- Top0in the UK for teaching quality in criminology, out of 88 institutions (Times Good Uni Guide 2026)
- The course is designed, taught and assessed in partnership with social work practitioners, service users, and carers, ensuring you are up to date with the latest developments in the field.
- Students have access to the Solent Library, with an extensive range of criminology resources, journals and online materials. You will also be able to use our portable crime scene and mock courtroom, in the Investigating Crime Scenes, and Forensic Evidence modules.
- Benefit from a strong mentoring support network which in the past has led directly to employment for students, and extended beyond employment, into pastoral and welfare care.
- You'll be taught by lecturing staff who are current within the industry and have strong industry connections that offer employment opportunities.
Any questions?
Contact international admissions
Email: Call:Course overview
The course is informed by and regularly updated to incorporate current industry thinking, with lecturing staff who have connections and ongoing practice within the sector – ensuring what you study is current, relevant and practically linked to real-world developments and issues.
The curriculum includes key areas of criminology and sociology, you’ll study subjects such as; crime; social behaviours; media, social inequalities, migration and race and ethnicity. You’ll develop scientific approaches to researching key issues, applying concepts from sociology and criminology. You’ll also develop a range of key skills which will help you become analytical and enable problem solving. You’ll become an excellent communicator with a good understanding of empathy. These skills will provide useful tools for a range of careers in healthcare, public sector, leadership, law enforcement, finance, research and IT.
This degree emphasises the practical application of criminology and sociology, with real-world assessments integrated throughout. In sociology and criminology modules you’ll reflect on real issues such as community empowerment, justice, and, applied sociology. You’ll develop knowledge and skills to become competent in critically understanding justice, crime, social issues and equity.
To reflect the wide range of careers that are open to graduates, the course can be tailored with optional modules that suit your specific ambitions.
If you’re looking to study our criminology and sociology degree but don’t have the relevant qualifications or experience, the social sciences foundation year will help you develop the core skills and knowledge to progress. Find out more about the social sciences foundation year.
Who is this course for?
This course is for students who want to study criminology and sociology developing a excellent knowledge of sociology and criminology that can be applied to their future development and careers.
What does this course lead to?
This degree will give you the skills and knowledge to be able to work in many roles in the voluntary, public and private sector. The skills you learn and develop when you study sociology and criminology can be used in a diverse range of careers.
For example, being a critical thinker and being able to assess different viewpoints, asking critical questions about social issues has meant that employers in a range of sectors see sociology and criminology degrees as desirable.
More specifically, sociology and criminology graduates develop communication skills, analytical skills, and cross-cultural understanding, which can be utilised in a number of employment opportunities.
Graduate stories
Hear from Solent alumni about where their careers have taken them and how studying at Solent prepared them for their future.
Meet the team
The University cannot guarantee any particular members of staff will teach specific aspects of the course in the future, but will endeavour to ensure the teaching team maintains their balance of experience and qualifications.
Facilities
Students have access to our portable crime scene and mock courtroom. You'll also find an extensive range of criminology resources, journals and online materials in the Solent Library.
Our vibrant campus brings state-of-the-art facilities to enhance your learning and elevate your student experience. Our award-winning teaching building, The Spark is centred around students and offers a stimulating study environment with flexible learning spaces. Away from studying, why not try out the gyms, fitness studios and sports halls in our £28 million Sports Complex, or watch a blockbuster film at our student-run cinema with Dolby Atmos audio.
International opportunities
Broaden your horizons by adding an international dimension to your CV – essential to achieving success in today’s fast-changing, global environment.
Studying, working or volunteering in another country could be the experience of a lifetime. Enhance your degree by developing important global skills such as knowledge of other countries, language skills, intercultural awareness, adaptability and confidence.
For more information, please email international.mobility@solent.ac.uk.
What you'll study
Core modules
Sociological Imagination
By challenging some of your own preconceptions about the social world, this module will provide you with an introduction to the discipline of Sociology, enabling you to begin thinking sociologically.
Power, Politics and Identity
On this module you will learn about the formation of the British nation state, and ideas about democracy, social welfare, citizenship, secularism, nationalism, and neoliberalism.
Researching the City
Through this module we will explore the key concepts in urban sociology and sensory methodology to investigate the city of Southampton in new and innovative ways.
Big Questions in Social Sciences
Drawing on present-day issues concerning crime, this module teaches the skills needed to become a successful social scientist, such as how to find, use and acknowledge academic research, and construct and present persuasive arguments.
Victimology
This module is designed to make you a better-informed critic and analyst of crime and victimology. On completion you will be better equipped to explain the impact of crime on victims and will have an in-depth knowledge of perspectives on victimization and the responses to victimization.
Explaining Criminal Behaviour
Why do people commit crime? This module explores the wide range of fascinating psychological, biological, and sociological explanations for criminal and deviant behaviour
Core modules
Researching the Social World
Providing work experience in research, this module invites you to employ interactive research methods by designing and conducting live research on a real-world issue, developed by you but driven by an external organisation.
Popular Culture
Providing an understanding of popular culture, including topics such as leisure, sport, mass media, and entertainment, this module allows you to explore some of the most controversial aspects of everyday social life.
Contemporary Social Theory
In this module you will learn about a wide range of philosophers and social theorists who have competing versions of what it means to be ‘human’, understanding what are the driving forces, social conditions, and societal structures of the human societies in which we live.
Cybercrime and AI
Technology is the defining feature of crime today and cybercrime poses one of the biggest threats to modern society. This module investigates the rapidly evolving range and nature of electronic crime, threat actors’ motivations and techniques, and how individuals, organisations, and governments can reduce such risks.
Global Crime
No understanding of crime and justice can be complete without recognising the transnational nature of much criminal activity and, therefore, the need for cooperation between policing agencies. This module explores how perceptions of the nature and extent of crime have expanded and diversified in a globalised world.
Youth Justice
This module aims to provide participants with a critical appreciation of theoretical perspectives underpinning the policy and practice of the Youth Justice system in England and Wales.
Core modules
Dissertation
In this module, you will research in a discipline related to your degree programme. You will synthesise knowledge from other modules to support the development of a research project that is relevant to your subject area. You will work with a supervisor and will utilise a range of research and academic skills to produce a written dissertation that demonstrates a systematic approach to the research process.
Applied Sociology in the Community
This module provides you with the opportunity to work with an organisation that puts people at the heart of what it does in local communities. You will enhance your experience of the world, and your own CV, by applying sociology in the community.
Dangerous Offenders
In this module, you will engage in discussions covering a range of current controversies surrounding dangerousness, risk and offences committed by those offenders deemed to be a threat to the public.
Optional modules
Please note: Not all optional modules are guaranteed to run each year.
Media, Society and Power
In this module, you will question what you already know about the media and its complicated relationship with society - by engaging with relevant sociological theories and exploring key issues.
Migration, Refugees and Global Crisis
This module looks at contemporary social issues that focus on migrant workers, the ‘refugee crisis’, border control and policies, and other global issues related to people and their movement around the world.
Gangs, Drugs and Alcohol
The impact of alcohol and drugs on the perpetration of crime and deviance is significant. Drawing on national and global perspectives, this module navigates the complex areas of crime, health, addiction, government strategy, and multi-agency co-operation to understand offending and victimisation related to drugs, alcohol, and gangs.
Crime, Gender and Sexuality
This criminology module offers you an insight into the intrinsic relationships between crime, gender, and sexuality, studying sexual offences such as rape and sexual abuse, as well as other serious crimes.
Any questions?
Contact international admissions
Email: Call:How you will learn and be assessed
You will learn by:
You may be assessed by a combination of:
- Case studies
- Essays
- Portfolios
- Assignments
- In-class tests
Solent’s curriculum framework builds on our unique, creative and applied approach to teaching. The transformation of students’ lives is at the heart of our mission as a university, and our curriculum – informed by the latest theory – reflects this shared educational vision.
Find out more
Study support
The student achievement team are on hand to help you succeed during your studies at Solent. They aim to contact you at key times during your time here with personalised information, advice and guidance, by email or phone.
The disability advice team provides information, advice and guidance for disabled students.
All students can access Succeed@Solent, Solent's online guide to getting better grades. It offers extensive, practical information and advice on topics such as academic writing, research and presentations.
Why choose a career as a criminologist or sociologist?
The combination of criminology and sociology can provide you with a wide range of skills to work in rewarding roles in sectors such as criminal justice, social work, youth work, and the civil service.
Connections to the industry during your degree are made through several avenues, including guest speakers and the professional connections of teaching staff. The course also has a close working relationship with relevant local and national employers, such as Hampshire Constabulary, National Probation Service, Portsmouth Adult Social Care, Portsmouth drug addiction charity, National Crime Agency, New Jersey Police Department and the Office of the Policing Commissioning.
Past guest speakers have included professionals who work within public health, police, probation, cybersecurity, military, charity sector and victims support services.
You could earn:
Probation officer
Starting salary (in training): £22,294
Once you've completed your training (which can take 15 or 21 months, depending on your qualifications) your salary will rise to £30,208, plus allowances. You'll also receive a range of Civil Service benefits.
Public relations officer
Starting salary: £18,000 to £24,000
Senior PR officers usually earn in the region of £25,000 to £40,000.
Youth worker
Youth support worker: £19,308 to £28,787
Qualified professional youth workers can earn between £25,313 to £42,718. Salaries for local authority youth service managers vary according to the size of the authority and responsibility of the post, but can be in excess of £40,000.
The stated salaries are published on prospects.ac.uk. Income figures are intended as a guide only.
Graduate stories
Hear from Solent alumni about where their careers have taken them and how studying at Solent prepared them for their future.
“I feel very lucky to study at Solent University and have always felt valued by the academic team.”
Solent Careers
The Solent Careers team is committed to getting students into great careers.
While you are studying, the team can help you with finding work experience or placements, link you with a mentor, check your CV, or offer one-to-one guidance.
We also have graduate job opportunities just for Solent graduates.
6th
UK uni for sustained employment
Longitudinal Educational Outcomes, 2022
Certificate in Practical Artificial Intelligence
Every student at Solent University will also have the option to study an additional Certificate in Practical Artificial Intelligence qualification alongside their course. Free of charge, the course ensures you'll be prepared for a fantastic and varied career after graduation.
Further study
Thinking about studying further than an undergraduate degree? Alumni can get 20% off their postgraduate study.
LLM Professional Legal Practice
Embark on your journey to becoming a solicitor with full SQE 1 and 2 preparation.
Find out moreTuition fees
The tuition fees for the 2026/27 academic year are not yet available. For guidance, the 2025/26 fees were:
- UK, ROI, EU (settled status) and Channel Island full-time fees: £9,535 per year
- International full-time fees: £17,750 per year
For further information, please visit our tuition fees page.
Extra course costs
While most course costs are covered by your tuition fees, some essential resources and optional extras may need to be paid for separately. For advice on budgeting and managing your money, please contact student.funding@solent.ac.uk.
Bursaries, scholarships and financial support
Solent University offers a range of bursaries and scholarships that provide financial assistance or waive fees for tuition or accommodation. Each bursary or scholarship has specific eligibility criteria. Check out our bursaries and scholarships pages to find out more.
Solent EU Welcome Scholarship (Fee Discount)
This scholarship is available to students from an EU country, with EU nationality, who are applying for an undergraduate course starting in September 2025. The scholarship will reduce your tuition fees to £10,500 per year - this includes foundation years.
Find out more about the scholarship
Cost of living support
At Solent, we understand that the cost of living crisis may be of some concern. To help, we've put together some detailed information to show what support is available and how to make your money go further.
Graduation costs
There is no charge to attend graduation, but you will be required to pay for the rental of your academic gown (approximately £45 per graduate, depending on your award). You may also wish to purchase official photography packages, which range in price from £15 to £200+. Graduation is not compulsory, so if you prefer to have your award sent to you, there is no cost. Extra guest tickets will go on sale after results publication and will be sold on a first-come-first-served basis. The cost per ticket is currently £20. Please note, we do not guarantee there will be any extra tickets available to purchase.
Any questions?
Contact international admissions
Email: Call:Entry requirements
Please select an option below:
Key entry requirements
104-120 UCAS tariff points
- A minimum of two completed A-levels, a BTEC Extended Diploma at DMM or BTEC Diploma at D*D*, T-level Merit or equivalent qualification, or a combination of qualifications which comply with the minimum entry requirement of 104 UCAS points.
- Direct entry into year two or three may be considered for this course.
- For further information about UK qualifications, please contact admissions.
Key entry requirements
As a general guide, we look for qualifications that are equivalent to the British high school A-levels.
If you are applying from outside the UK, find information about entry requirements, visas and agents for your country here.
For further information about EU qualifications, please see our course entry requirements document.
Key entry requirements
As a general guide, we look for qualifications that are equivalent to the British high school A-levels.
If you are applying from outside the UK, find information about entry requirements, visas and agents for your country here.
For further information about international qualifications, please see our course entry requirements document.
Note to all international students requiring a visa
All international applicants need to be aware that the English language requirements to attend Solent University, and the English language requirements to obtain a visa from the Home Office, may be different. This means that if you meet the Solent University language requirement to gain a place on the course, you may still have to meet additional requirements to be granted with a visa by the Home Office.
We strongly advise all applicants to visit the Home Office website which outlines all the requirements for a successful visa application.
How to apply
Want to apply through Clearing? Contact us today
Full-time
Any student applying for the first year of a full-time/sandwich undergraduate course must apply through UCAS (University and Colleges Admissions Service). This includes mature, overseas and EU students.
Nearly all schools and colleges offer their students the facility of applying electronically through the UCAS website using 'Apply'; it may also be used by those applying independently in the UK and overseas. This facility and all course information can be found on the UCAS website: www.ucas.com.
Your application should reach UCAS by 31 January if you hope to enter a course the following autumn. Early application is advised for the most popular subject areas. Late applications may be made until the end of June. The UCAS Code for the University is S30, code name SOLNT.
Find out what happens after you apply
Contextual offers
Solent endeavours to offer learning opportunities to students from all backgrounds. When we receive and review an application, we take into consideration the context and personal circumstances of applicants when making a decision, which means our advertised entry tariff could be reduced.
Find out more about Solent's contextual offers
Language requirements
Applicants who do not have English as their first language will be required to demonstrate an approved level of proficiency in the use of the English language. The agreed minimum requirements for this course are:
- IELTS minimum 6.0 overall with a minimum of 5.5 in each individual component
- TOEFL IBT minimum 80 with a minimum of 20 in each individual component
- Duolingo English Language Test - 115 overall with minimum of 95 in each component or equivalent.
Qualifications are checked before enrolment, and international students must bring their original certificates or certified copies when coming to study at the University.
Pre-Sessional English programme
The University also offers a pre-sessional English programme for international students who wish to improve their level of English before starting a degree course.
UCAS points: 104-120
Any questions?
Contact international admissions
Email: Call:Make your application
- 3 years
- 4 years with foundation year
