Criminology and Sociology (Placement Year) BA (Hons)

Lancaster University

We have outstanding league table rankings for Criminology and Sociology, and a great track record for graduate prospects. These are two of the great reasons to take a Criminology and Sociology degree at Lancaster University.

Combine the two popular disciplines of Criminology and Sociology as you study some of the most contentious issues in contemporary life. This stimulating degree is jointly taught by the world-leading, research-active academics based in our prestigious Law School and Sociology Department.

Our Criminology and Sociology degree tackles the problems of crime, deviance, victimization and social harm and encourages critical questions about important issues in our society more broadly. This is your chance to get to grips with the big issues affecting our society. You will analyse the social, cultural, political and economic contexts of crime and criminal justice, and take an in-depth look at the social circumstances of offending, policies regulating crime, and the social response to criminal activity.

The degree draws on the expertise of two departments that are highly regarded in the fields of youth justice, policing, prisons and punishment, sex work, hate crime, inequalities, climate change, children and young people, disability, welfare and media.

Programme overview

The first year is flexible, meaning that you can choose from a range of fascinating modules to study alongside your core modules. During your second year you will explore a broad range of criminological theories and perspectives, consider how to ‘do’ criminological and sociological research and be able to choose a range of optional modules which explore various criminological and sociological controversies and issues. If you would like to take a global perspective on Criminology and Sociology, you may be able to apply for a semester abroad at one of our highly regarded partner institutions in the US and Canada. In your final year, you will have the choice to study specialist subjects in depth from our range of optional modules.

The placement year

To prepare students for their work placement year, our Careers and Placements Team will provide advice and guidance on: the skills required to create effective CVs, cover letters and applications; tips and techniques on how to make an impact at interviews and assessment centres; how to create a relevant digital profile; and how to research employers and career sectors of interest. In addition, there is great emphasis placed upon developing self-awareness and on how to present yourself in a professional manner to employers. This optional provision will be delivered via a blend of traditional and digital methods including face-to-face workshops, online webinars, e-courses and 1:1 appointments.

The University will use all reasonable effort to support you to find a suitable placement for your studies. While a placement role may not be available in a field or organisation that is directly related to your academic studies or career aspirations, all placement roles offer valuable experience of working at a graduate level and gaining a range of professional skills. If you are unsuccessful in securing a suitable placement for your third year, you will be able to transfer to the equivalent non-placement degree scheme and continue with your studies at Lancaster, finishing your degree after your third year.

Employability Skills

You will benefit from our excellent connections with NGOs, charities, and local criminal justice agencies such as Lancashire Police and HMP Lancaster Farms. There may be opportunities for you to visit the prison and engage in collaborative learning, and analyse data from Lancashire Police. All of this should helps you to make professional connections, learn more about criminal justice agencies, and get a head start on your career.