Course summary

Why study BA Sociology with Criminology (with integrated Foundation Year) at Goldsmiths Explore how societies are organised, and how people are united and divided. Within the context of modern forms of power, examine the nature of crime and criminality from a critical, sociological perspective.

• Sociology at Goldsmiths is internationally renowned for its inventive and imaginative approach to studying Sociology. If you do not have the required qualifications for degree-level study, our BA Sociology with Criminology (with Integrated Foundation Year) offers an alternative entry route.

• The foundation year introduces you to sociological ways of thinking about the world around you and will give you the resources to think critically and creatively about a wide range of contemporary social issues. It is closely aligned with our undergraduate programmes, teaching you a foundational knowledge of the subject and helping you develop the necessary academic skills. You will select the undergraduate degree you wish to study at the point of application but are able to change as you progress through the foundation pathway if your interests change.

• Learn about different sociological theories including life course sociology, cultural sociology, and material culture. An understanding of these theories will leave you well-placed to continue on to our degree programmes.

• Discover how history, gender, race, and class shape our lives.

• Learn directly from experts in small cohorts, so you won't just be a face in the crowd.

• Gain both subject-specific and transferable skills to prepare for undergraduate study and to enhance your career prospects

• Have the chance to continue your learning off-campus through possible visits to museums, archives or other cultural organisations to enrich your studies in the classroom

• Join our Sociology Society to be part of a forward-thinking community of students, and get involved in the academic life of the College by attending talks, events and film screenings

• Develop your academic skills by learning how to effectively communicate information, arguments, and analysis in written form. You will learn how to successfully deploy techniques such as source evaluation, critical judgment and referencing.

• You'll be taught by researchers at the cutting edge of criminological and sociological research on urban crime, control and security, and globalisation and crime.

• As part of a tight-knit group of students, you'll benefit from the support and expertise of your teachers throughout your degree.

• This Sociology with Criminology degree brings issues of social inequality and social justice to the foreground. You will learn how ‘race’, gender, class and nationality connect to crime and control.

• We are international in our outlook: you will learn about crime and control in the UK and beyond.

• You’ll be encouraged to take on a work placement that matches your interests and aspirations. You could find yourself supporting a victim of crime, attending court, or mentoring young people.

• Based in New Cross, a changing area of south London, we’ll take you on walking tours of the local area so you’ll be able to see how theories learnt in lectures apply to the local community.

• Studying at Goldsmiths means you’ll study in one of the world’s leading sociology departments. We've been rated top 20 in the UK for Sociology in the QS World University Rankings 2025.