Open University has participated in the Teaching Excellence Framework. These ratings were awarded in 2023, for four years.
Course summary
Building on the OU’s reputation for cutting-edge criminological and sociological teaching and research, this joint degree offers you the chance to study lively, topical and sometimes controversial subject matter. You’ll investigate questions of crime, criminalisation and social harm, to determine whether society’s responses to these questions are adequate and appropriate. You’ll also explore how social worlds are made and how we, as individuals, are shaped by the societies in which we live. Key features of the course
- Explore lively and topical issues about contemporary social life and about crime, harm and criminal justice
- Learn to evaluate evidence critically and understand criminological and sociological problems better
- Examine the role of both theory and research in shaping knowledge about crime, justice and the wider social world
- Explore criminological and sociological topics of your own interest in depth in the final year
Modules
This degree has three stages. You’ll start Stage 1 with a compulsory module in inter-disciplinary social science, followed by a compulsory module in criminology. Next, in Stage 2, you'll choose between modules in sociology and criminology before studying a compulsory social research module. Finally, in Stage 3, you’ll study a compulsory sociology module, and choose between modules in criminology.
Assessment method
You will be taught through our highly successful ‘blended-learning’ approach. This combines print-based teaching texts, innovative online resources (including text, audio-visual material and interactive activities) and a mixture of face-to-face and synchronous online teaching and forums. Assessment is designed to help you build your skills as you progress through your degree, starting gently and building towards independent project work in your Stage 3 modules. Modules typically include a number of individual assignments and a longer piece of end-of-module assessed work. Some Stage 2 modules may contain end-of-module exams. Unmarked online quizzes and other activities help you build knowledge and understanding towards your formal assignments, all of which are marked and count towards your module result. You will receive detailed feedback on these assignments to help you improve your marks in future work.
How to apply
To apply for this course you will be taken to the provider's website, where you can find out more information and make an application.
Points of entry
The following entry points are available for this course:
- Year 1
Entry requirements
Qualification requirements
There are no qualification requirements for this course.
Student Outcomes
Operated by the Office for Students
There is no data available for this course. For further information visit the Discover Uni website.
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
No fee information has been provided for this course
Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website .
Additional fee information
2025/2026 academic year fees are not yet available.
Provider information
Open University
Student Recruitment Team
PO Box 197
Milton Keynes
MK7 6BJ