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Sociology and Criminology at Birkbeck, University of London - UCAS

Course options

2025 - 20262026 - 2027
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There are other course options available which may have a different vacancy status or entry requirements – view the full list of options

Birkbeck, University of London has participated in the Teaching Excellence Framework. These ratings were awarded in 2023, for four years.

Course summary

This BA Sociology and Criminology allows you to combine the study of social life and social relations with the field of criminology and the investigation of crime and its control. Why choose this course?

  • This joint honours degree gives you the chance to explore the ideas, social processes and social forces that give shape to the contemporary world and investigate key criminology topics, methods and theories.
  • You will learn from leading academics and will develop independence of thought in confronting the social realities of today.
  • It benefits from being embedded in a wider academic community exploring the social sciences both in theory and in practice.
What you will learn On this course you will confront and seek to understand the most challenging social questions of our time by examining social relations and social change alongside the critical investigation of policies, institutions and practices related to crime and its control. You will explore theories and case studies that equip you with the knowledge to make sense of the complexity of society, crime and punishment and learn about the social relations and criminal justice systems that give shape to the contemporary world. You will study a variety of themes, including migration, human rights, inequalities, policing, deportation, security, institutions and racial justice. You will also gain a wealth of highly transferable analytical and critical-thinking skills. How you will learn This course is available to study full- or part-time and follows an evening timetable. You will learn through lectures, seminars, online resources and activities and site visits. You will also have the chance to tailor the course to your interests choosing from a range of option modules. Foundation Year If you opt for the Foundation Year route, this will fully prepare you for undergraduate study. It is ideal if you are returning to study after a gap, or if you have not previously studied the relevant subjects, or if you didn't achieve the grades you need for a place on your chosen undergraduate degree. Highlights
  • This joint honours degree equips you with a broad range of expertise in sociology and criminology.
  • You will discover the key theories, methods and case studies that make social life and the control of crime a reality.
  • Ours is a vibrant research culture, powered by a shared passion for learning and intellectual engagement among our academics and students.
  • You will join Birkbeck’s student community and campus which enjoys a rich history in Bloomsbury in the very heart of London.
Careers and employability On successfully graduating from this BA Sociology and Criminology you will have gained an array of important transferable skills, including in:
  • critical thinking and analytical reasoning
  • clear and persuasive written and verbal communication
  • independent research and project management
  • teamwork and collaborative problem-solving
  • adaptability and intercultural awareness.
Studying this course will prepare you for career paths in a range of fields and professions including:
  • social research and policy analysis
  • criminal justice and human rights advocacy
  • community outreach
  • public sector and NGOs.
We offer a comprehensive careers service - Careers and Enterprise - your career partner during your time at Birkbeck and beyond. At every stage of your career journey, we empower you to take ownership of your future, helping you to make the connection between your experience, education and future ambitions.

Modules

For information about course structure and the modules you will be studying, please visit Birkbeck’s online prospectus.

Assessment method

Assessment methods include non-assessed written exercises and assessed essays. In your final year you will complete a dissertation.

How to apply

14Jan

This is the deadline for applications to be completed and sent for this course. If the university or college still has places available you can apply after this date, but your application is not guaranteed to be considered.

Points of entry

The following entry points are available for this course:

  • Year 1

International applicants

If English is not your first language or you have not previously studied in English, our usual requirement is the equivalent of an International English Language Testing System (IELTS Academic Test) score of 6.5, with not less than 6.0 in each of the sub-tests. We also accept other English language tests.

Entry requirements

Qualification requirements

We welcome applicants without traditional entry qualifications as we base decisions on our own assessment of qualifications, knowledge and previous work experience. We may waive formal entry requirements based on judgement of academic potential. FOUNDATION YEAR DEGREES Our 'with Foundation Year' route is designed to give you extra support as it provides you with an additional year (full-time) or two years (part-time) of supported study. This is an ideal route if you are returning to study after a gap, or if you have not previously studied this subject, or if you did not achieve the grades you need for a place on this degree. Once you successfully complete your Foundation Year studies, you will automatically advance onto the main degree.

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

International £13875 Year 1

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

The 2025-26 home fee was £7,145. This fee may be subject to an inflationary increase in 2026-27, depending upon UK government announcements on the tuition fee loan cap. Students are charged a tuition fee in each year of their course. Tuition fees for students continuing on their course in following years may be subject to annual inflationary increases.
Sociology and Criminology at Birkbeck, University of London - UCAS