University of Winchester

Degree level: Undergraduate

Criminology and Sociology

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

What does this TEF outcome mean?

Open days

11Jun

University of Winchester - Open Day (2025 entry)

Undergraduate

6Jul

University of Winchester - Open Day (2025 entry)

Undergraduate

28Sep

University of Winchester - Open Day (2025 entry)

Undergraduate

Course summary

Become proficient at using both sociological and criminological approaches to solve complex problems in real casework on cold cases and case reviews

Consider in-depth many aspects of human experience, including the sociology of deviance, social activism, and the context of crime

Learn from a teaching team with wide ranging practitioner experience offering genuine insight into the criminal justice system

Benefit from interactive and practical teaching approaches that bring theory and practice to life

Our campus is friendly and compact with a community feel, offering first-class, sustainable facilities for learning and teaching.

Criminology has never been concerned solely with crime. Criminologists have always wanted to define the nature of crime and explain its social causes. Although you learn a lot about both criminology and sociology on our joint honours programme, the unique value of its interdisciplinary approach is that it provides deeper insights into the nature and origin of crime. Over three years, you learn to apply both sociological and criminological theories to complex problems. You learn about the relationship of social inequalities and divisions to crime and deviance, and analyse the best ways to control crime. These might include new policing methods, but also potential changes to housing, welfare and education policies. Or it might mean developing new strategies for the work of the prison and probation services. Year 1 is foundational and you are introduced to the key theories, concepts and perspectives within both criminology and sociology. These include Communities, Identities and Crime, and Social Policy. In Year 2, you can focus on a range of sociological themes, such as human rights, youth studies, race, migration, the environment and climate change, while also studying criminological theory. You also develop an understanding of applied research skills and knowledge. In Year 3, you explore more specialised aspects and undertake research into a topic of your choice to write a dissertation within either criminology or sociology. But there are also more opportunities to follow up a range of special interests, from Crime and Deviance, to Globalised Crime: Organised Crime and Cyber Crime in criminology, and from Substance Use and Misuse, to Ideology, Conflict and Terrorism, in sociology. The interdisciplinary approach makes this degree suitable for many professions. You acquire sharp research and analytical skills and a broad social scientific base from which to explore a range of job opportunities. Graduates find careers in health and social care, education, marketing and PR, management and human resources, as well as the public sector, including agencies within the criminal justice system.

Modules

Please see the single honours course pages for modular structure. Usually combined honours study two modules from each subject to make up the four modules per semester (2 semesters) (8 modules per year.) These two modules are usually comprised of the core modules in 1st year and then core and optional modules in 2nd and 3rd year. You will find course specific leaflets as a PDF on our website, these give further details of modular structure for combined and single honours. It is normally possible to transfer to a single honours programme at the end of Year 1.

How to apply

31Jan

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.

Application codes

Course code:: L390

Institution code:: W76

Campus name:: Main Site

Campus code:: -

Points of entry

The following entry points are available for this course:

Year 1
Year 2
Year 3

Entry requirements for advanced entry (i.e. into Year 2 and beyond)

Applicants who wish to apply for advanced standing (exemption from part of a programme) based on previous study are considered on an individual basis. Applicants are required to provide transcripts. confirming the module titles and grades they have already achieved, as well as module handbooks and/or programme specifications showing the learning outcomes of the modules completed.

International applicants

We accept a wide range of non-UK qualifications and use UK NARIC (National Recognition Information Centre) guidelines to confirm their equivalence.

Entry requirements

Qualification requirements

UCAS Tariff - 96 - 112 points

Access to HE Diploma

GCSE/National 4/National 5

T Level - P

Applicants are required to hold a minimum of 2 x A-level or equivalent qualifications (e.g. 2 x BTEC National Subsidiary Diplomas) and we accept all A-level subjects, including Critical Thinking, General Studies and own-language A-levels. We welcome applicants who have completed the Extended Project (EP/EPQ) and points obtained from this qualification will be included in any offer. In addition, we accept a maximum of 32 points from level 3 qualifications below A2 that are included in the tariff (e.g. AS-levels not studied at A-level, music or dance qualifications). If you are a mature student, your application will be considered on its individual merits and work or other professional experience may be taken into consideration in lieu of other published requirements.

English language requirements

Test	Grade	Additional details
IELTS (Academic)	6	An overall score of 6.0, including 5.5 in writing is required. If you require Tier 4 sponsorship, you will require a minimum of 5.5 in all 4 components.

Student Outcomes

Operated by the Office for Students

Employment after 15 months (Most common jobs)

Go onto work and study

The number of student respondents and response rates can be important in interpreting the data – it is important to note your experience may be different from theirs. This data will be based on the subject area rather than the specific course. Read more about this data on the Discover Uni website.

Fees and funding

Tuition fees

England	£9250	Year 1
Northern Ireland	£9250	Year 1
Scotland	£9250	Year 1
Wales	£9250	Year 1
Republic of Ireland	£9250	Year 1
Channel Islands	£9250	Year 1
EU	£16700	Year 1
International	£16700	Year 1

Additional fee information

For further information about any additional costs associated with this course please see the individual course page on the University of Winchester website (www.winchester.ac.uk).