Course summary

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. This degree is for anyone who wants to understand how modern societies are structured, but also for those with an interest in crime and criminality. This interdisciplinary degree will give you the skills and experience to pursue a wide range of careers. Why study BA Criminology at Goldsmiths

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

• Reflecting on contemporary society, you’ll develop a deep understanding of the problems of crime and control and how this affects people’s lives today.

• You’ll learn to discuss crime and control in a sophisticated way, drawing on a wide range of sociological and criminological concepts and theories.

• You’ll learn essential analytical and methodological tools that will help you analyse and understand criminological problems.

• 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’re international in our outlook: students learn about crime and control in the UK and beyond. You’ll explore themes such as genocide, environmental harm, state crime, and crimes by corporations to get you to think about the idea of criminology in broader terms.

• You’ll have the opportunity 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.

• You’ll learn from leading experts in the Department of Sociology, and benefit from their research in the areas of crime and justice, culture, human rights, socio-legal studies, urban sociology, science and technology studies, and more.

• Your studies will be further enriched by guest speakers, visiting lectures and industry professionals who offer first-hand knowledge and experience, including criminal justice professionals and those working in non-governmental or community organisations.

• 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.

• By studying at Goldsmiths, you’ll join one of the world’s leading departments of Sociology. We're ranked 5th in London for sociology (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2024).