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2024 - 2025
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Course summary

Our BA Sociology and Criminology degree gives you the opportunity to combine the study of social life and social relations with the field of criminology. On this joint course you will:

  • explore the ideas, social processes and social forces that give shape to the contemporary world
  • investigate key criminology topics, methods and theories.
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 analysis of policies, institutions and practices related to crime and its control. Themes of study include migration, human rights, inequalities, policing, deportation, security, institutions, racial justice, and organised, corporate and state crime. In the study of sociological and criminological theories and practices, you are encouraged to develop rigorous, critical and self-reflective thought. We will also equip you with a wealth of analytical skills that are transferable to a range of settings and career opportunities. To give you a rich, varied and interdisciplinary approach, as well as enabling you to pursue particular interests, we also offer you a wide range of option modules from disciplines including politics, psychosocial studies, geography, history, philosophy and criminology. The BA Sociology and Criminology at Birkbeck is led by leading academics and develops your independence of thought in confronting the social realities of the contemporary period. 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
  • Birkbeck's innovative, creative and interdisciplinary courses will help you become a competent, critical and responsible student of the social world and the psychological and social forces that shape individuals.
  • Follow your interests and choose to specialise in communication, geography, history, politics, psychosocial studies, social anthropology or social policy.
  • Ours is a vibrant research culture, powered by a shared passion for learning and intellectual engagement among our academics and students.
Careers and employability Graduates can pursue career paths in local or national government, education, social work or research. Possible professions include:
  • charity officer
  • journalist
  • social researcher
  • further education lecturer.
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

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.

Points of entry

The following entry points are available for this course:

  • Foundation

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

There are no qualification requirements for this course.

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.

Unistats information

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

Additional fee information

To be confirmed
Sociology and Criminology with Foundation Year at Birkbeck, University of London - UCAS