Criminology and Sociology 2012
"The classes are fairly small so the teaching is very focused and you can really get a lot out of your seminars and lectures."
Lois Anderson
Criminology is a diverse discipline which draws upon a number of theories and methods to produce accounts of both the nature of crime and deviance in contemporary societies, as well as solutions to them.
Criminology and sociology are mutually complementary subjects which together provide innovative accounts of a range of crime-related matters, such as the cause and effect of criminal actions, the form and outcome of social disorders, the policing and regulation of public order, the procedures and techniques of the criminal justice system and the relationship between behaviours and punishments.
Factfile
| Minimum Entry Requirements | A level grades ABB All applicants should also adhere to the University's General Entrance Requirements. |
|---|---|
| Required Subjects | GCSE Mathematics at grade C (or equivalent) is required. |
| English Language Requirements | An IELTS score of 6.5 or equivalent for non-native-English speaking-applicants. Please note that the University of Surrey offers English language programmes and is also an IELTS Test Centre. |
| Other Suitable Qualifications | BTEC National Diploma - DDM A wide range of other qualifications will be considered on an individual basis. |
| Planned Intake | 30 |
| Selection Process | Selection is primarily on the basis of UCAS forms.Offers are made in terms of grades. We do not include General Studies in our offers. We invite suitable candidates to visit the University to find out more about the programme and meet staff and students. |
Degrees
Degree Programmes
BSc (Hons) Degrees
| Degree | UCAS code | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| * Programme includes a professional training year | ||
| BSc (Hons) Criminology and Sociology | LM39 | 3 years |
| BSc (Hons) Criminology and Sociology | ML93 | 4* years |
Degrees
Degree Programmes
BSc (Hons) Degrees
| Degree | UCAS code | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| * Programme includes a professional training year | ||
| BSc (Hons) Criminology and Sociology | LM39 | 3 years |
| BSc (Hons) Criminology and Sociology | ML93 | 4* years |
Our Degrees
The Criminology and Sociology programmes will appeal to you if you are interested in combining the study of criminology and sociology with training in professional social research. They will develop your understanding of the key concepts, theories and principles of both criminology and sociology, and their application across a range of relevant substantive areas.
Through the use of a range of analytical tools, you will develop the skills to evaluate and conduct research on contemporary social problems relating to crime, deviance and social control.
You will graduate with a broad range of communicative, analytical and organisational skills, and the confidence and knowledge to apply these skills in your future career.
The Department of Sociology at Surrey has an outstanding international reputation as a centre of excellence in both research and teaching. It was rated the second best sociology department in the country by The Times Good University Guide 2009 and 2010.
Our Department is noted for its emphasis on the integration of methodological and substantive issues in both its research and teaching. The Department has established a significant international reputation for conducting leading-edge research in the area of criminology. This research strength means that you will be taught by experts at the forefront of their field.
Surrey is renowned for providing strong professional experience and you can choose to study the Criminology and Sociology programme with or without a professional training year.
Other degrees you may be interested in:
Programme
Programme Overview
Throughout your degree, emphasis is placed on developing your analytical and research skills. You will be introduced to a number of significant theories and will build upon your knowledge of criminology and sociology concepts. Your professional training year will equip you with the vital skills necessary to excel in a criminology or sociology-related career.
Level 1 provides a broad-based curriculum, including Sociological Theory; Sociology of Contemporary Societies; Social Research Methods and Quantitative Methods; Crime and Society; Criminal Justice Systems; and ICT and Study Skills.
During Level 2, you will study modules in Sociological Theory; Social Research Methods and Computing; Crime Analysis; Criminological Theories; and Crime, Gender and Sexuality. In addition you will choose one option module from a range of sociological options which currently includes a Group Research Project; Sociology of the Environment; Sociology of Gender; Sociology of Work and Family; Social Policy and Welfare in Context; Sociology of Art; Understanding Internet Culture; and Media, War and Human Rights; Television Entertainment.
At Level 3 you will take a core module in Sociological Analysis. You will be able to choose two options from Policing and the Police, Punishment and Society, and Social Control Technologies. You will also be able to choose a third option from a wide range which includes Sociology of Childhood; Sociology of Health and Illness; Sociology of Race and Ethnicity; Organisational Analysis; Aspects of Social Research Methodology; Sociology of Terror; Sociology of Sexualities; and Music, Media and New Technology. A third of the final year is spent doing an individual project chosen according to your interests and written up as an 8000–12,000-word dissertation.
Programme Structure
Level 1
- Sociological Theory
- Sociology of Contemporary Societies
- Social Research Methods and Quantitative Methods
- Crime and Society
- Criminal Justice Systems
- ICT and Study Skills
Level 2
Core modules:
- Sociological Theory
- Social Research Methods and Computing
- Crime Analysis
- Criminological Theories
- Crime, Gender and Sexuality
Optional modules:
- Sociology of Work and Family
- Sociology of Art
- Group Research Project
- Media, War and Human Rights
- Sociology of the Environment
- Television Entertainment
- Sociology of Gender
- Understanding Internet Culture
- Social Policy and Welfare in Context
Level P
- Optional professional training year
Level 3
- Double-weighted Dissertation
- Sociological Analysis
Optional Criminology modules:
- Policing and the Police
- Punishment and Society
- Social Control Technologies
Optional Sociology modules:
- Aspects of Social Research Methodology
- Sociology of Health and Illness
- Sociology of Sexualities
- Sociology of Childhood
- Sociology of Race and Ethnicity
- Organisational Analysis
- Music, Media and New Technology
- Sociology of Terror
Professional Training
On the four-year Criminology and Sociology degree programme you will further your knowledge by working in a professional placement during the third year. This provides you with an opportunity to apply the knowledge and skills acquired during your first two years of study in a work environment, whilst receiving training and undertaking responsible work.
As a result of the placement, we find that our students return to their final year significantly more confident, mature and organised, and with clearer, more definite career aspirations.
The process of preparing and applying for placement jobs also significantly enhances job-seeking skills which will come into play in the final year and beyond, when applying for graduate employment. After graduation, some take up permanent posts with their professional placement employer. Placements will be carefully selected according to your interests, career plans and location preferences.
The majority of placements are paid, usually in the region of £12,000–15,000 per annum. If you work on an unpaid placement, you can claim additional financial support and may also work for a reduced amount of time.
Companies and organisations that have participated in the scheme include the Home Office, the House of Lords, the Probation Service, the Youth Offending Service, the Metropolitan Police, the British Market Research Bureau, Guildford Pupil Referral Unit and IBM.
Our current placement students have started working in the Home Office, the Prison Service, Surrey Youth Justice Service and the Police Foundation.
Why Surrey?
Key reasons to study Criminology and Sociology 2012 at Surrey
- Rated the fourth best sociology department in the UK by The Times Good University Guide 2011
- Ranked as top ten in The Guardian University Guide 2011
- An excellent reputation for the quality of teaching
- You will benefit academically, professionally and personally from the professional training year
- An outstanding, internationally recognised research reputation
- You will be eligible for graduate membership of the British Sociological Association
- Our sociology department was ranked joint sixth in the UK by the latest Research Assessment Exercise
Careers
Top for Jobs
Sociology graduates over the last few years entered employment in roles such as:
- HM Inspectorate of Prisons - Research Officer
- National Centre for Social Research - Freelance Research Assistant
- Ipsos Mori - Executive Assistant
- Metropolitan Police - Research Analyst
- Motortrak - Online Marketing Executive
- Senwick - Graduate Trainee
Career Opportunities
Our graduates are found across a wide range of occupational areas, and many are attracted to careers enabling them to use aspects of what they have learned and gained whilst an undergraduate. This centres on an interest in society and the challenges and demands that members of a society face.
Our Sociology degree prepares students for a wide range of jobs, which require the ability to analyse complex issues and reach policy conclusions. Our graduates are in a strong position in the job market because they have good analytical skills, are numerate and communicate well.
The BSc Criminology and Sociology degree provides an excellent basis for entry into careers in the criminal justice system, social services, education, welfare services, personnel management, the government, charities and the voluntary sector.
All our degrees respond to the high demands for sociology graduates with sophisticated research skills to enter research in Higher Education, central and local government and market research agencies. About a quarter of our students go into postgraduate training courses and to higher degrees by research.
More
Teaching
At Surrey we emphasise the development of your practical and analytic skills in addressing contemporary criminological and sociological problems. You will benefit from a range of teaching methods, including small group tutorials, projects and workshops, as well as lectures and classes. We find that our students learn more effectively in this environment, and projects will contribute to the development of your personal skills in leadership, effective communications and analytic ability.
During your programme you will develop sophisticated skills in conducting both qualitative and quantitative research, and our excellent facilities – including a range of audiovisual equipment and a networked computer suite – will be available to aid your studies.
Facilities
You will be able to take advantage of a valuable range of facilities on this programme, including a recently expanded and fully networked computer laboratory. The programme also makes increasing use of online resources, including online module guides and student discussion forums. Within the Department of Sociology you will have access to a student common room where you can hold informal meetings and study group sessions, or just make yourself a cup of coffee and contemplate your wider reading.
Assessment
Many modules are assessed entirely by exercise or project work, others are assessed by coursework and an examination at the end of the year. Examples of coursework include essays, projects and exercises. Each module in the first year must be passed satisfactorily in order to enter the second year. Your first-year marks do not count towards your final degree result, but are used to check on your progress. The final degree result is based on assessment during the second year (40 per cent) and the final year (60 per cent).
Academic Support
You will be allocated a personal tutor during your first week at the University and will normally keep this tutor throughout the degree programme. They will provide advice to you on personal and academic matters, including reviewing your progress on the programme, advising on module, placement and career options, and providing information about wider support services at the University.