Criminology and Sociology BA Honours

 

Clearing - How to apply

What is Clearing?

Each year, universities may have spaces left on their courses after the application window has closed in June. 

UCAS Clearing is your opportunity to snap up one of these places, even if you didn't apply to the university prior to the June deadline. 

It also gives you a second chance to go to university if you didn't get the grades you needed for your firm and insurance offers. 

How do I get in touch?

Our Clearing entry requirements may differ from those advertised – contacting our friendly advisers is the best way to find out if you’re eligible for a place. 

You can get in touch through live chat or our hotlines. Call us on 0800 073 5050, or if you're an International student calling from outside the UK, call: +44 191 222 5000.

Not available in Clearing

This course is not available in Clearing 2026.

This means there are no spaces available for Clearing 2026. If you can't find vacancies in your original course or subject area, try exploring other subjects in a related field.

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Course overview

Our Criminology and Sociology BA provides a deeper understanding of how society shapes crime and justice.

You will:

• explore how factors like culture, inequality and social structures influence crime, and the policies created in response
• consider multiple perspectives and debates on punishment, and learn how responses to crime shape our everyday lives
• study contemporary issues such as youth crime, cybercrime, migration and environmental justice, while developing key skills in critical thinking and research
• learn how to analyse data, question assumptions, and use a range of evidence to grapple with complex social issues

Our teaching is interactive and research-informed, with a focus on active learning.

You will learn from experts in a supportive and inclusive environment. You’ll take part in discussions, group work and practical projects.

Real world experience

In your final year, you'll have the option to put your skills into practice. This will be through either:

• working on a real-life policy issue with an external partner, or
• completing an independent research project on a topic you’re passionate about

You'll graduate with a set of strong transferable skills and a nuanced understanding of society. This will prepare you for careers in areas such as:

• criminal justice
• social research
• policy
• public services

and beyond.

Download information about this course as a PDF

Quality and ranking

Professional accreditation and recognition

Professional accreditation review and recognition of professional qualifications in Europe

Professional accreditations are reviewed regularly by professional bodies to ensure they meet the latest industry practices and regulatory standards. This keeps your degree rigorous, relevant, and highly valued by employers, providing a clear pathway into your chosen career.

If you are studying an accredited degree and considering a career in Europe after graduation, it is important to stay informed about international standards. The best resource for current information is the UK Government's guidance on recognition of UK professional qualifications in EU member states.

This official resource provides essential details on:

• whether your profession is regulated in another country.
• the specific steps you need to take to practice abroad.
• which organisations you should contact to begin the process.

What you'll learn

On our Criminology and Sociology BA you will explore how factors like culture, inequality and social norms influence crime, and how policies are created in response.

Modules

The information below is intended to provide an example of what you will study.

Most degrees are divided into stages. Each stage lasts for one academic year, and you'll complete modules totalling 120 credits by the end of each stage. 

Full details of the modules on offer will be published through the Programme Regulations and Specifications ahead of each academic year. This usually happens in May.

Our teaching is informed by research. Course content may change periodically to reflect developments in the discipline, the requirements of external bodies and partners, and student feedback.

You’ll gain a theoretical and methodological grounding in Sociology and take foundational modules in Criminology and Criminal Justice. You’ll explore key criminological theories, concepts and debates that shape responses to crime and justice.

Modules

You will take all of the following modules:

Compulsory modules	Credits
Introduction to Criminal Justice	20
The Sociological Imagination: An Introduction to the Discipline	20
Knowing in Sociology: An Introduction to Theory, Methods and Epistemology	20
Investigating Inequalities and Crime	20
Introduction to Criminology and the Criminological Imagination	20

You must also take additional modules to a value of 20 credits. You may take the module listed below OR, with DPD permission, choose from other subject areas within The School of Geography, Politics and Sociology, or other Schools.

Recommended modules	Credits
Politics & Society	20

You'll develop practical research skills, learning how to gather, analyse and evaluate evidence using qualitative and quantitative methods, while considering the ethical dimensions of social research.

You’ll study topics such as Sociology of Crime, Environmental Justice and Youth, Drugs and Crime Culture.

As you progress, you'll learn to think critically about contemporary social issues, assess competing perspectives and communicate complex ideas clearly to different audiences.

Modules

You will take all of the following modules:

Compulsory modules	Credits
Sociology of Crime: Social Control in Neoliberal Societies	20
Theorising Social Worlds	20
Researching Social Life	20
Sociology or Criminology Research Design and Proposal	20

You will also take 40 credits of optional modules selected from the following list:

Optional modules	Credits
Youth, Drugs & Crime, Culture	20
Green Criminology, Green Crime and Environmental Justice	20
Exploring City Life: Urban Studies in Action	20

In your final year, you'll take one compulsory and three optional modules and apply your skills in practice through a 40-credit independent dissertation or a capstone project addressing real-world challenge identified by an external partner.

Modules

You will take all of the following modules:

Compulsory modules	Credits
Dissertation or Criminology, Law & Policy (Capstone)	40   40
Alternatives to Criminal Justice	20

You will also take 60 credits of optional modules selected from the following list:

Optional modules	Credits
Regulating Sexuality	20
Critical Approaches to Policing and Security	20
Digital People, Digital Worlds	20
CSI Newcastle: The Sociology of the Forensic Sciences	20
The Sociology of Race and Ethnicity	20

With the approval of the Degree Programme Director you may choose alternative optional modules (up to 20 credits) from stages 2 or 3. This will require a clear rationale and the selection of a stage 2 module is expected to be exceptional rather than the norm. You must accumulate a minimum of 100 taught credits at FHEQ Level 6 to qualify for the award of Bachelor of Arts with Honours.

Information about these graphs

We base these figures and graphs on the most up-to-date information available to us. They are based on the modules chosen by our students in 2025-26.

Teaching time is made up of:

• scheduled learning and teaching activities. These are timetabled activities with a member of staff present.
• structured guided learning. These are activities developed by staff to support engagement with module learning. Students or groups of students undertake these activities without direct staff participation or supervision

How you'll learn

Teaching methods

You'll be taught using a range of research-informed teaching methods, including:

• lectures
• seminars
• workshops
• group work
• independent study

Additional assessment information

In Stage 3, you’ll have the choice to either undertake a 40-credit dissertation on a legal topic of your choosing, or take the Law, Criminology and Policy capstone module, where you’ll be working in a group on a real-life policy issue identified by an external partner or external organisation. 

Assessment methods

You'll be assessed through a combination of:

• 

  Case studies

• 

  Coursework

• 

  Dissertation or research project

• 

  Essays

• 

  Group work

• 

  Portfolio submission

• 

  Presentations

• 

  Reflective report/journal

• 

  Reports

Skills and experience

Studying Criminology and Sociology will help you develop critical thinking, analytical and research skills. You'll learn how to evaluate evidence, understand complex social issues and apply sociological and criminological perspectives to real-world challenges.

Throughout your degree, you will be encouraged to work independently and in groups to take on practical assignments, fieldwork challenges, hands-on workshops and problem-solving exercises. This will help you to develop skills that are highly sought after by many employers.

Business skills

You'll be specifically trained to think in a way that many types of employers are looking for. You will be able to:

• work as part of a team
• breakdown complex problems
• apply a variety of specialist research methods
• analyse data of any kind
• evaluate evidence from different sources
• weigh up options
• make evidence-based decisions
• write clearly in technical language
• communicate well both online and in person

Research skills

You may also have the opportunity to apply your knowledge in a professional setting, by:

• taking a work placement module, or
• working with external organisations on real-world policy challenges

You'll learn how to design and conduct social research using qualitative, quantitative and mixed methods. You'll also develop an understanding of research ethics and evidence-based enquiry.

In your final year you will either:

• complete an independent dissertation on a topic of your choice, or
• undertake a group project, applying your research skills to a real-world public policy issue

Support

You will join a friendly community where the academics will get to know you as an individual.

You will also have a student mentor to show you the ropes, and an academic adviser to help with any academic and pastoral issues.

Opportunities

Work placement

Get career ready with a work placement and leave as a confident professional in your field. You can apply to spend 9 to 12 months working in any organisation in the world, and receive University support from our dedicated team to secure your dream placement. Work placements take place between stages 2 and 3.

You'll gain first-hand experience of working in the sector, putting your learning into practice and developing your professional expertise.

If you choose to take a work placement, it will extend your degree by a year, and your degree title will show you have achieved the placement year. A work placement is not available if you're spending a year studying abroad. Placements are subject to availability.

Find out more about work placements

Study abroad

Experience life in another country by choosing to study abroad as part of your degree. You’ll be encouraged to embrace fun and challenging experiences, make connections with new communities and graduate as a globally aware professional, ready for your future.

You may choose to spend either one or two semesters on an international exchange at a partner institution. The exchange usually takes place at Stage 3 with either the first semester (September to January) or the full year being the period of the exchange.

Find out more about study abroad

Your future

A degree in Criminology and Sociology equips you with a strong understanding of crime, justice and social issues, alongside highly transferable skills in research, analysis, communication and problem-solving. These skills are valued by employers across the public, private and voluntary sectors.

Graduates may pursue careers in:

• criminal justice
• probation and rehabilitation services
• social justice and advocacy
• public policy
• civil service
• local and regional government agencies
• social work training
• charities and non-governmental organisations (NGOs)
• social research and data analysis
• marketing and PR

Further study

Our Criminology and Sociology BA will equip you to pursue further study in the social sciences, such as MA in Sociology and Social Research, or professional qualifications such as the Postgraduate Certificate of Education (PGCE).

As a Criminology and Sociology graduate, you will be specifically trained to think critically and strategically.  

You will be able to break down complex problems, apply a variety of specialist research methods, analyse data of any kind, weigh up options, make evidence-based decisions and communicate well on paper and in person.

Careers support

Our Careers Service is one of the largest and best in the country, and we have strong links with employers. We provide an extensive range of opportunities to all students through our ncl+ initiative.

Visit our Careers Service website

Facilities and environment

Facilities

You will be based in the School of Geography, Politics and Sociology.

This is housed in the newly refurbished Henry Daysh Building, right at the heart of our city-centre campus, where you will attend lectures, take part in seminars, and have access to one of the University's largest PC clusters. 

You will also be given free access to install and use SPSS – the professional-standard software for statistical analysis.

 

Tuition fees and scholarships

Tuition fees for academic year 2027-2028

Qualification: BA Honours
Home students full time 3-4 years	Tuition fees (Year 1) £10,050
International students full time 3-4 years	Tuition fees (Year 1) 25,350

Home Fee Students

Tuition fees are payable for each year of your course. These fee limits can change each academic year and are set by the government.  

Our 2027/28 full-time undergraduate fees for home-fee paying students are £10,050. 

These fees apply to new and continuing students in each academic year. 

As a general principle, you should expect the tuition fee to increase in each subsequent academic year of your course, subject to government regulations on fee increases and in line with inflation.

Read more about fees and funding

International Fee Students

Depending on your residency history, if you’re a student from the EU, other EEA or a Swiss national, with settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme, you’ll normally pay the ‘Home’ tuition fee rate and may be eligible for Student Finance England support.

EU students without settled or pre-settled status will normally be charged fees at the ‘International’ rate and will not be eligible for Student Finance England support.

If you are unsure of your fee status, check out the latest guidance.

As a general principle, you should expect the tuition fee to increase in each subsequent academic year of your course, subject to government regulations on fee increases and in line with inflation.

Read more about fees and funding

Scholarships

We support our EU and international students by providing a generous range of Vice-Chancellor's automatic and merit-based scholarships. See our undergraduate scholarship page for more information.

Year abroad and additional costs

For programmes where you can spend a year on a work placement or studying abroad, you will receive a significant fee reduction for that year. 

Some of our degrees involve additional costs which are not covered by your tuition fees.

Scholarships

Find out more about:

• scholarships for UK, EU and international students
• Student Loans and Government financial support for UK and EU students

How to apply

Apply through UCAS

To apply for undergraduate study at Newcastle University, you must use the online application system managed by the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS). All UK schools and colleges, and a small number of EU and international establishments, are registered with UCAS. You will need:

• the UCAS name and institution codes for Newcastle University (NEWC/N21)
• the UCAS code for the course you want to apply for
• the UCAS 'buzzword' for your school or college

If you are applying independently, or are applying from a school or college which is not registered to manage applications, you will still use the Apply system. You will not need a buzzword.

Apply through UCAS

International students can apply through an agent

International students often apply to us through an agent. Have a look at our recommended agents and get in touch with them.

Visit our International pages