School of Social Science, Humanities and Creative Industries

BA (Hons) Sociology and Criminology

BA (Hons) Part-time 6 years, Full-time 3 years

Experience, opportunity and inclusion inform education on this course, the University of Wolverhampton drawing from student, teacher and guest input to craft a curriculum which effectively explores contemporary concerns. 

Experience, opportunity and inclusion inform education on this course, the University of Wolverhampton drawing from student, teacher and guest input to craft a curriculum which effectively explores contemporary concerns. 

Award
BA (Hons)
Start date(s)
14 September 2026
UCAS Code
LM51
Course specifications
Course length
Part-time (6 years),Full-time (3 years)
Campus location
University: City Campus
UCAS points calculator

Why choose this course?

Experience, opportunity and inclusion inform education on this course, the University of Wolverhampton drawing from student, teacher and guest input to craft a curriculum which effectively explores contemporary concerns. Your insights will be explored through community-based learning, embedding your knowledge through engagement with the lived experiences of people living with disadvantage and discrimination, as well as larger institutions including schools, voluntary sector organisations, the local council or the criminal justice system. The power of celebrity, environmental movements, nationality, crime, policing and probation are examined at local, national and international levels, aided by the expert School of Social, Historical and Political Studies teaching team and curated guest speakers, further enhancing your research with real-world examples and developing skills for the workplace.

What's unique about this course?

  • Your insights will be explored through community-based learning, embedding your knowledge through engagement with the lived experiences of people living with disadvantage and discrimination.
  • This exciting course offers you the opportunity to study the social world we inhabit and apply that knowledge to understand and address social issues.. 
  • Students who graduate from the BA (Hons) Sociology and Criminology and course will have an in-depth theoretical and applied knowledge and understanding of social issues, inequality, the environment, crime, victimisation, and social harm.

What happens on the course?

This course is currently subject to revalidation in February 2026.

Our exciting new course offers you the opportunity to study the social world we inhabit and apply that knowledge to understand and address social issues.  What causes inequality, and what can be done to reduce it?  How much power does the media have to shape public opinion and what is the reality behind the newspaper headlines on crime?  What is crime?  Who commits crime and what happens when they do?  What is the importance of nations and nationalities in a global world?  Why is the environment a topic that should be at the forefront of sociological thinking and why is environmental crime on the rise?  How important is the body in the construction of our identity?  How can we understand health and illness outcomes by ethnicity, gender, and even geographical location?  A Sociology and Criminology degree at The University of Wolverhampton enables us to consider these questions, and more, by examining the role of theory in empowering us to understand contemporary concerns at local, national, and international levels.  In your final year of study, you will undertake a piece of individual research on an area of sociology or criminology that particularly interests you, and which will further develop your research skills.

Students who graduate from the BA (Hons) Sociology and Criminology and course will have an in-depth theoretical and applied knowledge and understanding of social issues, inequality, the environment, crime, victimisation, and social harm. Subject specific topics, such as knowledge of the social processes of crime and the criminal justice system, human rights, rehabilitation and desistance, criminal justice history, and youth crime will be explored and complemented by the type of transferable skills that are highly valued by employers in the graduate job market. These include the ability to present and develop a cohesive argument, the development of a wide range of IT skills, research and problem-solving skills, communication skills, and working effectively as part of a team.

Placements on the course

We’ve built professional placements into every degree, every student will be guaranteed a professional placement. Our placements give you the real-world exposure and proven experience your CV needs, while building the industry networks essential for your career.

These short-term, structured experiences include:

  • Short duration: condensed work-like experience in professional environments
  • Academic integration: always linked to coursework, assessments or professional development modules
  • Project-based learning: students work on specific tasks or research with an organisation
  • Flexible format: can be in-person, remote, hybrid or virtual
  • Skill development: enhances workplace skills like communication, teamwork and problem-solving
  • Experiential learning: helping to close the gap between knowledge gained and the skills needed to succeed

Employability on the course

Our courses are designed from day one to prepare you for your future career. You will benefit from:

  • Extended induction: a period to familiarise yourself with your new university
  • Structured learning pathways: courses are crafted with a focus on preparing students for future careers
  • Hands-on project experience: projects and practical activities designed around real-world activities
  • Embedded professional development: all courses are designed with workplace skills development and professional placements as part of the course
  • Industry-informed modules: course content is kept up-to-date with industry standards through our industry links, staff's research and work in the field
  • Placement opportunities: professional development placements for every student

Potential Career Paths

A BA in Sociology and Criminology can lead to a wide range of careers focused on understanding and addressing social issues, crime, and inequality. Graduates may pursue roles such as probation or offender management officer, police or civilian investigator, criminologist, social researcher, policy or research officer, youth or community support worker, victim support advocate, prison or rehabilitation services officer, and roles within charities or NGOs. The degree also provides strong foundations for careers in social work, education, human resources, public policy, and postgraduate study in law, criminology, or social research.

Additional Information

Everything you need to know about this course!

Graduate employability is embedded throughout the degree programme at The University of Wolverhampton, developing students’ expertise in a range of key employer-identified skills that prepare our students for the workforce of the future. Through placements, visits and guest speakers, you will have opportunities to engage with voluntary and public sector organisations, and the wider community, to embed your learning.

Through learning activities such as planning a campaign, analysing policy briefs, analysing data and participating in group activities, you will develop important skills to support your ability to become an inclusive and reflective practitioner in the workplace.

In addition, an array of assignment types, such as poster presentations, writing reports and planning a campaign, will support the development of essential skills for the workplace, such as communication skills, presentation skills, teamworking, IT skills, research skills and critical thinking.

Location Mode Sep intake Fee Year
Home Full-time £9535 per year 2025-26
Home Part-time £4768 per year# 2025-26
International Full-time £15995 per year 2025-26

The University is committed to a transparent fee structure, with no hidden costs, to help you make an informed decision. This includes information on what is included in the fee and how fees are calculated and reviewed.


If a tuition fee is not showing, we may not offer this intake for this course. Please check the start date information on the course finder for start dates.

# Undergraduate part-time fees for 50% rate of study

Typical entry requirement: 96 UCAS points

  • A Levels - grades CCC / BCD
  • BTEC L3 Extended Diploma or OCR Cambridge L3 Technical Extended Diploma - grades MMM
  • BTEC L3 Diploma - grades DD
  • Access to HE Diploma (60 credits) of which a minimum of 45 must be at Level 3 (96 UCAS point equivalence, minimum 45 credits at merit)
  • T Levels with an overall grade of Pass and a minimum grade of C in Core.
  • Use the UCAS Tariff calculator to check your qualifications and points

    Other Requirements

    Students must usually have studied for a minimum of two years post GCSE level. However, we will consider applications from mature students who do not have two years of post-16 study, where they have relevant work experience. Please see http://wlv.ac.uk/mature for further information.

Since I started university in 2018, my capabilities have been recognised by the department, who have inspired me to be consistent and confident.  I have managed to secure employment because of my graduate achievements and volunteering opportunities offered by the university. Eventually, I want to teach, support, and encourage students to achieve their ambitions, and give back the value that the department places on student support and empowerment. – Christiane Jenkins, BA (Hons) Sociology and Politics

As someone who was unsure whether university was for me, my time at the University of Wolverhampton confirmed that I had made the right decision. The staff were all supportive, friendly, welcoming and easily accessible for meetings to help with assignments and other tasks. All of the staff ensured that lectures were engaging and interesting and provided new knowledge and opportunities to research further. The wide range of module choices available across the Sociology course meant that the topics were diverse and engaging. The assignments that were given were also varied and this approach meant that different skills could be learnt and developed. The course allowed me to develop my knowledge and grow a deeper passion for researching in Sociology – Sophie Cole BA (Hons) Sociology

Tuition Fees Loan (Home Fee Status):

Most students will be able to apply for a loans to pay for these subject to eligibility. To find out more information please refer to the government Student Finance website.

Changes for EU students:

The UK government has confirmed that EU students starting courses from 1 August 2021 will normally be classified as having Overseas Fee status. More information about the change is available at UKCISA:

EU citizens living in the UK with 'settled' status, and Irish nationals living in the UK or Ireland, will still be classified as Home students, providing they meet the usual residency requirements, for more information about EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS)


Self-funding:

If you don’t want to take out a loan to pay your fees or if you aren’t eligible to receive a loan, you might want to take advantage of the University’s scheme to pay by instalments: See How to pay.

For more information please contact the Gateway.


Your employer, embassy or organisation can pay for your Tuition fees:

If your employer, embassy or organisation agrees to pay all or part of your tuition fees; the University will refer to them as your sponsor and will invoice them for the appropriate amount.

We must receive notification of sponsorship in writing as soon as possible, and before enrolment, confirming that the sponsor will pay your tuition fees.


Financial Hardship:

Students can apply to the Dennis Turner Opportunity Fund.

for help with course related costs however this cannot be used for fees or to cover general living costs.


Bursaries and Scholarships:

In addition the University also offers a range of Bursaries and Scholarships packages

You can find more information on the University’s Funding, cost, fee and support pages.

Telephone

01902 32 22 22

Email

enquiries@wlv.ac.uk

Online

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How we compare

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Find out how our course is rated on Discover Uni, the official website for comparing UK higher education courses.

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