Funding
Find out more about financing your studies and whether you may qualify for one of our bursaries and scholarships
Money MattersPair these two subjects and you’ll explore crime and punishment, law and order, justice and injustice with an understanding of how society works.
BSc (Hons) Criminology and Sociology offers the exciting opportunity to combine the study of two cutting-edge disciplines.
The course is aimed at students who are interested in both disciplines and want to study crime and its causes, patterns, consequences, and responses by situating them in the wider context of society.
The first year introduces students to the building blocks of criminology and sociology: key sociological and criminological theories, social divisions and problems, the criminal justice system, crime policy and practice, and key social transformations such as digital culture. Students will receive training in a wide range of research methods during the first two years, to become equipped to undertake their own independent research project in the final
ye...
3 year full-time
4 year full-time with placement
4 year full-time with study aboard
This joint degree offers the opportunity to study the two related disciplines of sociology and criminology.
Both criminology and sociology offer an understanding of the world and society that emphasises the interaction between individuals, groups and social institutions. A key concern is to what extent individuals shape their own lives and in what ways larger social structures (e.g. gender, ethnicity or social class) impact on them. You will gain a thorough grounding in sociological concepts and research methods which help us to understand how modern society functions. Moreover, you will study the causes and consequences of crime, society's responses to law-breaking and the processes of the criminal justice system.
As you progress through this course, you will have increasing levels of flexibility, allowing you to pursue your own specific interests in the fields of sociology and criminology from a broad range of option units. The course is supported by the use of innovative teaching methods, particularly interactive learning, and you will develop a wide range of transferable skills, which will prove valuable for an array of graduate careers inside the criminal justice system and beyond.
National Student Survey 2023 (NSS)
Teaching Excellence Framework 2023-2027
In year 1, you will study core units within both Criminology and Sociology. The Sociology modules will address a range of sociological perspectives on modern society, and investigate methods for understanding the changes that modern society is undergoing. The Criminology modules address criminological theory, the philosophies and policies of punishment, and research methods.
Crime and Society focuses on the foundations of criminological and sociological perspectives. Through exploring contemporary challenges in the world such as poverty, crime, education and internationally based topics, you will consider how theoretical perspectives are used to help observe and explain some of the complex issues facing society.
Using both qualitative and quantitative methods, this module will teach you how data can transform lives, whilst equipping you with specific techniques to use data and evidence to tell sociological and criminological stories and interpret complex social problems. Important national and global issues, including but not limited to crime, poverty, health and education are observed and explored.
Criminology and Sociology in Action provides the opportunity to apply current research and theory to real examples of injustice and inequality -presented to you by visiting external experts in the field, from public sector to private corporations.
The world we live in is marked with injustice and inequality; Global Social Justice will allow you to explore these issues by applying what you learn in the classroom to the real world. You will explore current social injustices taking place in society, be it an issue right here in the city of Manchester, or something on the other side of the globe.
With support from the dedicated placement team, you can research and apply for a wide range of roles available both in the UK and abroad.
While the emphasis is on the student to secure a position, the placement team will provide links to employers through presentations, events, and fairs, and provide a specialist programme of guidance on recruitment procedures including CV and interview preparation, as well as work readiness and working overseas.
In year 2, you will examine sociological theory, issues and debates in contemporary sociology, and criminology units including the criminal justice system, and crime and the community.
Why do we have problems in society, such as crime, poverty and injustice? More importantly, what can we do about it? Decoding Crime and Society explores a range of challenging questions that allow you to think and engage with questions such as why problems and crimes exist, who defines
problems and crimes, who are more likely to be a part of these issues and what societal structures there might be that lead to these issues.
Building on your growing awareness of social science research methods, this module provides you with the knowledge and skills to engage, analyse, manage and interrogate complex data that is used to make decisions in wider world settings. Developing your abilities to tell criminological and sociological stories you will select and engage with relevant qualitative and quantitative methods to help bring research to life.
Building on from Criminology and Sociology in Action in year 1, this module provides students with the opportunity to collaboratively engage with organisations, academic staff, and peers to bring your discipline to life. Taking a problem-based learning approach, live social action projects, set by experts in and outside the University, will be explored that tackle wider world issues in a local, national and global context.
With support from the dedicated placement team, you can research and apply for a wide range of roles available both in the UK and abroad.
While the emphasis is on the student to secure a position, the placement team will provide links to employers through presentations, events, and fairs, and provide a specialist programme of guidance on recruitment procedures including CV and interview preparation, as well as work readiness and working overseas.
In year 3, you will be able to select a specialism in Justice Studies, Quantitative Methods or Global Youth Justice, or continue on with core BSc (Hons) Criminology and Sociology. You will also conduct an independent research project and the opportunity to work alongside industry experts.
If you take the four-year study abroad route, year 3 will be spent studying overseas.
This professional module prepares you for your graduate future by applying your criminological and sociological imagination to create a proposed solution to a current sociological or criminological problem in the world. Working alongside experts, you will have the opportunity to engage with current innovation and research whilst bringing your own expertise and knowledge developed from your undergraduate studies.
Building on your skills and knowledge from all three years of study, you will work with your supervisor to decide a topic to explore. You will critically assess a sociological or criminological issue of your choice. Examples could include Historic Events, Social Movements, Grassroots Organisations, Policy, or Current Issues you believe require action. You will create tangible evidence for your future study or career through a portfolio-based assessment centred on research and engagement with your chosen topic.
Pathway A: Justice Studies
You will take this module if you choose a specialism in Justice Studies.
This module will be delivered by the ‘Justice’ research group. You will critically explore the causes of crime, deviance and harm through consideration of the relevance of structural relations of gender, class, and race(ism).
Pathway A: Justice Studies
You will take this module if you choose a specialism in Justice Studies.
In this module, you will be encouraged to work independently, and with the support of an academic mentor from the Justice Project, to develop and research a self-identified focus related to justice and social change.
Pathway B: Quantitative Methods
You will take this module if you choose a specialism in Quantitative Methods.
This module will be delivered by the Manchester Met Q-Step team. It will equip you with knowledge and application of quantitative research design, specifically regression modelling. It will provide you with the essential skills for entering the data analytics sector, not just relevant to sociology and criminology, but other sectors such as education, psychology, business, law and data science.
Pathway B: Quantitative Methods
You will take this module if you choose a specialism in Quantitative Methods
In this module you will complete an independent research project, working with quantitative data of your choice. You will have the option of carrying your project out as part of a placement with an external organisation throughout the entire academic year. Alternatively, you may conduct independent research in any topic of your choice with the support of academic mentors from the Manchester Met Q-Step team.
Pathway C: Global Youth Justice
You will take this module if you choose a specialism in Global Youth Justice.
This module will be delivered by the award-winning Manchester Centre for Youth Studies (MCYS). You will critically investigate and engage with a range of contemporary global challenges and injustices facing children and young people.
Pathway C: Global Youth Justice
You will take this module if you choose a specialism in Global Youth Justice.
In this module, you will complete an independent research project that focuses on one of the challenges and injustices covered in Global Youth Justice. You will be supervised and supported by those within the Manchester Centre for Youth Studies (MCYS), and have the opportunity to engage with MCYS’ partners, regionally, nationally, and internationally.
With support from the dedicated placement team, you can research and apply for a wide range of roles available both in the UK and abroad.
While the emphasis is on the student to secure a position, the placement team will provide links to employers through presentations, events, and fairs, and provide a specialist programme of guidance on recruitment procedures including CV and interview preparation, as well as work readiness and working overseas.
Whether you’ve already made your decision about what you want to study, or you’re just considering your options, there are lots of ways you can meet us and find out more about student life at Manchester Met.
We offer:
Your studies are supported by a department of committed and enthusiastic teachers and researchers, experts in their chosen field.
We often link up with external professionals too, helping to enhance your learning and build valuable connections to the working world.
These typical entry requirements may be subject to change for the 2025/26 academic year. Please check back for further details.
GCE A levels - grades BCC or equivalent
Pearson BTEC National Extended Diploma - grade DMM
Access to HE Diploma - Pass overall with a minimum 106 UCAS Tariff points
UAL Level 3 Extended Diploma - grade of Merit overall
OCR Cambridge Technical Extended Diploma - grade DMM
T level - We welcome applications from students undertaking T level qualifications. Eligible applicants will be asked to achieve a minimum overall grade of Merit as a condition of offer
IB Diploma - Pass overall with a minimum overall score of 26 or minimum 104 UCAS Tariff points from three Higher Level subjects
Other Level 3 qualifications equivalent to GCE A level are also considered.
A maximum of three A level-equivalent qualifications will be accepted towards meeting the UCAS tariff requirement.
AS levels, or qualifications equivalent to AS level, are not accepted. The Extended Project qualification (EPQ) may be accepted towards entry, in conjunction with two A-level equivalent qualifications.
Please contact the University directly if you are unsure whether you meet the minimum entry requirements for the course.
GCSE grade C/4 in English Language or equivalent, e.g. Pass in Level 2 Functional Skills English
and
GCSE grade C/4 in Mathematics or equivalent, e.g. Pass in Level 2 Functional Skills Mathematics
GCE A levels - grades BCC or equivalent
Pearson BTEC National Extended Diploma - grade DMM
Access to HE Diploma - Pass overall with a minimum 106 UCAS Tariff points
UAL Level 3 Extended Diploma - grade of Merit overall
OCR Cambridge Technical Extended Diploma - grade DMM
T level - We welcome applications from students undertaking T level qualifications. Eligible applicants will be asked to achieve a minimum overall grade of Merit as a condition of offer
IB Diploma - Pass overall with a minimum overall score of 26 or minimum 104 UCAS Tariff points from three Higher Level subjects
Other Level 3 qualifications equivalent to GCE A level are also considered.
A maximum of three A level-equivalent qualifications will be accepted towards meeting the UCAS tariff requirement.
AS levels, or qualifications equivalent to AS level, are not accepted. The Extended Project qualification (EPQ) may be accepted towards entry, in conjunction with two A-level equivalent qualifications.
Please contact the University directly if you are unsure whether you meet the minimum entry requirements for the course.
There’s further information for international students on our international website if you’re applying with non-UK qualifications.
Tuition fees for the 2025/26 academic year are still being finalised for all courses. You can find information on 2024/25 standard undergraduate fees for UK/Channel Islands and EU/Non-EU international students. All fees stated may be subject to change for the 2025/26 academic year.
£500 for a Laptop, £100 per year for books and any printing.
Optional Professional Membership of British Criminological Association £88.50 or British Sociological Association £40.
£75 travel expenses for Independent Research Project (if applicable).
Find out more about financing your studies and whether you may qualify for one of our bursaries and scholarships
Money MattersOpportunities may exist in the established agencies of the criminal justice system (for example, the police, prisons and probation services or in the private sector companies that have undertaken the provision of criminal justice services). There is also the potential to work in areas such as probation work, housing, family care and other roles in social services. Other graduates have gone into administrative and managerial jobs in local or national government, or have secured roles within the voluntary sector.
There is also the opportunity to engage in further study and professional training, for example some of our graduates go on to study at postgraduate level with our range of Masters programmes. Our courses are informed by experts in their field, from MA Applied Criminology, taught by former justice practitioners and research experts; to the Master in Public Administration and MSc Evaluation and Policy Analysis, which are both led by academics from the Policy Evaluation and Research Unit (PERU). You can also study MSc Digital Society (with specialisms in Digital Sociology and Digital Politics).
You can apply for this course for 2025/26 entry once UCAS applications open in autumn.
Visit UCAS for further details, including deadlines.
Get advice and support on making a successful application.
You can review our current Terms and Conditions before you make your application. If you are successful with your application, we will send you up to date information alongside your offer letter.
Programme Review
Our programmes undergo an annual review and major review (normally
at 6 year intervals) to ensure an up-to-date curriculum supported by the
latest online learning technology. For further information on when we
may make changes to our programmes, please see the
changes section of our Terms and Conditions.
Important Notice
This online prospectus provides an overview of our programmes of study
and the University. We regularly update our online prospectus so that
our published course information is accurate. Please check back to the
online prospectus before making an application to us to access the most
up to date information for your chosen course of study.
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