Criminology and Sociology
(BA) Criminology and Sociology
Entry for 2024
FHEQ level
This course is set at Level 6 in the national Framework for Higher Education Qualifications.
Course learning outcomes
Explain major criminological and sociological concepts and theories, and their potential application
Critically evaluate competing criminological and sociological explanations theories and concepts in a variety of national and international contexts
Explain major sociological concepts and theories and be able to relate criminological concepts, theories and findings to this sociological tradition
Demonstrate knowledge of the structure, processes and and practices of the criminal justice system of England and Wales
Analyse the significance of social inequalities and social diversity for processes of criminalisation, victimisation and social control, and the effects and patterning of inequality and diversity in society more widely
Reflect on the relationship between criminological and sociological theory and concepts, and empirical data
Identify major methods of data collection in social research, and assess the appropriateness of their use in different contexts
Formulate criminological and/or sociological questions and plan how to answer them
Select and use appropriate research methods (including questionnaires, interviews, observation and documentary analysis)
Distinguish between ethical and unethical research practice
Make simple analyses of quantitative and qualitative data using appropriate methods
Communicate research findings to an academic audience
Critically discuss criminological and sociological topics drawing on criminological and sociological theory, and relevant evidence and empirical examples, and present the conclusions in a variety of academic formats such as essays, examinations, presentations and portfolios
Explain and critically evaluate how far criminological and sociological concepts, theories and empirical research findings are relevant to policy questions in national and international contexts
Full-time course composition
Course convenors
Associate Professor in Sociology
working class, inequality, education, globalisation.
About your joint honours course
Sussex has always promoted interdisciplinary study by encouraging students to combine different subjects and different approaches to learning. Joint-honours courses are an ideal option if you want to study more than one subject in depth. A key idea behind joint-honours is to experience the range of ways that different academic disciplines use to teach, learn and research. Those differences are stimulating and challenging, but they can also be confusing, so you will find some useful information below to help you get the most out of your course.
- To find information about the individual modules that make up your course, go to the school that teaches the module. Each module is assessed by the school that teaches it, so on their website you will find (under “student information”) information about the assessment criteria being used, the referencing style you need to use for your work, contact times for your tutors, information about the student reps scheme and lots of other useful information.
- To find general information about joint honours, use the Frequently Asked Questions list
- For information about the rules and regulations that govern all Sussex students, start with the general student handbook
- For help in improving your study skills, using the library and with careers, try the Skills Hub.
And if you have any other questions, contact the convenors for your course; they are here to help you.
Useful links
Please note that the University will use all reasonable endeavours to deliver courses and modules in accordance with the descriptions set out here. However, the University keeps its courses and modules under review with the aim of enhancing quality. Some changes may therefore be made to the form or content of courses or modules shown as part of the normal process of curriculum management.
The University reserves the right to make changes to the contents or methods of delivery of, or to discontinue, merge or combine modules, if such action is reasonably considered necessary by the University. If there are not sufficient student numbers to make a module viable, the University reserves the right to cancel such a module. If the University withdraws or discontinues a module, it will use its reasonable endeavours to provide a suitable alternative module.