Criminology and Sociology

You'll study how society works - and how it can change. The course covers:

• Core sociological theory and concepts, including power, inequality, identity, and institutions
• Social research methods and ethics, using qualitative and quantitative approaches
• Contemporary social issues such as health inequalities, climate change, digital life, gender, race, class, and political polarisation
• Applied Sociology through real-world case studies, community engagement, and policy and practice contexts.

You'll graduate with practical, transferable skills, including:

• Critical thinking Analyse complex social problems using theory and evidence
• Research skills Design studies, working with data, and evaluating evidence
• Organisational insight Understand how institutions and systems operate, and developing the skills to manage and improve real-world practice
• Practical skills Produce reports, briefings and projects linked to professional work
• Communication Write and presenting clearly for academic, professional, and public audiences
• Collaboration and independence Work effectively with others while managing your own projects
• Digital skills Use digital tools to research, analyse, and communicate ideas.

You'll learn how to think sociologically by questioning taken-for-granted assumptions and "common-sense" responses to social problems. You'll develop skills in observing the world around you, identifying patterns, and evaluating evidence and forms of practice to explore how social issues are currently understood and addressed - and where policy, practice, or intervention might be improved.

At BSU, our courses are designed to equip our graduates with the knowledge and skills they’ll need for the real world. To do this, we are continually improving our courses by responding to feedback from students and other stakeholders. This may mean changes may be made to the curriculum. You’ll always be given notice of any such changes

For more information on how we approach such changes at the university, please read our policies on

• Suspensions and Discontinuations
• Programme modifications.

Year one

Sociological ideas are introduced as practical tools for analysing real-world problems, helping you make sense of everyday experiences, explore how Sociology informs action in communities and organisations, and begin to identify the kinds of applied roles you may want to work towards. You'll develop the ability to communicate your ideas, work collaboratively with others, and begin to construct evidence-informed arguments with guidance.

Year two

The emphasis shifts towards debate, critical thinking, and deeper analytical engagement with social problems. Through structured discussion and debate, you'll move beyond simply describing existing work and are supported to develop your own analytical perspectives. 

Drawing on established theories, research, policy, and practice, you'll learn to evaluate competing perspectives, interrogate evidence, and use existing work critically rather than being confined by it. Applied case studies and research-led learning strengthen your ability to communicate ideas clearly, work collaboratively with others, and construct well-evidenced, context-aware arguments that connect sociological analysis to real-world contexts.

Year three

The emphasis is on independent project work and applying sociological insight in real-world contexts. You'll take increasing responsibility for designing, managing, and completing substantial projects, working with greater autonomy while remaining supported where appropriate. 

Whether through community engagement, digital or practice-based projects, or extended independent inquiry, you'll apply sociological ideas to complex social problems, evaluate interventions and practice, and develop ethical, sustainable responses. This final year consolidates your confidence as an independent thinker and practitioner, able to communicate your work clearly and work effectively across professional, community, and civic setting.

Essays, case studies, reports, projects, practical work experience, critical reflections on learning and practice, Wiki pages, policy briefings and more (variation depending on modules chosen).

You can expect an average of around 12 hours of timetabled teaching per week in Years One and Two, reducing to around 9 hours per week in Year Three as your learning becomes more independent. Some modules, particularly those involving placements or community-based learning, may have fewer scheduled contact hours, reflecting learning that takes place in applied or professional settings. 

In some cases, reduced contact is provided due to additional one-to-one support provided. Teaching is delivered through a balance of lectures, student-led seminars, and practical workshops, with learning becoming more practical and student-led as you progress. 

Lectures introduce key ideas and debates, while seminars and workshops focus on discussion, collaboration, and applied learning. This structure supports your active engagement and the development of analytical, communication, and practical skills. Academic support is built into the programme through regular contact with teaching staff, structured feedback on assessments, and opportunities for reflection and development. As you progress through the degree, teaching and support are designed to help you become an increasingly confident, independent learner.

To find out more about how we teach and how you'll learn, please read our information on Your Learning and Teaching at BSU.

As part of your degree, you could study abroad on a placement at one of Bath Spa’s partner universities.

The programme offers a range of opportunities that enable you to apply sociological knowledge beyond the classroom. Field trips, placements, and guest speakers are embedded throughout the curriculum, giving you insight into professional and community-based practice. You'll be able to engage with practitioners working in areas such as community arts and wellbeing, healthcare, youth support, and refugee and community services.

The programme has established links with external organisations, including Bristol Refugee Rights, Stand Against Racism and Inequality, schools and colleges, and local youth and community support services.

These partnerships support opportunities for volunteering, applied projects, placements, and community engagement and practice, helping you develop experience, confidence and employability.

You'll be well prepared for a wide range of roles across the public, voluntary, community, and private sectors. The degree develops strong analytical, research, communication, and problem-solving skills that are valued in roles such as policy and research support, community and youth work, health and wellbeing services, education and outreach, charity and NGO work, local government, equality and inclusion roles, media and communications and roles within the criminal justice and social care sectors.

You'll also progress into further study and professional training in areas such as social research, teaching, health and social care, public policy, and related postgraduate pathways. You'll develop strong analytical and research skills that are highly transferable across sectors. These include the ability to interpret data, evaluate evidence, understand audiences and behaviour, and communicate insights clearly - skills that are particularly valued in fields such as marketing, communications, human resources and organisational development.

If you’re a full-time undergraduate student starting your first year at Bath Spa University, you can apply for the Certificate in Global Citizenship, which you’ll study alongside your degree.

You’ll gain global awareness and add an international dimension to your student experience, and funding is available. On successful completion of the programme, you’ll be awarded a Certificate in Global Citizenship. This is in addition to your degree; it doesn’t change your degree title or results.

The Professional Placement Year (PPY) provides you with the opportunity to identify, apply for, and secure professional experience, normally comprising one to three placements over a minimum of nine months. Successful completion of this module will demonstrate your ability to secure and sustain graduate-level employment.

By completing the module, you'll be entitled to the addition of 'with Professional Placement Year' to your degree title.

Before your PPY, you'll work to identify roles of interest and secure a placement. The Placements Team will support through timetabled sessions and 1:1 appointments.

As well as completing a minimum of 900 placement hours, you will complete two assessments demonstrating your skill development, growth in professional behaviours and how the PPY has impacted your future career aspirations.

Sociology is taught at Newton Park campus. 

You'll have access to excellent facilities and resources such as:

• Commons Building
• Virtual Learning Environment
• Library and digital learning spaces
• Writing and Learning Centre
• English Language Unit
• Specialist journals and databases
• All courses on LinkedIn Learning.

You'll benefit from access to a supportive and well-resourced learning environment, including modern teaching spaces, digital learning platforms, and library resources that support sociological study, research, and applied learning. Online systems provide access to academic journals, datasets, and specialist resources used across the social sciences. You'll also have access to ASk.

Teaching is delivered by a research-active and practice-engaged academic team with expertise across social inequality, health and wellbeing, digital society, culture and media, governance and policy, community engagement, and social justice. Staff bring a wide range of disciplinary and professional perspectives into teaching, ensuring you engage with contemporary debates and real-world applications of Sociology.

You'll also benefit from guest speakers and practitioner expertise, with contributions from professionals working in community organisations, healthcare, education, youth and refugee support, and the voluntary sector. This combination of academic and practitioner expertise helps you connect sociological ideas to professional practice and future careers.

Our library gives you access to books, academic journals and DVDs and an extensive range of electronic services. It also provides a place for individual study and collaborative work.