BA (Hons) Criminology and Sociology
University of Lincoln
Key Information
Campus location
Lincoln, United Kingdom
Languages
English
Study format
On-Campus
Duration
3 - 6 years
Pace
Full time, Part time
Tuition fees
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Application deadline
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Earliest start date
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* late applications will be considered if suitable vacancies remain
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Introduction
Criminologists use theory to explore some of the most contentious issues in contemporary society, working to understand the causes of crime and the way in which criminal justice agencies respond to offenders.
Criminology and Sociology at Lincoln aims to give students the skills needed to evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of social, cultural, and political responses to crime and deviance. Students are asked to apply their knowledge to real-life issues and have an opportunity to analyse the different social constructions of everyday life in order to better understand the diverse groups and structures that make up modern society.
"This information was correct at the time of publishing (July 2023)"
Admissions
Curriculum
How You Study
The course enables students to advance their discipline-specific knowledge. It provides the opportunity to develop a range of cognitive, practical, and transferable skills that may be relevant to further academic study and employment.
Academic staff undertake research in a broad range of areas. They work closely with local criminal justice agencies and professionals, such as the police and youth offending services, to enable students to access and learn from real-world knowledge and practices. Students are encouraged to build links with employers and develop skills in analytics, problem-solving, research methods, team-working, and public speaking.
The first-year Applying Research module is designed to develop skills in independent learning, research, and analysis. As the course progresses, students can shape their learning around their own interests and career aspirations by choosing from a range of optional modules influenced not only by sociology and criminology but also social policy and politics. In the third year, they can go on to consider punishment theory and practice alongside the mechanisms of social policy-making. Students may choose to specialise in diverse optional topics drawn from across the School, including the study of policing, work, human rights, genocide, and civil society.
The course aims to combine aspects of both directed and independent learning. Each module is usually delivered by means of a weekly lecture and seminar. Seminars are a space for students to discuss and debate the issues raised in the lecture and engage in critical reflection on set readings relating to such issues. Further methods of delivery include visits from practitioners and guest speakers, collaborative workshops, and IT sessions.
Students also have the opportunity to meet with tutors for individual tutorial sessions to explore in greater detail their own individual learning needs. As well as this directed study, students are expected to undertake independent learning utilising traditional library material as well as a wide range of electronic resources.
First Year
- Applying Research (Social Sciences) (Core)
- Images of Crime and Criminal Justice (Core)
- Key Social Science Concepts (Core)
- Sociological Imagination (Core)
Second Year
- (Re)Reading the Sociological Canon I (Core)
- (Re)reading the Sociological Canon II (Core)
- Applying Criminology (Core)
- Researching in Social Science (Core)
- Comparative Politics and Policy (Option)†
- Conceptualising Sex Work (Option)†
- Crime in Literature (Option)†
- Criminology in the Professions (Option)†
- Debating Welfare States (Option)†
- Ideology into Practice (Option)†
- Internationalising Cultural Studies (Option)†
- Model United Nations (Option)†
- Policing Crime and Deviance (Option)†
- Psychology in the Criminal Justice Process (Option)†
- Social Engagement (Option)†
- Sociology of Education (Option)†
- The Vigilant State: intelligence and national security (Option)†
- Transnational Security Studies (Option)†
- Understanding Domestic Abuse (Option)†
- Understanding the City (Option)†
- Understanding the European Union (Option)†
- Welfare Policy and Work (Option)†
- Work and Society (Option)†
- Youth Justice (Option)†
- Youth, Culture and Resistance (Option)†
Third Year
- Contemporary Social Theories and Approaches (Core)
- Human Rights (Social Sciences) (Core)
- Independent Study (Core)
- Penology and Penal Policy (Core)
- Analysing the Policy Process (Option)†
- Body Politics (Option)†
- Care or control? Welfare institutions in Britain before the welfare state (Option)†
- Children, Families and the State (Option)†
- Counselling and Guidance Skills (Option)†
- Counter-Terrorism Studies (Option)†
- Crimes of the Powerful (Option)†
- Emotions in Everyday Social Life (Option)†
- Experiencing Prison (Option)†
- Family Law (Option)†
- Gender and Violence (Option)†
- Global Civil Society (Option)†
- Global Governance (Option)†
- Multiculturalism and Britishness (Option)†
- Parliamentary Studies (Option)†
Police Studies (Option)†
- Race and Racism (Option)†
- Terrorism and Extremism in the United Kingdom (Option)†
- The Colonial Present (Option)†
- The Developing World (Option)†
- The Politics of Global Health (Option)†
- The Politics of Masculinity (Option)†
- Understanding the Policy Process (Option)†
- War Crimes and Genocide (Option)†
† Some courses may offer optional modules. The availability of optional modules may vary from year to year and will be subject to minimum student numbers being achieved. This means that the availability of specific optional modules cannot be guaranteed. Optional module selection may also be affected by staff availability.
How You Are Assessed
A notable feature of Criminology at Lincoln is the way in which the degree is both taught and assessed involving student-centred work. This might include group-based and individual research projects, multimedia presentations, case studies, auto-critiques, self-appraisal, vocationally relevant 'live' projects, oral examinations, and conferences.
Students are encouraged to build links with employers and to develop skills in analytics, problem-solving, research methods, team-working, and public speaking.
In the final year, students have the opportunity to combine their skills and undertake their own chosen area of study in preparation for an Independent Study. These methods of assessment are designed to enable students to develop a range of transferable skills.
Gallery
Program Outcome
How You Study
The course enables students to advance their discipline-specific knowledge. It provides the opportunity to develop a range of cognitive, practical, and transferable skills that may be relevant to further academic study and employment.
Academic staff undertake research in a broad range of areas. They work closely with local criminal justice agencies and professionals, such as the police and youth offending services, to enable students to access and learn from real-world knowledge and practices. Students are encouraged to build links with employers and develop skills in analytics, problem-solving, research methods, team-working, and public speaking.
The first-year Applying Research module is designed to develop skills in independent learning, research, and analysis. As the course progresses, students can shape their learning around their own interests and career aspirations by choosing from a range of optional modules influenced not only by sociology and criminology, but also social policy and politics. In the third year, they can go on to consider punishment theory and practice alongside the mechanisms of social policy making. Students may choose to specialise in diverse optional topics drawn from across the School, including the study of policing, work, human rights, genocide, and civil society.
The course aims to combine aspects of both directed and independent learning. Each module is usually delivered by means of a weekly lecture and seminar. Seminars are a space for students to discuss and debate the issues raised in the lecture and engage in critical reflection on set readings relating to such issues. Further methods of delivery include visits from practitioners and guest speakers, collaborative workshops, and IT sessions.
Students also have the opportunity to meet with tutors for individual tutorial sessions to explore in greater detail their own individual learning needs. As well as this directed study, students are expected to undertake independent learning utilising traditional library material as well as a wide range of electronic resources.
Scholarships and Funding
For eligible undergraduate students going to university for the first time, scholarships and bursaries are available to help cover costs. The University of Lincoln offers a variety of merit-based and subject-specific bursaries and scholarships.
How You Are Assessed
A notable feature of Criminology at Lincoln is the way in which the degree is both taught and assessed involving student-centred work. This might include group-based and individual research projects, multimedia presentations, case studies, auto-critiques, self-appraisal, vocationally relevant 'live' projects, oral examinations, and conferences.
Students are encouraged to build links with employers and to develop skills in analytics, problem-solving, research methods, team-working, and public speaking.
In the final year, students have the opportunity to combine their skills and undertake their own chosen area of study in preparation for an Independent Study. These methods of assessment are designed to enable students to develop a range of transferable skills.
"One of the best things I have found about the Criminology and Social Policy programme has been the infectious enthusiasm that the tutors have for the subject. It really brings the best out of students."
Michael Laba, Criminology and Sociology student
Work Opportunities Hub
The College’s Work Opportunities Hub, which looks to identify suitable placements for students, can help those seeking to enhance their studies with work experience.
Some courses offer students the opportunity to undertake placements. When students are on an optional placement in the UK or overseas or studying abroad, they will be required to cover their own transport and accommodation and meals costs. Placements can range from a few weeks to a full year if students choose to undertake an optional sandwich year in industry (where available). Students are encouraged to obtain placements in industry independently. Tutors may provide support and advice to students who require it during this process.
Is This Course Right For Me?
This programme is designed for those who are looking for a course that aims to provide the foundation for considering some of the most contentious issues in contemporary society.
It is designed for those who consider the challenging issues which Criminology and Social Policy address not merely interesting but worthy of understanding as more complex issues than are 'popularly' thought.
What We Look For In Your Application
Interest in key areas of crime and criminal justice, and social policy issues, such as the ways the state treats its most vulnerable citizens. Useful reading in preparation:
- Alcock, P., Haux, T., May, M. and Wright, S. (eds.) (2017) The Student's Companion to Social Policy, Wiley-Blackwell, Oxford
Several scholarship options are available. Please check the university website for more information.
Program Tuition Fee
Career Opportunities
Graduates have gone on to positions in a a diverse range of areas, including roles in the probation and prison services, health and social services, police authorities, youth work, victim support, government policy, and education. Some students progress to further study at Master’s and doctoral level.