Overview
Combining two exciting and complementary disciplines, this fascinating degree explores social issues and problems, with a particular emphasis on crime, victimisation, justice and punishment. You will examine debates on these criminological areas in socio-economic and political contexts at the local, national and transnational levels of society.
This means you will study how crime relates to key sociological issues such as inequality, marginality, identity, power and control. You will also consider the individual motivations underlying criminal behaviour in order to gain an understanding of the causes and consequences of crime as well as the response to the crime – in the form of policies and legislation around policing, crime prevention, sentencing and punishment.
Our course has been designed by experienced current teaching staff including qualified educationalists and former criminal justice practitioners, active researchers and experts in areas such as race, gender, media, sexuality and class.
We have excellent links with local organisations and employers, many of whom provide work placements. Such links currently include the Citizens Advice Bureau and local Council.
Why Coventry University?
An award-winning university, we are committed to providing our students with the best possible experience. We continue to invest in both our facilities and our innovative approach to education. Our students benefit from industry-relevant teaching, and resources and support designed to help them succeed. These range from our modern library and computing facilities to dedicated careers advice and our impressive Students’ Union activities.
To ensure an optimised and continual student experience, the university may deliver certain contact hours and assessments via emerging online technologies and methods across all courses.
Global ready
An international outlook, with global opportunitiesEmployability
Career-ready graduates, with the skills to succeedTeaching Excellence
Taught by lecturers who are experts in their fieldCourse essentials
A degree which offers you more, at no extra costRelated Links
Building Redevelopment
We are currently in the process of a major redevelopment of our Faculty of Arts and Humanities buildings. The building will be open to the public as well as students, and will feature an expansive gallery space.
Creative Community Hub
We hope that you are all staying safe in these uncertain times. Creative activities can really help fill the days, while we are spending more time at home and we have some ideas to keep you busy.
Virtual experience
Visit our online degree show where we have brought together the work of over 500 students.
What our students say
I would recommend this course and Coventry University to any student who is looking for a contemporary learning and assessment style which equips students with transferrable skills and the confidence to succeed in any career that they might want.
Course information
If you have a curious, analytical mind and are interested in crime and its effects on individuals and society at large, this course engages you in challenging and often emotive debates about human behaviour and the societies we live in.
Underpinned by core sociological and criminological theories and research methods, our degree focuses on crime and criminal justice in a broad, social and global context, including its effect on individuals, families, communities and workplaces. We will draw on case studies from around the world, rather than exclusively from Britain, as social and political changes such as migration, employment, war and conflict have an impact on patterns in crime and social relations.
86%
of our students are satisfied with the quality of the course
NSS, 2016
Course Specification
Download PDF
Modules
We regularly review our course content, to make it relevant and current for the benefit of our students. For these reasons, course modules may be updated.
In more detail...
The Sociology and Criminology team at Coventry are committed to your academic and personal development. Student support is one of our top priorities and you’ll be joining a lively, welcoming and friendly community. Please note, Coventry University attained a 95.5% student satisfaction in 2019 (National Student Survey, 2019). You’ll be taught by a combination of qualified educationalists, active researchers, former practitioners and experts in their areas (please note, staff members are subject to change).
We will encourage you to challenge some of the typical preconceptions about the nature of crime and disorder; about who commits crime, the harm it entails and how it is punished. In doing so, you should develop strong analytical abilities, enabling you to cast a perceptive and critical eye on the world and convey your ideas and views effectively - skills which are beneficial in any number of careers.
As you progress in your studies, you will develop an appreciation of the real-life experience of social policy which is embedded in the course through a range of events and conferences, with academics, practitioners and policy maker, which in the past have often featured national and international politicians.
For example, in the past, students have attended the British Sociological Association Annual Conference and the Coventry University ‘Sociology Speaking Seminar Series’ and engaged in debate about issues, policy and laws concerning areas such as social justice, media, immigration and current political affairs.
As part of our commitment to provide practical, real-life experience relevant to future careers, you’ll have opportunities to work in diverse situations on short and long-term placements. Please refer to the ‘Fees & Funding’ tab.
You’ll also have the opportunity to participate in exciting field trips; students have previously visited Berlin to explore Post War Germany, Memorialisation, Sicily to examine Anti-Mafia Organisations, and Gothenburg to research migration, urban development, music and food culture. Please refer to the ‘Fees & Funding’ tab.
- Choice of optional modules allowing you to tailor your degree to suit your interests in Sociology and Criminology
- Opportunities to expand international experience by participating in exciting field trips, studying or working abroad. Please refer to the ‘Fees and Funding’ tab
- The opportunity to develop skills employers look for, such as working to deadline, presentation, verbal and written communication, analysis, critical thinking and report writing
- Excellent professional links with local and national employers
- Expert guest lecturers who have, in the past, covered topics ranging from Islamic Relief, Think Ahead (social work programme), Citizens Advice Bureau (subject to availability)
Links with national and local employers including the Citizens Advice Bureau.
Your main study themes are: sociological and inter-disciplinary approaches to the study of crime, victimisation, justice and punishment in local, national and global contexts.
This course can be studied on a full-time basis for three years or part-time, typically taking between four and six years to complete. It has intakes in September and is taught using a mixture of lectures, small group seminars, personal tutorials and practical, ‘hands-on’ skills workshops. Core course content will be delivered during the lectures, while the associated seminars and workshops offer opportunities for you to explore topics more independently and in more depth.
We place great emphasis on supporting you to identify work experience and those who wish to undertake a year’s placement abroad with a Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) or work in local organisations.
We aim to regularly introduce contemporary issues into the classroom. For example, we might discuss topical issues in the news, such as youth crime, the #Me too Movement, terrorism or Brexit. We use real-life case studies and field trips to compare issues and build your knowledge and understanding of crime and society and apply what you have learnt.
This course will be assessed using a variety of methods which could vary depending upon the module. Assessment methods, for both full-time and part-time students may include coursework, tests, essays (including group work elements) and formal examinations.
The Coventry University Group assessment strategy ensures that our courses are fairly assessed and allows us to monitor student progression towards the achieving the intended learning outcomes.
Upon successful completion of this course you should be able to:
- Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of Sociological and Criminological thought and theory; research methodologies and their application; key debates on crime, justice and punishment in the context of social institutions, relationships and processes underpinning social change.
- Demonstrate competence in interpreting, analysing, evaluating and communicating Sociological and Criminological information, arguments and research evidence to draw conclusions about the validity of different claims and arguments.
- Demonstrate the ability to think reflectively, critically and analytically about key issues.
- Use social scientific research techniques to collect and interpret data and present it in a variety of formats suitable for different audiences.
- Communicate in a confident, professional manner, both verbally and in writing.
You will have approximately 4 hours a week per 20 credit module, for both part-time and full-time students. Classes are taught in different ways including lectures, seminars, workshops. There are also one to one tutorials for academic support and supervision for final year projects.
The contact hours may be made up of a combination of face-to-face teaching, individual and group tutorials, and online classes and tutorials.
One of the main features of this course is its international focus. Current lecturers come from different parts of the world and have expertise in international issues, global development and comparative sociology.
There are opportunities for overseas fieldtrips, study or placements abroad*. For example, in recent years, students have studied on a range of sociology related and non-directly sociology related courses at universities in Sweden, Spain, Italy and the Netherlands.
Our Study Trip* module provides further opportunities for international experiences and has previously facilitated visits to Krakow, Berlin, Istanbul, Poland, Sarajevo and Gothenburg where students have visited a number of significant social, cultural and political spaces such as Auschwitz and the military airport of Boccadifalco (additional costs may apply).
For those students who are not engaged in any of the above activities, we also run an International Week, where, among various events and activities, you will hear from international speakers and view international films.
*Please note that we are unable to guarantee any placement or study abroad opportunities and that all such opportunities may be subject to additional costs (e.g. travel, visas and accommodation etc.), competitive application, availability and/or meeting any applicable visa requirements. To ensure that you fully understand the requirements in this regard, please contact the International Office for further details if you are an EU or International student.
Global ready
Did you know we help more students travel internationally than any other UK university according to data from the experts in higher education data and analysis, HESA?
In 2018/19, we provided a total of 5,469 experiences abroad that lasted at least five days.
Much of this travel is made possible through our Global Leaders Programme, which enables students to prepare for the challenges of the global employment market, as well as strengthening and developing their broader personal and professional skills.
Explore our international experiences1st for
international experiences
Sending more students overseas than any other UK uni 2016/17
5,469
Student experiences
The number of student trips abroad for at least 5 days in 2018/19
12,000
and counting
The number of students we’ve helped travel internationally since 2016
12
global programmes
As well as trips, we offer other opportunities like language courses
What our students say...
Studying Sociology and Criminology at Coventry University was an amazing experience that wouldn’t have been the same anywhere else. I especially appreciated the focus on creativity which allowed me to conduct and present my work in various ways. I had the opportunity to take a placement year abroad and gained lifelong experiences without the gap affecting the completion of my degree. Staff in the department were always ready and willing to offer help and support during my time at Coventry University.
Entry Requirements
What our students say
When starting at University, I was among a few of the students who applied for a course I knew I would love rather than for a specific career. I had studied Sociology before and the idea of combining this with Criminology seemed ideal. I made great use of my lecturers, asking for their advice on how to progress, which led me to volunteering. Whilst volunteering, I was encouraged to apply for the Graduate Diploma in Probation. I was given all the guidance and help from the University I needed and I can happily say that I am now on my way to becoming a Probation Officer. I am so thankful to the staff and facilities at Coventry University.
Tuition Fees
We pride ourselves on offering competitive tuition fees which we review on an annual basis and offer a wide range of scholarships to support students with their studies. Course fees are calculated on the basis of what it costs to teach each course and we aim for total financial transparency.
For more information, please visit our Finance pages.
Course essentials at no extra cost
We're committed to communicating study costs clearly to make sure you're not faced with having to make any unexpected payments.
This is why our ‘Flying Start’ package provides you with a few course essentials. Your full-time fee for an undergraduate degree will cover the following:
UK field trips
Any mandatory site visits and trips within the United Kingdom.Key material
This can include core textbooks, software and equipment.Laser prints
1,000 A4 sides of black and white laser printing credits per year.Optional year
Pay no tuition fees for optional work placements or study abroad trips.This course may incur additional costs associated with any field trips, placements or work experience, study abroad opportunities or any other opportunity (whether required or optional), which could include (but is not limited to) travel, accommodation, activities and visas.
EU student fees
EU nationals starting in the 2020/21 academic year remain eligible for the same fees as home students and the same financial support. Financial support comes from Student Finance England, and covers undergraduate and postgraduate study for the duration of their course, providing they meet the residency requirement.
For tuition fee loans
EU nationals starting in the 2020/21 academic year must have resided in the European Economic Area (EEA) or Switzerland for the three years prior to the start of their course. The purpose of that three year residency should not have been mainly for the purpose of receiving full time education.
For maintenance loans
EU nationals starting in the 2020/21 academic year must have resided in the UK and Islands for the five years prior to the start of their course. The purpose of that five year residency should not have been mainly for the purpose of receiving full time education.
What our students say...
When starting at University, I was among a few of the students who applied for a course I knew I would love rather than for a specific career. I had studied Sociology before and the idea of combining this with Criminology seemed ideal. I made great use of my lecturers, asking for their advice on how to progress, which led me to volunteering. Whilst volunteering, I was encouraged to apply for the Graduate Diploma in Probation. I was given all the guidance and help from the University I needed and I can happily say that I am now on my way to becoming a Probation Officer. I am so thankful to the staff and facilities at Coventry University.
Career prospects
Graduate Immigration Route visa
Based on current information from the UK Government, international students whose study extends beyond summer 2021 may be eligible for a visa under the UK Government’s Graduate Immigration Route, which will enable students to stay and work, or look for work, in the UK at any skill level for up to two (2) years. Check the most up to date guidance available to check your eligibility and any updates from the UK Government before making an application or enrolment decision.
Our courses have been designed to provide practical work experience and to give you an opportunity to develop a range of skills and competencies that will help to make you attractive to potential employers.
Our employment tutors for humanities provide a programme of workshops, embedded learning, lectures, professional experience and one-to-one guidance to support you in developing the transferrable skills and enterprising habits required for a successful career.
We're committed to preparing you for your future career and giving you a competitive edge in the graduate job market. The university's Talent Team provide a wide range of support services to help you plan and prepare for your career.
Where our graduates work
Recent graduates are currently employed in the private sector in industries ranging from banking and finance to media, and across the public sector in education, the civil service, police forces, local authorities, charities and Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs).
What our students say
As part of my four-year sandwich course I participated in an enrichment enhancement year where I attended the Universidad Europea de Madrid for a year before completing my final year of study at Coventry University. Living and studying abroad for the year allowed me to become more conscious of other cultures, as well as to learn a new language and to meet friends from across the globe. In my final year at Coventry University, I also started volunteering at Coventry Haven Women’s Aid who are a local charity which helps women who have been affected by domestic abuse. This voluntary worked allowed me to learn new practical skills which I will apply once I graduate. Overall, my time at Coventry University has equipped me with more than enough knowledge and experience and given me the best chance to achieve my career goals.
Disclaimer
By accepting your offer of a place and enrolling with us, a Student Contract will be formed between you and the university. A copy of the 2020/21 Contract can be found here. The Contract details your rights and the obligations you will be bound by during your time as a student and contains the obligations that the university will owe to you. You should read the Contract before you accept an offer of a place and before you enrol at the university.
The tuition fee for the course that is stated on the course webpage and in the prospectus for the first year of study will apply. We will review our tuition fees each year. For UK and EU students, if Parliament permit an increase in tuition fees, we may increase fees for each subsequent year of study in line with any such changes. Note that any increase is expected to be in line with inflation. Following the UK’s exit from the European Union, EU students should be aware that there may be a change to UK laws following the UK’s exit, this may change their student status, their eligibility to study part time, and/or their eligibility for student finance. We will act in accordance with the UK’s laws in force in relation to student tuition fees and finance from time to time.
For International students the tuition fee that is stated on the course webpage and in the prospectus for the first year of study will apply. We will review our tuition fees each year. For international students, we may increase fees for each subsequent year of study but such increases will be no more than 5% above inflation.
