Sociology and Criminology

Sociology and criminology together provide a powerful analytical framework for understanding two of the most pressing dimensions of social life: how societies are structured and why crime and deviance occur within them. Sociology examines the social forces, institutions and relationships that shape human behaviour and social outcomes, addressing questions of inequality, class, race, gender, power and culture. Criminology focuses on crime as a social phenomenon: why people commit offences, how crime is defined and measured, how criminal justice systems function, and what the consequences of crime and its control are for individuals and communities.

The two disciplines are deeply intertwined in practice and in theory.

At the University of Exeter, this three-year full-time degree develops your understanding of both disciplines with the intellectual rigour and research-informed teaching that characterise Exeter's social science provision. You will engage with sociological theory and research methods alongside criminological approaches, examining crime, deviance, policing, courts, prisons, and the social structures that shape patterns of offending and victimisation. A sandwich year placement, a year abroad, and a work placement are all available, giving you significant professional and international experience that enriches your academic study and develops your practical skills in contexts relevant to both disciplines.

You will develop strong analytical, research and communication skills, the ability to evaluate evidence critically, and a nuanced understanding of the relationship between social structure and individual behaviour. Qualitative and quantitative research methods are both covered.

Graduates move into social research, policy, the civil service, criminal justice, probation, social work (with further training), the voluntary sector, local government, journalism, and a wide range of organisations concerned with social welfare and justice. Postgraduate study in sociology, criminology, social work or law is a well-established pathway.