Applied Sociology and Criminology

Applied sociology and criminology is a degree that combines the broad social scientific study of how societies function with a focused examination of crime, deviance, and the institutions that respond to them. Sociology asks how social structures, inequalities, and institutions shape individual behaviour and collective life, developing a critical perspective on why societies are organised as they are and what drives social change. Criminology examines crime as a social phenomenon, exploring why certain acts and individuals are defined as criminal, how crime is experienced by victims and communities, and what the evidence says about the effectiveness of different criminal justice responses.

The applied emphasis of this degree means both disciplines are oriented towards real-world problems and professional practice.

At the University of Bedfordshire, this four-year programme with foundation year is delivered in a department whose criminology provision has received strong recognition, with national rankings placing it highly in teaching satisfaction and feedback. The foundation year provides an additional year of academic preparation before the main degree begins. Through the programme, you will develop the sociological and criminological knowledge to understand and analyse social problems, alongside the applied and research skills to contribute professionally to their resolution.

You will engage with topics including social inequality, crime and policing, victimology, social policy, and the sociology of race, gender, and class.

Graduates from applied sociology and criminology degrees move into careers in probation, social work, youth justice, police service, community development, housing, health and social care, policy research, voluntary sector organisations, and education. The analytical, research, and communication skills the degree develops are also valued in the civil service and public sector management. Postgraduate study in criminology, social work, sociology, or public policy is a natural route for those who wish to develop further.