Criminology and Sociology

Criminology and Sociology are disciplines that work best when brought into dialogue with each other. Criminology examines crime as a social phenomenon, asking why it occurs, how it is defined and responded to by the criminal justice system, and what justice requires. Sociology provides the broader theoretical framework, examining how social structures, institutions, and inequalities shape individual behaviour and collective experience.

Together, they develop an understanding of crime not as an isolated act but as a phenomenon deeply embedded in the social conditions that produce and sustain it.

At Royal Holloway, University of London, this three-year full-time programme is taught by internationally recognised experts in both disciplines, who bring their research directly into the classroom. You will develop research and data analysis skills that are highly sought after by employers, alongside the theoretical knowledge and critical perspective that characterise the best work in both criminology and sociology. The programme includes a sandwich placement year, a year abroad, and work placements, giving you direct professional experience and international exposure that significantly strengthen your preparation for graduate employment.

Graduates go on to careers in the criminal justice system, social work, community development, policy research, journalism, local government, and the charitable sector. The research and analytical skills developed in the programme are valued across a wide range of public and private sector organisations. Many graduates pursue postgraduate study in criminology, sociology, social policy, law, or social work to develop their expertise or qualify for specific professional roles.

The combination of criminological and sociological understanding is particularly well suited to careers in social research, policy analysis, and organisations working at the intersection of crime, inequality, and social change.