BA (Hons) Criminology and Sociology Bachelor's degree at the University of Lincoln
BA (Hons) Criminology and Sociology at University of Lincoln leads to a nationally recognised Bachelor's degree and has received Gold for teaching quality in the Office for Students' TEF 2023.
About this course
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. From the provider’s course page.
BA (Hons) Criminology and Sociology is a Bachelor's degree (BA (Hons)) at the University of Lincoln, based in Lincoln Campus. It runs 3 years, studied full-time.
For Sociology graduates from this provider, 94% were in work or further study 15 months after graduating, 45% in highly skilled roles, typical earnings around £24,000. (HESA Graduate Outcomes / LEO, via Discover Uni.)
For the typical curriculum, specialisations, career paths and graduate earnings for Law, see the sections below.
Course evidence score
The arithmetic mean of the official measures available for this course: NSS satisfaction, graduate activity and continuation.
Published threshold met NSS publication requires sufficient responses; small differences are not a rank. NSS mean of 7 published themes (Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)
Moderate evidence Published sample: 95; avoid reading small differences as meaningful. Cohort 2021-23. Graduate Outcomes work or further study 94% (2021-23; Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)
Published threshold met Discover Uni suppresses continuation data below its publication threshold. Cohort 2022-23. Continuation 90% (2022-23; Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)
Curriculum & modules
Real modules published for this course, grouped only where the source gives a year, stage or level.
First Year 9 modules
- 'Tank Town:' A Case studyCore
Module details
This module explores how change has taken place in Lincoln, reflecting on different social issues that have been framed in the context of Lincoln (Lincolnshire), before exploring contemporary social problems and harms. Issues such as homelessness, studentification, food bank use, social isolation, health, young people, poverty, families, new arrivals and transport are explored using contemporary social research methods.
- Introduction to Research MethodsCore
- Becoming a CriminologistCore
Module details
This module provides an introduction to Criminology for new students on the programme and is designed to build upon your prior experiences and learning in this field. We will identify key concepts and frameworks in Criminology, and consider a range of different voices and experiences, some of which have been excluded from criminological knowledge.
- Crime and the MediaCore
Module details
The module seeks to explore popular images of criminal justice, and contrasts these depictions with an informed examination of a number of the central pillars of this system. You will have the opportunity to examine the complexities and contradictions which exist within the so-called 'system' of criminal justice.
- Introduction to the Criminal Justice SystemCore
Module details
Join us on our journey through the heart of the criminal justice system of England and Wales. The course is designed for those seeking to understand the complexities of crime prevention, law enforcement, the courts, and punishment. This module offers an introduction to the complex system of justice and the mechanisms that govern society's response to crime.
- Skills for Social and Political SciencesCore
Module details
This module will prepare you for a successful degree journey, by supporting and scaffolding you to learn the skills that you need to excel in your social and political science degree. Each week you'll cover a crucial academic skill, which will be tied to the assignment expectations of your specific degree topic.
- Sociological ImaginationCore
Module details
This module is designed to introduce students to sociology by offering the opportunity to consider some of the key themes, theories and concepts which are important to the study of this subject. Students can explore the historical development of sociology, including the role of the early important sociologists such as Emile Durkheim, Max Weber, George Herbert Mead and C. Wrights Mills, amongst others.
- Just Space: Building Equity and InclusionOptional
Module details
This module engages students in a process of identifying and addressing inequities and inequalities within university life. Students will explore current debates in Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI), sustainability and decolonisation, and propose actionable solutions to create a more just, sustainable and equitable higher education environment(s).
- Key Social Science ConceptsOptional
Module details
This module aims to give students the opportunity to develop knowledge and understanding of key social science thinkers and concepts pertinent to all of the disciplines taught within the School. Throughout, students will be encouraged to think critically about the ideas presented and to examine social problems in the light of a range of academic perspectives.
Second Year 27 modules
- (Re)Reading the Sociological Canon ICore
Module details
This module aims to analyse some of the seminal works which have been significant to the academic development of sociology. Students will have the opportunity to explore a variety of classical and contemporary texts, with the aim of providing them with an in-depth understanding of sociological themes and theories across time.
- (Re)reading the Sociological Canon IICore
Module details
This module aims to analyse some of the seminal works which have been significant to the academic development of sociology. This module will seek to examine a series of articles and books which are of sociological significance and have emerged from the late 20th Century into the 21st Century.
- Applying CriminologyCore
Module details
The aim of this module is to provide you with an opportunity to develop a student-centred grasp of 'crime' and our responses to crime through the application of diverse criminological theory. Applying Criminology will enable you to consider the variety of ways in which Criminology can be constructed and used.
- Researching in Social & Political SciencesCore
Module details
In Applying Research you will learn about, propose and practice using different research methodologies in the social sciences. The module is divided into three distinct learning blocks addressing qualitative research, quantitative methodologies, and application of methodologies to create a plan for a small research project.
- Working in Criminology and the Criminal Justice SystemCore
- Challenges of European PoliticsOptional
- Comparative CriminologyOptional
- Virtual Exchange: Criminal Justice Policy Analysis in the USA and UKOptional
- Conceptualising Sex WorkOptional
- Debating Welfare StatesOptional
- Education: Inequalities, Immobility and Life ChancesOptional
- Ideology into PracticeOptional
- Law Enforcement and Human RightsOptional
- Model United NationsOptional
- Nations and NationalismOptional
- Organised Crime in Global PerspectiveOptional
- Policing and SocietyOptional
- Power, Sex and SexualityOptional
- Psychology in the Criminal Justice ProcessOptional
- Resilience and disaster managementOptional
- Social and Political Sciences Work Placement YearOptional
- Social Engagement and ActivismOptional
- Social Policy and the Third SectorOptional
- Strategic StudiesOptional
- The Vigilant State: intelligence and national securityOptional
- Transnational Security StudiesOptional
- Understanding Domestic AbuseOptional
Source: provider course page. Modules can change; required/optional status, credits, descriptions and assessment are shown only when explicitly published.
Course in depth
What this course covers, who it suits and where it leads.
What you'll study
This course aims to develop your skills to evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of social, cultural, and political responses to crime and deviance. You'll usually begin with foundations in criminology and sociology theory, examining how crime and deviance are understood across different societies and cultures. As you progress, you'll typically move into more focused study of criminal justice systems, sociological approaches to social problems, and the interaction between law, policy and society. In your final year, a course like this normally allows you to specialise in areas such as commercial law, human rights, criminal justice, family law, employment law, and legal practice (SQE). You'll combine theoretical study with opportunities to apply your knowledge to real-world criminal justice and social contexts.
Who it's for
This course suits students seeking to understand crime, criminal justice systems, and society through an integrated lens. Most accepted students held A-levels or equivalent qualifications; the typical UCAS tariff band among entrants was 96–111 points. The university welcomes applications from those with diverse educational backgrounds.
University & format
This course is taught at the University of Lincoln, a public university located on Lincoln Campus, founded in 1996. It is a full-time, three-year Bachelor's degree (BA (Hons)) taught in English. The university holds a Gold award for teaching quality in the Office for Students' TEF 2023 and is a recognised UK degree-awarding body, your degree will be nationally recognised. UCAS tariff for recent entrants typically fell within 96–111 points; 95% of accepted students held A-levels or equivalent.
Student satisfaction
How students on this course answered the National Student Survey, by theme.
Share of students responding positively.
Published threshold met NSS publication requires sufficient responses; small differences are not a rank. NSS mean of 7 published themes (Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)
Applicant information
The next application dates for this course, followed by facts the provider publishes.
- 2027 entryCompleted applications can be submitted
Your application needs a reference before you can send it.
- 2026 entryFinal date for 2026 applications
Applications must reach UCAS by 18:00 UK time.
- 2026 entryLast day to add a Clearing choice
Check that this course still has a vacancy before adding it.
- 2027 entryEqual-consideration deadline
18:00 UK time for most undergraduate courses.
Show 5 later dates
- 2027 entryUCAS Extra opens
Applicants who used all five choices and hold no offer may be able to add another choice.
- 2027 entryLast day applications go directly to providers
Applications received after 18:00 UK time are entered into Clearing.
- 2027 entryClearing opens
Eligible applicants can see vacancies and release themselves into Clearing.
- 2027 entryFinal date for 2027 applications
Applications must reach UCAS by 18:00 UK time.
- 2027 entryLast day to add a Clearing choice
Check that this course still has a vacancy before adding it.
The provider publishes contextual-offer information. Eligibility and any reduced offer are applicant-specific.
Work placement year. Availability, selection and pay can vary.
See and book current events. Dates can fill or change.
Entry & how to get in
Who gets in
What recently admitted students actually held, official admissions data, not a stated requirement.
UCAS tariff of entrants
Grades are the A-level equivalent of each points band. Tap a band to check your own chances below.
Qualifications held on entry
| Qualification | Share |
|---|---|
| A-levels or equivalent | 95% |
| another higher-education qualification | 5% |
Entry & your chances
An honest read from the official entry data, plus your personal match.
Accepted students came in with a broad spread of qualifications and UCAS points. If you're worried about grades, this course has historically taken a wide range, and contextual offers may apply.
Will you get in? Plot your grades
Pick your predicted A-levels and watch your UCAS points land on the real spread of students admitted to this course.
Each bar is the share of admitted students in that UCAS-points band (lower → higher). Grades show the A-level equivalent.
Based on the official admitted-student tariff distribution. Many universities make contextual (reduced-grade) offers, so a result below the range doesn’t rule you out.
How to apply
Undergraduate applications go through UCAS. Here’s what matters for this course, the right deadline, the grades to aim for, and the steps in order.
- 1Register on UCAS Hub
Create your UCAS application and add this course (code LM39). One application covers up to five choices.
- 2Write your personal statement
A single statement covers all your choices, so keep it broad enough for similar courses while showing genuine interest in this subject.
- 3Submit by 13 January 2027, 18:00 UK time
UCAS equal-consideration deadline for most undergraduate courses. Source: UCAS 2027 dates.
- 4Reply to your offers
When decisions are in, pick a firm (first) choice and an insurance (back-up) choice with slightly lower grades.
- 5Results day & confirmation
On results day (mid-August) your place is confirmed if you meet the offer. Just missed? Talk to the university, or find a place through Clearing.
Fees & funding
What this course costs and how UK student finance covers it.
Tuition per year
Standard capped home fee at English providers (2026/27); Scotland, Wales & NI differ.
Check fees at University of Lincoln →For students who normally live in England
2026/27 Student Finance England figures. Maintenance support is means-tested and this two-point view is not an entitlement calculator. The course total uses its published length and home fee where both are available; a missing full-time fee uses the clearly labelled England-cap scenario, while part-time fees and unknown lengths are never guessed. Use the official calculator. Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland use separate systems: SAAS, Student Finance Wales, and Student Finance NI.
Starting on or after 1 January 2027?
The Lifelong Learning Entitlement is a separate system. A new learner’s tuition entitlement is currently stated as £39,160 (about 480 credits at 2026/27 fee levels), subject to prior study and eligibility. Check the official LLE guide.
Paying for it
- Tuition Fee Loan: can cover eligible tuition up to the applicable limit and is paid straight to the provider.
- Maintenance Loan: up to £10,830/yr away from home outside London (England, 2026/27), means-tested on household income.
- Repayment: 9% of income above £25,000, nothing below it; written off after 40 years.
- Earn alongside: most students work part-time in term, part-time roles on the StudySmarter job board.
England figures shown; Scotland, Wales & NI run their own schemes, check gov.uk.
Scholarships & bursaries you could qualify for
That does not mean no funding exists. Check the university directory for current amounts, eligibility and application dates.
We only display a named award when its provider source identifies the award and who it is for.
Still deciding what to study?
StudyKit brings course choice, applications and funding together in one place, with a personal AI assistant. Find what really fits you and start your UCAS application step by step.
Careers & earnings
What Law graduates actually earn, from real outcome data, 15 months, 3 years and 5 years after graduating.
Graduate earnings: this course
| When | Median | Typical range | Graduates |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15 months after | £24,000 | £21,000 – £27,000 | 95 |
| 3 years after | £22,500 | £18,500 – £25,500 | 135 |
| 5 years after | £25,500 | £21,500 – £30,000 | 135 |
Nominal earnings for graduates of this course/subject at this provider. Moderate evidence. Published sample: 95; avoid reading small differences as meaningful. Cohort 2021-23.
Graduate outcomes, 15 months on: this course
- 1Paralegal / TraineeTraining contract or pupillage route · 0–2 yrs
- 2Solicitor / BarristerQualified practitioner · 2–5 yrs
- 3Senior AssociateLeading matters and clients · 5–9 yrs
- 4Partner / In-house CounselPartnership or heading legal · 9+ yrs
How pay grows: this course vs Law nationally
National figures for Law graduates, HESA Graduate Outcomes (15 months) and the Longitudinal Education Outcomes (LEO) dataset (3 & 5 years). These are national, not university-specific; actual pay varies by employer, region, role and experience. Different cohorts, so the bars are not one group over time.
Work out your pay
Headline figures hide a lot. Calculate realistic take-home pay for this field by role, region and experience, then check your CV before you apply.
What happened to 100 students?
Choose an outcome to translate the published percentage into a simple 100-person view. Each dot represents one percentage point, not an individual tracked student.
were in work or further study
15 months after graduation
Source: Discover Uni, using Graduate Outcomes and continuation data. Cohorts: 2021-23. Moderate evidence. Published sample: 95; avoid reading small differences as meaningful. Cohort 2021-23. Each tab is a separate published measure; categories can overlap and should not be added together.
Value compared with similar courses
How this course’s 5-year median earnings compare with Law courses at the same study level.
Compared with 1,352 courses with compatible official earnings data. This is a course-value comparison, not a quality ranking.
UK occupations graduates enter
Published graduate destinations, joined conservatively to UK SOC 2020, ONS pay and Skills England demand.
- Elementary occupationsSOC 2020 9 · 13% of published destinations · ASHE median £19,087
- Protective service occupationsDiscover Uni category · 11% of published destinations
- Sales occupationsSOC 2020 71 · 10% of published destinations · ASHE median £15,975
- Administrative occupationsSOC 2020 41 · 10% of published destinations · ASHE median £27,006
Discover Uni JOBLIST/JOBTYPE; ONS ASHE 2025 provisional, all employee jobs; Skills England Occupations in Demand 2025. SOC is shown only for an exact normalised label match; demand is shown only at exact four-digit SOC. Published sample: 355; response rate: 52%. Pay describes the occupation across workers, not a guaranteed graduate salary.
Job market & outlook
How Law graduates fare in the labour market, and how AI is reshaping the work.
How AI is changing the work
AI doesn't replace the profession, it shifts it: routine tasks get automated, while judgement, working with people and using AI well become more valuable.
What AI takes off your plate
- First-pass document review
- Standard contract drafting
- Legal research summaries
- Routine due diligence
More human than ever
- Advocacy and negotiation
- Judgement on ambiguous facts
- Client trust and ethics
- Strategy in disputes and deals
The strongest graduates pair subject depth with the ability to use AI tools critically.
Roles & employers
Where Law graduates typically go, indicative destinations from graduate career data. Each role links to live openings on the StudySmarter job board.
Roles graduates go into
Where they work
- Law firms
- Barristers' chambers
- In-house legal teams
- Government Legal Service
Jobs after this course
Current roles from the StudySmarter job board that suit Law graduates.
Law Firm Associates of all Practice Areas: Discuss your Overseas Relocation with Duke and Rawson – Australia/Asia/Middle East/Europe/Offshore/UKDuke and RawsonLaw Enforcement Success SpecialistAurorLaw Firm HR & Operations Lead - 12-Month ContractCharalle GroupLaw Firm Finance & Practice Manager, Leadership & OpsMcKinlay LawLaw Internship: Disputes & IBC – In-OfficeCanon SphereLaw Firm Front Desk & Guest Services (Oxford)Owen ReedIs this course right for you?
The essentials UK applicants ask about: finance, outcomes, entry and quality.
Student finance
For comparison, the standard full-time England tuition cap is up to £9,790 per year in 2026/27; the actual fee varies by course and provider. If you normally live in England, eligible students can apply for a Tuition Fee Loan, plus a Maintenance Loan for living costs. Under Plan 5 you repay 9% of income above £25,000, nothing below that, and the balance is written off after 40 years.
Where graduates go
94% were in work or further study 15 months after graduating, with a median salary of £24,000. See the full breakdown in Careers & earnings above.
Your entry chances
Use the UCAS points calculator above to see how your predicted grades compare with admitted students, and whether a contextual offer could apply.
Official-data snapshot
Averaging the official measures published for it, this course scores 8.6 out of 10: NSS 74.1% · in work or study 94% · continued 90%.
Who studies here and in this subject?
Provider- and UK subject-level context.
The University of Lincoln
Law across the UK
HESA student record 2024/25. Counts are rounded.
Local crime-data context
A neutral snapshot around the published teaching location.
Around Lincoln Campus
1,962 street-level reports returned within roughly one mile across 2026-04 to 2026-06.
Police.uk street-level API. Approximate locations, not confined to campus. England, Wales and Northern Ireland; not Scotland.
Is Law right for you?
Tick what applies to you and see how good a fit it is.
International students
What applying to University of Lincoln from outside the UK involves: fees, English, visa, funding and living costs.
Tuition fees
International tuition is set per course by University of Lincoln; international fees are typically £12,000–£30,000/year for classroom subjects and higher for lab/clinical ones. You’re not eligible for UK Tuition Fee or Maintenance Loans, so plan for fees plus living costs upfront.
English language
Most UK undergraduate courses ask for around IELTS 6.0–6.5 (no band below 5.5–6.0), or an accepted equivalent. If you’re just short, most universities run a pre-sessional English course that counts towards the requirement.
Student visa
You’ll usually need a Student visa (Student Route). After you accept an offer the university issues a CAS; you then show funds for fees plus about £1,023–£1,334/month living costs and pay the Immigration Health Surcharge for NHS access.
Scholarships & funding
Many universities offer international/global scholarships (often £2,000–£6,000/yr), check University of Lincoln’s funding pages.
Living costs
Budget roughly £1,100–£1,400/month outside London and £1,400–£1,800/month in London for rent, food and travel; the figure also matters for your visa.
Working while you study
A Student visa usually allows up to 20 hours/week in term time and full-time in holidays, useful alongside study, though not something to rely on for fees.
Visa rules and fees change. Always confirm the current requirements with University of Lincoln and gov.uk before you apply.
Related courses
More at University of Lincoln
Common questions
How competitive is entry?
What are the entry requirements?
What do graduates go on to do?
What will it cost me?
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