BSc (Hons) Criminology and Sociology Bachelor's degree at the University of Suffolk

This module introduces you to the sociological and criminological imagination, the ability to connect individual experiences and local situations to wider social, historical, and global processes. You will explore how social norms, deviance, and systems of justice are socially constructed and contested, shaping everyday life. By engaging with key theories and debates in both sociology and criminology, you will develop an understanding of how questions of power, inequality, and social order under

This module gives you a solid foundation in criminology using a topic-based approach. You will examine how we can make sense of crime and criminality and explore key areas of debate and controversy within the discipline of criminology. Crime dominates much discussion on the political and social stage and this module enables you to take part and contribute to these public discussions in an informed and knowledgeable way. You will be able to discuss the cause and nature of crime and criminality. I

This module explores key sociological issues of migration, ethnicity, and population change in a global and unequal world. It examines how migration patterns shape identity, citizenship, family life, and work, alongside major demographic trends such as ageing populations and changing households. You will engage with both historical and contemporary issues, including colonial migration, global displacement, and debates on multiculturalism. The module emphasises real-world application, critical th

Understanding and applying research methods is a foundational skill in social sciences. This module is designed to introduce students to the core principles, practices, and ethical considerations of social science research, laying the foundation for academic success and informed engagement with real-world issues. You will explore both qualitative and quantitative approaches, gain the confidence to evaluate research and begin to design your own studies, preparing you for more advanced work in you

This module critically examines the complex relationship between crime, criminal justice, and the media in contemporary society. It explores how media representations influence public perceptions of crime, shape criminal justice policy, and contribute to broader societal understandings of deviance, law, and order. The module interrogates how various forms of media construct narratives around crime, victims, offenders, and justice processes. This module fosters interdisciplinary analysis and medi

Social theory allows you to dig deep into the big questions in our social world about how power works, what is the glue that keeps society together most of the time and how and why do societies change. You will harness the power of thinking theoretically to be creative, tackle contemporary issues and open new insights into your social world. We will do this through the ideas of important theorists from the late 20th and early 21st centuries, a few will be familiar like Weber, Du Bois or Durkheim

This module explores key debates in social justice alongside the processes of racialisation and inequality. The module investigates how racial inequalities are produced, maintained, and challenged, drawing on perspectives such as postcolonial theory and institutional racism. It applies these ideas to real-world policy areas including housing, education, health, and legal rights. You will examine influential theories of justice and consider how they shape public policy, welfare systems, and globa

This module critically explores the theory, policy, and practice of punishment and rehabilitation within the criminal justice system. It examines the historical and contemporary justifications for punishment, considering both custodial and non-custodial strategies, and the political ideologies that have shaped penal policy over time. The emergence and evolution of the modern prison are analysed in depth, with attention to key issues facing prisons, staff-prisoner relationships, power and interna

This module equips you with the knowledge and skills to design, conduct, and communicate research in the social sciences. This will involve engaging in applied, practical research tasks reflecting real-world data practices. You will develop an integrated understanding of qualitative and quantitative methods, ethical considerations, data analysis and visualisation strategies. You will gain confidence in both designing ethically sound research projects and applying data analysis and visualisation

This module explores the processes, practices and institutions constituting the UK criminal justice system (CJS). A chronological approach is taken to the whole CJS lifecycle, from initial attendance and intervention by CJS agencies, through to prosecution, the courts process, traditional and alternative justice arrangements including out of court disposals. The process of 'aftercare' and risk management arrangements, used by CJS in the pursuit of justice, is also examined as well as the pat

This module offers you the opportunity to explore the complex and contested place of drug use within contemporary society. It enables you to critically examine how drug-related issues are constructed, debated, and governed through political, legal, and public health frameworks. The module supports you in developing a critical understanding of how social problems are defined and how policy is shaped by broader philosophical, ideological, and institutional influences. In doing so, it contributes d

Getting meaningful work is probably one of your main aims when you graduate. Work and employment are also one of the central areas of interest across the social sciences. You will explore your current and future career aspirations, develop a CV and be able to undertake a work placement or work shadowing. You will also complete the Future me programme at the university of Suffolk as part of the module.

In this module you will produce a final year project that allows you to exercise your independent judgement and skills in the development and execution of a project or dissertation relevant to your field of study. Under the supervision of an assigned tutor, the module provides you with the opportunity to independently apply the core subject knowledge and skills developed over the course of your degree. Over the course of the year, you will undertake independent analysis and research, and communi