We are in the process of finalising our postgraduate taught courses for 2026/27 entry. In the meantime, you can view our 2025/26 courses.
Explore how crime and criminal justice relate to broader patterns of social change and examine how contemporary societies function on our BSc Sociology and Criminology course.
Offered by the Department of Politics and International Relations and the School of Law, this three-year joint degree is an ideal course if you are interested in sociology, criminology, politics, law and social policy.
During your BSc Sociology and Criminology, you will:
Throughout your degree, you'll address and evaluate current issues using methods from both subjects, critically examining your ideas and those of others.
In your first year, you’ll study core concepts, theories, and approaches, exploring key dimensions of social differentiation such as gender, class, and race. You'll also develop your understanding of the workings and limitations of the criminal justice system.
In your second year, you'll deepen your knowledge by engaging with sociological and criminological theories, research methods, and criminal justice. You'll start exploring your interests by choosing specialised optional modules.
Your final year offers you flexibility to tailor your degree and explore topics in greater depth. You can choose from a wide range of research-led modules including:
BSc Sociology and Criminology at Reading will provide you with a core education in sociological and criminological theories and ideas.
At Reading, you will use diverse perspectives to analyse the complex dynamics of today's world. Our modules cover a range of topics including:
You will be learning from active researchers whose work has real impact on the world around us and directly informs their teaching, for example:
97% of our research outputs are rated ‘world leading’ or ‘internationally excellent’ (REF 2021, combining 4* and 3* submissions – Politics and International Studies), meaning that the University of Reading is 6th highest in the UK for research outputs (Times Higher Education analysis of the latest REF 2021 – Politics and International Studies, when scoring by GPA Output).
Your learning will take place in lectures and small, interactive seminar groups, fostering a supportive environment to develop your own ideas, discussions and debates.
You'll build skills in evaluating different perspectives and gain confidence in presenting ideas persuasively, skills which are valued by employers.
During your degree, you can apply for a variety of voluntary placements to deepen your understanding of criminology and criminal law, including:
In your second year, you can choose an optional module that includes a sociology-related work placement, providing hands-on experience, networking opportunities, and contributing to your grade.
You can transfer onto our 4-year BSc Sociology and Criminology with Placement Year course, with an integrated professional placement between your second and third years. Our strong industry connections and diverse range of employers we work with enables us to help you find placements across various career paths.
Learn more about enhancing your employability during your degree.
You can chose to study Sociology and Criminology abroad in your third year, returning to the UK for your fourth year. With opportunities across the world, you could study at an institution like Macquarie University or La Trobe University in Australia, the University of Guelph in Canada, the University of Hong Kong, City University of Hong Kong or at the University of Mary Washington USA.
