Criminology and Sociology, BSc (Hons)

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Course Overview

Our integrated BSc Criminology and Sociology degree brings together two exciting and complementary social science disciplines. One of the distinctive features of our BSc Criminology and Sociology programme is the flexibility it offers. At Swansea University, we understand that every student has unique interests, ambitions, and career goals. That’s why we give you the freedom to design a degree structure that works for you.

You can choose to immerse yourself fully in both disciplines, or focus more heavily on one area while still benefiting from the insights of the other. The structure allows you to personalise your studies to match your ambitions, if you aspire for a career in criminal justice, social research, policy development, or any field connected to social justice.

You will study the development of Sociological and Criminological perspectives and learn why these matter so much in contemporary society.

Alongside this, you will gain an in-depth knowledge of crucial social and crime-related matters, such as substance use, housing and poverty.

Throughout your studies, you will develop a range of transferable skills which are relevant to future employment, both in social science-related professions, as well as far broader.

Why Criminology and Sociology at Swansea?

Based at the School of Social Sciences, you will benefit from being part of a lively and diverse environment.

Criminology at Swansea is ranked:

  • 13th in the UK (Guardian University guide 2026)
  • 5th in the UK for Graduate Prospects (Times Good Uni Guide 2026)

Sociology at Swansea is ranked:

  • Top 20 in the UK for Graduate Prospects (Complete University Guide 2025)
  • 8th in the UK for Student Voice (NSS 2025)*

*based on the average positivity score per theme in the NSS 2025 when ranked against universities as featured in the Times Good University Guide.

Your Criminology and Sociology Experience

Our flexible degree structure with a range of optional modules in your second and third years gives you plenty of scope to tailor your studies to your particular interests, career goals, or ambitions for postgraduate study.

We can support you with arranging work placement opportunities in a wide range of settings, both in the UK and abroad.

This programme includes opportunities to undertake a Semester or Year Abroad, spent in locations such as the USA, Canada, China, Hong Kong, or Singapore, enhancing your learning and offering invaluable life experience.

This course also offers you the opportunity to spend a Year in Industry, in the UK or overseas, enabling you to gain valuable workplace experience. The University advocates for paid-only placements, which on average have a salary of over £20,000. Unpaid placements are considered on a case-by-case basis.

Criminology and Sociology Employment Opportunities

Studying a BSc in Criminology and Sociology at Swansea University can lead to a range of careers. Our graduates go on to a wide variety of occupations, which include working in:

Social and Community Services

  • Community development
  • Youth work
  • Domestic abuse support services
  • Social work (with further training)
  • Education and teaching (with PGCE or equivalent)

Policy and Advocacy

  • Local and national government roles
  • Policy development and analysis
  • Third sector advocacy (e.g., NGOs, charities)
  • Think tanks and research institutes

You may also be attracted to frontline careers in policing, prisons, or the probation service. The department maintains strong working links with many of these sectors and regularly organises insight visits and guest talks from professionals in these career focused areas:

Criminal Justice and Law Enforcement

  • Police services
  • Prison and probation services
  • Victim support
  • Community safety
  • Youth offending teams

Graduates are well equipped in critical thinking, ethical reasoning, effective communication, and leadership - we ensure you are well-prepared to contribute meaningfully across diverse professional environments.

Modules

We're currently reviewing our curriculum to enhance your learning experience and embed skills that will benefit your future career. This means that some modules may be subject to change.

Entry Requirements

We consider all applicants on their own merits and welcome applications from students with a wide range of qualifications.

Criminology and Sociology, BSc (Hons)

Criminology and Sociology with a Year Abroad, BSc (Hons)

Criminology and Sociology with a Year in Industry, BSc (Hons)