Applied Sociology and Criminology (with Foundation Year) Bachelor of Science (with Honours) - BSc (Hons)

Our criminology courses rank in the UK top 20 overall in their subject field (The Guardian University Guide, 2026).

Explore the forces that shape society and how crime affects communities in a changing world with this practical, thought-provoking BSc (Hons) Sociology and Criminology. You’ll examine social inequality, crime and justice, and the role of institutions such as the police, courts and prisons. The course dives into contemporary issues including media and crime, youth and urban violence, forensic mental health and digital technologies while developing strong research and data-analysis skills through hands-on experience and real-world learning. You complete an independent dissertation and graduate prepared for careers in criminal justice, social research, policy and related fields.

Foundation Year\
In the Foundation year, you will study three days per week. The focus will be on academic writing skills and numeracy, plus subject-specific content to fully prepare you for entry to an Undergraduate degree. It provides a balance between content related to your chosen subject and the range of wider skills required for undergraduate study. This is an integrated four-year degree, with the foundation year as a key part of the course. You will be required to pass the foundation year in order to progress to the first year of your degree. This course is ideal for those who do not meet our standard entry requirements or those with a non-standard educational background. It will allow you to graduate with a full undergraduate degree in your chosen subject in four years.

Facilities and specialist equipment

* Four-storey library with an extensive range of physical and digital resources.

* Specialist labs, lecture theatres and bespoke group study spaces.

Career-powered links

We have robust associations with organisations such as HMP Wells, Luton council, Luton's Women's Aid, Luton Women's Centre, local charities and volunteering organisations. These open up opportunities for volunteering and work placements for our students in the community or in practice.

Your student experience

Develop a comprehensive understanding of sociology and criminology through exploring how societal structures and behaviours intersect with crime, justice and social inequalities.

Connect academic learning with practical application, tackling contemporary, real-world issues such as education inequality, digital transformation and systemic biases in institutions.

Put theory into practice with opportunities for work-related learning, voluntary work, hands-on simulations of crime scenarios, and a data analysis unit using tools like SPSS and Excel.

Learn from expert staff with diverse social science backgrounds, including forensic psychiatry, policing, offender management, social work, further education teaching and youth justice.

Benefit from staff actively involved in research across key areas such as human rights, safeguarding, social equity/justice, public policy, youth crime and violence, and offender management.

Personalise your degree by choosing from a range of optional units and tailor your final-year dissertation to focus on either research or a community-based project.

Become workplace ready by developing transferable skills in critical thinking; problem-solving; oral and written communication; IT literacy; and teamwork.

Enhance your learning through subject-relevant field trips to key institutions, including visits to The Old Bailey, Royal Courts of Justice and Luton Magistrates’ Court.

Engage with local charities, policymakers, and community leaders through the #SASS Change Maker initiative, which empowers you to address and raise awareness of critical societal challenges.