Why Leeds?
With great music venues, culture, shopping, and parks - we've got it all. Leeds city centre has been named one of the Best Places to Live in the UK*.
*The Sunday Times Best Places to Live Guide, 2026
Leeds Beckett University - City Campus,
Woodhouse Lane,
LS1 3HE
Pre-register for Clearing
This course is available in Clearing. Apply now if you've got your results via 0113 812 3113, or pre-register before Results Day.
Undergraduate BA (Hons)
Available in clearingSociology and Criminology
Explore the forces behind crime and inequality while developing the skills to challenge injustice, shape a better society, and become a social changemaker.
Course overview
-
L3M9 -
L27 -
City Campus -
Full-Time -
3 Years -
21 Sep 2026
Why do some groups face greater inequalities than others? How does society decide what counts as crime? And who holds the power to shape those decisions?
On this dynamic sociology and criminology degree, you’ll explore the social issues that define modern life – from crime, justice, and inequality to identity, media, power, and social change. You’ll examine how societies respond to crime and deviance while uncovering the wider social forces that influence people’s opportunities, experiences, and life chances.
By combining sociology and criminology, you’ll gain a powerful understanding of how individuals, communities, and institutions interact in an increasingly complex world. You’ll question assumptions, challenge dominant narratives, and investigate the systems that influence modern society, developing the knowledge and confidence to become an informed, socially aware changemaker.
As part of this course, you’ll:
- Explore the social, political, and cultural factors linked to crime, inequality, exclusion and social justice
- Investigate contemporary issues such as youth crime, digital culture, identity, policing, media representation, power, and activism
- Critically analyse criminal justice systems and consider how fairer, more inclusive societies can be created
- Develop valuable research, analytical, communication, and problem-solving skills sought after across a wider range of careers
Hands-on learning
You'll learn through interactive workshops, collaborative projects, and hands-on activities designed to bring your studies to life. From creating digital content and presenting at conferences to taking part in field trips and responding to live employer-set challenges, you’ll deepen your understanding of real-world social issues.
You could even see your work published in our respected sociology journal. Giving you the opportunity to showcase your ideas and academic achievements before graduation.
Study what you’re interested in
Tailor your degree through optional modules and an independent dissertation focused on issues that matter most to you.
Building your future potential
Throughout, you'll be encouraged to think about where your degree could take you. With guidance from expert tutors and careers support teams, you’ll explore opportunities across sociology, criminology, and the wider public sector.
During your second and third years, you'll be able to choose modules featuring live briefs and placement opportunities, enabling you to build professional experience.
Why study sociology and criminology in Leeds?
Studying in Leeds places you in a fantastic location for gaining experience across community organisations, public services, and criminal justice settings, helping you strengthen your CV and develop transferrable skills.
Teaching expertise
You’ll be taught by experienced academics and practitioners with expertise across sociology, criminology, and criminal justice. Their research-informed teaching brings contemporary debates and lived realities into the classroom.
Guest lectures from professionals working across policing, probation, community organisations, and related sectors will give you valuable industry insight and help you explore future career pathways.
Why study the BA (Hons) Sociology and Criminology course at Leeds Beckett University?
- 100% of students on BA (Hons) Sociology & Criminology were positive about the way teaching staff explain things*
- Study abroad option – broaden your experience by spending a year living and studying abroad
- Gain practical hands-on experience through work placements, live briefs, and field trips
- Learn from industry professionals through guest lectures and practitioner insight
- Publish your work – you could showcase your ideas in the School of Humanities and Social Sciences’ sociology journal
*National Student Survey 2026
Sociology and Criminology at Leeds Beckett | Course Overview Interested in how society works and why crime happens? Our staff and students give you an inside look at our sociology and criminology course. Learn how this degree can open doors to a wide range of careers.
Everything you need to know
Discover all there is to know about the course, from entry requirements and fees to exploring the school you’ll be joining - we’ve got it covered.
Entry requirements
72
points required
If you’re unsure how to work out your UCAS points we have a UCAS Tariff Calculator which will do it for you. All you need to do is enter your qualifications and let the UCAS Tariff Calculator do the maths.
We have welcomed students from over 140 countries to study at Leeds Beckett University. If you are interested in studying with us you can find all the information you need about entry requirements and how to apply on our country specific pages.
Entry requirements
72
points required
48 from two A Levels or equivalent, excluding General Studies.
If you're applying via UCAS, find out more about how your qualifications fit into the UCAS tariff.
IELTS
IELTS 6.0 with no skills below 5.5, or an equivalent qualification. The University provides excellent support for any applicant who may be required to undertake additional English language courses.
Selection Criteria
We may use selection criteria based on your personal attributes; experience and/or commitment to the area of study. This information will be derived from your personal statement and reference and will only be used if you have met the general entry requirements.
Mature Applicants
Our university welcomes applications from mature applicants who demonstrate academic potential. All students will be considered through the contextual admissions policy described above. If you do not meet the requirements through the contextual admissions policy, we may still be able to make you an offer if you have recent relevant work experience through our 'Recognition of Prior Learning' policy. Please ensure that you list both your qualifications and any relevant work experience in your application so that we can consider you under both schemes where applicable. All applicants should meet our standard entry requirements of GCSE grade 4 in English language and, where specified, Maths. Alternative qualifications such as functional skills are accepted in lieu of GCSEs for most courses.We have welcomed students from over 140 countries to study at Leeds Beckett University. If you are interested in studying with us you can find all the information you need about entry requirements and how to apply on our country specific pages.
If you're applying via UCAS, find out more about how your qualifications fit into the UCAS tariff.
IELTS
IELTS 6.0 with no skills below 5.5, or an equivalent qualification. The University provides excellent support for any applicant who may be required to undertake additional English language courses.
Selection Criteria
We may use selection criteria based on your personal attributes; experience and/or commitment to the area of study. This information will be derived from your personal statement and reference and will only be used if you have met the general entry requirements.
Additional entry requirements:
Verify your qualifications
If you are an international student, we can help you to compare and verify your qualifications. Please contact our International Office on +44 (0)113 812 1111 09.00 to 17.00 Mon-Thurs / 09.00 to 16.30 Fri GMT or email internationaloffice@leedsbeckett.ac.uk.Need to improve your English Language skills?
Don't worry if you don't have the level of English required for your chosen course. We offer a wide range of courses which have been designed to help you to improve your qualifications and English language ability, most of which are accredited by the British Council. Check your English and find out more about our English courses.More questions?
No matter what your questions, we are here to answer them, visit our International website to get more information and find out about our online open days.Independent study is a crucial part of learning at university and you will be required to undertake many hours of self-directed research and reading, and preparation and writing of assessments. Your course is delivered through a number of modules, which will help you to plan your time and establish a study routine. Outside of your lectures, workshops and tutorials, a range of support is available to assist with your independent study. Our subject-specific librarians will be on hand to direct you to the specialist learning and study-skill resources. You’ll also be assigned an academic advisor to give you tailored feedback and support.
Modules, teaching and learning
There are no traditional exams on this course.
What you'll learn
Focus on sociological theories engaged with the emergence and development of capitalism and modernity.
Gain an understanding of both epistemological (the study of knowledge acquisition) and methodological aspects of the research process. This module will introduce you to the fundamental epistemological questions for the social and socio-psychological sciences. Specifically, you’ll look at problematic distinctions within the research process, including scientific versus ordinary knowledge and theory versus empirical data. You’ll investigate the precise relationship between quantitative measurement and the scientific method. In addition to this, you’ll address practical issues related to the different stages of research project design. By the end of the module, you’ll be able to discuss key methods and techniques used in social scientific research, such as ethnographic method, semiotic and discourse analyses, and causal analysis.
What you'll learn
Study the idea of intersectionality within criminology and criminal justice. You'll develop a critical understanding of the relationship of aspects of diversity such as social class, gender and ethnicity in relation to crime and victimisation. This module will also explore responses to these phenomena.
Explore sociological perspectives on the role of political and economic power in the creation of social class divisions. You will examine the role of culture, education and the state in maintaining and entrenching class divisions.
Study classical and contemporary social theory. You will focus on some important classical modern theorists such as Marx and Weber and then show how these theories have been developed by social theorists in the 20th and 21st century.
Gain a deeper insight into and training in a variety of social research methods. You will first consider the impact of values, politics and ethics on sociological research before moving on to examine a range of qualitative and quantitative research methods through in-depth examinations of specific pieces of sociological research.
Option modules may include
Focus on the study of children, youth and crime by examining patterns of offending and desistance from crime amongst children and young people. You will consider the ways in which notions of childhood and youth offending have been depicted in academic, political and popular discourses and assess the extent to which these various discourses have influenced the response of youth justice systems to address both children as offenders and also the victims of crime.
Through the analysis of issues and theories relating to social and environmental harms and crimes, this module provides a comprehensive introduction to green criminology. Drawing on global case studies, you'll examine topics such as environmental destruction, resource depletion, zemiology and social harms, agnotology, crimes of the powerful, climate change, pollution, waste, environment ethics, and animal harm and abuse. Subsequently, you'll explore key responses to these harms and crimes, including environmental crime prevention strategies, the shallow and deep ecology movements, the Gaia hypothesis, and developments in environmental forensic science.
Engage with the development of criminal justice policies at a national and global level, drawing on sociological, social policy and socio-legal perspectives. You will investigate the complex inter-relationships between theory, policy and practice in the field of criminal justice. You will be encouraged to evaluate different sources of knowledge about crime and criminal justice, and focus on the role of academic research in shaping and evaluating criminal justice policies.
What you'll learn
Use the theoretical and practical knowledge, research and analytical skills gained during your degree to investigate a topic of your choice and formulate a dissertation. With guidance from a supervisor, you'll conduct an original investigation on a relevant topic. This will demonstrate your ability to apply your knowledge of research methods, design and analysis to a specific research project. During this process, you'll show initiative and responsibility as well as the capacity to reflect on evidence and make links with theory and academic literature.
You will be encouraged to critically interrogate current social theory regarding the key features and characteristics of contemporary societies and their meaning and consequences. You will examine whether key social theories and models adequately describe contemporary societies or enhance our understanding of ongoing processes of social change.
Option modules may include
Explore the complexities of the sex industry, and related criminological issues and policy. This module will consider both the motivations of those who purchase sexual services and the diverse reasons why individuals are involved in the provision of sexual services. You'll identify the cultural factors which impact on this global industry and the nature and extent of crime and victimisation in indoor and outdoor sex work. This module will also address theoretical understandings of sex work/prostitution, their influences, and the way they impact on the way the industry is controlled. This will include law and policy in Britain and internationally. You'll also understand how these policies impact on sex workers and communities.
Conduct a critical, sociological exploration of the prison - more specifically, the experience of imprisonment. You will deal with concepts such as time and liminality, renegotiations of identity and masculinities, coping, and negotiations of gender to unpack the implications of being in the prison environment on individual prisoners.
This module examines the relationship between sport, crime, and social justice. It explores how behaviours and decisions within the world of sport can sometimes contradict wider social norms or legal standards. You'll investigate the politicisation of sports, considering how it can act as both a tool for social mobility and a site of inequality. The module also explores how race, gender, and class shape sporting experiences – both for participants and spectators.
Study the historical and socially constructed nature of freedom, crime and criminality within the law. You will look at examples of social movements that illuminate how the law itself is a field of contestation, including piracy, file sharing and poll tax rebellion.
By encouraging you to reflect on learning acquired through work placements, this module aims to promote self-awareness of your 'career story'. You'll look at how you evaluate your current skills, explore future possibilities in your career development and navigate pathways through those chosen possibilities. In short, this module enables you to become a 'cartographer' of your own future. You'll embark on at least 80 hours of work placements, supported by reflective exercises. Build expertise and confidence through a range of assessments designed by your course team and our employer partners.
Explore key concepts, topics, and debates in the study of resistance to state harms across the domains of rights, welfare, and criminal justice. Drawing on contributions from scholars and activists at the forefront of campaigning, you'll examine resistance movements in areas such as welfare reform, policing, gender-based violence, social housing, prison expansion, and asylum and refugee support. By the end of the module, you'll have developed a critical understanding of activism and resistance, along with a set of transferable skills relevant to careers in the third sector. These could include roles in charities, campaigning organisations, research bodies, and welfare services.
Look into competing explanations for acts of violent and sexual offending in both domestic and institutional settings, touching on gender, ethnicity and age issues.
Explore different theoretical approaches to understanding masculinities, including social construction and develop your ability to relate these theoretical approaches to a range of empirical topics.
Explore the development of the British welfare state and examine it in terms of the divisions between public and private provision and the conflicting moral judgements that are applied. The ways in which these State interventions build upon and entrench class divisions are studied.
Develop your understanding of the nature of work and organisations in the contemporary global economy. You will build the critical skills needed to understand key theoretical debates regarding new organisational and work-management techniques, new and emerging forms of labour and employment, and the complex and changing relationship between production, consumption and identity in an increasingly globalised economy.
Explore how our identities, so often presented as a natural and eternal condition, are constructed for us by powerful forces of reproduction and representation, ones that blur the lines between fabricated and real, object and subject, outside and inside, in a process which at once helps to maintain social hierarchy and is largely beyond individual control.
Engage with the practice of sociology in a real world context through a period of work-based learning. You'll gain practical experience of a professional work area related to your course.
In this module, you'll explore different explanations for gendered violence, with a particular focus on domestic violence. You'll consider how factors like gender, age, ethnicity, and sexuality shape both people's experiences of violence and the ways it is addressed. Key themes include physical, psychological, and sexual violence; the role of the police and criminal justice system; and domestic homicide. You'll also look at so-called 'honour'-based violence, perpetrator programmes, and how different services work together through multi-agency responses to prevent and respond to abuse.
Look at the cultural and social relationship between tattoos and crime, including the symbolism of tattooing and criminal identity.
Examine various aspects associated with sexual offending and sex offenders as you engage with key academic literature and policy documents. This module will introduce you to current sexual offences legislation in England and Wales. You'll review and reflect on the representations of sexual offending and sex offenders across a variety of media formats. You'll also assess responses to the 'sex offender problem'. Additionally, the module will critique the supervision and management efforts implemented specifically for sex offenders, in England and Wales as well as in other jurisdictions.
In this module, you'll explore the relationship between housing and crime, taking a deep dive into how the individual home can become a site of victimisation and harm. You'll critically examine how housing – or the lack of – can expose individuals, organisations, and larger state actors. Using a critical, intersectional lens, you'll investigate topics such as social housing, homelessness, domestic abuse, housing disasters, and other contemporary issues within the fields of housing and criminology.
Gain a critical understanding of the lived experiences of individuals who are seeking support to stop offending and recover from substance abuse. You’ll explore the connections between theory, policy and practice, in order to support desistance and recovery, to reduce reoffending and improve resettlement.
Critically examine terrorism, policing and security from an interdisciplinary perspective. You will analyse how terrorism, policing and security have emerged as political and law enforcement priorities and analyse the impact this has had in the respective areas of human rights, civil liberties and the criminalisation of particular groups in society. You will be equipped with the ability to think independently and critically about terrorism, policing and security while at the same time challenging orthodox understandings of the subject matter.
This module offers criminological and criminal psychological insights into violent offences that are unique, grotesque, and shocking in nature. You'll delve into these crimes from multiple perspectives, exploring psychosocial and criminological explanations that seek to uncover their disturbing root causes. Finally, you'll critically evaluate domestic and international criminal justice responses to these extraordinary crimes, scrutinising preventive policies, investigative techniques, sentencing, and rehabilitation strategies.
Fees and funding
£9,790
UK
The annual tuition fee for students entering in the 2026/27 academic year is anticipated to be £9790 (the maximum annual tuition fee cap announced by the UK Government, which is subject to parliamentary approval).
For each subsequent year of study, the University may charge up to the maximum annual tuition fee cap set by the UK Government, which may increase in line with any uplift determined by the UK Government by law or government policy (such increases are expected to be linked to inflation).
£16,840
International 2026
The tuition fee for the year for students entering in 2026/27 is £16840.
Fees and funding
£9,790
For students entering in 2026
The annual tuition fee for students entering in the 2026/27 academic year is anticipated to be £9790 (the maximum annual tuition fee cap announced by the UK Government, which is subject to parliamentary approval).
For each subsequent year of study, the University may charge up to the maximum annual tuition fee cap set by the UK Government, which may increase in line with any uplift determined by the UK Government by law or government policy (such increases are expected to be linked to inflation).
Additional course costs
Tuition Fees
Your tuition fees cover the cost of registration, tuition, academic supervision, assessments and examinations.
The following are also included in the cost of your course:
- 24/7 Library and student IT support
- Free wifi via eduroam
- Skills workshops and resources
- Library membership, giving access to more than 500,000 printed, multimedia and digital resources
- Access to software, including five free copies of Microsoft Office 365 to install on your PC,laptop and MAC, and access to free high-end software via the Leeds Beckett remote app
- Loan of high-end media equipment to support your studies
In many cases, costs associated with your course will be included in your course fee. However, in some cases there are ‘essential’ additional costs (those that you will be required to meet in addition to your course fee), and/or ‘optional’ additional costs (costs that are not required, but that you might choose to pay). We have included those essential or optional additional costs that relate to your course, below.
Optional Costs
- Educational visit costs will vary and will be dependent on details and location. Costs you'll need to pay could include travel, accommodation and subsistence.
- Work experience, placements, study related to live brief projects and/or any additional course experiences may involve travel. You'll need to pay for any additional travel or dual accommodation costs. You'll also be encouraged to make use of contacts in Leeds or your hometown to minimise these costs.
Other study-related expenses to consider: materials that you will need to complete your course such as books (whilst the library provides access to readings recommended for your modules, you may wish to purchase your own copies of some books); you can also make suggestions for books to be added to Library stock; placement costs (these may include travel expenses and living costs); student visas (international students only); printing, photocopying and stationery (you may need to pay for multiple copies of your dissertation or final project to be printed and bound); events associated with your course such as field trips; study abroad opportunities (travel costs and accommodation, visas and immunisations). Other costs could include academic conferences (travel costs) and professional-body membership (where applicable). The costs you will need to cover for graduation will include gown hire and guest tickets, and optional extras such as professional photography.
As well as your mobile phone, you will also need access to a desktop computer and/or laptop to complete assignments and access university online services such as MyBeckett, your virtual learning environment. You can book and borrow AV equipment through the media equipment service accessed online via the student hub and located in the library at each campus. Equipment includes: 360 Cameras, iPads, GoPros, MacBooks, portable data projectors, portable projection screens, flipchart stands, remote presenters, digital cameras and camcorders, SLR cameras, speakers, microphones, headphones, headsets, tripods, digital audio recorders and PC/laptops (a laptop loans service is provided on campus in the library on both campuses). Student laptops are also available from the laptop lockers located in the libraries.
This list is not exhaustive, costs are approximate and will vary depending on the choices you make during your course. Any rental, travel or living costs are also in addition to your course fees. If you choose to study via distance learning, you may not be able to access all of the facilities listed if you are not able to visit us on campus.
£16,840
For students entering in 2026
The tuition fee for the year for students entering in 2026/27 is £16840.
Additional course costs
Tuition Fees
Your tuition fees cover the cost of registration, tuition, academic supervision, assessments and examinations.
The following are also included in the cost of your course:
- 24/7 Library and student IT support
- Free wifi via eduroam
- Skills workshops and resources
- Library membership, giving access to more than 500,000 printed, multimedia and digital resources
- Access to software, including five free copies of Microsoft Office 365 to install on your PC,laptop and MAC, and access to free high-end software via the Leeds Beckett remote app
- Loan of high-end media equipment to support your studies
In many cases, costs associated with your course will be included in your course fee. However, in some cases there are ‘essential’ additional costs (those that you will be required to meet in addition to your course fee), and/or ‘optional’ additional costs (costs that are not required, but that you might choose to pay). We have included those essential or optional additional costs that relate to your course, below.
Optional Costs
- Educational visit costs will vary and will be dependent on details and location. Costs you'll need to pay could include travel, accommodation and subsistence.
- Work experience, placements, study related to live brief projects and/or any additional course experiences may involve travel. You'll need to pay for any additional travel or dual accommodation costs. You'll also be encouraged to make use of contacts in Leeds or your hometown to minimise these costs.
Other study-related expenses to consider: materials that you will need to complete your course such as books (whilst the library provides access to readings recommended for your modules, you may wish to purchase your own copies of some books); you can also make suggestions for books to be added to Library stock; placement costs (these may include travel expenses and living costs); student visas (international students only); printing, photocopying and stationery (you may need to pay for multiple copies of your dissertation or final project to be printed and bound); events associated with your course such as field trips; study abroad opportunities (travel costs and accommodation, visas and immunisations). Other costs could include academic conferences (travel costs) and professional-body membership (where applicable). The costs you will need to cover for graduation will include gown hire and guest tickets, and optional extras such as professional photography.
As well as your mobile phone, you will also need access to a desktop computer and/or laptop to complete assignments and access university online services such as MyBeckett, your virtual learning environment. You can book and borrow AV equipment through the media equipment service accessed online via the student hub and located in the library at each campus. Equipment includes: 360 Cameras, iPads, GoPros, MacBooks, portable data projectors, portable projection screens, flipchart stands, remote presenters, digital cameras and camcorders, SLR cameras, speakers, microphones, headphones, headsets, tripods, digital audio recorders and PC/laptops (a laptop loans service is provided on campus in the library on both campuses). Student laptops are also available from the laptop lockers located in the libraries.
This list is not exhaustive, costs are approximate and will vary depending on the choices you make during your course. Any rental, travel or living costs are also in addition to your course fees. If you choose to study via distance learning, you may not be able to access all of the facilities listed if you are not able to visit us on campus.
Scholarships and bursaries
We are committed to ensuring that an education at Leeds Beckett University is open to all. If you're thinking of joining us for undergraduate study, you may be eligible for a non-repayable scholarship or bursary to help with the cost of university. To find out if you are be eligible visit our scholarships and bursaries page.
We also offer a range of non-repayable scholarships for international students. To find out if you may be eligible visit our scholarships for international students page and select your home country from the drop-down list.
100%
of students on BA (Hons) Sociology & Criminology were positive about the way teaching staff explain things
Career prospects
There’s a lot to consider when choosing a course. Take a look at the team you’ll be working with, employability statistics and career prospects to help make up your mind.
Career Prospects
This degree will equip you with highly transferable skills in communication, research, critical thinking, analysis, and problem-solving that can open doors across the public, private, and voluntary sectors.
You’ll graduate with a strong understanding of crime, justice, inequality, and social change, preparing you for careers where you can make a meaningful difference to individuals and communities.
Career pathways could include:
- Civil servant
- Community housing officer
- Police officer
- Probation officer
- Prison officer
- Youth justice worker
- Social researcher
- Charity and community outreach roles
Your proven communication and research expertise will also prepare you for postgraduate study - you could advance your knowledge on the MSc Criminology course at Leeds Beckett.
BA (Hons) Sociology and Criminology | Alumni Stories - Brendan Brendan, who graduated from BA (Hons) Sociology and Criminology at Leeds Beckett in 2021, talks through his role as a Sales Associate at Lloyds Banking Group.
The course itself enables you to study things that you'd have never even thought possible, and it really prepares you for the future."
Amelia Gunn
Leeds City Council, BA (Hons) Sociology
This course will encourage you to question what we mean by ‘crime’ and ‘justice’. By studying Sociology and Criminology together – two disciplines that share common interests – you will develop your critical analytical and interpretive skills as you gain a deeper understanding of the causes of crime and its consequences for society.
Dr Darren Nixon
Senior Lecturer
Dr Joseph Ibrahim
Course Director / School of Humanities and Social Sciences
Joseph is a sociologist who has research interests in social theory, and the culture, values and practices of social movements. He has a particular interest in the work of Pierre Bourdieu and has published a monograph drawing on his ideas.
Our Graduate Promise
We have a dedicated team of people who will support you with all aspects of your career planning, from day one until 18 months after you graduate.
Getting you career ready is an integral part of your university life and this is embedded throughout your lectures and seminars. Outside of your course there is a wide range of support available to help you achieve your career goals, including:
- Getting ready to apply for jobs
- Working on your CV
- Interview skills and assessment centres
- Connecting with employers and organisations
We’re ranked in the Top 10 universities in the UK for job prospects
(Student Crowd, 2025 - the only awards based entirely on student reviews).
Find out why...
Student life
At Leeds Beckett your experience is important to us, find out more about what to expect from your time on this course and life at uni.
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