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Course overview
The BA Sociology and Criminology with Year Abroad at Birmingham explores the roots of crime, justice, and inequality, equipping you with the knowledge and skills to create positive social change and tackle global challenges in an interconnected world.
Prepare to critically examine social issues, from crime to justice, while gaining practical skills and global insights. This program equips you to shape policies, influence change, and build a career that addresses the most pressing societal challenges.
This course has given me the freedom to discover new passions and future aspirations, with a wide-ranging list of modules spanning across different disciplines. I have been incredibly impressed with how the department encourages their students to reach their full potential, preparing students for their dissertations right from the start.
Why study this course?
The Sociology and Criminology BA at the University of Birmingham uniquely blends the study of crime, justice, and social issues, offering a deep understanding of societal challenges. This interdisciplinary approach, combined with strong career support, prepares you to create meaningful change and tackle the complex issues of crime, inequality, and social justice.
- World-Class Expertise: Learn from leading academics in a top research-intensive university.
- Real-World Impact: Tackle pressing global challenges like inequality, health, and education through a dynamic curriculum.
- Interdisciplinary Learning: Combine insights from social policy and sociology to tackle pressing societal challenges.
- Placements: Apply learning in real-world settings through optional placements, gaining practical experience and industry insights.
- Study Abroad: Embark on a journey of self-discovery and personal growth while boosting your career prospects after graduation. With over 300 global partners, explore where your University of Birmingham experience can take you.
Talk to our students
Hear more about studying at Birmingham. Chat to one of our friendly students to find out more about your favourite course, our beautiful campus and life in our vibrant and cultural city.
Course delivery
The course combines lectures, seminars, and group work, with options for placements or tailored research projects to match your interests.
Lecture
Seminar
Tutorial
- Lectures: Gain foundational knowledge and insights from expert academics on key concepts, theories, and real-world social policy issues.
- Seminars: Engage in discussions, debates, and collaborative activities to deepen understanding and enhance critical thinking skills.
- Group Work: Develop teamwork and problem-solving abilities by working collaboratively on projects and case studies.
- Projects: Academic projects typically require students to conduct research, analyse data, and draw conclusions based on their discoveries. They may also be expected to work in a team, present their work to an audience, and defend their findings.
- Placements: Apply learning in real-world settings through optional placements, gaining practical experience and industry insights.
Assesment methods and feedback
You will be assessed in a variety of ways across your degree. At the beginning of each module, you will be given information on how and when you will be assessed. Assessment methods will vary within each module and may include: written coursework, such as essays, formal exams and group work.
Support during your studies
You will have access to our comprehensive support system to help you make a smooth transition to university-level study.
- Personal tutors - will get to know you as you progress through your studies. They will provide academic support and advice to enable you to make the most of your time here at Birmingham.
- Wellbeing Officers - provide professional support, advice and guidance to you across a range of issues. They can discuss extensions, disabilities, reasonable adjustments, extenuating circumstances, and help you access wider support on campus and beyond.
- Academic Skills Centre - helps you become a more effective independent learner through a range of high-quality support, with workshops on topics such as note-taking, reading, academic writing and presentation skills.
- Student Experience team - will help you get the most out of your academic and social experience, including research opportunities, study skills support and preparing for your post-university careers.
Contact hours: For all undergraduate modules students usually attend 1 lecture and 1 seminar per week.
Module information
The modules listed for this programme are regularly reviewed to ensure they are up-to-date and informed by the latest research and teaching methods.
The optional module information listed for this programme is intended to be indicative, and the availability of optional modules may vary from year to year. Where a module is no longer available, we will let you know as soon as we can and help you to make other choices.
Year 1
Year 1
The following must be taken:
| Module Title | Credits | Semester |
|---|---|---|
| Causes of Crime | 20 | Semester 1 |
| The Sociological Imagination | 20 | Semester 1 |
| Discovering Social Problems | 20 | Semester 1 |
| Social Research I | 20 | Semester 2 |
| Introduction to Social Divisions | 20 | Semester 2 |
| Violence in a Global Context | 20 | Semester 2 |
Year 2
Year 2
The following must be taken:
| Module Title | Credits | Semester |
|---|---|---|
| Criminology and its Critics | 20 | Semester 1 |
| Modern Sociological Theory | 20 | Semester 2 |
| Social Research II | 20 | Semester 2 |
You must choose 20 credits from the following options:
| Module Title | Credits | Semester |
|---|---|---|
| Gender and Sexuality | 20 | Semester 1 |
| Poverty, Class and Inequality | 20 | Semester 2 |
| Race and Racism | 20 | Semester 1 |
Choose your remaining 40 credits from the following options:
| Module Title | Credits | Semester |
|---|---|---|
| Gender and Sexuality | 20 | Semester 1 |
| Punishment in a Global Context | 20 | Semester 1 |
| Histories of Criminal Justice and Empire | 20 | Semester 1 |
| Housing, Home and Place: Issues in Policy | 20 | Semester 1 |
| Media and Society | 20 | Semester 1 |
| Race and Racism | 20 | Semester 1 |
| Social Psychology | 20 | Semester 2 |
| Education, Policy and Social Justice | 20 | Semester 2 |
| Enterprising Solutions to Social Problems | 20 | Semester 2 |
| Poverty, Class and Inequality | 20 | Semester 2 |
| Terror, Threat and Security | 20 | Semester 2 |
| Youth, Crime and Justice | 20 | Semester 2 |
| Contemporary Issues in Policing | 20 | Semester 2 |
Year 3
Year 3
The following must be taken:
| Module Title | Credits | Semester |
|---|---|---|
| Social Policy, Sociology and Criminology Year Abroad | 120 | Full Term |
Year 4
Year 4
The following must be taken:
| Module Title | Credits | Semester |
|---|---|---|
| Social Policy, Sociology and Criminology Dissertation | 40 | Full Term |
You must choose 80 credits of optional modules, including at least 20 credits from the following five optional modules:
| Module Title | Credits | Semester |
|---|---|---|
| Crime and the City | 20 | Semester 1 |
| Genocide and Mass Atrocities | 20 | Semester 1 |
| Harmful Societies: Crime, Social Harm and Social Justice | 20 | Semester 1 |
| Psychology and Crime | 20 | Semester 2 |
| Drugs: Society, Politics and Policy | 20 | Semester 2 |
Additional Optional Modules:
| Module Title | Credits | Semester |
|---|---|---|
| Mental Health and Society | 20 | Semester 1 |
| Sociology of Success and Spectacle | 20 | Semester 1 |
| Social Policy, Inequality and the Life Course | 20 | Semester 1 |
| Professional Development | 20 | Semester 1 |
| Contemporary Social Theory | 20 | Semester 1 |
| Technology & Society | 20 | Semester 2 |
| Power, Control and Resistance | 20 | Semester 2 |
| Quantitative Data Analysis | 20 | Semester 2 |
Entry requirements
To secure a place at Birmingham, you'll need to meet our general entry requirements as well as those specific to your course.
- A Level
ABB
- IB
6,5,5 at Higher Level with a minimum of 32 points overall.
- BTEC
BTEC Extended Diploma, Diploma and Subsidiary Diploma are all considered.considered
- T Level
all subjects considered; Standard offer: Distinction overall with A in the Core Component.
-
Number of A levels required: 3
General Studies: Not considered
English language requirements
If you are an international student, you will need to demonstrate you have a suitable level of English proficiency, usually through the form of an IELTS or equivalent qualification or a Presessional English course.
- TOEFL: 88 overall with no less than 21 in Reading, 20 in Listening, 22 in Speaking and 21 in Writing.
- IELTS: 6.5 overall with no less than 6.0 in any band.
- Pearson Test of English (PTE): PTE 67 with no less than 64 in all four skills.
- Cambridge English(exams taken from 2015): Cambridge English: Advanced Minimum overall score of 176, with no less than 169 in any component
- Language Cert ESOL SELT (UKVI): B2 ‘Communicator’ with no less than 33 in each skill
- Trinity ISE II: Not applicable
- Trinity ISE III: Pass in each Skill
Presessional English courses
If you have a conditional offer for Birmingham where English is a requirement, you can take a Presessional English course as an alternative to retaking IELTS or a similar qualification. We offer on-campus courses all year round starting from September, including additional online courses in the summer term. Teaching takes place in small classes with no more than 18 students to maximise class participation.
Extended Project Qualification (EPQ)
Applicants who take the EPQ and meet our offer criteria will be made the typical offer for their programme of choice, plus an alternative offer which will be one grade lower plus a grade A in the EPQ. This offer would apply if you make Birmingham your firm choice.
Core Maths qualification
Applicants who take the Core Maths qualification and meet our offer criteria will be made the typical offer for their programme of choice, plus an alternative offer which will be one grade lower plus a grade A in Core Maths. If you are also taking A-level Maths, you will not be eligible for an alternative offer through studying Core Maths. This offer would apply if you make Birmingham your firm choice.
Am I likely to receive an offer for 2026?
Stay up-to-date with news and updates from the University of Birmingham including events, our courses and studying with us by registering your details. If you do so, you will be able to use our Offer Calculator.
Alternative Offers
Students who are eligible and complete a Pathways to Birmingham programme will receive an alternative offer, which is typically two grades below the standard offer.
Our Contextual Offer scheme
Our Contextual Offer scheme recognises the potential of students whose personal circumstances may have restricted achievement in school or college. If you are eligible to benefit from the Contextual Offer scheme, you will receive an offer which is one grade lower than the standard offer. You don’t need to apply for this – it will be assessed and applied at the point of application if you’re eligible.
- Pathways to Birmingham
BBC
- Contextual Offer
BBB
Fees and scholarships
The University tuition fee covers the cost of your tuition, examination and graduation, and includes membership of the Guild of Students.
- £9,535*
per year for domestic (UK) students for 2026/27
*The University will charge the maximum approved tuition fee per year. If Parliament agrees on an increase in tuition fees, the University will increase fees for each year of study, normally in line with these changes and will communicate any change in the fees to you without delay. The fee for September 2025 entry was £9,535 for UK students. If you are applying for 2026 entry, you will be advised of the annual tuition fee once it is confirmed by the Government.
Undergraduate loans
To help with the cost of studies, undergraduate students from the UK can apply for student finance through the Student Loans Company. The support available is made up of a tuition fee loan and a maintenance loan which helps to cover living costs.
Scholarships, grants and bursaries
At Birmingham, we believe that financial worries should not be a barrier to accessing higher education. That’s why we offer a range of additional financial support for students through scholarships, bursaries and other awards.
Financial support for Home students
If you're a UK student and starting university in September 2026, find out more about what financial support is available to you.
Financial support for International students
We want to help you reach your full potential. Explore our wide variety of scholarships available for international students.
Application process
Whatever your journey to university looks like, we’re here to support you every step of the way. For all undergraduate courses at Birmingham, you apply online through UCAS. The UCAS website has lots of information and advice around the process.
- 14 January 2026
Application deadline for September 2026 entry. Applications close at 18:00 GMT.
View further information on how to apply for undergraduate courses, including advice for UK and overseas applicants.
Career opportunities
Pursuing a degree in Sociology and Criminology with a Year Abroad at Birmingham provides you with essential critical thinking, research, and problem-solving skills that are highly sought after by employers. You’ll have access to placements, networking opportunities, and career coaching, preparing you for careers in law, social policy, criminal justice, and more. Our strong industry connections ensure you graduate with the experience and contacts needed to thrive in a competitive job market. Notably, we are the most targeted UK university by top graduate employers, according to the High Fliers report, The Graduate Market 2024.
Careers Network
Our aim is to make sure that success in your studies leads you on to a fulfilling career. Whatever you plan to do after your degree, the Careers Network offer support to help you identify your options, develop your skills and gain access to opportunities that propel you towards your career goal.
Built in Birmingham. Forged for the future.
Hear from some of our inspiring alumni who have gone on to work for leading employers such as the UK Space Agency and BBC Sport.
Student experience
Your experience studying at Birmingham will give you the opportunity to discover new experiences, develop different skills and make friends for life.
Our bustling campus with its beautiful grounds, friendly community, and excellent facilities will quickly make you feel at home. We offer you a huge variety of accommodation options in the UK’s second city, exciting activities to get involved in outside your studies, as well as all the support and advice you need.
Accommodation
Coming to Birmingham to study might be your first time living away from home. In our student accommodation, you can enjoy your independence in safe, welcoming and sociable surroundings.
Living in Birmingham
Our cosmopolitan city has a unique history and so much to see and do. With an ever-changing food and drink scene, a vibrant nightlife and plenty of culture, our city is more than somewhere to study.
Student support
Whoever you are and wherever you come from, we are committed to providing the best possible support to our students, both before you start and throughout your time on campus.
Campus life
Our beautiful campus is the place where our diverse community comes together to learn and socialise. Like a town of its own, it’s just minutes from the hustle and bustle of the UK’s second city.
Flexible programmes to suit you
Not sure what you want to study?
Explore your options for combining subjects and shape your degree around your interests, whilst developing key skills for the world of work.
Take a virtual tour
Explore our beautiful campus from wherever you are. Get a feel for the wide range of historic and modern spaces and state-of-the-art facilities.