Sociology and Criminology blog

Do you know exactly what criminology is, and why it’s important in our society? We’re here to tell you.

Sociology is hugely important to our society, so let’s take a further look at what sociology is and why it is useful.

Sociology student, Grace Ryder, debunks some common misconceptions about the subject.

Imran Awan, Professor of Criminology at Birmingham City University explores issues of misogyny, racism and Islamophobi...

Are you wondering how to get involved in activism? We've got all the tips and tricks on how to get started.

We’ve broken down the pros and cons of studying a Policing degree.

Discover how Caitlin, a Criminology and Security Studies alumna, entered the field, the diverse responsibilities of h...

From being called out to real-time incidents such as burglary, to serving at the Queen's funeral, Criminology, Polic...

Here are our top 10 reasons to choose Social Sciences.

What is Black Studies? Find out more about Europe's first ever Black Studies degree and what exactly you can learn from...

Dr Lily Hamourtziadou, Senior Lecturer in Criminology with Security Studies, participated in a round table discussion a...

As part of your degree you will undertake a placement module that will require you to research and apply for a voluntar...

What makes Birmingham City University so special? It’s not just our state-of-the-art, modern City Centre Campus. Read ...

Dr Ben Colliver has a range of experience in a variety of settings including pupil referral units, colleges and univer...

Open Days are a great opportunity for you to experience a little bit of life as a BCU student. Take a look at why they...

Dr Mohammed Rahman is a senior lecturer in Criminology in the School of Social Sciences. He has published international...

Social sciences lecturer, Kadian Pow has over 20 years of experience working in education in both the USA and the UK. ...

Dr Rebecca Semmens-Wheeler joined BCU’s psychology department in 2016 and is joint course director for the BPS accredi...

Our modern City Centre Campus is the perfect place to undertake a criminology degree, but what makes Birmingham so spec...

Are you studying a Sociology , Black Studies or Youth Work and Communities degree and want to know what type of jo...

Looking at studying a sociology related course? You’ve come to the right place, as we’ve got several to choose from tha...

It was the Romans that once said, "Give them bread and circuses, and the people will neglect their concerns."

Consider yourself a super sleuth? Constantly invested in true crime shows and podcasts? If so, you may want to find ou...

Senior Teaching Fellow Jonathan Jackson looks at what could lay ahead in the on-going Russian - Ukrainian conflict.

Student Caitlin shows us around her student digs over at the Old Fire Station.

If you’re wondering what university will be like, when placements might be or just generally interested about student ...

BA Criminology (Hons) student Stacey discusses why she chose Birmingham City University.

Social sciences student Alex discusses why he chose to study at Birmingham City University

Student Ambassador Rachael discusses why she chose Birmingham City University.

Social Media Ambassador Charandeep explains why she chose BCU.

Social Media Ambassador Vishna discusses why she chose Birmingham City University.

As the initial shock of the case settles, Laura Riley and Sharda Murria explore how academics working with future offic...

When starting out on the journey towards university, most students start looking at either the big picture, or the fin...

Our new BA (Hons) Youth Work and Communities degree has been designed to help kick-start your journey towards becoming ...

Body worn cameras, or bodycams, were only introduced to policing around 3-4 years ago but have since become a regular p...

Find out our choices for the best true crime podcasts available right now.

Professor Craig Jackson shares his insights on a new TV Show about the Yorkshire Ripper, Peter Sutcliffe.

School of Social Sciences student Alex talks us through his journey from undergraduate to postgraduate study at BCU.

Psychology ambassador Ellie explains how she helped put together a network for her fellow students during lockdown.

Postgraduate student Fern explains why she chose to take her studies further at the School of Social Sciences.

We explore how you can get a head start on your career with a postgraduate placement.

Packing for university can be overwhelming, especially if you are studying overseas. Here are our top tips for packing ...

If you’re feeling a little homesick or missing your favourite meals, then take a look at the restaurants Birmingham has...

We have asked our team of Mental Health First Aiders to give us their top tips for looking after your mental health.

I chose to study BA (Hons) Criminology at Birmingham City University. Here’s why…

Professor Liz Yardley explores why it's important that society starts to look at domestic abuse differently.

A list of book recommendations for those looking to educate themselves on the societal issues facing Black people in th...

Crime shows and documentaries have become a hugely popular genre in recent years, with shows like CSI, Breaking Bad and...

School of Social Sciences associate professor Geraldine Lee-Treweek examines the history and relevance of June's Gypsy...

Dr Ben Colliver, a Criminology Lecturer at Birmingham City University, looks at legislation changes in the UK and US an...

When you become a BCU student, you automatically become a member of our Students’ Union, giving you access to the wide...

Senior Teaching Fellow Jonathan Jackson examines the similarities between the Cold War between America and the Soviet U...

The Faculty of Business, Law and Social Sciences at Birmingham City University has a lot of support services on offer t...

In June 1812, one of the greatest military commanders of all time launched his most daring and risky invasion.

Senior Teaching Fellow Jonathan Jackson discusses the impact the UK-wide lockdown due to coronavirus could have on crim...

We asked some of our students to tell us something special they have experienced during their time at Birmingham City U...

Jonathan Jackson, course leader for our BSc (Hons) Professional Policing course, discusses the global police response t...

School of Social Sciences staff members Jonathan Jackson and Lily Hamourtziadou look at global security threats in thi...

MA Criminology student Sally Browne gave her take on the annual students vs inmates debate at HMP Grendon.

As a result of BCU’s active connections with West Midlands police, MA Criminology student Sally Browne has been able t...

Criminology lecturer Kevin Hoffin offers an insight into how Glocalization and Bricolage shape the Black Metal subcultu...

A critical response to Jonathan Jackson's " By Order of the Peaky Blinders ", by Craig Kelly.

Senior Teaching Fellow in Policing and Security studies, Jonathan Jackson explores what we can learn from one of BBC’s...

School of Social Sciences members Lily Hamourtziadou and Maram Abdulkader wrote the following blog after visiting the B...

MA Criminology student Sally Browne was given the opportunity to represent Birmingham City University at a Taser Train...

Professor Craig Jackson spoke to a psychology student who was prepared to explain what it is like for many students su...

Tuesday 1st October marks two years since the Route 91 Harvest music festival mass shooting occurred in Las Vegas on Su...

Policing is one of the most recognisable professions, but it's also an occupation that changes country to country, tow...

Alcotraz is the latest quirky drinking location found at the heart of London’s iconic Brick Lane and below, a recent re...

Despite being one of the greatest, if not the most significant threat that our planet faces, Trump's imprudent environ...

Day after day, the wider media issue reports on violent crimes, with a heavy focus on knife crime.

Everyone has something they identify themselves with, it’s taught at the most basic level of sociology.

Technology has long played a part in the success and failure of military operations.

Much has been said recently about sovereignty; if the sloganeering chants that drove a majority of a population to vot...

When society thinks of key moments in human history, we are often reminded of how so much can be decided by the smalle...

Ben Colliver argues there are ‘serious implications’ for children who are being denied access to the No Outsiders prog...

Looking into Prevent duty

Dr Lily Hamourtziadou and Edwin Knapp look at the legacy of the Iraq war, 16 years after it started.

Psychology is an area of study that can open up many career doors for those graduating from postgraduate degrees.

Have you ever wondered how to switch disciplines at University?

How did a transient physical labourer whom was once noted as an aspiring and promising boxer come to hold the grizzly ...

In June 2017 the country’s attention focused on London, as we witnessed one of the UK’s worst disasters: the fire at G...

As many around the world prepare for the annual festivities, it is maybe important to remember another key moment that...

Amidst the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, I thought it would be beneficial to reflect on my attend...

Why should you consider applying to study at the School of Social Sciences?

Why should you consider applying to study at the School of Social Sciences?

What should be the main purpose of imprisonment? Criminology Lecturer Liam Brolan explores Norway's response to Anders...

For Mental Health Awareness Day, Professor Craig Jackson looks at the complexity of suicidal behaviour.

When you work hard on your university degree, you want to know what jobs are out there for you when you graduate.

Sociology and Criminology blog

5 careers you can do with a Criminology degree

What is Criminology?

What is Sociology?

Sociology myths debunked

Professor Imran Awan proposes: Let's Kick Misogyny out of Football

How to be an activist

Do I need a Policing degree?

From Criminology Student to Neighbourhood Officer

A glimpse into the world of policing

10 Reasons To Study With Us

What is Black Studies?

My year abroad: how it's changed my outlook on life!

Dr Lily Hamourtziadou on casualty recording and human rights

Volunteering in Criminal Justice

Why study social sciences in Birmingham

Academic Spotlight: Ben Colliver

5 reasons to come to our Social Sciences Open Day

Academic Spotlight: Mohammed Rahman

Academic Spotlight: Kadian Pow

Academic Spotlight: Rebecca Semmens-Wheeler

Why you should study criminology in Birmingham

Careers you can do with a Social Sciences degree

Which Sociology course is right for you?

Disentangling Sport and Security

Best crime scene shows on TV right now

What does Putin do now?

Student accommodation vlog

Chat to our social sciences students

Why Stacey chose to study Social Sciences at BCU

Why Alex chose to study social sciences at BCU

Why Rachael chose to study Psychology at BCU

Ambassador Blogs: Why I Chose to Study Sociology

Ambassador Blogs: Why I Chose Criminology

Women Teaching Policing: Reflections, motivations and looking forward

What to look for in a Social Sciences School

Five Traits You Need to be a Youth Worker

Policing the Police: Bodycams and public scrutiny

The best crime podcasts to listen to right now

The Yorkshire Ripper’s New Victims

Ambassador Blogs: Why I chose to study a Masters degree in MA Criminology

Ambassador Blog: Building an Online Community

Ambassador Blogs: Why I chose to study a Masters degree in MSc Forensic Psychology

Four reasons to take a postgraduate placement

Packing for University

Restaurants for Each Culture

Looking after your mental health – top tips from our Mental Health First Aiders

Criminology - My Three Reasons Why

Patriarchy Meets Neoliberalism: Tackling domestic abuse in the twenty-first century

Black Lives Matter Book Recommendations

Best crime dramas on Netflix right now

June is Gypsy, Roma and Traveller History Month: is it needed?

Protecting ‘Safe Spaces’ or Rolling Back Trans Rights?

Societies at the School of Social Sciences

The Cold War of the Middle East

Student Support Services at BLSS

Lessons of the Past: Napoleon, Borodino and the Russian Campaign

Crime and Corona

I AM BCU - Something Special

Iron Fist in a Velvet Glove: Police response to the Coronavirus

Dragons, Snakes and Covid-19: Old and new threats to our security

HMP Grendon: A Student View on the Annual Debate

Out of Court Disposal Sessions

Glocalization, Bricolage and Black Metal: How a music-centric youth culture portrays global and glocal interests

An Alternative View of Peaky Blinders

By Order of the Peaky Blinders

Memorials and Remembrance

Taser Training - A Students Perspective

University, Life, and My Borderline Personality Disorder

Mandalay Bay Mass Shooting - Two Years On

4 Reasons to Study Policing

Alcotraz - The hottest new place for wannabe inmates

A Step Back: Trump’s Violent Environmental Policies

Micro and Macro harms of Neoliberalism through the lens of violent and structural crime

‘I didn’t realise it was already Halloween, freak”: Reflections of a Goth immersed in sociological deviance

Winning Wars: The Myth of Technology

Personal Sovereignty, or “He who makes a beast of himself…”

Myths and Small Margins: Lessons of Command from Operation Barbarossa

Removing ‘No Outsiders’ school lessons is adding to LGBT people being targets for hate speech and violence

Introducing the Desecuritising Higher Education Project at Birmingham City University