Sociology, Criminology and Policing

Explore the social issues shaping our world and develop the knowledge and skills to understand society, crime and justice. Our Sociology, Criminology and Policing courses combine academic study with real-world perspectives, helping you question assumptions, explore different experiences and consider how you could make a difference in society.

Knowledge

You will be taught by industry-leading experts.

£500 million

has been invested into our facilities, including a major expansion of our City Centre Campus.

Connected

We have close links with regional criminal justice system and leading non-Government organisations.

icon-accreditations

TEF Gold

BCU was awarded the highest possible rating of Gold for Student Experience in the Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) 2023.

Social justice sits at the heart of our Sociology, Criminology and Policing courses. Based in Birmingham, a vibrant and diverse city undergoing constant change, you’ll explore the issues affecting people and communities today. From inequality, identity and hierarchies of power to crime, rehabilitation and criminal justice, you’ll develop the critical thinking skills to understand complex social issues and examine the forces shaping our society.

Our courses encourage you to take your learning beyond the classroom and explore how theories and research apply in practice. You’ll learn from academics and researchers whose work explores complex social issues in communities, prisons, hospitals, schools and the police, with opportunities to engage with professionals and organisations. You could even visit HMP Grendon, one of the UK’s most unique prisons, to explore rehabilitation and debate ideas around justice with residents.

As your interests and expertise develop, you’ll have opportunities to shape your academic experience and explore connections between different areas of study. You can also gain valuable experience through a professional placement year or internship, building your skills, confidence and professional contacts. Whatever direction you choose, you’ll graduate able to critically analyse the world around you and apply your knowledge to make a difference in society.

Our Courses

Foundation courses

Our Foundation Years offer you an additional year of study to ensure progression to your chosen degree.

Undergraduate courses

Find out about our range of undergraduate courses for Sociology and Criminology.

Postgraduate courses

Take a look at the Sociology and Criminology postgraduate courses and research degrees available.

Explore BCU

Take a virtual tour of your subject facilities and spaces that would be part of your daily life as a student at Birmingham City University.

Our research

Sociology and criminology research at Birmingham City University focuses on exploring societal issues such as inequality, social justice, and crime prevention. Researchers at the university collaborate on projects related to criminal behavior, law enforcement, and community safety, offering real-world solutions to complex challenges.

Explore Sociology and Criminology

Facilities

Take a look around the facilities available to you as a Sociology and Criminology student at BCU.

Our staff

When you study your degree with us, you will enjoy a wealth of expertise from those in your relevant field.

Our graduates

We're proud to boast an alumni community of more than 200,000 graduates in 120 countries across the world.

Working in Industry

If you choose to study at BCU, you will get the chance to work with industry, where you'll gain valuable experience.

Blog

Check out our blog where we share our experiences and visionary ideas with each other, the industry and the world.

Birmingham 2029

Birmingham 2029 sees the city mapped out like never before to generate a big picture of life during the next decade.

Find out more

News

There is always something happening around the University and our latest news is a great way to find out what's going on.

Placements

You may be required to undertake a placement as part of your course, or offered the opportunity to do so voluntarily during your time at BCU. 

Living in Birmingham

Whether you’re moving to Birmingham or you’re a Brummie at heart, there’s so much to student life here to explore, no matter which campus you're based at.

Open Days

The best way to explore what's on offer is to come and see us. Our in-person events provide the perfect opportunity to chat to our staff and students, and check out our state-of-the-art facilities.

More information

Why study with us?

Find out why you should choose BCU and study with us.

Why choose BCU?

Student information

Learn how to apply for a place on one of our courses, check out our student accommodation and discover more about services that will enable you to gain the most from your studies.

Student information

Go Abroad

Whatever you want to achieve, going abroad will give you the skills, knowledge and experience to make a difference to your future.

Go Abroad

Funding

We're here to help you with any questions or problems you may have, both before and during your time as a student here. Fees, funding, budgeting, money management - we can help you get to grips with it all.

Financial information

International

You’ll find a diverse and welcoming environment at Birmingham City University. We’re a modern and dynamic international university, with staff, students and alumni from more than 100 countries. With 30,000 students in the second largest city in the UK.

International study information