Criminology and Sociology (Extended Degree) BSc (Hons)
Option for Placement Year
Option for Study Abroad
Option for Placement Year
Option for Study Abroad
Are you keen to grow your knowledge of criminological and sociological theories and concepts? Do you want to understand what makes these disciplines distinctive and explore social research methods through real world research?
Our Criminology and Sociology degree will develop your intellectual curiosity. You will explore the relationship between crime, justice and society on the one hand, and link individual actions to social structures on the other, all through an examination of contemporary theories, policies and practice. As an active and responsible member of global society, you will use your knowledge to think independently, as well as to challenge the opinions and conduct of others. You will recognise the value of your discipline in shaping society, through critical evidence-based responses to crime and criminal justice problems.
You will have the option to apply for a relevant work placement – for instance, in a prison or police station – and learn from lecturers who are also leading researchers in a variety of cutting-edge research fields in criminology and sociology. You can take part in modules that speak to our other thought-provoking specialisms within criminology (e.g. victimisation, sex work) and sociology (e.g. happiness, race and migration), offering synergised breadth and depth across both disciplines.
On joining this course you will become part of an exciting, dynamic and distinctive university school which has received continued praise for their high quality, research-rich teaching and learning experience.
Graduate Prospects: Sociology at Northumbria is ranked in the 3rd in the UK for Graduate Prospects, with over 86% of our graduates in highly skilled employment or further study 15 months after graduation (Times Good University Guide 2026).
Experiential Learning: At Northumbria, every undergraduate course guarantees real-world experience.
Research Power: Social Policy is ranked 3rd in the UK for research power in the UK out of 76 submissions (REF, 2021).
Student Rated: Over 96% of students studying Criminology and Sociology at Northumbria thought staff were good at explaining things (NSS, 2025).
To keep up to date with the latest from the school, follow us on X at https://twitter.com/CriminologyNU and https://twitter.com/SociologyNU.
See other similar courses you may be interested in, such as BSc (Hons) Sociology, Criminology BSc, Criminology and Forensic Science BSc, Professional Policing BSc, Psychology with Criminology BSc (Hons).
You can also check out all of our other Social Sciences Courses and find that one that suits you.
This extended degree provides an alternative route to higher education and supports those who don’t meet the standard entry requirements for an undergraduate degree. It includes a foundation year where you will develop an understanding of society, social dynamics and modern life whilst also enhancing your skills in research and analysis, and decision-making.
Your foundation year will cover the areas of sociology, politics, and criminology. Through engaging with real world issues, you’ll begin to develop the critical thinking, communication and problem-solving skills that are essential for both further study and employment.
The foundation year of the course delivered at level 3 which develops your ability to study in Higher Education is not accredited. Subsequent levels and years are accredited and deliver the knowledge, competencies, and skills required to meet the specific course accreditation requirements that relate to the approved accredited award title.
UCAS Code
Z006
Level of Study
Undergraduate
Mode of Study
4 years Full Time or 5 years with a placement (sandwich)/study abroad
School
Humanities and Social Sciences
Location
City Campus, Northumbria University
City
Newcastle
Start
September 2026
Fees
Fee Information
Our Department of Social Sciences is a community that equips you to make a positive social change, become a critical thinker, a problem solver, and to challenge what you think, see and hear.
Read all about the course and our teaching.
We are an enthusiastic, committed and knowledgeable staff team, who are here to motivate you and propel you through your degree and beyond.
Dr Nathan Stephens-Griffin
Nathan started as a Lecturer at Northumbria University in September 2018 and is now a assistant Professor in the school of Humanities and Social Sciences.
Read More
Professor Pam Davies
Pam's research covers areas such as gender, crime, harm, victimization and justice.
Read MoreAt the heart of each Northumbria campus, our libraries provide a range of study space and technology to suit every learning style.
Explore some of the research our students and staff are taking part in.
Northumbria graduates are making a very distinctive mark on the world. Here are a selection of some of our Alumni who have been taught within this subject area.
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56 to 72 Tariff Points
From a combination of acceptable Level 3 qualifications which may include: A-level, T Level, BTEC Diplomas/Extended Diplomas, Scottish and Irish Highers, Access to HE Diplomas, or the International Baccalaureate.
Find out how many points your qualifications are worth by using the UCAS Tariff calculator: www.ucas.com/ucas/tariff-calculator
Northumbria University is committed to supporting all individuals to achieve their ambitions and we understand that every applicant’s circumstances can be different, which is why we take a flexible approach when making offers for this course. We have a range of schemes and alternative offers to make sure as many individuals as possible are given an opportunity to study at our university regardless of personal circumstances or background. Typically, offers range from 56 to 72 UCAS tariff points, but we’ll assess your individual circumstances and potential when reviewing your application
To find out more, review our Northumbria Entry Requirement Essential Information page for further details www.northumbria.ac.uk/entryrequirementsinfo
Subject Requirements:
There are no specific subject requirements for this course.
GCSE Requirements:
Applicants will need Maths and English Language at minimum grade 4/C, or an equivalent.
Additional Requirements:
There are no additional requirements for this course.
International Qualifications:
We welcome applicants with a range of qualifications which may not match those shown above.
If you have qualifications from outside the UK, find out what you need by visiting www.northumbria.ac.uk/yourcountry
English Language Requirements:
International applicants should have a minimum overall IELTS (Academic) score of 6.0 with 5.5 in each component (or an approved equivalent*).
*The university accepts a large number of UK and International Qualifications in place of IELTS. You can find details of acceptable tests and the required grades in our English Language section: www.northumbria.ac.uk/englishqualifications
UK Fee in Year 1: TBC
The fees in the academic year 2027/28 are £10,050. Fees are set in line with the tuition fee cap decided by the UK Government. The University may increase fees in subsequent years in line with any changes to the tuition fee cap. Increases will be linked to inflation. For example, increases may be linked to RPIX (Retail Price Index excluding mortgage interest payments). Students will be notified of any increase ahead of it taking effect. Student fee loans rise in line with the tuition fees cap. * Fees subject to annual increases over the course of the period of study. Students will be liable for payment of any/all tuition fees which are not sponsored by their employer or other third party.
International Fee in Year 1: TBC
* This is the tuition fee for your first year of study. You should expect to pay tuition fees for every year of study. The University may increase fees in the second and subsequent years of your course at our discretion in line with any inflationary or other uplift. Students will be notified of any increase ahead of it taking effect.
ADDITIONAL COSTS
There are no Additional Costs
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