Sociology and Criminology (Study Abroad)

BA Hons

  • UCAS code LM41
  • Entry year 2026
  • A level requirements BBB
  • Duration Full time 4 years
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We welcome applications from the United States of America

We've put together information and resources to guide your application journey as a student from the United States of America.

Overview

Top reasons to study with us

  • 6

    6th for Criminology

    The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide (2025)

  • 9

    9th for Student satisfaction for Criminology

    The Complete University Guide (2025)

  • 10

    10th for Sociology

    The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide (2025)

This thought-provoking degree explores how crime is shaped by society, and how society is shaped by crime. Lancaster’s experts specialise in the intersections between crime and society – from social dimensions such power and inequalities, to crime and criminalised behaviour such as youth justice, climate-related crime and sex work.

You’ll deep-dive into different theories and perspectives, with input from professionals in areas such as law enforcement, social services and charities. You’ll see how crime can be understood through the lens of social systems and structures, such as class, gender, race and racialisation and sexuality, and how structures such as class affect opinions on crime.

Why Lancaster?

  • Work with leading experts: our academics advise the United Nations, the EU and UK government, influence drug policies in the UK and overseas, and work with national and local criminal justice and anti-poverty agencies
  • Explore today’s most pressing challenges: understand how topics such as racism and hate, drug-related crimes, sex offences and human rights violations are connected to social structures and systems, such as poverty, racism and sexism
  • Critically explore crime and society: examine important issues through a social justice lens
  • Exceptional academic support: work closely with engaged and approachable lecturers who value your ideas and are committed to helping you grow as a social scientist
  • Unlock your career potential: access tailored careers advice to discover diverse pathways and practical steps you can take to ensure a rewarding career
  • Build connections: network with experts from law enforcement, criminal justice organisations, charities and non-government organisations
  • Take a path towards action and impact: explore today’s issues, become part of a better tomorrow

Crime, inequality and injustice

Get ready to unravel the big issues affecting our society with a combined degree in Sociology and Criminology. You will examine the cultural, political and economic contexts of crime and criminal justice and explore the social circumstances and ideas that influence people’s actions.

We will support you to understand crime as both a consequence and symptom of inequality. Inequalities create environments where people feel they may have little choice but to engage in criminal activity to meet their needs. Conversely, systemic inequalities can also lead to the over-policing and criminalisation of marginalised and poorer communities, resulting in higher crime rates within those groups and communities.

You will build the skills to understand these complex relationships and to respond to the challenges they present in meaningful, creative ways.

Topics may include:

  • Sociological and criminological theory
  • Policing and criminal justice
  • Cyber security
  • Inequalities and social justice
  • Migration, race and hate crime
  • Gender and sexuality
  • Welfare states
  • Youth justice
  • Environmental harm and crime
  • Social research

Engage with experts

Sociology and Criminology at Lancaster has a long and distinguished history and is extremely well respected. This intellectually challenging and exciting programme will enable you to explore and understand the social problems and challenges that national governments, local organisations, and the criminal justice system tackle.

Our course is grounded in contemporary debates and developments, and you will be taught by our internationally renowned team who have a reputation for influencing national and international policy and practice. You’ll be informed and inspired by our research and our passionate commitment to our subject areas and to social change. Together we will untangle the complex relationship between society, crime, and the criminal justice system and give you an insight into the ways policies and laws are influenced and changed.

You will also gain insights directly from visiting speakers. Previously students have listened to talks from Victim Support, a Restorative Justice coordinator from Lancashire Constabulary, a Detective Inspector working in domestic abuse and a 'professional burglar' who turned his life around and now advocates for crime prevention and community support.

Great student experience

At Lancaster we pride ourselves on providing an excellent student experience and outstanding academic and pastoral support. It is at university that you will build up not only your professional networks, but also your confidence and your social group. You can join the Criminology Society and take part in a wide variety of events, including academic and career-informed activities that complement your criminological and sociological knowledge.

The supportive and personalised experience we offer is designed to make your time with us memorable, enjoyable and successful.

A rewarding career awaits

Our Sociology and Criminology degree at Lancaster provides a comprehensive knowledge of society and crime in a range of contexts alongside the development of professional skills that are valued by employers across a wide range of sectors.

By the end of your degree course you will be a strong communicator with the confidence to speak in public, put forward an argument and make sound decisions. You’ll have the ability to think critically, work in teams, carry out your own research and analyse data. Our specialist careers advisors will work with you and help you plan your future in the criminal justice system and beyond.

A police officer from Lancaster Constabulary

Build networks: make connections

Employers value experience and creating new connections is vital to your future. We’ll introduce you to professionals at NGOs and charities, as well as local criminal justice agencies such as Lancashire Constabulary, the Police Federation for England and Wales, Police Scotland, HMP Lancaster Farms, HMP Thorn Cross, prison education providers Novus, and Probation and Youth Justice.

Alongside their studies, past students have volunteered with the Citizens Advice Bureau and Lancashire Constabulary's Special Constables, as well as in community engagement organisations, the media and creative industries and caring professions. Paid placement opportunities are an option and we’ll help you make the right connections.

Your year abroad

A student sitting in front of a suspension bridge on a sunny day.

Study abroad

The study abroad option is an exciting opportunity for anyone who is thinking of working abroad during their career or who simply wants the experience of living and studying overseas as part of their degree.

Often study abroad students describe the year abroad as a “transformative experience”, as it can shape your future career path as well as having a positive impact on your personal development.

Study abroad - Lancaster students
Sunway University

Experience and skills

On a study abroad course, you'll spend two years at Lancaster before going overseas in your third year to study at one of our international partner universities. This will help you to

  • develop your global outlook
  • expand your professional network
  • increase your cultural awareness
  • develop your personal skills.

You’ll return to Lancaster for your final year of study in year four.

Ayers Rock, Australia

Host universities

During your year abroad, you will choose specialist modules relating to your degree and potentially other modules offered by the host university that are specialisms of that university and country. 

The places available at our overseas partners vary every year. In previous years destinations for students in the Faculty have included Australia, USA, Canada, Europe and Asia.

Castle Hill in Lancaster

Alternative option

We will make reasonable endeavours to place students at an approved overseas partner university that offers appropriate modules. Occasionally places overseas may not be available for all students who want to study abroad or the place at the partner university may be withdrawn if core modules are unavailable.

If you are not offered a place to study overseas, you will be able to transfer to the equivalent standard 3-year degree scheme and would complete your studies at Lancaster. Lancaster University cannot accept responsibility for any financial aspects of the year abroad.

Careers

A Sociology and Criminology degree could open doors to a many different roles in the private, public or voluntary sectors. Our graduates have gone on to roles with:

  • Criminal justice agencies (the police force, HM Prison Service, the National Probation Service, GSL UK)
  • The Home Office & Ministry of Justice
  • The Department for Health
  • Social services
  • NHS Trusts
  • Charities
  • Youth offending services

Eager to continue learning? Some students continue their studies with our postgraduate courses in criminology, criminal justice, sociology and social research.

Careers and employability support

Our degrees open up an extremely wide array of career pathways in businesses and organisations, large and small, in the UK and overseas.

We run a paid internship scheme specifically for our arts, humanities and social sciences students, supported by a specialist Employability Team. The team offer individual consultations and tailored application guidance, as well as careers events, development opportunities, and resources.

Whether you have a clear idea of your potential career path or need some help considering the options, our friendly team is on hand.

Lancaster is unique in that every student is eligible to participate in The Lancaster Award which recognises activities such as work experience, community engagement or volunteering and social development. A valuable addition to your CV!

Find out more about Lancaster’s careers events, extensive resources and personal support for Careers and Employability.

Careers

Find out about some of the careers our alumni have entered into after graduation.

Entry requirements

These are the typical grades that you will need to study this course. This section will tell you whether you need qualifications in specific subjects, what our English language requirements are, and if there are any extra requirements such as attending an interview or submitting a portfolio.

Qualifications and typical requirements accordion

Help from our Admissions team

If you are thinking of applying to Lancaster and you would like to ask us a question, complete our enquiry form and one of the team will get back to you.

We also have more details on our website about:

International foundation programmes

Delivered in partnership with INTO Lancaster University, our one-year tailored foundation pathways are designed to improve your subject knowledge and English language skills to the level required by a range of Lancaster University degrees. Visit the INTO Lancaster University website for more details and a list of eligible degrees you can progress onto.

Contextual admissions

Contextual admissions could help you gain a place at university if you have faced additional challenges during your education which might have impacted your results. Visit our contextual admissions page to find out about how this works and whether you could be eligible.

Course structure

Enhancing our curriculum

We continually review and enhance our curriculum to ensure we are delivering the best possible learning experience, and to make sure that the subject knowledge and transferable skills you develop will prepare you for your future.

We will publish more detailed information about the structure of this degree course for 2026-entry in June 2025, ahead of our summer undergraduate open days. This will include overviews of the core modules you will take and examples of optional modules which may be available to you.

Fees and funding

We set our fees on an annual basis and the 2026/27 entry fees have not yet been set.

Fees and funding information

Additional fees and funding information accordion

Scholarships and bursaries

Details of our scholarships and bursaries for students starting in 2026 are not yet available.

You can use our scholarships for 2025-entry applicants as guidance.

Important information

The information on this site relates primarily to 2026/2027 entry to the University and every effort has been taken to ensure the information is correct at the time of publication.

The University will use all reasonable effort to deliver the courses as described, but the University reserves the right to make changes to advertised courses. In exceptional circumstances that are beyond the University’s reasonable control (Force Majeure Events), we may need to amend the programmes and provision advertised. In this event, the University will take reasonable steps to minimise the disruption to your studies. If a course is withdrawn or if there are any fundamental changes to your course, we will give you reasonable notice and you will be entitled to request that you are considered for an alternative course or withdraw your application. You are advised to revisit our website for up-to-date course information before you submit your application.

More information on limits to the University’s liability can be found in our legal information.

Our Students’ Charter

We believe in the importance of a strong and productive partnership between our students and staff. In order to ensure your time at Lancaster is a positive experience we have worked with the Students’ Union to articulate this relationship and the standards to which the University and its students aspire. Find out more about our Charter and student policies.

Undergraduate open days 2025

Our summer and autumn open days will give you Lancaster University in a day. Visit campus and put yourself in the picture.

Undergraduate Open Days
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