Birkbeck, University of London
Sociology and Criminology
London, England, United Kingdom · UCAS L304
Level
Bachelor
Duration
4 years
Campus
Main Site
Intl. Tuition
£19,320 (2027-28)
Home Tuition
£10,050 (2027-28)
Intake
October 2027
UCAS code
L304
See how your grades stack up for this course
With an Ascenda account you get your fit and admit odds for every programme, a shortlist you can compare, and your deadlines and applications in one place.
Course Overview
Sociology and Criminology at Birkbeck, University of London in London, England, United Kingdom is a bachelor programme designed to give you both rigorous academic grounding and exposure to current practice in the field.
- Study with academics who are active researchers and industry practitioners, with regular contact through seminars, tutorials, and project work.
- Develop core knowledge in your first year before specialising through optional modules in later years tailored to your interests and career goals.
- Build practical, transferable skills — analysis, communication, teamwork, and project delivery — that employers across sectors actively look for.
- Access dedicated employability support including internships, placements, alumni mentoring, and a careers service that connects students to graduate roles.
- Join a global student community with extracurricular societies, sports, volunteering, and study-abroad opportunities to round out your university experience.
Career snapshot (indicative)
Criminology graduates work in the criminal justice system, policing, probation, youth justice, social research and policy, with roles at the Home Office, HMPPS and leading criminal justice NGOs. Many pursue postgraduate law conversion.
Student life (indicative)
London offers arguably the world's richest student experience — thousands of free museums and galleries, a world-leading theatre scene, diverse food from every corner of the globe, and a nightlife scene that never sleeps. The sheer variety is unmatched anywhere in the UK.
The University at a Glance
Student Population
7,720
Staff Ratio
19.0:1
International
12.0%
Career Prospects
Employment Rate
67.0%
of graduates employed
Avg Starting Salary
£26,070
First-year earnings
Costs & Living
City & Location
Major metropolitan (>1m inhabitants)
Course Curriculum
Year 1
- Foundations of Sociology and Criminology
- Academic and Research Skills
- Quantitative Methods
- Introduction to Theory and Practice
- Optional language or breadth module.
Year 2
- Intermediate Sociology and Criminology topics
- Applied Methods and Tools
- Group Project
- Two optional pathway modules
- Career and Industry Insights.
Year 3
- Advanced Sociology and Criminology
- Independent Dissertation or Capstone Project
- Two specialist optional modules aligned with your interests
- Employability and Professional Development.
Entry Requirements
Subjects
- Social problems
- Social psychology
- Social geography
- Social sciences
- Sociology
- Criminology
- Social policy
- Social philosophy
- Social history
Source: UCAS course listing, 2027 entry (retrieved September 2026). Always confirm the current requirements with the university.
Assessment Methods
Assessment is varied across the programme and may include: Written examinations across foundational modules; Coursework essays and analytical reports; Group and individual projects with presentations; Practical lab, studio, or fieldwork assessments where relevant; A final-year dissertation or capstone project that lets you specialise in a topic of your choice.
Campus & City Life
Student Population
7,720
Total students
Staff Ratio
19:1
Students per staff
International Students
12%
Of student body
Campus at a Glance
City Size
Major metropolitan (>1m inhabitants)
Climate (indicative)
Cool temperate
Safety Index (indicative)
7.8/10
Transport
Moderate (coach or indirect connections)
Social Scene
Friendly community
Student Life & City (indicative)
London offers arguably the world's richest student experience — thousands of free museums and galleries, a world-leading theatre scene, diverse food from every corner of the globe, and a nightlife scene that never sleeps. The sheer variety is unmatched anywhere in the UK.
- London offers arguably the world's richest student experience — thousands of free museums and galleries, a world-leading theatre scene, diverse food from every corner of the globe, and a nightlife scene that never sleeps.
- The sheer variety is unmatched anywhere in the UK.
What Students Love
- World-class museums & galleries
- Vibrant nightlife & bars
- Diverse international food scene
- Theatre & performing arts scene
University Stats
Career & Outcomes
Graduate Employment
67%
Employed after graduation
Avg Starting Salary
£26,070
Average first-year salary
Placement Year
✗ Not offered
Industry work experience
Career Outcomes Overview (indicative)
Criminology graduates work in the criminal justice system, policing, probation, youth justice, social research and policy, with roles at the Home Office, HMPPS and leading criminal justice NGOs. Many pursue postgraduate law conversion.
- Criminology graduates work in the criminal justice system, policing, probation, youth justice, social research and policy, with roles at the Home Office, HMPPS and leading criminal justice NGOs.
- Many pursue postgraduate law conversion.
Top Industries for Graduates
- Business
- Healthcare
- Education
Study Abroad Opportunities
Y
- Y
Costs & Living Expenses
Total Programme Cost
£77,280
For full 4 years
Overall Cost of Living (indicative)
HIGH
This location has a higher cost of living. Budget accordingly for accommodation, food, and general expenses.
Estimated Annual Costs
Monthly Student Budget (indicative)
Cost Overview (indicative)
In the higher range for UK student costs — expect around $2,300/month (housing $1,400, food $420, transport $200). A comfortable student lifestyle at costs well below London and the South East.
- In the higher range for UK student costs — expect around $2,300/month (housing $1,400, food $420, transport $200).
- A comfortable student lifestyle at costs well below London and the South East.
Contains HESA data (Discover Uni), licensed under CC BY 4.0.