Faculty: Faculty of Social Sciences, Department of Sociology and Criminology. This three-year full-time degree offers a critical and comprehensive understanding of crime, deviance, and social issues. It integrates sociological perspectives (exploring how groups are structured, how societies function, and how individuals are shaped by social forces) with criminological theories (examining the causes of crime, the nature of criminal behavior, and responses to crime and deviance). You will delve into contemporary social issues such as social divisions, inequality, policing, punishment, and global crime, as well as the impact of age, gender, and identity on criminal activity. The program provides rigorous training in sociological and criminological research methods, including designing surveys, conducting interviews, and using quantitative analysis from basic statistics to big data. It encourages critical thinking and prepares students to address complex social problems.

Graduates with a BA (Hons) in Sociology and Criminology from the University of Essex are highly sought after in a wide range of fields due to their strong analytical, research, and critical thinking skills. Career options include: Police Officer, Probation Officer, Prison Officer, Social Worker, Youth Worker, Crime Analyst, Criminology Researcher, Policy Analyst (government or non-profit), Community Development Worker, Victim Support Worker, Intelligence Analyst, Human Resources, Journalist, Civil Service Administrator, and roles within the Home Office, security services, charities, and social justice organizations. The program's strong research component also prepares graduates for further academic study (e.g., Master's or PhD programs) in criminology, sociology, social work, or law. Essex graduates in this field have excellent career outcomes, with high percentages in work or further study post-graduation.

The University of Essex fosters a forward-thinking environment and has a diverse international community, offering a truly global perspective. Essex is a centre of world-leading research excellence for the social sciences, providing students with access to cutting-edge research and experts in the field, including the Institute for Social and Economic Research (ISER). The university offers a location close to beautiful countryside that's only an hour away from London by train, combining a peaceful study environment with easy access to a major global city. The Department of Sociology and Criminology is one of the earliest and most highly-ranked in the UK, known for its challenging and innovative teaching.