Faculty: Faculty of Social Sciences, Department of Sociology and Criminology. This four-year Bachelor of Arts with Honours (BA Hons) program offers an interdisciplinary study of criminology alongside the development of counselling skills, with the added benefit of a dedicated placement year in a relevant professional setting. The curriculum will cover core criminological theories, research methods, and various aspects of crime and justice, integrated with training in counselling principles, techniques, and ethical practices over three academic years, with a full year dedicated to practical work experience. This extended program provides invaluable real-world experience and significantly enhances employability in roles working with individuals affected by crime or within the broader criminal justice and social welfare sectors.

Career options significantly enhanced by practical experience in victim support services, youth offending teams, probation services, rehabilitation programs, social work, counselling roles within criminal justice settings, and potentially in related areas such as mental health support or advocacy. The placement year provides direct professional experience and networking opportunities, making graduates highly competitive in the job market.

The University of Essex offers a forward-thinking environment and a diverse international community within its Faculty of Social Sciences, which includes the Department of Sociology and Criminology, known for its research excellence in the social sciences. The university's location offers a balance of being close to beautiful countryside while also being only an hour away from London by train, potentially providing access to both a focused academic environment and placement/career opportunities in London's social and criminal justice sectors. The inclusion of a placement year further strengthens career prospects.