Faculty: Faculty of Social Sciences, Department of Sociology and Criminology. This four-year full-time degree includes a dedicated year for a work placement, allowing you to gain invaluable professional experience. It offers a critical and comprehensive understanding of crime, deviance, and social issues, integrating sociological perspectives with criminological theories and research. You will explore 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. The placement year enhances your employability and provides practical application of your academic learning.

Graduates with a BA (Hons) in Sociology and Criminology (Including Placement Year) from the University of Essex are highly sought after due to their strong analytical, research, critical thinking, and practical work experience. 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 placement year provides a significant advantage in the job market, offering hands-on experience and professional networking. The program's strong research component also prepares graduates for further academic study (e.g., Master's or PhD programs).

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 and the practical advantage gained from the placement year.