Criminology & Sociology
Building on the OU’s reputation for cutting-edge criminological and sociological teaching and research, this joint degree offers you the chance to study lively, topical and sometimes controversial subject matter.
| Award Name | Degree - Honours Bachelor at UK Level 6 |
|---|---|
| NFQ Classification | |
| Awarding Body | Open University |
| NFQ Level |
| Award Name | NFQ Classification | Awarding Body | NFQ Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Degree - Honours Bachelor at UK Level 6 | Open University |
Duration
How long it takes
Part time – 6 years
Full time – 3 years
Time limit – 16 years
Study method: Distance learning.
How much time do I need?
• Most of our students study part time, completing 60 credits a year.
• This will usually mean studying for 16–18 hours a week.
Entry Requirements
There are no formal entry requirements for this qualification.
At The Open University we believe education should be open to all, so we provide a high-quality university education to anyone who wishes to realise their ambitions and fulfil their potential.
Even though there are no entry requirements, there are some skills that you'll need to succeed. If you're not quite ready for OU study we can guide you to resources that prepare you, many of which are free.
Careers / Further progression
Career relevance
A degree in criminology and sociology can lead to employment across the public, private and voluntary sectors. Businesses, public sector organisations and educational institutions increasingly have to deal with social issues, and value the skills that criminology and sociology graduates can provide. Consequently, your degree will be relevant to a wide range of professions, some of which are listed below. You can also use your degree to pursue further study in the higher education sector.
Please note, this degree does not guarantee entry to the career fields listed, which may require specialist qualifications to enter. However, it may help you gain those qualifications and enhance your prospects for progression once you are employed.
Other careers
Many graduate-level jobs are open to criminology and sociology graduates, particularly in business, the voluntary sector and the public sector.
Exploring your options: see 'Course Web Page' link below for further information.
Further information
Register for this course.
Start dates
• October 2024: Registration closes 05/09/2024
• February 2025: Registration closes 09/01/2025
Credit transfer: apply by 08/08/2024
BA (Honours) Criminology and Sociology
Course code: R46
Building on the OU’s reputation for cutting-edge criminological and sociological teaching and research, this joint degree offers you the chance to study lively, topical and sometimes controversial subject matter. You’ll investigate questions of crime, criminalisation and social harm to determine whether society’s responses to these questions are adequate and appropriate. You’ll also explore how social worlds are made and how we, as individuals, are shaped by the societies in which we live.
Key features of the course
• Explore lively and topical issues about contemporary social life and about crime, harm and criminal justice
• Learn to evaluate evidence critically and understand criminological and sociological problems better
• Examine the role of both theory and research in shaping knowledge about crime, justice and the wider social world
• Explore criminological and sociological topics of your own interest in depth in the final year.
We also offer a Diploma of Higher Education in Criminology and Sociology (W80) that is the same in structure as the first two-thirds of this degree.
This degree has three stages, each comprising 120 credits.
• You’ll start Stage 1 with a compulsory module in inter-disciplinary social science, followed by a compulsory module in criminology.
• Next, in Stage 2, you'll choose between modules in sociology and criminology before studying a compulsory social research module.
• Finally, in Stage 3, the modules you take depends on which of the three routes you choose. These include completing a dissertation in criminology or sociology.
See 'Course Web Page' link below for more information on modules.
Learning outcomes, teaching and assessment
This qualification develops your learning in four main areas:
• Knowledge and understanding.
• Cognitive skills.
• Practical and professional skills.
• Key skills.
The level and depth of your learning gradually increases as you work through the qualification. You’ll be supported throughout by the OU’s unique style of teaching and assessment – which includes a personal tutor to guide and comment on your work; top quality course texts; elearning resources like podcasts, interactive media and online materials; tutorial groups and community forums.
Tel: +353 1 678 5399
Our advisers are available to take your call Monday to Friday from 08:30 to 17:00, excluding public holidays.