Open University

BA (Honours) in Criminology and Sociology

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 depend on which of the three routes you choose. These include completing a dissertation in criminology or sociology.

Stage 1 (120 credits)

You'll study the following:

• Introducing the social sciences (DD102)
• Introduction to criminology (DD105)

Stage 2 (120 credits)

You'll choose one from the following:

• Understanding Criminology (DD212)
• Understanding digital societies (DD218)

You'll study the following:

• Social research: crime, justice and society (DD215)

Stage 3 (120 credits)

Standard (non-dissertation) route

You'll study the following:

• Social theory: changing social worlds (DD318)
• Crime, harm and the state (DD311)

Criminology dissertation route

You'll study the following:

• Social theory: changing social worlds (DD318)
• Researching current issues in criminology (DD315)

Sociology dissertation route

You'll study the following:

• Crime, harm and the state (DD311)
• Principles of social research: sociology special project module (D328)

Assessment

Our assessments are all designed to reinforce your learning and help you show your understanding of the topics. The mix of assessment methods will vary between modules.

Computer-Marked Assignments

• Usually, a series of online, multiple-choice questions.

Tutor-Marked Assignments

• You’ll have a number of these throughout each module, each with a submission deadline.
• They can be made up of essays, questions, experiments or something else to test your understanding of what you have learned.
• Your tutor will mark and return them to you with detailed feedback.

End-of-Module Assessments

• The final, marked piece of work on most modules.
• Modules with an end-of-module assessment won’t usually have an exam.

Exams

• Some modules end with an exam. You’ll be given time to revise and prepare.
• You’ll be given your exam date at least 5 months in advance.
• Most exams take place remotely, and you will complete them at home or an alternative location.
• If a module requires you to take a face-to-face exam, this will be made clear in the module description, and you will be required to take your exam in person at one of our exam centres.

Knowledge and understanding

On completion of this degree you will be able to:

• Show a critical awareness of and describe the key concepts and theoretical approaches in criminology and sociology
• Understand the main methods of sociological and criminological research, including the ethical issues they raise, and assess their appropriate uses
• Analyse and provide an account of the major processes and phenomena that characterise social worlds, including social diversity and divisions; inequalities, power and stratification; the relationship between social action and structure; the processes that bring about social change, conflict and stability; and those that shape individuals, groups, practices, institutions and structures
• Demonstrate an extensive knowledge of the complex ways in which institutions, policies and practices relevant to ‘crime’ and ‘justice’ interact, and a critical awareness of how social interests, positions and values impact policies and practices in criminal justice and law-making.

Cognitive skills

On completion of this honours degree, you will be able to:

• Identify and select evidence relevant to sociological and criminological concerns, and interpret, analyse, and critically evaluate this evidence
• Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of established techniques of sociological and criminological analysis and enquiry
• Deploy a conceptual understanding of criminology and sociology to explore a range of complex social problems and to devise and sustain arguments
• Interpret, analyse and evaluate sociological and criminological ideas, concepts and arguments and demonstrate an ability to extend knowledge and understanding of these.

Practical and/or professional skills

On completion of this honours degree, you will be able to demonstrate an ability to:

• Recognise and critically evaluate personal viewpoints and engage respectfully with the views of others
• Identify and describe the value of sociological and criminological inquiry to social, public and civic policy and debate
• Learn from feedback and reflect on the process of learning to evaluate personal strengths and weaknesses
• Regularly review current and future goals for personal, academic and career development, and develop strategies to achieve these goals where necessary.

Key skills

On completion of this honours degree you will be able to demonstrate the following skills:

• Communication: an ability to accurately and effectively communicate criminologically- and sociologically- relevant information, in a variety of ways suitable for a range of audiences, both formally and informally.
• Digital Information Literacy: an ability to select, access and exploit a wide range of digital literacy practices to find, use, reference and share data and information relevant to the study of criminology and sociology.
• Plan and organise: an ability to plan, conduct and present independent criminological and sociological investigations that involve identifying questions, and collating, analysing and interpreting secondary data.
• Connect and work with others: an ability to work collectively with other learners in group situations to achieve joint outcomes.

Skills for career development

This degree will enable you to formulate and investigate sociological and criminological questions; build arguments; assess the methods used to generate evidence and research; and analyse, interpret and evaluate a wide range of information. You'll also learn how to communicate effectively with different audiences (e.g. through reports, policy briefs, blogs, and presentations); work with others; and give and receive peer feedback. You'll have the chance to devise and conduct your project and will develop substantial skills in time management, self-reflection self-motivation, and the ability to work independently.

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, that 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.

With our unique approach to distance learning, you can study from home, work or on the move.

You’ll have some assessment deadlines to meet, but otherwise, you’ll be free to study at the times that suit you, fitting your learning around work, family, and social life.

For each of your modules, you’ll use either just online resources or a mix of online and printed materials.

Each module you study will have a module website with

• A week-by-week study planner, giving you a step-by-step guide through your studies
• Course materials such as reading, videos, recordings, and self-assessed activities
• Module forums for discussions and collaborative activities with other students
• Details of each assignment and their due dates
• A tutorial booking system, online tutorial rooms, and your tutor’s contact details
• Online versions of some printed module materials and resources.