Criminology & Sociology

Psychology affects us all every day, and often we don't even realise it. Sociology studies our wider society. Politics is all around us, shaping the social policies which we all have to live by.

With social sciences you learn the broad theories which underpin these subjects, and uncover evidence which shows how they work in affecting our daily lives.

You gain experience of complementary subjects, like criminology, which explores definitions of crime, causes of crime, and how society and the media react to crime. Research methods are a vital part of social sciences, and you finish this course with a sound understanding of the different options available for gathering information and data.

This course is the perfect foundation for you to go on to further study, possibly entering the second or third year of a related degree at Teesside University, and you are also given the opportunity to develop the kind of skills which companies seek from anyone they look to employ.

How you learn

All modules are taught through a combination of lectures and seminars. In lectures specific information is delivered to larger groups while in the smaller seminar groups you can explore issues in more depth, supported by independent study. Examples of seminar activities include case study work, media analysis, poster presentations and discussions/debates. You learn how to use all our extensive facilities such as electronic journals, virtual learning environments and computer programs.

How you are assessed

Assessment is varied and includes essays, presentations, projects, case studies, examinations and a dissertation. Some modules have several pieces of assessed work to help you develop your skills throughout the academic year.

Degree progression

Once you've completed the HND successfully, you may choose to progress to Year 2 of the BSc (Hons) Criminology, or Year 3 of the BSc (Hons) Sociology.

Career opportunities

Areas include the public sector, social research, the voluntary sector, culture and media industries. Many students who have studied on the HND Social Sciences have progressed to further undergraduate study and also undertaken postgraduate study.

Entry requirements

A typical offer is 80 tariff points from one A level (or equivalent). You must have three GCSEs to include English at grade C (or equivalent). We recommend an Access course if you're a mature student.

More information

• Watch our video about sociology
  

• Sociology staff
  Meet the sociology staff

• Criminology & Sociology
  More information and courses in Criminology & Sociology