Queen's University Belfast

Criminology and Sociology BA

Queen's University BelfastBelfast, United Kingdom

Course overview

Criminology focuses on the causes and consequences of crime, as well as how the criminal justice system responds to crime. Criminologists are interested in how activities come to be defined as criminal, and why definitions of crime vary across countries and over time. The subject includes a wide range of sociological and psychological theories that attempt to explain criminal behaviour, the harms associated with offending and how the criminal justice system operates.

Sociology is a discipline concerned with the explanation of social life and human behaviour of all kinds. It equips students with the skills to understand the breadth of social experience, ranging from the global (including power and politics, norms, religion, conflict and peace, the digital world, climate change, racism, sexism and other forms of social inequality) to the personal (including family life, intimacy, emotions, beliefs and mental health). Please see the video below for a student perspective on studying criminology and sociology at Queen’s University Belfast.

Key highlights

  • Explores causes and consequences of crime and criminal justice responses
  • Examines why definitions of crime vary across countries and time
  • Covers sociological and psychological theories explaining criminal behaviour
  • Sociology topics include power, conflict and peace, and climate change
  • Studies inequality including racism, sexism and the digital world
  • Explores personal life: family, intimacy, emotions and mental health

Entry requirements

  • A-level: ABB — ABB

Scholarships

  • County Antrim Grand Jury Bursary

    Approximately £1500 depending on funding available.

  • Early Confirmation Award

    Funding Amount - £1500

    Up to £1,500

  • International Undergraduate Scholarships

    This award is £3500 (fee rate 1) for first year of study; £4000 (fee rate 2) for first year of study.

  • INTO Progressors Scholarship

    £1500 reduction in tuition fees for first year of study.

    Up to £1,500

  • LLB Senior Status International Scholarship

    Scholarships Value - £4000

    Up to £4,000

  • Queen's Loyalty Scholarship

    20% reduction on first year gross tuition fees.

    Up to 20% of fees

  • Queen’s Family Scholarship

    20% reduction on first year gross tuition fees.

    Up to 20% of fees

  • Royal Academy of Engineering: Engineering Leaders Scholarship Programme

    Funding Amount: £5000 - £10,000

    Up to £5,000

  • Vice Chancellor’s International Attainment Scholarship - Undergraduate

    50% reduction on full tuition fees paid for all years of a programme, up to a maximum of four years (including advanced entry into Year 2 or Year 3).

    Up to 50% of fees

Careers this course leads to

  • Probation officer
  • Police officer
  • Youth justice worker
  • Social researcher
  • Policy officer
  • Victim support officer

Cost of study

UK/Home: £4,985 (NI/ROI), £9,790 (GB) | International: £24,600

Admission

Applications are made through AHZ at no cost. Share your transcripts, English test scores and personal statement, and your AHZ Counsellor will review your profile, submit your application to Queen's University Belfast, and guide you through interview, offer, CAS and visa — right up to enrolment.

Ready to start?

Book a free consultation and we'll map your fastest route to your place.

Apply Now
Download Free Guide