Criminology and Sociology

Explore the key issues of our time and benefit from our outstanding professional links within Criminology and Sociology. 

Why study here?

We draw on a wide range of human and social science disciplines to explore the key issues of our time – race, gender, immigration, crime, social injustice and youth unemployment – and help you to answer critical questions about society in the UK and beyond. You’ll benefit from our friendly, inclusive and supportive learning environment and our central London location which provides inspiration and takes your learning outside the classroom.

Courses

2026/27 Full-time

2026/27 Part-time day

Known for our combination of pure, practice-led and applied approaches, and for using our knowledge for the betterment of society we offer PhD, MPhil, DProf and MRes study. We can provide you with guidance on how to write your research proposal and our entry requirements for a Research Degree.

Explore the Social Sciences and Humanities research areas.

Next open days

Careers

Industry links

Our criminology and sociology teaching teams are award-winning and at the cutting edge of research, and they are members of our Centre for Social Justice Research. You’ll benefit from our strong links with NGOs, courts, and prisons, providing you with unique insights into the field. We make the most of our central location, with field trips around the city, museum visits and themed street walks, and we also organise field trips abroad.

As part of our Criminology, Criminology and Sociology and Sociology degrees you’ll complete a work-based learning module in year two, giving you the opportunity to network and gain work experience. Opportunities can include placements with the Metropolitan Police, Explore Teaching or internships with research groups.  

Job roles

Our Criminology and Sociology courses will prepare you for careers such as:

  • Probation officer
  • Youth Justice worker
  • Civil servant
  • Local government officer
  • Charity/NGO worker
  • Social researcher
  • Police officer
  • Teacher

ZONE29: OUR NEW HOME OF CAREERS AND ENTERPRISE

Our doors are set to open in spring 2026, but a wide range of opportunities are available now, including:

  • jobs, placements and work experience
  • tailored career guidance and mentoring
  • career planning through the Westminster Award
  • work and study abroad programmes
  • help with developing your own business or freelancing

Visit our Zone29 website

Westminster Stories

Delegation from the Hessischer Landtag and German embassy with Westminster colleagues at Regent Street

Westminster shares Convict Criminology projects with German parliament and embassy delegation

The group explored how Convict Criminology and Higher Education (HE) prison participatory projects can help drive improvements in criminal justice.  

Read moreGo to German delegation article

Metropolitan Police placements: student experiences

Three students who completed a placement with the Metropolitan Police share their experiences.

Read moreGo to Met Police placement blog

Old Bailey

Westminster students gain insights into criminal justice process during Old Bailey visit

A group of first-year Criminology BA Honours students recently visited the Old Bailey Criminal Court as part of their Justice and Human Rights module.

Read moreGo to LGBT+ domestic abuse story

Chat with our students

Ask some of our current students about their experience of life at the University of Westminster.

Find out moreGo to the chat to our students page

What our students say

Cameron Snell

Culture, Environment and Social Change BA - 2026

Adapting my studies to such a wide range of topics has helped me see the systems behind social and environmental injustices. Plus, the variety keeps the course exciting - every lecture is a joy to attend. 
 

Navtan Paul

Global Criminology MA - 2023

I appreciated the perfect balance between theoretical knowledge and real-world insights. It wasn't just about learning concepts - it was about understanding the basis of what's happening in our society.

Monica Mistretta

Sociology and Criminology BA - 2025

Studying Sociology and Criminology BA gave me the right glasses to see the world from a new perspective. The programme encourages curiosity and critical thinking that challenged my way of thinking and deepened my understanding of my field. 
 

Explore our Regent campus, where Criminology and Sociology is taught.

Contact us

Contact our Course Enquiries Team:

[email protected]

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Opening hours: 10am–4pm Monday to Friday