Sociology

Our BA Sociology degree is taught through a mix of lectures, small-group seminars, research-based workshops, individual supervision and guided independent work.

We also run a regular programme of research-focused lectures and seminars that are additional opportunities to learn about Sociology beyond your taught modules.

You will have typically have 8-10 contact hours a week, with the remainder of your study time focused on reading, preparing for classes, writing assessments and so on. As your studies progress, you will be afforded greater responsibility and discretion over your work, for example, developing projects or essays on topics of your choosing related to the themes of the modules you study. As such, over the course of the degree, you will develop skills in independent learning, organisation and motivation, preparing you for graduate employment at the end of your degree.

Assessment

Assessment is largely coursework-based, with work such as essays, reports, portfolios, reflections and presentations accounting for approximately 80% of your final grade.

Assessments aim to assess your knowledge and understanding in an authentic manner, as well as helping you develop your skills in critical thinking, analysis and communication.

There are also regular opportunities for practice and feedback, for example: practice essays; essay plans; one-to-one and group tutorials; and so on.

A level offer – AAB.

Contextual offer – BBC.

BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma/OCR Cambridge Technical Extended Diploma – DDD.

IB Diploma score – 36 with 665 in higher level subjects.

In addition to satisfying the University’s general entry requirements, please note:

• We also consider other level 3 qualifications, including T-levels.

• While not essential, applicants who have studied at least one strongly essay-based subject prior to entry will be better prepared for this course and preference may be given to such applicants over those who have not. A non-exhaustive list of example essay-based subjects includes: Business Studies, Criminology, English, Geography, History, Politics, Psychology, Religion/Philosophy and Sociology.

• We also welcome applications from those holding or studying for qualifications equivalent to those standard requirements, such as an Access to HE Diploma, Cambridge Pre-U Diplomas, etc. Common alternatives are outlined here but contact University Admissions for advice if you cannot find your qualifications listed.

• We do not include General Studies, Critical Thinking or the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) as part of an offer, although any of these (especially the EPQ) may strengthen the overall quality of an application.

• Offers one grade down from the standard A level offer may be made to applicants who show special merit and potential in their applications, while offers up to two grades down from the standard offer will be made in line with the University’s Guaranteed Contextual Offer

• If you do not satisfy our general entry requirements, the Foundation Programmes offers multidisciplinary degrees to prepare you for a range of specified degree courses.

• If you are an international student who does not meet the requirements for direct entry to this degree, you may be eligible to take an International Foundation Year pathway programme at the Durham University International Study Centre.

• We are pleased to consider applications for deferred entry.

Science A levels

Applicants taking Science A levels that include a practical component will be required to take and pass this as a condition of entry. This applies only to applicants sitting A levels with an English examination board.

Alternative qualifications

• Other UK qualifications

• EU qualifications 

• International qualifications

International students who do not meet direct entry requirements for this degree might have the option to complete an International Foundation Year.

English language requirements

Country specific information

The tuition fees for 2025/26 academic year have not yet been finalised, they will be displayed here once approved.

The tuition fees shown for home students are for one complete academic year of full time study and are set according to the academic year of entry. Fees for subsequent years of your course may rise in line with an inflationary uplift as determined by the government.

The tuition fees shown for overseas and EU students are for one complete academic year of full time study, are set according to the academic year of entry, and remain the same throughout the duration of the programme for that cohort (unless otherwise stated).

Please also check costs for colleges and accommodation.

Criminology

As well as building detailed subject-specific knowledge of criminological issues, our courses are designed to develop transferable skills that are valuable for both personal and professional development including, how to assemble and evaluate evidence, how to turn evidence into an effective argument, how to design a research project and analyse data.

Our graduates work in a wide range of employment settings worldwide, including the criminal justice system, the Civil Service, local and national government, banking, academic research and law (through graduate conversion programmes).

Sociology

The combination of sociological knowledge and transferable skills gained during your studies will prepare you for a career in many different sectors. From interpreting and evaluating information to analysing situations and constructing a persuasive argument, these skills are highly valued by employers and will give you a competitive edge.

Sociology graduates work in a wide range of settings all over the world, including health and welfare, local and central government and the Civil Service, education, the police, social research, the media and non-profit organisations. Many recent graduates from the Department have progressed to careers with high-profile employers including M&S, Mencap, Accenture and Unilever. Others have moved on to postgraduate study and academic research.

Of those students who graduated in 2020-21:

• 90% are in paid employment or further study 15 months after graduation across all our programmes

Of those in employment:

• 80% are in high skilled employment
• With an average salary of £29,000.

(Source: HESA Graduate Outcomes Survey. The survey asks leavers from higher education what they are doing 15 months after graduation. Further information about the Graduate Outcomes survey can be found here www.graduateoutcomes.ac.uk)

Criminology

Examine crime and deviance through a social lens studying this thought-provoking subject which challenges you to think deeply about the society in which we live. As a Criminology student at Durham you will learn to accept nothing at face value. Our courses are designed to shape students into critical, curious social scientists who seek out evidence as they get to grips with the complex causes of crime and the impact of crime on society.

Undergraduate study is shaped by real-world engagement and up-to-date research. You will learn from internationally recognised experts who are engaged in innovative, socially conscious research into some of the most challenging issues in modern society, including intimate partner violence, sexual harassment and abuse, and youth crime. Our academics also have close links with voluntary and community sector organisations national and globally, with many actively engaged in shaping criminal justice policy. 

Sociology

The field of Sociology helps us to understand the ways in which human behaviour is shaped by the way we think, feel and respond to different social settings. Our courses apply sociological theory to the issues that affect our daily lives from education, work and families to crime, physical and mental health, and culture. Sociology at Durham will help you develop a deeper understanding of yourself, others and the world around you.

Learning takes place in the Department of Sociology, a dynamic learning and research community of students and staff. We take a research-led approach to learning which means that courses are informed by subject specialists who contribute to shaping society through their innovative, socially conscious research.

Rankings

• 3rd for Criminology in The Guardian University Guide 2024
• 1st for Criminology and 3rd for Sociology in The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2024
• Top 10 for Sociology in The Complete University Guide 2024

For more information see our department pages.

Staff

For a current list of staff, please see the Department of Sociology pages.

Research Excellence Framework

4th in the UK for research impact (REF 2021).

Facilities

The Department of Sociology is located at Old Elvet, near the medieval Elvet Bridge, and within easy walking distance of the Students’ Union, University Colleges and Durham’s historic centre with its Castle and Cathedral. Our buildings includes a student common space and networked computer access for our students to use.

Criminology at Durham is located at Old Elvet, within easy walking distance of the Students’ Union, the colleges and Durham’s historic centre with its imposing Castle and Cathedral. We also use the local area as a learning environment, examining the connection between power and justice and exploring the locations of ancient and modern prisons around the city.

Durham University library is one of the best in northern Britain and is well resourced with books, eBooks and journals supporting all of our areas of study. We make extensive use of Learn Ultra, the University’s virtual learning environment, and teach in facilities across the whole Durham campus.

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