Politics and Sociology (joint honours) BA (Hons) or BSc (Hons)

At Oxford Brookes, studying Criminology and Politics means learning by doing. You won’t just study theories about crime, justice, and power — you’ll apply them to real-world situations, work with organisations that shape policy and society, and develop the kind of hands-on experience employers value. Through placements, group projects, data-driven research, and events with practitioners and experts, you’ll graduate with practical skills and professional confidence.

Here’s how the course turns classroom learning into real-world experience:

• Work placements with real organisations – Take part in the Criminology Work Placement module, where you can work with police services, community agencies, NGOs, or advocacy groups to tackle real justice and policy challenges.

• Strong professional partnerships – Oxford Brookes works closely with organisations like Thames Valley Police and Tap Social Movement, giving you access to valuable placements and project opportunities.

• Collaborative projects and simulations – In modules like Public Criminology and Researching Crime, you’ll work in teams on real case studies, analyse data, debate policy decisions, and design interventions for real-world scenarios.

• Hands-on research and data analysis – Learn how to design surveys, conduct interviews, and even analyse media sources such as podcasts and news data as part of your criminological research training.

• Expert-led seminars and events – Attend talks, workshops, and networking sessions hosted by the Centre for Global Politics, Economy and Society and other research groups, where practitioners, policymakers, and academics share real-world insights.

• Interdisciplinary networks and study options – As part of the School of Law and Social Sciences, you’ll benefit from cross-disciplinary collaboration, with opportunities to connect criminology and politics with law, sociology, and international studies.

A degree in Criminology and Politics from Oxford Brookes opens doors to a wide range of impactful careers — from shaping public policy to improving justice systems and advocating for social change. Our graduates go on to become policy analysts, public affairs officers, crime prevention specialists, and criminology researchers, using their knowledge to make a difference in government, NGOs, and beyond. With the strong analytical, research, and communication skills you’ll develop, you’ll be prepared to influence decision-making at local, national, and global levels.

Here’s how Oxford Brookes sets you up for success:

• Dedicated careers support – You’ll have access to one-to-one career coaching, CV and interview workshops, employer networking events, and alumni mentoring through the Brookes Careers Service.

• Strong employment outcomes – Around 87% of Oxford Brookes graduates are in work or further study within 15 months of finishing their degree (HESA Graduate Outcomes).

• Real-world connections – The university’s partnerships with police services, NGOs, and public sector organisations give you valuable access to placements, projects, and employer networks.

• Highly transferable skills – The research, policy analysis, communication, and problem-solving skills you gain are in demand across government, criminal justice, advocacy, media, and consultancy.

• Diverse career destinations – Brookes graduates have gone on to work in government departments, law enforcement agencies, human rights organisations, think tanks, political consultancies, and research institutions.

Further Academic Progression:
After your undergraduate degree, you can take your expertise even further with postgraduate study. Many students choose a Master’s in Criminology, Criminal Justice, Public Policy, or International Relations, while others pursue an MRes or PhD, preparing for careers in academia, policy leadership, or advanced research roles.