What role do social sciences play beyond the University? This module introduces students to the key discussions in public social science. You will be encouraged to consider the possibilities and challenges sociologists face in engaging with the public and contributing to social change. Where do sociological/ criminological ideas and theories originate from, who do they serve, and, most importantly, what impact can they have? 

We will examine how sociologists and criminologists approach public social science, both historically and today, critically evaluating the institutional structures that shape it, including funding, influence, and policy considerations. Students will explore the role of current sociological and criminological research in driving social change and informing policy across diverse sectors. Together, we'll discuss the major social challenges that public social scientists encounter today. 

The module also encourages you to think about life after University, considering the responsibilities and opportunities you have as a social science graduate to bring your sociological and criminological insight to the world. In line with this focus, assessments will test a variety of skills beyond traditional essays.

This module critically examines the multifaceted ways in which state actions can contribute to social harms, injustices, and environmental degradation. Students will explore state-induced crimes through a critical criminological lens, focusing on how policies and actions can perpetuate systemic inequalities and harm both individuals and communities globally. The module introduces sense-making theories, providing tools to analyse and evaluate the impact of state actions on broader social injustices, including ecological damage and economic inequality. Through a combination of theoretical insights and real-world case studies, students will critically assess topics such as state violence, environmental harms, economic policies, and human rights violations. Key learning outcomes include the ability to analyse the global impacts of state-induced crimes, apply theoretical frameworks, and devise strategies for mitigating harms. The module emphasises practical, socially responsible approaches to addressing systemic issues, equipping students with actionable skills to contribute to meaningful change. With a structured curriculum spanning ten weeks, topics include the historical and contemporary dimensions of state crime, environmental and social injustices, and the role of human rights frameworks. By the end, students will be well-prepared to critically engage with these pressing global challenges and advocate for justice in diverse contexts.

This level 6 major project module will take students on a transformative journey that will enhance their critical thinking, analytical abilities, and academic writing.  Students will learn about the philosophical foundations of social research and will be able to reflect on their own philosophical and methodological standpoint. Research design, ethical issues and methodological tensions will be covered throughout the first two terms of this module. A practical focus on quantitative and qualitative data analysis will aid students to become career ready for the research sector. Teaching will be face to face in small groups, where students will work with peers to consider the staged process of research design and apply what they have learnt to real world research phenomena. Once students have developed their knowledge and understanding of research methods and data analysis techniques, they will embark on their own piece of research under the guidance of an academic supervisor. By writing a substantial piece of independent research students will gain essential skills in research methodology, data analysis, and academic writing that will serve them throughout their academic and professional career.

This module will enable students to critically analyse and evaluate theoretical and philosophical justifications of punishment across time and space. Coupled with an examination of why and how punishment is delivered in practice. This module will encourage students to appreciate the consistencies, contradictions and conflicts which arise across theoretical and philosophical inquiry, as well as among political ideologies. That serve to impact upon the creation, development and application of penal policy. Students upon the module will critically appraise what is (and is not) known of the inner workings and relationships among practitioners. With considerations of gender, race, religion, age, class, sex and disability also being acknowledged to emphasise the role(s) and responsibility(s) of society as determining factors in the development and delivery of punishment. This module will allow students to acquire meaningful skills which can be influential in their personal and professional lives as proponents of criminal justice reform. From having explored and discovered the multiplicity of individuals involved in and impacted by the existence of crime, as well as developing their capacity to communicate effectively to an audience and stimulate change.