Criminology and Sociology BA (Hons)

Key information

Duration:
3 years full time
Typical A-level offer:
BBB-BBC
View full entry requirements
UCAS code:
LL31
Start date:
September 2026
  • 1st in the UK for our research impact in Sociology in REF 2021 (Times Higher Education)
  • 7th in the UK for Sociology 
  • 10th in the UK for Social Sciences 

Make the most of our interdisciplinary teaching by combining Criminology and Sociology.

By sharing methods, theories and interests, you’ll diversify your understanding of crime as a social construction, as well as its relationships with class, gender, race and law. In the process, you develop your own critical and creative approaches.

This course is for you if you’re committed to expanding your criminological imagination and interested in sociological perspectives.

We understand that deciding where and what to study is a very important decision. We鈥檒l make all reasonable efforts to provide you with the courses, services and facilities described in this prospectus. However, if we need to make material changes, for example due to government or regulatory requirements, or unanticipated staff changes, we鈥檒l let you know as soon as possible.

At Sussex we look at sociological criminology, focusing more on social influences and less on individual factors to explain behaviour.” Professor Lizzie Seal
Professor of Criminology 
Read Lizzie’s story
Meet with us
Book an Open Day

Entry requirements

A-level

Typical offer

BBB-BBC

Contextual offerView contextual offer

Not everyone has the same support to get to higher education 鈥 we help you reach your potential. When we receive applications through UCAS, we consider all factors and will sometimes make contextual offers as part of our Access and Participation Plan

GCSEs

You should have a broad range of GCSEs 9-4 (A*-C), including good grades in relevant subjects.

Extended Project Qualification

We take the EPQ into account when considering your application and it can be useful in the summer when your results are released if you have narrowly missed the conditions of your offer. 聽We do not routinely include the EPQ in the conditions of your offer but we sometimes offer alternative conditions that include the EPQ. If you wish to discuss this further please contact us

Other UK qualifications

Access to HE Diploma

Typical offer

Pass Diploma with at least 39 level 3 credits at Merit or above including 18-21 credits at Distinction

Subjects

Humanities or social sciences.

Cambridge Pre-U Principal Subjects (including A-level mixes)

Typical offer

M2 M2 M3

If you have one A-level and two Cambridge Pre-U Principal Subjects we would expect you to have grade B at A-level and, M2 and M3 in two Pre-Us. 

If you have two A-levels and a Cambridge Pre-U Principal Subject we would normally expect you to have grades BB at A-level and M3 in Pre-U.

GCSEs

You should have a broad range of GCSEs grades 9-4 (A*-C), including good grades in relevant subjects.

International Baccalaureate

Typical offer

30 points overall from the full IB Diploma.

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma and one A-level

Typical offer

Grade B in A-level and Distinction, Merit in Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma.

 

Contextual offerView contextual offer

Not everyone has the same support to get to higher education 鈥 we help you reach your potential. When we receive applications through UCAS, we consider all factors and will sometimes make contextual offers as part of our Access and Participation Plan

Subjects

A-level should be essay based.

GCSEs

You should also have a broad range of GCSEs 9-4 (A*-C), including good grades in relevant subjects.                 

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate and two A-levels

Typical offer

Grades BC in A-levels and Distinction in BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate. 

Contextual offerView contextual offer

Not everyone has the same support to get to higher education 鈥 we help you reach your potential. When we receive applications through UCAS, we consider all factors and will sometimes make contextual offers as part of our Access and Participation Plan

GCSEs

You should have a broad range of GCSEs grades 9-4 (A*-C), including good grades in relevant subjects.

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (formerly BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma)

Typical offer

DDM

Contextual offerView contextual offer

Not everyone has the same support to get to higher education 鈥 we help you reach your potential. When we receive applications through UCAS, we consider all factors and will sometimes make contextual offers as part of our Access and Participation Plan

Subjects

The BTEC Level 3 National Extended diploma would normally be in Business, Health & Social Care, Public Services or Uniformed Protective Services.

GCSEs

You should have a broad range of GCSEs 9-4 (A*-C), including good grades in relevant subjects.

Scottish Highers

Typical offer

ABBBB - BBBBB

Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced

Typical offer

BBB - BBC from the Advanced Welsh Baccalaureate Skills Challenge Certificate and two A-levels

GCSEs

You should also have a broad range of GCSEs A*-C (or 9-4), including good grades in relevant subjects.

International Baccalaureate

Typical offer

30 points overall from the full IB Diploma.

European Baccalaureate

Typical offer

Overall result of at least 75%.

Other international qualifications

Australia

Typical offer

Relevant state (Year 12) High School Certificate, and between 88% to 85% in the ATAR or UAI/TER/ENTER,  or a Queensland OP of 4 to 5 or better.

Additional requirements

Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Austria

Typical offer

Reifeprüfung or Matura with an overall result of between 2.0 to 2.2 or better for first-year entry.

Additional requirements

Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Belgium

Typical offer

Certificat d'Enseignement Secondaire Supérieur (CESS) or Diploma van Hoger Secundair Onderwijs with a good overall average. 

Please note

Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Bulgaria

Typical offer

Diploma za Sredno Obrazovanie with excellent final-year scores (normally 5.5 overall with 6 in key subjects).

Canada

Typical offer

Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) 70%-75% from 6 grade 12 U, U/C or M courses.

British Columbia Certificate of Graduation AABBB-BBBBB from 5 grade 12 courses.

We also recognise the High School Diploma from other provinces -including Alberta, Manitoba, New Brunswick- where we look for strong performance in grade 12 subjects, and the Diplome d'Etudes Collegiales (DEC) from Quebec.

Additional requirements

Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

China

Typical offer

If you have the Goakao, we will consider applications for direct entry to first year. You would normally need an overall average of 75%, including required subjects.

We are also pleased to consider applications if you are following a recognised International Foundation Year or you have one or more years of Higher Education in China at a recognised degree awarding institution.

The Senior High School Graduation alone would not be sufficient for entry to our undergraduate degrees, but you may be eligible to apply for our . If you successfully complete an International Foundation Year, you can progress on to a relevant undergraduate course at Sussex.

Check which  for the International Foundation Year.

Please note

Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Croatia

Typical offer

Maturatna Svjedod啪ba with an overall score of between 4 and 4.2

Additional requirements

Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Cyprus

Typical offer

Apolytirion of Lykeion with an overall average of between 18/20 and 18.5/20 will be considered for first-year entry.

 

Additional requirements

Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Czech Republic

Typical offer

Maturita with a good overall average.

Please note

Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Denmark

Typical offer

Højere Forberedelseseksamen (HF) or Studentereksamen with an overall average of at least 7 on the new grading scale.

Additional requirements

Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Finland

Typical offer

Pass Ylioppilastutkinto with overall final result between MMMM - EMMM

Additional requirements

Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

France

Typical offer

French Baccalauréat with overall final result between 12/20 and 13/20.

Additional requirements

Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Germany

Typical offer

German Abitur with an overall result of 2.0 to 2.2 or better.

Additional requirements

Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Greece

Typical offer

Apolytirion with an overall average of between 18 and 18.5 will be considered for first-year entry.

Additional requirements

Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Hong Kong

Typical offer

Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education (HKDSE) with grades of 5, 4, 4 to 4, 4, 4 from three subjects including two electives.

Additional requirements

Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Hungary

Typical offer

Erettsegi/Matura with a good averageof at least 55544.

Additional requirements

Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

India

Typical offer

Standard XII results for entry into 1st year (depending on board and course choice):

  • 70%-80% from ISC Indian School certificate of Education (CISCE)  
  • 70%-80% from SSC All India Senior School Certificate Examination (CBSE)
  • 70%-80% Maharashtra HSC Higher Secondary Certificate
  • 70%-80% Tamil Nadu Board of Higher Secondary Education
  • 70%-80% Karnataka Secondary Education Examination Board
  • 70%-80% Telangana State Board of Secondary Education
  • 70%-80% Kerala Board of Higher Secondary Education
  • 80% Andhra Pradesh Board of Secondary Education
  • 80% Bihar School Examination Board
  • 80% Gujarat Secondary and Higher Secondary Education Board
  • 70% West Bengal Council of Higher Secondary Education

We will also consider students for entry into our integrated foundation years with 60+% 

Additional requirements

Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Iran

Typical offer

Where direct entry is unsuitable, we'll automatically consider you for one of our Foundation Years. Or you might want to apply to one of our International Foundation Years at the international Study Centre on Campus. Visit isc.sussex.ac.uk/our-courses/international-foundation-year or www.sussex.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/courses/foundation-years

Please note

Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Ireland

Typical offer

Irish Leaving Certificate (Higher Level) at H1,H2,H2,H3,H3 to H2,H2,H2,H3,H3.

Additional requirements

Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Israel

Typical offer

For first year entry at least 80% (or 8/10) in at least 6 subjects, including one 5 unit subject, in one sitting of the Bagrut.

Italy

Typical offer

Italian Diploma Di Maturità or Diploma Pass Di Esame Di Stato with a final Diploma mark of between 78/100 and 81/100.

Additional requirements

Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Japan

Typical offer

Where direct entry is unsuitable, we'll automatically consider you for one of our Foundation Years. Or you might want to apply to one of our International Foundation Years at the international Study Centre on Campus. Visit isc.sussex.ac.uk/our-courses/international-foundation-year or www.sussex.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/courses/foundation-years

Please note

Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Kazakhstan

Typical offer

Applicants with Nazarbayev Intellectuals Schools (NIS) Grade 12 Certificate may be considered. The grades in the offer will match the published A level requirements for each course.

Additional requirements

Where courses have specific subject requirements, these will be expected to be studied at Advanced level.

Please note

Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Latvia

Typical offer

Atestats par Visparejo videjo Izglitibu with very good grades in state exams.

Please note

Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Lithuania

Typical offer

Brandos Atestatas including scores of 80-90% in at least three state examinations (other than English).

Please note

Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Luxembourg

Typical offer

Pass the Diplome de Fin d’Etudes Secondaires with between 43-46 points overall.

Malaysia

Typical offer

at least Sijil Tinggi Persekolahan Malaysia (STPM) with grades of BBB, Matriculation with a least a grade of 3.0 or UEC with an overall average grade B4 (70%) from 6 subjects.

Additional requirements

Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Netherlands

Typical offer

Voorereidend Wetenschappelijk Onderwijs (VWO), normally with an average of at least 7.



Nigeria

Typical offer

You are expected to have one of the following:

  • Higher National Diploma
  • One year at a recognised Nigerian University
  • Professional Diploma (Part IV) from the Institute of Medical Laboratory Technology of Nigeria
  • Advanced Diploma

You must also have a score of C6 or above in WAEC/SSC English.

Where direct entry is unsuitable, we'll automatically consider you for one of our Foundation Years. Or you might want to apply to one of our International Foundation Years at the international Study Centre on Campus. Visit isc.sussex.ac.uk/our-courses/international-foundation-year or www.sussex.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/courses/foundation-years

Please note

Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Norway

Typical offer

Norwegian Vitnemal Fra Den Videregaende Opplaering - Pass with an overall average of 4.

Additional requirements

Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Pakistan

Typical offer

You can apply for direct entry to Year 1 if you are completing at least two years of Bachelor degree studies.

You'll normally need to complete a Foundation year after taking Intermediate Certificate or the Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC). You might choose one of our International Foundation Years at the International Study Centre on campus.

Additional requirements

Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Poland

Typical offer

Pass Matura with least 3 Extended level subjects in the 75th percentile.

 

Portugal

Typical offer

Diploma de Ensino Secundario normally with an overall mark between 16/20 and 17/20.

Additional requirements

Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Romania

Typical offer

Diploma de Bacalaureat with an overall average between 8.0 and 8.5

Additional requirements

Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Russia

Typical offer

Applicants who have good grades in the Attestat o Srednem Obrazovami (Certificate of Secondary Education) and who have successfully completed the first year of a Russian University degree, with a minimum GPA of 4.0, will be considered for admission to the first year of our bachelor’s degree courses.

Please note

Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Singapore

Typical offer

A-levels, as well as certain certificates and diplomas.

Please note

Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Slovakia

Typical offer

Pass Vysved膷enie o maturitnej skúške (Maturita)  with an average above 2.0 from 4 subjects. 

 

Slovenia

Typical offer

Secondary School Leaving Diploma or Matura with at least 23 points overall.

Additional requirements

Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

South Africa

Typical offer

National Senior Certificate with very good grades. 

Please note

Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Spain

Typical offer

Spanish Título de Bachillerato (LOGSE) with an overall average result between 7.5 and 8.0.

Additional requirements

Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Sri Lanka

Typical offer

Sri Lankan A-levels.

Please note

Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Sweden

Typical offer

Fullstandigt Slutbetyg/Högskoleförberedande Examen with a total of 2,500 credits to include B grades in the majority of subjects.

 

Additional requirements

Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Switzerland

Typical offer

Federal Maturity Certificate.

Please note

Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Turkey

Typical offer

We'll consider students who have taken the Lise Diplomasi or Lise Bitirme, with a score of at least 4/5 or 80/100 in their final year, on a case by case basis for direct entry to year 1.

Where direct entry is unsuitable, we'll automatically consider you for one of our Foundation Years. Or you might want to apply to one of our International Foundation Years at the international Study Centre on Campus. Visit  or 

USA

Typical offer

We look at your full profile considering everything you are studying, including the High School Graduation Diploma, Grade 12 GPA, SAT tests and subject tests and/or ACT grades and AP tests. We expect to see a combination of these qualifications.

Alongside your High School Graduation Diploma, we would ideally like to see 3 good AP scores with either, a combined SAT test score (evidence-based reading and writing and mathematics) of 1300, or a combined ACT score of 26

AP and SAT Subject tests

Please check the individual course pages for our typical A-level offer and see below for the corresponding scores we would require from AP test scores:

A Level requirements

AP test grades

AAA

555

AAB

554

ABB

544

BBB

444

 

We will also accept a combination of any 3 AP tests and SAT subject test where a score of 600 in an SAT subject test can be substituted for an AP test in the above table

If you are applying for a degree with an A level subject requirement in Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry or Biology will normally need to hold an AP test in that subject.

College level credits

We also accept college level 3-credit courses in academic subjects as the equivalent of a UK A Level on a case by case basis.  These can be combined with AP tests and or SAT subject tests

Associate