SOCIAL SCIENCES
Social Sciences Social Sciences at York St John University includes Criminology, Police Studies and Sociology. Each involves the academic study of social life with the option of studying modules drawn from a wide ranging collection. Irrespective of the discipline studied, you will gain an in-depth knowledge of the major theoretical approaches relevant to the area and of the qualitative and quantitative research methods underpinning them. Our programmes develop your ability to think critically about issues of importance to society. You can study individual specialisations or a combination of disciplines to suit your intellectual interests or career aspirations. Programmes are designed with your future employment prospects in mind and our assessments will provide you with opportunities to develop the skills that employers value. So, you can expect to be developing writing skills through essays and reports and developing interpersonal skills through presentations. These courses can lead to a range of career options including social work, family support work, teaching, youth work, policing, lecturing, working with charities and management roles across the private and public sectors.
In Criminology we look at how various factors about a person or group of people might affect how they function in society. We also look at how the criminal justice system is run and the challenges it faces. When I first visited York St John I really liked the atmosphere of both the campus and the city. I also felt like I connected with the criminology lecturers when I spoke to them in person. I think having a smaller university, where lots of people know each other, makes the university a very welcoming place.� Anna Gearney Criminology BA (Hons)
OUR COURSES — Criminology BA (Hons) Study issues relating to crime and deviance and learn how the justice system responds to these factors. You will develop as a critically-orientated individual who can respond to a variety of social and criminological challenges on a practical as well as academic level. The course is underpinned by contemporary criminological research. There are opportunities to pursue your own interests and to contribute to criminological debates. You will gain a sound understanding of various theoretical perspectives and be trained in the qualitative and quantitative research methods used by criminologists.
91%
of Criminology students were satisfied with their course. (NSS 2019)
— Criminology with Police Studies BA (Hons) This programme combines the academic study of issues relating to crime and deviance with modules covering aspects of modern policing. The police studies modules are typically taught by academic staff with extensive experience of operational policing. You will gain an understanding of crime and deviance and how the policing system responds to these issues. This programme differs from the Degree in Professional Policing in that it studies aspects of policing but is not aligned to the College of Policing’s national policing curriculum. This programme supports entry into policing through the degree holder entry programme route.
— Professional Policing BA (Hons)
— Sociology with Criminology BA (Hons)
From 2020 entry into the Police Services in England and Wales will require a professional policing qualification. This programme provides an opportunity to work with vulnerable people and groups while developing problem solving, decision-making and communication skills. In the final year you can tailor your studies to suit your interests through elective modules and an independent research project directly related to professional policing.
This programme is more focused than Sociology BA (Hons), with modules drawn from both sociology and criminology, along with a few policing modules. This is ideal if you have already determined that you want to hone in on issues relating to crime and deviance. You will gain a comprehensive understanding of theory and methods enabling you to engage with sociological and criminological principles in the analysis of complex social problems.
This programme is delivered under licence from the College of Policing and satisfies the academic requirements of their pre-join programme.
— Sociology BA (Hons) This is a dynamic, research-led course designed to explore, challenge and find solutions to contemporary social, cultural and political problems. It provides you with opportunities to develop your skills, capabilities and critical thinking through the study of the social world. Through cutting-edge sociological research, you will learn to engage with and respond to a multitude of issues including gender, technology, work, youth and social inequalities.
Our Sociology course is ranked first for student satisfaction by The Complete University Guide 2019.
CAREER OPPORTUNITIES The Professional Policing degree is specifically designed for students wishing to join the police service in England and Wales. Successful completion of the programme does not guarantee a position as a police constable, and you will still need to follow their application process, but on graduation you will be in the best possible position to apply. Graduates from our Criminology courses will develop the skills required of practitioners working with crime and deviance in the criminal justice system. You could end up working in criminal justice, law enforcement, government organisations, educational institutions and agencies that work alongside
policing. You might also engage in youth work, work with vulnerable groups or undertake research. A degree in Sociology offers opportunities in areas including the third sector, local and central government, market and private research organizations, social policy groups, education, media production, management consultancy, human resources, teaching, youth work, social work and working with vulnerable groups. All of these courses could also provide an excellent basis for further studies at Postgraduate level.
97%
of Sociology graduates were in employment or further study within six months of graduating. (DLHE, 2017)
PARTNERSHIPS Our courses are supported by a variety of partnerships. On tailored employability-focused modules you will hear from visiting lectures from housing organizations, North Yorkshire County Council, HMP Wealstun, and the charity Changing Lives. Careers support has included guest talks and recruitment events from local organizations promoting social leadership and development (Flying Futures), graduate management opportunities (Stroud Resourcing) along with national and international employers including tech firms like the Raspberry Pi Foundation.
Develop employability skills through a work placement and gain real-world experience relevant to your aspirations.
The thing I value most from the Sociology course is that I did not just learn pockets of information and theoretical trivia. The course allowed me to develop my own ideas and build on my ability to contribute to important debates in the social world, on issues which affect us all. Thematically, the course covered key contemporary social and cultural discourses and allowed me to build the professional skills and research knowledge needed to achieve a first class degree and be offered a funded PhD. Th academic content was built within a framework which valued your personal ideas and experiences. I found personal and academic life easy to balance and if I did encounter any issues, academic guidance and pastoral support always seemed to be immediately available. Charlie Kendall, Sociology BA (Hons) Now undertaking funded PhD study
At York St John University we’ve been changing lives through education since 1841. We have a long history of championing social justice and expanding opportunities. Our research and our teaching reflect this.
97% of York St John University graduates were in work or further study six months after graduation (DLHE 2017).
People from almost
60
different countries study at York St John University. When you graduate you will become part of a global community who are proud to be part of the YSJ Family.
/YorkStJohnUniversity @YorkStJohn @YorkStJohn ADMISSIONS INFORMATION E: admissions@yorksj.ac.uk T: 01904 876598 www.yorksj.ac.uk
OVER 200 COURSES
to choose from Whatever you want to do, we’re here to help.
York is the safest city in the region for students The Complete University Guide (2017).
PLACEMENT YEARS Almost all of our Undergraduate courses can now be studied with a placement year in industry, giving you more real-world experience to boost your career.
STUDY ABROAD Most of our courses include the option to study abroad for a year or a semester without adding extra time to your degree. We have links with partner institutions all around the world.