Sociology and Criminology

Welcome to Sociology and Criminology in the School of Applied Social Sciences. 

Sociology has a long history at Durham University.  The subject was first taught at Durham in 1964, and an international status was soon secured by its early professors, John Rex and Philip Abrams. In 2007 Durham launched a new BA Criminology which builds on and expands long traditions of teaching and research in this area.  In 2011, building on the success of this programme, the School launched a new MSc Criminology and Criminal Justice.

A vibrant and important subject within the University, Sociology continues to attract high-ranking staff and well-qualified students.  Sociology now features a large staff group – at Lecturer, Senior Lecturer and Professors levels – and a large group of researchers, part-time tutors and Visiting Professors. We have over 200 undergraduate students and 20 research students from the UK and abroad.

Our programmes provide students with expertly taught modules on a wide range of major themes and substantive topics.  Our Undergraduate Sociology provision is ranked 3rd in the Complete University Guide. Teaching is research-led and links closely with the research interests and projects of academic staff.  Our current research interests include crime and deviance, criminological theory, criminal justice, social class, ageing, culture, sport, globalization, health and illness, urban policy, policing, social exclusion and welfare systems, and research methodologies.

We welcome enquiries from prospective postgraduate students with interests in these or other sociological topics.  Sociology has a vibrant research student community.  The School of Applied Social Sciences is recognised through the ESRC-funded North East Doctoral Training Centre as a provider of training in Social Policy and Social Work. 

As a world heritage city, Durham provides an outstanding location for study.  Durham is one of the UK’s top universities, and is the third oldest in England.  The University offers a high level of student support through both college and academic tutors, and college life is an important part of the Durham experience.

Many members of staff are involved in wider academic, consultancy, professional and voluntary activities.  We regularly run conferences, day schools and symposia, and have Socrates links with Helsinki and Copenhagen.

Members of staff are also active participants in School Research Groups.   

All programmes are subject to general entry requirements.  For applicants who do not meet these, the University alternatively offers entry routes via its Foundation Centre which provides an excellent grounding in the skills and knowledge needed for undergraduate study.If you have any questions about Sociology at Durham please contact me directly.

Dr Tiago Moreira

Director of Undergraduate Studies