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.
A vibrant and important subject within the University, Sociology continues to attract high-ranking staff and well-qualified students. Sociology now features fifteen members of staff – 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.
Durham University's Sociology and Criminology section is highly rated by the leading UK university guides. Sociology is ranked 4th nationally by The Complete University Guide 2010, and 6th by The Times Good University Guide 2010.
Our programmes provide students with expertly taught modules on a wide range of major themes and substantive topics. 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 recognized by the UK Economic and Social Research Council as a centre for the receipt of studentships in Sociology, 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 four exciting research groups within the School: Identities, Technology and Society; Innovative Research Methodologies; Policy, Professions and Communities; and, Sport, Health and Policy.
If you have any questions about Sociology at Durham please contact me directly.
Professor Richard Giulianotti
Professor in School of Applied Social Sciences
