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Published: 03 March 2025

Five reasons to study a course in criminology at Surrey

Subject leaders from criminology reveal what makes our degrees different, and the secret behind our graduates’ success.... 

A student makes heart hands around the University of Surrey's stag statue on campus

8th in the UK

We're ranked 7th in the UK for sociology
'Guardian University Guide 2025'

Students celebrate at their graduation ceremony

7th in the UK 

For our sociology-based degrees, we're 7th in the UK for overall student satisfaction*
2024 National Student Survey (NSS)

* Measured by % positivity based on Q1-24 for all institutions listed in the Guardian University Guide League Tables 

1. Boost your career prospects

Our outstanding graduate employment-rate ranked us 12th in the UK and 2nd in the South East* (Graduate Outcomes Survey 2024, HESA). Our graduates go on to work in areas that have a vital role in society, from government to criminal justice.

*UK domiciled graduates of full-time, undergraduate qualifications 

top- jobs-with-a-sociology-and-criminology-degree-editorial-image

Where do our graduates go on to work?

British Transport Police
Cynergy Bank
HM’s Prison Service
Independent Office for Police Conduct
Ipsos MORI
Metropolitan Police
Ministry of Defence
Norfolk Youth Offending Team
Prison Advice and Care Trust
Serious Fraud Office.

Staff member of Rocketdesk working at desk

And what jobs do they do?

Compliances administrator
Custody case manager
Detective constable
Digital forensics assistant
Family engagement worker
Financial crime investigator
Police officer
Prison officer
Security analyst
Youth justice worker.

2. Network with industry leaders

We link our degree programmes to a wide range of organisations, including central and local government, criminal justice agencies and charities.  

We regularly invite experts to talk to our students about their work and the career opportunities available in their industry.  

3. Learn from our experts

Our academics conduct research directly in criminal justice settings and use examples from their own research to teach skills such as: 

  • develop and design a research project
  • collect and analyse primary data
  • write up and communicate findings to a range of audiences.

These transferable skills will enable you to work in a wide range of industries after graduation.  

All of our teaching incorporates both theory and practice and many of our modules focus on some of the most pressing and important contemporary issues. For example:

  • Cybercrime and Cyber Security
  • Drugs and society  
  • Punishment and Society
  • Policing and the Police
  • Victims and Victimology. 

4. Find your team

We offer bespoke study and career support. You’ll have personal tutors and a peer support network who are always here to help. We organise regular socials to help you build a strong support network alongside your assignments.

5. Learn real-world solutions

One of the benefits of studying with us is that your studies really do have real-world application and impact.  

Our teaching focuses on some of the most pressing contemporary issues including: 

  • Mental health
  • Drugs
  • Hate crime
  • Prisons and punishment
  • Politicing. 

We have a strong presence in the community and work closely with local government and criminal justice organisations. We have excellent links to criminal justice organisations through our work on with Surrey Police on reducing harmful sexual behaviour in schools and with reviewing food provision in women’s prisons.

Find out more about our sociology, criminology and media communication courses.

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