Sociology of Crime (CertHE)
Classes
Monday 12 January - Monday 23 March 2026, 6pm-9pm
10 sessions - Check class timetable
Overview
In this short course we introduce you to sociological approaches to crime and criminal justice. We consider:
- the social context of crime
- the relationship of crime to social categories like race, class and gender
- contemporary debates about crime and social harm.
We also provide an overview of a wide range of sociological theories and perspectives that seek to make sense of the 'why' and 'how' of crime.
This course provides you with a sociological foundation for studying crime and justice, in an analytical, theoretical and critical manner, and enables you to develop the skills to explain crime and punishment in modern societies. We will cover:
- Key sociological contributions to criminology I and II
- How do sociologists research crime and criminal justice?
- Social class, crime and property
- Crime, sexuality and gender
- Crime, race and ethnicity
- Colonial roots of criminology and criminal justice
- Crime, harm and late modernity
- Zemiology, green criminology and social harm
- Debating abolition (radical and realist perspectives)
Assessment is via a 1000-word workbook (30%) and 2000-word essay (70%).
As a student on this course, you will study alongside Birkbeck students enrolled on one of our undergraduate or postgraduate courses, giving you the opportunity to network with a range of Birkbeck current students whilst you learn.
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Entry requirements
Entry requirements
Most of our short courses have no formal entry requirements and are open to all students.
This short course has no prerequisites.
As part of the enrolment process, you may be required to submit a copy of a suitable form of ID.
International students who wish to come to the UK to study a short course can apply for a Visitor visa. Please note that it is not possible to obtain a Student visa to study a short course.
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How to apply
How to apply
You register directly onto the classes you would like to take. Classes are filled on a first-come, first-served basis - so apply early. If you wish to take more than one short course, you can select each one separately and then register onto them together via our online application portal. There is usually no formal selection process, although some modules may have prerequisites and/or other requirements, which will be specified where relevant.