The Student Room Group

University of Liverpool or John moores for Criminology and Sociology?

I’m applying through clearing and can’t decide which uni would be the best fit. I’ve done my research online about both and they seem great. I’m just stuck on which to choose
Reply 1
Original post by Anonymous
I’m applying through clearing and can’t decide which uni would be the best fit. I’ve done my research online about both and they seem great. I’m just stuck on which to choose

Hi there,

One of the distinct differences, which I am sure that many on here will draw your attention to, is that the University of Liverpool is part of the Russell Group, which places significant emphasis on research. In that sense, there are those that would say the overall reputation is more distinguished.

You state that you have researched the programmes online, but have you been to visit the institutions to explore the facilities, meet with academics and discuss the content of the courses in a little more detail? By doing this, you will get a deeper understanding and feel for the place, obtain insight into whether it is somewhere you can envisage spending three years of your life, as well as context you might otherwise be missing.

There are positive aspects to both courses from a content standpoint and as expected, they share many similarities in terms of a focus on criminological and sociological perspectives, social harms and inequalities, but which one do you feel overall, is more aligned to your interests? I would encourage you to think about the expertise of the faculty staff and how these can feed into areas of possible research, particularly when you are planning and producing your dissertation.

In short, if you haven't already, be sure to book on an open day.

Good luck in making your choice.
Original post by Anonymous
I’m applying through clearing and can’t decide which uni would be the best fit. I’ve done my research online about both and they seem great. I’m just stuck on which to choose

Hi! Deciding between which university to study at is an important decision, a difficult one too! It's important that you chose which one is right for you, one where you'll be happy and thrive in 🙂

It's good to do your research on both universities- keep on reading and making your own decision. Have you read further into the course for both institutions? This is important, as one may have different examination methods than the other etc or course content that interests you more. Another area for consideration is accommodation, have you looked at what both Uni's have to offer? if you haven't already, it would be great to visit some different halls and see if you get a feel for a specific one. Besides halls, if you haven't been to open days already, it would be worthwhile trying to get a feel of both LJMU and Uni of Liverpool to decide on which you would rather study at. Or, if you have been, perhaps visit the city and campuses again to get a final decision!

I was an LJMU student for three years, and I loved it there. I can vouch for LJMU being an amazing university with supportive academic staff, state of the art buildings and apparatus, a great community of students and accommodation that is fab too! The School of Justice studies here has some amazing equipment within the school's buildings, and the degree carefully fosters an international perspective on society and criminology, considers the relationships between the local and the global, and includes opportunities to study abroad, undertake educational field work visits to South Asia or Europe!

As of 2024, Liverpool John Moores University has placed second in the Uni Compare Top 100 University Rankings for 2025! We have consistent high student satisfaction rates, and from my own experience I can safely say that LJMU is a really great University.
Whichever decision you make, remember to chose what you feel is best for you. Do take it easy, and look forward to your new chapter! 🙂

Ria
Official LJMU Rep
(edited 3 months ago)
Hiya OP!

Thanks for the question. The Programme Leader for our BA (Hons) Criminology and Sociology programme has asked us to post this response which she hopes you will find useful in your decision-making process.

Applying to study on a joint honour Criminology and Sociology degree is a great choice and should allow you to really explore the social world and the way it impacts upon people’s lives while observing widening trends of crime and deviance, inequalities and opportunities.

The Criminology and Sociology programme within LJMU offers an exciting, student-focused curriculum based on each academic’s cutting-edge research.

As a developing critical social scientist, you will be encouraged to be critical of hierarchical structures that can abuse powers in order to claim one group as inferior/undeserving/lesser and another as superior/deserving and worthy.

The Criminology and Sociology programme at LJMU also prioritises the ways in which we can use our knowledge and understanding in a way that benefits our wider community by placing importance in the application to the real-world. Therefore, alongside some of the more traditional modules that you might see across the different universities, there are also opportunities in LJMU to engage in relevant work-based learning, and a chance to study abroad as part of your degree. Students also have the opportunity in their second year to conduct international fieldwork, which in previous years has taken place in Amsterdam. This allows you to work on a case study in another country, collect evidence, interview and write a report on your findings.

What about LJMU?

LJMU is an inclusive, civic university dedicated to the student voice and experience, which prides itself in placing students at the heart of everything it does. Our support services give you access to specialists in study skills, wellbeing, employability and a range of welfare support open to every single student which really helps ensure success in everything you put your mind to.

Sociology and Criminology is taught within the School of Humanities and Social Science, based in the John Foster Building in our Mount Pleasant campus. You have access to all our facilities including a dedicated library, and you’re only a short distance from the Student Life Building which hosts a gym, café facilities, student support services and other vital, dedicated services.

Ultimately this is your decision, and you need to choose the university that you feel will best support you and satisfy your interests in the subject. I would suggest that you talk to academics from both courses and learn a little more about their course content as well as the support you will get as a student. Maybe class size is something to also ask about and go to their clearing open days if you can. Our Clearing Open House event takes place on Saturday 17th August. We also have Open Days taking place in the autumn for September 2025 entry.

Our open days give you the opportunity to meet with past/present students too so you can get a real ‘feel’ for the place and their personal experiences studying at LJMU.

The more informed you are the more likely you are to make the right choice for you. We wish you the best in your search and if LJMU is the one you choose, we will be happy to welcome you in induction week.

Any other questions, please feel free to let me know and I'd be happy to help - and good luck with finding your place in Clearing!

Charlotte
Liverpool John Moores University
Original post by LJMU Rep 2
Hiya OP!
Thanks for the question. The Programme Leader for our BA (Hons) Criminology and Sociology programme has asked us to post this response which she hopes you will find useful in your decision-making process.
Applying to study on a joint honour Criminology and Sociology degree is a great choice and should allow you to really explore the social world and the way it impacts upon people’s lives while observing widening trends of crime and deviance, inequalities and opportunities.

The Criminology and Sociology programme within LJMU offers an exciting, student-focused curriculum based on each academic’s cutting-edge research.

As a developing critical social scientist, you will be encouraged to be critical of hierarchical structures that can abuse powers in order to claim one group as inferior/undeserving/lesser and another as superior/deserving and worthy.

The Criminology and Sociology programme at LJMU also prioritises the ways in which we can use our knowledge and understanding in a way that benefits our wider community by placing importance in the application to the real-world. Therefore, alongside some of the more traditional modules that you might see across the different universities, there are also opportunities in LJMU to engage in relevant work-based learning, and a chance to study abroad as part of your degree. Students also have the opportunity in their second year to conduct international fieldwork, which in previous years has taken place in Amsterdam. This allows you to work on a case study in another country, collect evidence, interview and write a report on your findings.

What about LJMU?

LJMU is an inclusive, civic university dedicated to the student voice and experience, which prides itself in placing students at the heart of everything it does. Our support services give you access to specialists in study skills, wellbeing, employability and a range of welfare support open to every single student which really helps ensure success in everything you put your mind to.

Sociology and Criminology is taught within the School of Humanities and Social Science, based in the John Foster Building in our Mount Pleasant campus. You have access to all our facilities including a dedicated library, and you’re only a short distance from the Student Life Building which hosts a gym, café facilities, student support services and other vital, dedicated services.

Ultimately this is your decision, and you need to choose the university that you feel will best support you and satisfy your interests in the subject. I would suggest that you talk to academics from both courses and learn a little more about their course content as well as the support you will get as a student. Maybe class size is something to also ask about and go to their clearing open days if you can. Our Clearing Open House event takes place on Saturday 17th August. We also have Open Days taking place in the autumn for September 2025 entry.

Our open days give you the opportunity to meet with past/present students too so you can get a real ‘feel’ for the place and their personal experiences studying at LJMU.

The more informed you are the more likely you are to make the right choice for you. We wish you the best in your search and if LJMU is the one you choose, we will be happy to welcome you in induction week.
Any other questions, please feel free to let me know and I'd be happy to help - and good luck with finding your place in Clearing!
Charlotte
Liverpool John Moores University


Thank you so much for your response and help!!
Original post by amyelizabeth045
Thank you so much for your response and help!!

No problem - if you have any more questions please feel free to drop them below! And if you're available on Saturday and want to have a look around and get a feel for what life at LJMU is like, then we have an 'Open House' event from 10:30-3pm on Saturday. Book on our website! There will be students and academics there to ask questions and you can also view available accommodation.

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