Criminologists use theory to explore some of the most contentious issues in contemporary society, working to understand the causes of crime and the way in which criminal justice agencies respond to offenders. Criminology and Sociology at Lincoln aims to give students the skills needed to evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of social, cultural, and political responses to crime and deviance. Students are asked to apply their knowledge to real-life issues, and have an opportunity to analyse the different social constructions of everyday life in order to better understand the diverse groups and structures that make up modern society.