Criminology and Criminal Justice and Social Policy BA (Hons) Undergraduate - September 2025/26* Entry

It is possible to study Social Policy as a joint honours degree with Criminology and Criminal Justice (50% Social Policy, 50% Criminology and Criminal Justice). This social sciences course provides a solid grounding and in-depth understanding of Criminology and Criminal Justice and Social Policy. You will examine theories and evidence relating to crime, criminals and victims, while also exploring various responses to crime and victims and the way in which the criminal justice system works. Through consideration of matters such as health, poverty, multiple deprivations and forms of discrimination you will also investigating the causes and solutions of social problems.

Social Policy is about the study of welfare in its widest sense. It studies the variety of ways in which welfare can be provided, paid for and regulated, and compares the different approaches nation states take to the welfare of their citizens and others. Criminology examines theories and evidence relating to crime, criminals and victims, while Criminal Justice studies explore the various responses to crime, and victims, from informal to formal legislative measures of social control and crime prevention, and examine the way in which the criminal justice system works - from policing through to imprisonment.

Social Policy may also be undertaken through the medium of Welsh as a joint honours course with Cymdeithaseg (Sociology): BA Cymdeithaseg a Pholisi Cymdeithasol.

The degree is designed to provide students with a broad knowledge base and insight into policy design and crime control. By combining both areas of academic study students are informed of the key challenges in understanding and controlling criminal behaviour and the social policies which affect all aspects of society.

In the criminology element of the degree students gain practical knowledge and understanding of how the criminal justice system works as well as an opportunity to consider the social and cultural factors that influence people’s decision to engage in criminal activity. Within the degree students gain a general overview of crime and crime control but also have the opportunity to focus on several distinct and complex areas of human behaviour such as drug abuse, interpersonal violence and organised criminality.

Social Policy involves the study of social relations and systems that promote wellbeing. Students will explore the causes and solutions of social problems in areas such as poverty and inequality both globally and locally during the degree. By studying on this degree, students will gain a better understanding of themselves and society. Work experience and international experience modules are available on this degree.

Why choose Bangor University for this course?

• Teaching staff who combine research careers with a real dedication for teaching.
• Links with relevant agencies (locally, nationally and internationally).
• Innovative courses that reflect the topicality of the subject area.
• A range of visiting speakers enhances the learning experience.
• A degree structure that allows you to specialise or to cover a broad range of options.
• We aim to provide a friendly and informal learning environment.
• The degree structure is flexible enough to offer a range of specialisms and a breadth of choice.
• The introductory year’s work is designed to build your confidence, whatever your background.
• We use a variety of learning approaches and, as well as the development of personal skills, we emphasise the development of practical skills in observation, interpretation, information processing and presentation, all of which will be valued by employers.

Additional Course Options

This joint honours degree combine the core elements of two programmes enabling students to learn the fundamentals of both criminology and social policy. Modules on this course utilise a combination of weekly hour-long lectures, seminars, and workshop sessions. The degree focuses on a range of contentious and challenging topics so lively discussion and debate is encouraged. Students will be directed over the course of the degree to relevant academic studies and reports using our online learning platform ‘Blackboard’ and Bangor University Library which provides access to a range of resources.

Throughout the degree we include sessions from guest speakers such as representatives from the criminal justice system and visiting academics, to provide students with a dynamic learning experience. We use a mixture of different assessment strategies during the degree from presentation tasks to essay and reports.

Modules for the current academic year

Module listings are for guide purposes only and are subject to change. Find out what our students are currently studying on the Criminology and Criminal Justice and Social Policy BA (Hons) Modules page.

Course content is for guidance purposes only and may be subject to change.

General University Costs

Home (UK) students

• The cost of a full-time undergraduate course is £9,250 per year (2025/26).
• The fee for all integrated study abroad years is  £1,385 (2025/26).
• The fee for an integrated year in industry as part of a sandwich programme is £1,850 (2025/26).

More information on fees and finance for Home (UK) students.

International (including EU) students

• International Student Tuition Fees
• International Student Living Costs and Scholarships

Additional Costs
There are also some common additional costs that are likely to arise for students on all courses, for example:

• If you choose to study abroad or take the International Experience Year as part of your course.
• If you attend your Graduation Ceremony, there will be a cost for gown hire (£25-£75) and cost for additional guest tickets (c.£12 each).

Course-specific additional costs
Depending on the course you are studying, there may be additional course-specific costs that you will be required to meet. These fall into three categories:

1. Mandatory Costs: these are related to a particular core or compulsory module that you’ll be required to complete to achieve your qualification e.g. compulsory field trips, uniforms for students on placement, DBS Check.
2. Necessarily Incurred Costs: these may not be experienced by all students, and will vary depending on the course e.g. professional body membership, travel to placements, specialist software, personal safety equipment.
3. Optional Costs: these depend on your choice of modules or activity and they are shown to give you an indication of the optional costs that may arise to make sure your choice is as informed as possible. These can include graduation events for your course, optional field trips, Welcome Week trips.

General University Requirements

To study for a degree, you’ll be asked for a minimum of UCAS Tariff points. For a fuller explanation of the UCAS Tariff Points, please see www.ucas.com.

We accept students with a wide range of qualifications and backgrounds and consider each application individually.

All students need to have good basic skills and the University also values IT and communication skills.

As part of the University’s policy, we consider applications from prospective disabled students on the same grounds as all other students.

We also consider applications from mature students who can demonstrate the motivation and commitment to study a university programme. Each year we enrol a significant number of mature students. For more information about studying as a mature student, see our Studying at Bangor section of the website.

EU and International Students' Entry Requirements

For detailed guidance on the entry requirements for EU and International Students, including the minimum English Language entry requirement, please visit the Entry Requirements by Country pages. International applicants can also visit the International Education Centre section of our website for further details.

Bangor University offers International Incorporated Bachelor Degrees for International students whose High School qualification is not equivalent to the UK school leaving qualification. The first year (or Year 0) is studied at Bangor University International College, an embedded College on our University campus and delivered by Oxford International Education Group.

Graduates on the Criminology and Criminal justice and Social Policy degree have a range of career pathways they can explore. Within the criminal justice system there is work in several different areas to consider such as a police officer, prison or probation officer, working in immigration control and youth justice. With their knowledge of Social Policy graduates can enter a wide range of occupations within the policy and societal field including public housing, civil service, health service, management, local government administration, education, public relations, and the voluntary sector. Beyond this, though, graduates are appreciated by employers in practically any field of work as specialists for the general: you will have learned to think about anything in a societal perspective. You will have developed your ‘sociological imagination’, a sense for how fellow members of society are likely to see you, themselves and the social world. Many would say this is the most important skill to have in any occupation, as well as in life generally. Students can also go on to study at postgraduate level on one of our many MA courses.

Opportunities at Bangor

The University’s Careers and Employability Service provides a wide range of resources to help you achieve your graduate ambitions. 

Internships

Bangor University runs a paid internship scheme within the university’s academic and service departments.

Student Volunteering

Volunteering widens your experience and improves your employability. Find out more about volunteering on the Students’ Union’s website.

A ‘with Foundation Year’ option is available for this course. Apply for Sociology (with Foundation Year).