BA (Hons) Criminology and Social Policy

Criminology and Social Policy combines the study of crime with our new social policy degree which has a focus social change. In society we face critical problems that pose challenges for the health and wellbeing of our society, such as crime, persistent poverty, food insecurity and climate change. How can we create solutions that tackle these problems – and why have we not done so already?

Within Criminology, you will not only study who commits crime and why, how they are punished, and how crime is controlled, but you will also be able to study a range of cutting-edge research-focused specialist modules that particularly interest you or may assist in your future career. These include, for example, working in the criminal justice system, police and society, rehabilitation of offenders, victimology, environmental crime, modern punishment, and youth justice and youth crime.

The Social Policy element of your degree will examine how social problems are identified, talked about and responded to, by politicians, by the media and by us, as citizens. It will further look at the relationships between government and society, and critically review how social policy has failed to address deep-rooted inequalities experienced by certain individuals and communities, relating to age, class, disability, ethnicity, gender, locality, religion and sexuality. Modules will allow you to explore the social divisions in our society and how we, as citizens, can play a role in bringing about the social change needed to enhance social inclusion. Therefore this degree will provide opportunities to engage with organisations and individuals within our community, whether that is through learning activities, applied research or volunteering.