Criminology and Criminal Justice and Social Policy

Criminology, criminal justice, and social policy is a combination that asks not only why crime occurs but how societies respond to it institutionally and through the structures of welfare, governance, and public administration. Social policy brings an additional layer to criminological study, examining how crime intersects with poverty, housing, education, health, and social inequality, and how policy decisions in those areas shape the conditions in which crime flourishes or diminishes. Together these disciplines offer a comprehensive view of crime and justice as social phenomena embedded in wider political and economic contexts.

At Bangor University, set in one of the most distinctive environments of any Welsh university, this programme includes a foundation year, a placement year, a year abroad, and work placement opportunities, making it one of the most extensively structured routes through this field of study. The foundation year ensures students from a wide range of educational backgrounds can build their academic confidence before moving into the degree proper, while the placement year, year abroad, and work placements ensure that learning is connected to real-world experience at multiple points. You will study criminological theory, criminal justice systems, penology, social welfare, comparative policy, and the political economy of crime, developing both analytical depth and practical awareness.

The typical entry tariff of 104 points reflects the programme's inclusive approach.

Graduates are prepared for a wide range of careers in and around criminal justice, social care, policy, and the voluntary sector. Roles in probation, youth offending, social work, community development, policy analysis, advocacy, and research are all well within reach. The combination of criminological understanding and social policy knowledge is particularly valuable in organisations working on the prevention of crime and the reduction of the social conditions that produce it.

Postgraduate study in criminology, social work, social policy, or law provides routes into more specialist or senior positions.