Criminology and Social Policy, BSc (Hons)

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Course Overview

This joint honours degree in Criminology and Social Policy combines two exciting and rapidly-developing subject areas that each have an enormous influence on all of our lives.

You will explore key theories and debates relating to how societies meet the needs of their citizens and the ways that social policies are shaped by the causes and effects of crime on individuals and communities.

You will examine themes and values such as social justice, equality, fairness, and citizenship, alongside specific policy focal points such as crime, health, education, housing, disability, poverty, and the family, as well as gaining an in-depth understanding of the criminal justice system.

Throughout your joint honours degree, you will develop excellent research and analytical skills and the ability to communicate your ideas effectively, both verbally and in writing.

Why Criminology and Social Policy at Swansea?

Based in the School of Social Sciences, you will benefit from being part of a lively and diverse environment, with a strong reputation for its research and teaching.

Criminology at Swansea is ranked:

  • 3rd in the UK for Career Prospects (Guardian University Guide 2025)
  • Top 25 in the UK Overall (Guardian University Guide 2025)

Social Policy at Swansea is ranked:

  • 1st in the UK for Student Satisfaction (Complete University Guide 2025)
  • 1st in the UK for Student Experience (Times Good University Guide 2025)
  • 7th in the UK for Student Voice (NSS 2024*) 
  • 11th in the UK for Graduate Prospects (Complete University Guide 2025)

 *Based on the average positivity score across questions 22 to 25 in the NSS 2024 when ranked against universities featured in the Times Good University Guide

Your Criminology and Social Policy Experience

Our flexible degree structure gives you the scope to tailor your studies to your particular interests, career goals, or ambitions for postgraduate study.

You will benefit from a diverse and dynamic research environment with many opportunities to build connections across disciplines.

Criminology and Social Policy Employment Opportunities

A Social Policy and Criminology degree opens up a wide range of career and further study opportunities. You could move into:

  • Postgraduate study
  • Research posts in universities and private social research companies
  • Policy research roles in the public and third sectors 
  • Community development
  • Roles in the criminal justice system, including the police, victim support, and prison and probation services
  • Social work
  • Teaching

 

Modules

BSc Criminology and Social Policy structure.

Your early studies will introduce you to the key principles of law, criminal justice, human rights, and the sociology, history, and politics of social policy.

Later options allow you to focus on a range of topics including youth justice, extremism, offender management, drugs and alcohol, poverty and social exclusion.

Criminology and Social Policy, BSc (Hons)

Criminology and Social Policy with a Year Abroad, BSc (Hons)

Criminology and Social Policy with a Year in Industry, BSc (Hons)