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.

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.

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.

Criminology goes hand-in-hand with Criminal Justice. You can study both of these subjects on our degree courses. You will gain both the subject knowledge and research skills needed to understand and contribute to wider knowledge of crime and criminal justice. The range of optional modules on offer allows you to focus on topics that suit your interests and career ambitions.