Criminology and Social Policy with a Year in Industry

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.

The third year of this 4-year course with a Year in Industry will be spent on placement. You will have the opportunity to gain real-world industry experience and develop your employability skill set. We have a strong network of industry contacts, and you will receive dedicated support from our employability team, ranging from CV advice through to mock interviews.

In Year 1, you will typically study areas including: Criminology, Crime and Society, Introducing Social Policy, The Sociological and Criminological Imagination, Law, Criminal Justice and Human Rights, The Politics and Philosophy of Social Policy.

In Year 2, you will typically study areas including: Research Methods in Criminology, Housing Policy, Homes and Homelessness, Penology and Punishment, Poverty and Social Justice.

In Year 3, you undertake a Year in Industry.

In Year 4, you will typically study areas including: Principles of Social Policy, The Family and Children: Ethics and Policy. You could also undertake an Optional Dissertation.

The Criminology Department offers a broad range of assessment types. These range from traditional assessments such as examinations, to group-based tasks, and more contemporary and innovative assessment methods such as blog and poster writing, meaning you’ll have to take less exams.