Course summary

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. ‘Placement Year’ and 'International Experience Year’ options are available for this course. You will have the opportunity to fully consider these options when you have started your course at Bangor and can make an application for a transfer onto such a pathway at the appropriate time. You can find more information about these options on our website and if you have any questions, please get in touch. If you don’t have the required qualifications for this degree-level course or are looking to re-enter education after time away from study, then a Foundation Year Programme might be the right choice for you. Please see Sociology (with Foundation Year) L30F.