Criminology and Social Policy, BSc (Hons)

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Course Overview

This 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 won’t just learn theories-you will apply them to real-world issues: from health inequalities to gendered violence, cybercrime to poverty, family dynamics to victimology. By the end, you’ll have a deep understanding of how societies tackle their toughest social challenges.

And you’ll build skills that employers value. Throughout the programme, you’ll sharpen research, analysis, communication, and ethical reasoning-transferable skills that open doors in any career. This degree equips you to think critically, act with integrity, and make a real impact in relation to crime, social policy and beyond.

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:

  • 13th in the UK (Guardian University guide 2026)
  • 5th in the UK for Graduate Prospects (Times Good Uni Guide 2026)

Social Policy at Swansea is ranked:

  • 1st in the UK for Student Satisfaction (Complete University Guide 2026)
  • 1st in the UK for Student Experience (Times Good University Guide 2025)
  • 1st in the UK* and 100% overall satisfaction** (NSS 2025)
  • 11th in the UK for Graduate Prospects (Complete University Guide 2025)
  • 8th in the UK Social Policy (Daily Mail University Guide 2026)

*Based on the average positivity score for questions 1 - 26 NSS 2025 and
**Q28, NSS 2025

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.

This programme also offers hands-on experiences that bring theory to life, such as:

  • Field Trips to sites such as the Senedd, Big Pit, South Wales Police HQ, Swansea Prison.
  • Guest Speakers from organisations including Avon and Somerset Constabulary, The Bevan Foundation, Wales TUC, and Just Stop Oil.

This programme includes opportunities to undertake a Semester or Year Abroad, spent in locations such as the USA, Canada, China, Hong Kong, or Singapore, enhancing your learning and offering invaluable life experience.

This course also offers you the opportunity to spend a Year in Industry, in the UK or overseas, enabling you to gain valuable workplace experience. The University advocates for paid-only placements, which on average have a salary of over £20,000. Unpaid placements are considered on a case-by-case basis.

Criminology and Social Policy Employment Opportunities

Our Social Policy and Criminology degree places emphasis on sociological theory and social policy and practice, and equips graduates with a robust and interdisciplinary skill set.

These skills are highly transferable to a wide range of sectors. Graduates from the BSc Criminology and Social Policy Programme pursue careers in areas such as:

 Further Study and Research

  • Postgraduate degrees
  • Professional Training (e.g., Social Work and PGCE)
  • Doctoral research
  • Research assistantships in academic or policy institutions

 Policy and Advocacy

  • Policy Advocacy
  • Research Organisations
  • Local, Welsh and UK Government 
  • NGOs and Voluntary Sector
  • Civil Service

 Criminal Justice System

  • Policing 
  • Probation Service
  • Youth Justice
  • Prison Service
  • National Crime Agency 

Modules

We're currently reviewing our curriculum to enhance your learning experience and embed skills that will benefit your future career. This means that some modules may be subject to change.

Entry Requirements

We consider all applicants on their own merits and welcome applications from students with a wide range of qualifications.

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)