BA in Criminology and Social Policy

3 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

Queens University Belfast

Program Overview

The BA in Criminology and Social Policy at Queen’s University Belfast is designed for students interested in understanding crime, its causes, and the social policies that shape responses to it. It suits those who are curious about law, social justice, and society, and want to explore how policy impacts communities while developing analytical and research skills.

Curriculum Structure:

Year 1:
Students are introduced to the fundamentals of criminology and social policy, exploring key concepts such as criminal behaviour, social control, and policy frameworks. Modules like Introduction to Criminology, Social Policy Foundations, and Research Methods in Social Sciences provide a strong grounding for further study, alongside opportunities for group projects to enhance collaborative skills.

Year 2:
The second year deepens understanding of crime and policy through more focused topics such as Criminal Justice Systems, Youth and Crime, and Policy Analysis and Evaluation. Students engage in applied research projects and case studies, developing practical skills in data interpretation, policy critique, and legal analysis.

Year 3:
In the final year, students specialise in areas of interest and complete an independent research project or dissertation, supported by modules like Advanced Criminology, Comparative Social Policy, and Research Dissertation. This year emphasises critical thinking, independent analysis, and professional writing skills essential for careers or postgraduate study.

Focus Areas: Criminology, Social Policy, Criminal Justice, Research Methods, Youth Crime, Policy Evaluation

Learning Outcomes: Understand the causes and consequences of crime, analyse social policies, conduct independent research, apply critical thinking to social issues, and communicate findings effectively

Professional Alignment (Accreditation): While not professionally accredited, the degree is highly respected in law, social policy, and public sector careers

Reputation (Employability Rankings): Queen’s University Belfast is recognised for strong social science programs and has excellent graduate employability outcomes

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At Queen’s, the BA in Criminology and Social Policy is designed to give you hands-on experience alongside your academic studies. You’ll develop practical skills in research, analysis, and policy evaluation while working on real-world projects that connect theory to practice. The program encourages collaboration, critical thinking, and engagement with professionals in the field, ensuring you gain insight into both criminology and social policy in action.

Opportunities to put your learning into practice include:

Research Projects: Work on supervised projects exploring crime, justice, and social issues, gaining experience in both qualitative and quantitative research methods.
Workshops & Seminars: Participate in interactive workshops focusing on policy analysis, social interventions, and crime prevention strategies.
Placements & Internships: Access opportunities to work with local councils, NGOs, and community organizations, providing practical exposure to social policy and criminal justice settings.
Field Visits: Engage in observational visits to courts, prisons, and community programs to see criminology and social policy applied in real-life contexts.
Digital Tools & Software: Use data analysis software such as SPSS and NVivo to handle real datasets and conduct policy evaluations.
Collaborative Projects: Work in groups to develop solutions for social and criminal justice issues, honing teamwork and problem-solving skills.
Library & Research Support: Benefit from Queen’s extensive library resources, including dedicated criminology and social policy collections, journals, and online databases.
Faculty Expertise: Learn directly from experienced researchers and practitioners who guide you through applied learning experiences and mentor your professional development.

This combination of practical work, research, and professional engagement ensures you graduate ready to apply your knowledge effectively in careers related to criminology, social policy, and beyond.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates from the BA in Criminology and Social Policy at Queen’s University Belfast leave with a strong understanding of crime, justice, and social policy, preparing them for a wide range of professional roles. Typical career paths include working as a policy analyst, probation officer, social researcher, or roles within government and non-governmental organisations. This combination of academic knowledge and practical skills ensures graduates are well-equipped to make an impact in both public and private sectors:

Careers & Employability Support: The University’s Careers, Employability and Skills service offers tailored guidance, mentoring, and placement opportunities for students interested in criminology, social policy, or research roles.
Practical Experience: Students can gain hands-on experience through work placements, internships, and research projects facilitated by the School of Social Sciences, Education and Social Work.
Professional Partnerships: Collaborations with local councils, NGOs, and criminal justice organisations provide opportunities for networking and applied learning.
Long-Term Value: The degree is recognised for its academic rigour and practical focus, supporting career advancement in law, policy, research, and public service.
Graduate Outcomes: Many alumni progress to highly skilled roles in social research, policy development, law enforcement, and community services.

Further Academic Progression:
After completing this degree, students can pursue postgraduate study such as an MSc in Criminology, Social Policy, or related fields, or consider professional qualifications in law, social work, or public administration to specialise further and enhance career prospects.