BASS Politics and Criminology

Studying Politics and Criminology at Manchester isn’t just about reading theory in lecture halls—it’s about putting ideas into practice. From your very first year, you’ll work with real-world case studies, engage in debates on current political and criminal justice issues, and use digital research tools to explore data and policy. The programme is designed to help you think like a researcher, apply critical skills, and gain hands-on experience that employers truly value.

And because Manchester is a hub for social science research, you’ll have access to facilities, software, and unique opportunities that bring your learning to life:

• Q-Step programme – a pathway where you can take specialist quantitative methods training and even complete a paid work placement with organisations such as the Office for National Statistics or Ipsos.

• Specialist software – training in tools like SPSS, R, and Stata to analyse political and criminological data, ensuring you graduate with strong technical skills.

• Research-led teaching – learn directly from academics at the Mitchell Centre for Social Network Analysis and the Manchester Institute for Collaborative Research on Ageing (MICRA), both leaders in their fields.

• Work placements and internships – opportunities with local councils, charities, think tanks, and public service organisations help you connect classroom learning with career experience.

• Study abroad – spend a semester or a full year at one of Manchester’s partner universities across Europe, the US, Asia, or Australia.

• The University Library – one of the UK’s largest academic libraries, giving you access to government records, political archives, and criminology case materials.

• Fieldwork and projects – modules in criminology often involve studying real social problems and justice systems, preparing you for careers in policy, research, or public service.

You’ll leave Manchester not just with a degree, but with a portfolio of experiences, digital skills, and professional connections that make you stand out in the job market.

Graduating from Manchester with a BA in Politics and Criminology opens doors to a wide range of exciting careers. Students leave with strong analytical and research skills that are highly valued by employers. Many go on to roles in government, NGOs, the justice sector, or policy think tanks, while others build careers in academia or social advocacy. Typical graduate jobs include:

• Policy Officer

• Intelligence Analyst

• Child Protection or Youth Justice Officer

• Researcher in government or NGOs

What really makes Manchester stand out is the support and opportunities you’ll receive along the way:

• Tailored Careers Support – The University’s award-winning Careers Service helps you connect with employers, secure internships, and even take a Professional Experience Year. If you complete this placement, your degree title includes “with Professional Experience,” giving you a real edge in the job market.

• Paid Internships through Q-Step – Between your second and third year, you can apply for a competitive data-focused internship, with placements in major organisations such as the Home Office, Ministry of Justice, and College of Policing.

• Impressive Graduate Outcomes – Within 15 months of finishing their degree, 95% of Politics graduates are in work or further study, with average earnings of around £33,500 within five years. Criminology graduates also step into strong career paths across local government, justice agencies, and non-profit organisations.

• Real-world Experience – Through initiatives like Learning Criminology Inside, students have the chance to study alongside prison learners at HMP Risley or HMP Wymott, gaining powerful insights that you simply can’t get from textbooks.

• Globally Respected Degree – Manchester’s Social Sciences are ranked among the best in the UK, meaning your qualification will be recognised and valued worldwide.