BA Hons Criminology and Social Policy

At the University of Stirling, the BA (Hons) Criminology and Social Policy program gives you the chance to connect what you learn in class with what’s happening in the real world. You’ll explore real case studies, analyse criminal justice data, and examine how social policies shape everyday life — all while developing the research and communication skills employers value most. Stirling’s strong links with research centres and community partners mean you’ll learn from experts who are directly involved in shaping social and criminal justice reform.

Here’s how your learning experience becomes hands-on:

• Research in Action – Work with leading institutions like the Scottish Centre for Crime and Justice Research and the Scottish Institute for Policing Research, both linked to Stirling, to engage with live research projects and policy studies.

• Digital Learning & Data Tools – Use the university’s Library and Digital Learning Hub to access criminology databases, analyse social data, and apply research software for real-world policy evaluation.

• Interactive Workshops & Policy Simulations – Take part in debates, mock policy reviews, and group projects where you’ll practise defending your ideas and crafting evidence-based solutions to social issues.

• Study Abroad Options – Explore how justice and welfare systems differ around the world through Stirling’s study-exchange opportunities, giving you a truly global perspective on crime and social policy.

• Fieldwork & Applied Case Studies – Some modules partner with organisations such as the Salvation Army Centre for Addiction Services and Research, giving you the chance to study real community-focused initiatives up close.

This combination of research, field engagement, and digital learning ensures that by the time you graduate, you’ll not only understand social problems — you’ll have the skills and experience to help solve them.

A BA (Hons) Criminology and Social Policy degree from the University of Stirling opens doors to careers that make a real impact on society. You’ll graduate with the knowledge and confidence to work across justice, welfare, and community sectors — tackling social issues, shaping policy, and helping build safer, fairer communities. Typical career paths include:

• Policy Analyst or Public Affairs Officer

• Community Development Worker or Youth Justice Specialist

• Researcher or Analyst in NGOs, think tanks, or government departments

• Criminal Justice Advisor or Social Welfare Officer

Here’s how Stirling prepares you for success:

• The Careers and Employability Service offers one-on-one coaching, employer networking sessions, internship support, and CV or interview workshops tailored for social science students.

• Around 93% of Stirling social science graduates are employed or in further study within 15 months of graduation, earning an average salary of about £23,000 (DiscoverUni 2025).

• You’ll benefit from research partnerships with organisations like the Scottish Centre for Crime and Justice Research and the Scottish Institute for Policing Research, giving you access to live projects and policy engagement opportunities.

• The program’s strong mix of academic and applied learning ensures long-term career value in fields such as criminal justice, social work, public policy, and community development.

Further Academic Progression:
After graduation, you can advance to postgraduate degrees such as a Master’s in Criminology, Social Policy, Public Administration, or Social Justice. You could also pursue a PhD research in criminology, sociology, or public policy at Stirling — continuing to contribute to research that influences real social change..