BSc Social Policy with Criminology

At Bristol, you won’t just study social policy and criminology from textbooks—you’ll get the chance to see how these ideas work in the real world. From placements to prison visits, you’ll gain practical experiences that bring your learning to life and prepare you for future careers in policy, justice, or social change.

Here’s what makes the experience stand out:

• Work placements – In your second year, you can take part in a structured placement with an organisation connected to social policy or criminal justice. This gives you hands-on experience, helps you build your CV, and lets you connect classroom knowledge with professional practice.

• Field visits and guest lectures – Expect to step outside the classroom to see how systems really work, whether through visits to courts and prisons or by hearing directly from experts and professionals working in criminology.

• Independent research – Your final-year dissertation is more than just a project; it’s your opportunity to dive deep into a topic that matters to you, supported by leading academics who are at the cutting edge of research.

• Study abroad – If you choose the four-year study abroad option, you’ll spend a year learning at a partner university in places like Europe, North America, Australia, or East Asia, gaining an international perspective on policy and crime.

• Supportive learning environment – You’ll have access to world-class libraries, archives, IT tools, and flexible study spaces across the University, giving you the resources to grow both academically and personally.

Studying Social Policy with Criminology at Bristol sets you up for an exciting range of career paths. Because you’ll graduate with both a strong understanding of how policies are made and how crime is understood in society, employers see you as someone who can bridge the gap between research and real-world solutions. Many of our graduates go on to become policy advisers, probation officers, social researchers, or community development officers, while others move into roles across government departments, NGOs, and criminal justice organisations.

At Bristol, you won’t just graduate with knowledge – you’ll graduate with confidence and experience:

• The Careers Service is there to help you every step of the way, from one-to-one advice to connecting you with internships and employers.

• Within 15 months of finishing their degree, 90% of Bristol social policy graduates are working or continuing their studies.

• You’ll benefit from links with organisations like the Home Office, local councils, and national charities, giving you a head start in building a professional network.

• A Bristol degree carries global recognition – employers know it represents both academic excellence and practical skills.

Further Academic Progression:
If you’re inspired to take your studies further, you could continue with a Master’s in Criminology, Public Policy, or International Social Policy at Bristol or beyond. Some graduates even move on to PhD research or specialist professional qualifications, shaping future policy and making an impact at the highest levels.