Queen's University Belfast

Criminology and Social Policy BA

Queen's University BelfastBelfast, United Kingdom

Course overview

Criminology focuses on the causes and consequences of crime, as well as how the criminal justice system responds to crime. Criminologists are interested in how activities come to be defined as criminal, and why definitions of crime vary across countries and over time. The subject includes a wide range of social and psychological theories that attempt to explain criminal behaviour and the effective operation of the criminal justice system.

Social Policy is an applied and critical Social Sciences subject. Students learn how to identify, but also how to tackle, major policy problems and challenges that we face in our world today. They do this by applying core social sciences concepts to social problems such as gender, ethnic and other inequalities, eldercare, children's rights and sustainability.

As Social Policy student you will gain knowledge of how governments and other sectors make policies, how they affect people’s welfare, and how to consider if these measures are fit for purpose and how they can be improved. To find out more about studying Criminology and Social Policy at Queen’s University Belfast, hear from students about their experiences of studying at Queen’s University Belfast, meet the criminology and social policy staff, as well as read about our research, please visit https://www.qub.ac.uk/schools/ssesw/subject-area/criminology

Key highlights

  • Examines causes and consequences of crime and criminal justice responses
  • Explores why definitions of crime vary across countries and time
  • Covers social and psychological theories explaining criminal behaviour
  • Applies social science concepts to inequalities, eldercare and children's rights
  • Teaches how governments make policies and how they affect welfare
  • Develops skills to assess and improve whether policies are fit for purpose

Entry requirements

  • A-level: ABB — ABB

Scholarships

  • County Antrim Grand Jury Bursary

    Approximately £1500 depending on funding available.

  • Early Confirmation Award

    Funding Amount - £1500

    Up to £1,500
  • International Undergraduate Scholarships

    This award is £3500 (fee rate 1) for first year of study; £4000 (fee rate 2) for first year of study.

  • INTO Progressors Scholarship

    £1500 reduction in tuition fees for first year of study.

    Up to £1,500
  • LLB Senior Status International Scholarship

    Scholarships Value - £4000

    Up to £4,000
  • Queen's Loyalty Scholarship

    20% reduction on first year gross tuition fees.

    Up to 20% of fees
  • Queen’s Family Scholarship

    20% reduction on first year gross tuition fees.

    Up to 20% of fees
  • Royal Academy of Engineering: Engineering Leaders Scholarship Programme

    Funding Amount: £5000 - £10,000

    Up to £5,000
  • Vice Chancellor’s International Attainment Scholarship - Undergraduate

    50% reduction on full tuition fees paid for all years of a programme, up to a maximum of four years (including advanced entry into Year 2 or Year 3).

    Up to 50% of fees

Careers this course leads to

  • Policy officer
  • Probation officer
  • Crime analyst
  • Youth justice worker
  • Victim support officer
  • Social researcher

Cost of study

UK/Home: £4,985 (NI/ROI), £9,790 (GB) | International: £24,600

Admission

Applications are made through AHZ at no cost. Share your transcripts, English test scores and personal statement, and your AHZ Counsellor will review your profile, submit your application to Queen's University Belfast, and guide you through interview, offer, CAS and visa — right up to enrolment.

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