University of York

What you'll study

This programme blends modules on criminal justice institutions, criminological theory and social policy analysis. In the early years you will cover core topics such as Introduction to Criminal Justice, Criminological Theory, Foundations of Social Policy, and Research Methods (both qualitative and quantitative). You will study how policing, courts, prisons, probation and welfare systems operate and how social policy responses are developed, implemented and evaluated.

• Typical core topics: criminological theory, crime and society, the structure of criminal justice agencies, welfare state history and institutions, and research design.
• Research training: practical qualitative and quantitative methods, data analysis, and preparation for an independent final‑year dissertation or major research project.
• Optional and specialist modules: youth justice, penology and punishment, victimology, drugs and crime, mental health and offending, comparative social policy, housing and homelessness policy, and human rights.
• Assessment: a mix of essays, timed examinations, case studies, policy briefings, group projects and a final‑year dissertation or applied research project.
• Structure: the degree is modular across three years, with the possibility (where available) to take a year abroad or a professional placement year to gain workplace experience.

Entry requirements

Entry is assessed on academic qualifications and your personal statement. Typical offers look for good performance in relevant A‑levels, an equivalent BTEC or Access to Higher Education Diploma, or International Baccalaureate points. Applicants are expected to demonstrate interest in social sciences, social policy or criminology through their studies and/or work or voluntary experience.

• Academic qualifications: equivalent of strong A‑level performance (or recognised vocational/Access/IB qualifications). Specific offer levels vary by year and applicant profile.
• GCSEs: most applicants are expected to have passes in English and mathematics (or recognised equivalents).
• Other applicants: mature students, those with relevant work or volunteering experience, and applicants with vocational qualifications are welcome; admissions decisions take the whole profile into account.
• Selection: based on academic record, the personal statement and references; interviews are not typically required but may be used in some cases.

Career prospects

Graduates from this programme go into a wide range of careers across the public, private and third sectors. The degree equips you with analytical, research and policy‑development skills that employers value.

• Roles in criminal justice agencies: police staff, probation services, prison administration and youth offending teams.
• Policy and research: local and national government policy officer, policy analyst, research assistant in think tanks and academic research posts.
• Third‑sector and advocacy: case‑management, service delivery and advocacy roles in charities working on homelessness, domestic abuse, drug rehabilitation and victim support.
• Related professions: social work (further professional training required), probation officer (professional registration routes), offender management, and restorative justice services.
• Further study and training: postgraduate study in criminology, social policy, law, public administration or research methods; professional graduate schemes in the civil service and criminal justice professions.

Why study at University of York

The University of York offers interdisciplinary, research‑led teaching combining social policy and criminal justice perspectives, delivered in small‑group seminars that promote discussion and applied learning. You will learn from staff active in research on crime, punishment and welfare, and benefit from links with local criminal justice and social policy organisations for guest lectures, practitioner‑led sessions and placement opportunities.

• Research‑led teaching: academics working on contemporary issues in punishment, policing and welfare inform course content and supervise independent research.
• Employability support: dedicated careers and employability services, guidance on placements and internship opportunities with public and third‑sector organisations.
• Skills development: emphasis on research methods, policy analysis, critical reasoning and communication—skills directly transferable to policy, research and front‑line roles.
• Campus and community: a collegiate environment with student societies relating to criminology, law and social justice, and opportunities for volunteering and applied projects in the city of York and beyond.