Criminology and Social Policy (BSc)

at Cardiff University

Course structure

We are currently working with our students to update and improve the content of this course. The information shown below reflects the current curriculum and is likely to change. The review of the course is expected to be completed by August 2022 and this page will be updated by end of October 2022 to reflect the changes.

This is a three-year, full-time course consisting of 120 credits a year. The final degree classification that you are awarded is based on the grades you achieve in the modules that you take in years two and three.

In year one, you will lay the foundations for later specialist study, taking a number of core modules and following a study skills programme designed to help you make the transition to higher education. In years two and three, you will be encouraged to study and learn more independently, giving you the opportunity to read more widely and to develop your own interests. The final year also includes a compulsory 40-credit dissertation. 

The modules shown are an example of the typical curriculum and will be reviewed prior to the 2022/2023 academic year. The final modules will be published by September 2022.

Year one
You will take six compulsory 20-credit modules in Year One. These are designed to introduce you to the key ideas and research in Criminology and Social Policy and to teach you the skills needed to succeed at university.

In the first year, you will meet your personal tutor  who will help you to make the transition to higher education and support you throughout your time with us.

Year two
You will take five core 20-credit modules and select one other 20-credit module from across the disciplines in the School .

In this year you will also have the opportunity to consider transferring onto a four year programme, spending your third year on a professional work placement or studying abroad, returning to Cardiff to complete your studies in the fourth year.

Year three
Your final year will consolidate your knowledge and allow you to continue to explore topics that best suit your future career aspirations. You must take 40 credits from the Criminology portfolio and 40 credits from the Social Policy portfolio. You will also complete a 40-credit dissertation. A dissertation involves designing, conducting and writing up a small-scale research project under the supervision of a member of academic staff.

A level
ABB-BBB. If you have grade B in the relevant language A-level you will have access to the languages advanced pathways.

Extended/International Project Qualification: Applicants with grade A in the EPQ/IPQ will typically receive an offer one grade lower than the standard A level offer. Please note that any subject specific requirements must still be met.

International Baccalaureate
32-31 overall or 665 in 3 HL subjects. If you have grade 6 in the relevant language at HL you will have access to the languages advanced pathways.

GCSE
Grade C or grade 4 in GCSE English Language.

IELTS (academic)
At least 6.5 overall with a minimum of 5.5 in each subskill.

TOEFL iBT
At least 90 overall with minimum scores of 17 for writing, 17 for listening, 18 for reading and 20 for speaking.

PTE Academic
At least 62 overall with a minimum of 59 in all communicative skills.

Trinity ISE II/III
II: at least two Distinctions and two Merits.
III: at least a Pass in all components.

Tuition fees for 2022 entry

Fees for home status

• £9,000    

Fees for overseas status

• £18,700    

In 2016/17, the Destinations of Leavers from Higher Education survey showed that 94% of School of Social Science graduates who were available for work reported they were in employment and/or further study within six months of graduation. Popular employments sectors included: administrative work, education, social work, retail, finance, and other professional sectors.

We encourage our students to think about life beyond university from day one, offering support to give you a competitive advantage on graduating. Turning theory into practical application and providing experience of the working world are important aspects of all our degree schemes and help prepare our graduates for life after higher education.