Undergraduate degrees in social and public policy, and criminal justice
Source: https://www.york.ac.uk/business-society/study/social-policy-undergraduate/ Parent: https://www.york.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/subject-explorer/
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Study with us and lead the way in the fight for policy reform. Challenge yourself and explore the pressing social, political and economic issues of our time.
Why study social and public policy and criminal justice at York?
At York, one of our key strengths is our collaborative approach, working with a wide range of stakeholders such as governments, campaigning organisations, public service providers, charities, and businesses. Our teaching combines the theoretical study of social issues and how they affect society with a practical focus on developing the policy advisers and change makers of tomorrow.
You'll learn to effect positive change from researchers analysing some of today’s biggest social issues including child welfare, health and social care, mental health, housing policy, employment, ageing, and crime.
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Our courses
- Business and Society (BA)
- Business and Society (with a year in industry) (BA)
- Criminal Justice and Social Policy (BA)
- Criminal Justice and Social Policy (with a year in industry) (BA)
- Social and Public Policy (BA)
- Social and Public Policy (with a year in industry) (BA)
- Social and Public Policy (Ethics and Justice) (BA)
- Social and Public Policy (Ethics and Justice) (with a year in industry) (BA)
Interdisciplinary Courses
- Criminology (BA)
- Law and Criminology (LLB)
- Social and Political Sciences (BA)
- Social and Political Sciences (with a year in industry) (BA)
Or search all undergraduate courses.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ajlX5IdrcRA
Course options
There are opportunities for you to undertake placements or spend a year abroad as part of your course.
If you're studying at a university outside the UK, you may be able to spend up to a year in York as a visiting student.
- Study abroad
- Placements and real-world experience
- Social and public policy and criminal justice modules for visiting students
Scholarships and funding
Find out about scholarships and studentships that are available to students in the School for Business and Society.
World Top 50
41st for Social Policy & Administration in the QS World University Rankings by Subject, 2025
Committed to equality
We are proud to hold an Athena Swan Bronze award in recognition of the work we do to support gender equality.
Highly regarded
We're ranked 8th in the UK for Social Policy according to the Complete University Guide 2026.
Social and Public Policy facilities
Study with us in our modern Church Lane Building, which offers bespoke learning spaces. With state-of-the-art teaching facilities and dedicated social spaces, Church Lane is an interdisciplinary hub for the leaders of tomorrow.
Video
Take a look at our Church Lane Building
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v8zejI5s8Ow
Careers
- We believe in an active approach to the social sciences, giving students a hands-on experience in social and public policy through placements and collaboration with experienced practitioners.
- The nature of our degrees means you can pursue career-related interests throughout your study, offering useful opportunities to demonstrate your knowledge and skills to future employers.
- Our graduates have developed careers as policy researchers and analysts, holding offices and managerial roles in governments, campaigning organisations, public sector and businesses.
Learn more about careers and employability
Find your career advantage: Turn ambition into achievement with our expert guidance and connections. From your first day here to life after graduation, we’ll help you succeed.
Student and graduate stories
Hear what our students and graduates have to say about studying with us.
I can honestly say I have been interested in everything I’ve learned so far. Some of it didn’t play to my strengths but it is important to explore new things and find out what your interests are. I feel that the course at York is a perfect mix of core and option modules. There is something for everyone within the content you will study.
Megan, Social and Public Policy. Read Megan's blog post.
I really enjoyed my first year as it gave me a wider knowledge base. Then in my second year, I’ve been able to choose modules to build on my own interests, and what I hope to specialise in.
Danielle, BA Social and Public Policy. Read Danielle's blog post.
Next steps
Open Days
Applications
Scholarships