Welcome to Your Applicant Hub
Your Applicant Hub is your go-to space for everything you need to prepare for the next step. Explore what makes Bangor University special, from our stunning location to our supportive community choosing Criminology and Criminal Justice at Bangor is the start of an exciting journey.
Hello and a very warm welcome. We're delighted that you have decided to apply to Bangor University.
Studying Criminology at Bangor is an exciting and thought provoking experience. The subject brings together sociological and criminological theory with an in-depth understanding of the criminal justice system, giving you the tools to explore why people commit crimes and how specialists and society can respond effectively to these crimes. Our lecturers are experts in their field, looking at things such as policing, justice, policy and social inequalities.
Our small class sizes means that you are able to gain that understanding in depth experience, and we get to know you by name.
On this application hub, you'll find lots of useful information about studying Criminology at Bangor. Including course details, placement opportunities, student experience and guidance, and career opportunities.
We hope to see you on the campus soon.
Why choose Criminology at Bangor University?
- Supportive study environment – Join a friendly, welcoming community where you’ll have a personal tutor from day one and our open‑door culture means support is always close by.
- Real-world context - Explore real issues around crime and justice, and build a deeper understanding of how society tackles crime.
- Enhance your employability – Grow your confidence and develop practical skills through opportunities for work placement.
- Make a real difference – Get involved in meaningful projects that support people and communities while gaining a deeper understanding of how crime impacts society.
- Prepare for a career with impact – Graduate ready for meaningful careers in probation, youth justice, charities, public services, and more.
Top 5 Tips for an Applicant Day
Hi, my name is Lisa Suzanne Sparks, and I'm one of the lecturers here at Bangor University in Criminology and Criminal Justice. I cannot wait to welcome you to one of our next applicant days here at Bangor. So here are my five top tips to make the most out of your day.
So top tip number one, make sure you meet your lecturers, so come to one of our talks. I love to talk about serial killers. So this is what you will learn with me. All about male and female serial killers... why they do what they do and looking at the victims too and what happens after.
Top tip number two, don't forget to get on the buses. Have a tour of our buildings, have a look at our halls accommodation. You as students are guaranteed first year accommodation, so take the time to have a look as to where you'll be staying during your degree.
Top tip number three, take the time to get lost in this beautiful building. Have a wander around. Don't worry about where you're going. Just take the time to get lost. There's plenty of people around, that you can ask for help.
But this leads down on to top tip number four, the people in the red shirts, stop and ask them questions. They are our current students. They'll have a wealth of information for you all around academia, the social side, even the sports society clubs in the student union. So take the time to have a chat with them too.
And my final top tip number five is have a look around the area. You've got the beautiful mountains of Eryri on one side and the gorgeous beaches of Anglesey on the other. There's something for everybody to do. So whilst you're here in Bangor, take a look around our beautifully situated college on the hill.
Bangor university, North Wales.
Can't wait to see you.
Aeron Dafydd I love the supportive student experience at Bangor
Aeron is studying Sociology and Criminology, and Criminal Justice at Bangor University
How would you describe the teaching style on the course?
"The teaching style is really supportive. Lecturers encourage open discussion and critical thinking rather than simply learning facts, which makes sessions more engaging. It also helps me feel confident contributing and asking questions."
What advice would you give to someone thinking about studying this subject?
"I’d say come with an open mind, make the most of the support available, and enjoy every moment - it goes by much faster than you think."
Frequently Asked Questions
As well as lecturers and personal learning time you can further develop your skills through study skills sessions and extracurricular activities.
You may want to join various clubs and societies through the students' union, with Wednesday afternoons being reserved specifically for you to take part in sports and club activities. Throughout the year we organise various school events such as quiz nights giving you the chance to meet and mingle with other students and the wider academic community.
Your typical week will generally include 9 to 12 hours of contact time, which may consist of lectures, seminars, or workshops. Additionally, you are encouraged to gain extra experience through opportunities like prison visits, training days with industry professionals, and other discipline-related events where students can volunteer to participate. You’d also be expected to undertake self-study outside of class time.
Yes, you will have opportunities to undertake a work placement either through our work placement module or through our work placement year options.
There are many careers you can pursue with a criminology degree. Studying criminology and criminal justice offers students the chance to understand criminals and their offending behaviour, and this can lead to rewarding careers that can make a positive change in society. For example, you could go on to work in one of the criminal justice agencies such as the police, prison and probation services. Graduates also pursue careers working to address crime and anti-social behaviour in local communities, such as youth offending and victim support services, with roles in local authorities such as the emergency services, health authorities, housing associations organisations.
How can you make friends before starting university?
Meet other applicants and be part of our Bangor student community even before arriving at Bangor! Join the Campus Connect app and you can ask questions, chat with current students and make friends with other applicants on your course and in your chosen accommodation. You'll be invited to join by email, which will also include your Bangor University reference number that you'll need to register.
Jump in with your whole heart. This university transformed me from a struggling single mother into someone who graduated with First Class Honours. Bangor doesn’t just educate you, it nurtures you, challenges you and helps you rediscover confidence you didn’t know you had.
Meet some of your lecturers
Tim Holmes
I have always been fascinated by human behaviour and what happens when groups need to work together. Criminology offered a direct route to studying human behaviour with this focus on some compelling issues and challenges in society.
Showing people that a lot of complex theories and ideas can be seen in everyday behaviour and activities of people in society. I believe criminology is one of the most accessible areas of academia, we all threat assess and calculate risks and benefits around behaviour and we all have ideas on what right and wrong should be. I like debating these things with students.
I study con artists and the world of deception and fraud is really interesting. How people trick others, fake their own deaths, take on someone else's identity showed me a lot about how society works. Learning the skills of manipulation and what some of the more infamous con artists have managed to achieve was truly fascinating.
Useful, accessible, important.
Ms Lisa Suzanne Sparkes
I have always had an interest in Crime, and it all started because my father is a retired police officer. I decided when I was 34 that I wanted to learn more about the subject and that is how is all began, well, academically.
There are so many different areas that you can focus on, be it the Criminal Justice System itself, the various agencies, the different types of crimes and criminals, the theories behind why someone becomes a criminal. The list is endless...
I have to say that for me personally, it would be my own research, which is Female Gangs in the United Kingdom. But also, a number of other lecturers within Bangor have focussed on so many areas that interest me, such as Police Culture and Rural Crimes!
This will be a fantastic experience that you will never forget. You will make life long friends and have the opportunity to try so many new things. Make sure you join clubs and societies, and get involved, there are so many to chose from. And remember to reach out to your personal tutor and your lecturers when you need help.
