Psychology with Criminology

If you’re interested in both psychology and criminology, this BPS-accredited BSc (Hons) Psychology with Criminology degree gives you the opportunity to engage with content and theory in both disciplines. Accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS), Psychology forms the major component of the programme (70%), supported by Criminology as a minor (30%), giving you a strong grounding in both fields.

The programme encourages you to develop a contemporary understanding of how psychological and criminological concepts apply to real-world issues. You’ll use scientific reasoning to analyse behaviour, build essential skills such as communication, teamwork and problem-solving, and explore how both psychological perspectives and criminological theory help explain crime and criminal behaviour. This blend of disciplines creates a versatile qualification that supports careers in psychology, criminology or related fields.

You’ll benefit from experiences that extend beyond the classroom, including field trips linked to psychology and criminology, such as visits to museums or prisons. Guest speakers from both fields offer valuable insight, helping you gain a clearer picture of potential career paths.

What's covered in this course?

Across each semester, you’ll study two psychology modules alongside one criminology module, and you can also choose to undertake a year-long professional placement. The degree equips you with the knowledge and skills needed to thrive in either subject area, opening a wide range of future opportunities.

Over three years, you’ll investigate the workings of the mind and behaviour through psychology modules, while criminology modules deepen your understanding of crime, victimisation and criminal behaviour. Learning is delivered through a combination of lectures, interactive seminars and online activities, supported by lecture capture and guided by staff who draw on both professional practice and research expertise. Their experience enriches the learning environment and helps connect theory with real-world contexts.

Assessment throughout the programme is varied and designed to build confidence across multiple formats. You’ll complete essays, reports, presentations, case studies, quizzes and exams, all while developing transferable skills that employers value. Studying two complementary disciplines also strengthens your academic versatility and broadens your career options.

Professional Placement Year

This course offers an optional professional placement year. This allows you to spend a whole year with an employer, following successful completion of your second year, and is a great way to find out more about your chosen career. Some students even return to the same employers after completing their studies.

If you choose to pursue a placement year, you will need to find a suitable placement to complement your chosen area of study. You will be able to draw on the University’s extensive network of local, regional, and national employers, and the support of our Careers teams. If you are able to secure a placement, you can request to be transferred to the placement version of the course.

Please note that fees are payable during your placement year, equivalent to 20% of the total full-time course fee for that year.

Professionally accredited courses provide industry-wide recognition of the quality of your qualification.

• British Psychological Society