Psychology with Criminology

This course combines psychology with criminology, exploring how the mind shapes behaviour and how psychological theories apply to criminal behaviour and societal reactions to crime. You’ll study human behaviour using scientific methods—observation, measurement, and testing—to understand how and why people act the way they do.

You’ll also develop key skills in critical thinking, communication, and scientific research, including data analysis and presentation, preparing you for careers where understanding societal issues is essential.

Graduates succeed in fields such as criminal justice, education, social work, research, advertising, human resources, and healthcare.

You’ll study core areas of psychology including biological, cognitive, developmental, and social psychology, with topics such as personality, intelligence, research methods, and historical perspectives. In your second and third years, you’ll have the opportunity to tailor your learning with elective modules in psychology and criminology.

• BPS accredited: This course is accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS), providing eligibility for Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership, a key step towards becoming a chartered psychologist.

• Focused learning: Modules are delivered through our block teaching approach, so you can concentrate on one subject at a time.

• Personalise your learning: Choose from a wide range of optional modules in Year 3 to align your studies with your interests and career goals.

• Graduate destinations: This course equips graduates for roles at the intersection of mental health, policing, and community support. Graduates have gone on to work in impactful roles with organisations such as Northamptonshire Police, Somerset NHS Foundation Trust, and North West Anglia NHS Foundation Trust - in positions including police constables, assistant psychologists, and mental health care assistants.

• Authentic facilities: Access dedicated psychology labs, research spaces, interview rooms, and observation suites, all supported by expert technicians.

• Research-informed teaching: Learn from a team of academics with expertise in Health Psychology, Cognition, Neuroscience, and Criminology.

• Global experience: Enrich your studies with DMU Global, offering international opportunities like exploring mental health history in Paris or cross-cultural psychology in Kuala Lumpur.

FIRST YEAR:
Block 1: Professional Skills for Psychologists
Block 2: Core Areas and Research Methods 1
Block 3: Contemporary Issues in Criminology
Block 4: Core Areas and Research Methods 2

SECOND YEAR:
Block 1: Mind, Brain and Behaviour
Block 2: Psychology across the Lifespan
Block 3: Choose one optional module from:
Domestic Violence and Abuse, Children and the Criminal Justice System, Animals and Criminology,
Introduction to Probation, Genocide, Restorative Justice, or Drugs and Crime
Block 4: Personality and Social Psychology

THIRD YEAR:
Block 1: Conceptual and Historical Issues in Psychology
Block 1: Employability Skills and Psychology
Block 2, choose one optional module from:
Counselling Psychology
Cognitive Neuropsychology
Wellbeing and Positive Psychology
Introduction to Data Science for Psychologists
Loss, Grief and Bereavement: Cultural, Social, and Therapeutic Perspectives
Psychology of Addiction
Psychology and Culture: Global Issues and International Perspectives
Psychology of Human Rights, Activism and Social Justice

Block 3: Emerging Issues in Criminology
Block 4: Psychology Project

Assessment combines various methods including:

• Essays
• Written exams
• Multiple choice exams
• Presentations
• Podcasts
• Portfolios
• Critical Reviews
  As well as more innovative methods such as oral presentations, research reports, critical reviews of research papers and portfolio assignments. In your final year you will also complete an 8000-10,000 word dissertation. Modules use different assessment methods, although most employ a combination of examinations and coursework.