Criminology and Psychological Studies

Our BA Criminology and Psychological Studies gives you the opportunity to think critically about questions such as: What is crime? Who commits crime and why? What are the impacts of crime on victims, and of engagement with the criminal justice system on both victims and offenders?

Why choose this course?

• This course is ideal if you are interested in the complex causes of crime and of harmful behaviours.

• You will study with leading experts in criminology and psychology on issues of policing, prisons and courts, gendered and sexual violence, and offending, to understand the psychological and social causes and effects of crime and the criminal justice system.

• You will be introduced to key criminology and psychology debates and thinkers, as well as exploring the connections and tensions between the two disciplines.

What you will learn

You will explore the relationship between individuals, society and the criminal justice system, and consider:

• why people commit violent and harmful acts

• how our current criminal justice institutions and practices often produce psychological harm

• how these institutions and practices might be improved.

You will develop a critical understanding of the effects of victimisation and how we improve prospects of healing and rehabilitation for victims and offenders. You will also analyse real-world events by focusing on criminological and psychological theories. You will learn about social justice and social change by understanding government and policy, and advocacy and activism.

How you will learn

This course is available to study full- or part-time with classes taking place in the evening. These consist of lectures, seminars and on-campus and online activities.

You will be able to tailor this course to your interests with options tackling topics such as explanations for violent behaviour, the functioning of police and prisons, the prevention of gender-based violence and changing individual behaviour.

Foundation Year

If you opt for the Foundation Year route, this will fully prepare you for undergraduate study. It is ideal if you are returning to study after a gap, or if you have not previously studied the relevant subjects, or if you didn't achieve the grades you need for a place on your chosen undergraduate degree.

Highlights

• You will have access to specialised research events such as the Criminology Seminar Series. Led by criminology academics, events showcase contemporary issues in criminology and criminal justice and feature experts with national and international criminology profiles.

• There are opportunities to be taught by active researchers at the Institute for Crime and Justice Policy Research.

• Birkbeck is also strongly oriented towards research in psychological sciences, and we are home to the Centre for Brain and Cognitive Development, the Birkbeck-UCL Centre for Neuroimaging and the Centre for Cognition, Computation and Modelling.

Careers and employability

On successfully graduating from this course you will have gained transferable skills in:

• organising, planning and working to deadlines

• working as part of a team

• research

• clear and logical thinking and problem solving

• gathering, interpreting and evaluating information

• presenting yourself and an argument.

Graduates find work in policy development, research, public relations, marketing, fundraising and journalism. Within the criminal justice system and public service they may pursue roles such as:

• probation officer

• police officer

• criminal case review manager

• solicitor

• civilian investigator

• victim support officer

• counsellor

• welfare advice officer

• social worker.

In the charity or voluntary sector, graduates can pursue roles such as:

• youth or community worker

• public or local government administration officer

• charity fundraiser

• community campaigner or advocate

• community educator.

Course modules

For information about course structure and the modules you will be studying, please visit Birkbeck’s online prospectus.