Criminal Pyschology

Explore the psychology of crime with our dynamic BSc Criminal Psychology degree. Blending psychology and criminology, this course examines what drives offending behaviour and how society responds.

You Will:
Gain a BPS-accredited psychology degree with a specialist focus on forensic psychology and criminology
Engage with specialist topics that explore the psychological and social factors influencing crime, trauma, and justice practices
Develop your research skills through a structured pathway, leading to a final-year research project on a topic of your choice
Be part of an innovative, interdisciplinary course designed to meet the growing demand for professionals who understand both human behaviour and crime
Study in an inclusive, supportive environment with the option to complete assessments in Welsh

Key Course Features:
Experience the realities of criminal justice through visits to settings such as prisons, courts, and community agencies
Utilise hands-on facilities including a dedicated psychology lab, purpose-built moot court, simulated crime scene house, and a mock custody suite
Gain valuable perspectives from expert lecturers and guest speakers, including judges, police, probation officers, and youth justice professionals
Learn how psychological theory applies directly to real-world criminal justice issues, from offender rehabilitation to public protection
Benefit from a trauma-informed approach embedded throughout the curriculum, reflecting the university’s institutional commitment
Delve into our Annual Psychology Enrichment Week which will provide you with opportunities to develop key transferrable skills, and network with leaders in the field. The BPS described the event as an opportunity for students and staff to network and develop essential transferable skills, including psychology literacy, useful for their academic and personal growth

YEAR 1 (LEVEL 4)
Build core knowledge and academic skills for studying criminal psychology. You’ll explore what drives criminal behaviour and how society and the justice system respond.
MODULES
Study Skills: Develop academic writing, research, digital literacy, presentation skills, and APA formatting.
Research Methods 1: Introduces research philosophy, qualitative and quantitative methods, ethics, and key debates.
Research Methods 2: Builds data analysis skills and includes conducting a practical research project.
Social Development: Covers attachment, moral development, social perception, and behaviour.
Introduction to Criminology & Criminal Justice: Explores how crime is defined, crime statistics, and justice systems.
Attachment and Crime: Examines how early relationships influence development and criminal behaviour.
Introduction to Forensic Psychology: Introduces applying psychology within criminal justice settings.

YEAR 2 (LEVEL 5)
Develop more specialised knowledge of behaviour, justice systems, and research, with a focus on complex social and psychological factors.
MODULES
Personality & Individual Differences: Explores personality, intelligence, and psychometric testing.
Research Methods 3: Advances data analysis skills and develops a dissertation proposal.
Cognitive & Behavioural Neuroscience: Covers brain function, behaviour, and research techniques.
High Risk and Dangerous: Examines serious crime and societal responses to high-risk behaviour.
Neurodiversity in Practice: Focuses on supporting neurodivergent individuals in justice settings.
Working in Custodial & Community Settings: Develops skills for working in prisons and community rehabilitation.

YEAR 3 (LEVEL 6)
Focus on advanced topics, critical thinking, and independent research in criminal psychology.
MODULES
Research Methods 4: Further develops data analysis and critical evaluation skills.
Dissertation: Conduct an independent research project, from design to final presentation.
Forensic Psychology: Covers crime theories, mental health, profiling, and courtroom psychology.
Multi-Agency Working: Examines collaboration between police, probation, and support services.
Optional Modules:
Clinical & Health Psychology: Explores health, behaviour, and psychological disorders.
Trauma, Vulnerability & Wellbeing in Policing: Examines trauma and its impact in policing contexts.
Life Inside Prisons: Explores prison systems, experiences of inmates, and rehabilitation.

The information listed in this section is an overview of the academic content of the programme that will take the form of either core or option modules. Modules are designated as core or option in accordance with professional body requirements and internal academic framework review, so may be subject to change.

A variety of authentic assessment strategies are used to assess your application of theory and research to practice. Assessments are inclusive and designed to support learners in an equitable way, ensuring that transferable real-world skills are developed across all levels of the degree. Assessments include essays, presentations, case studies, research reports, coursework and exams. In your final year, you’ll complete a research project (dissertation) on a topic of your choice. This independent project is your opportunity to showcase your ability to apply theoretical knowledge and research skills to a real-world issue within criminal psychology.

Teaching is delivered through inclusive and accessible methods, with students typically attending face-to-face sessions across multiple days each week, depending on module choices and timetabling. With theoretical knowledge consolidated via practical sessions. You’ll also have opportunities to take part in optional site visits to criminal justice settings, such as a crown court and a working prison.