Criminology & Psychology

OVERVIEW

Are you fascinated by the workings of the human mind and the complexities of criminal behaviour in society? Are you curious about understanding what ‘makes a murderer’ and do you wish to develop the analytical expertise to go beyond the depictions of crime that are shown on contemporary streaming services?

Our exciting degree includes topics such as:
Fundamentals of applied psychology
Offender Profiling
Crime Analysis
Victimology
Criminal Behaviour
Criminological Theory
Policing
Prisons
Youth and Gang Violence
Criminal Careers

COURSE HIGHLIGHTS

Taught by research active experts and academics with backgrounds in professional practice you’ll be equipped with the work-ready knowledge and authentic skills for employment in a variety of roles in the criminal justice system and beyond.

Guest lectures from industry professionals and field trips to organisations including Police Scotland, the Scottish Prison Service, Victim Support Scotland and more are offered throughout the degree.

COURSE DETAILS

The BA (Hons) Criminology and Psychology is a full-time programme. You will study the fundamentals and deeper insights of both disciplines – encompassing theory, concepts, applied to case studies, as well as organisations, policies and practices – involved in understanding and responding to offending behaviours and in supporting victims.

Year 1
In Year 1 you will be introduced to the foundational theories of criminology and the institutions and processes of criminal justice. You will also begin to develop an appreciation of psychological theory, as well as how to use evidence and apply analytical techniques to data in areas such as offender profiling and crime analysis.

Year 2
In Year 2 you will deepen your understanding of the evolution of psychology as a discipline, looking at psychology past and present and the approaches of developmental psychology. You will also learn in more detail about the currents and complexities of contemporary criminology and its complexities, as well as issues around policing and popular culture.

Year 3
In Year 3 you will broaden your knowledge and understanding to incorporate specialist topics, including social psychology, cognitive psychology, and an understanding of key issues in criminology, such as the philosophical and practical development of the contemporary British prison systems. Students will also develop their research skills as they begin their journey towards selecting a specialist dissertation topic and designing an approach to investigate this topic in detail in their fourth (Honours) year.

Year 4
In Year 4 (Honours) you will carry out a research dissertation on a specialist topic related to criminology and psychology, as well as deepening your knowledge of contemporary issues and debates through specialist optional modules including Forensic Psychology and Victimology.

CAREER PROSPECTS

Jobs
This programme will prepare you for employment across a range of agencies and organisations, including the police and prison services, security and intelligence agencies, criminal courts and third sector criminal justice services. Criminology and Psychology graduates may also find opportunities in restorative justice and mediation, community safety, and working with offenders, victims and witnesses.

As well as other major organisations linked with criminal justice in Scotland and the UK, Criminology and Psychology graduates may gone on to work for:

Police Scotland
The Scottish Prison Service
The Police Investigations and Review Commissioner
The Scottish Police Authority
Sacro
Turning Point Scotland
The National Crime Agency
The Security Service
The Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service