Criminology with Psychology

Uncover the psychology behind crime. Explore the forces shaping human behaviour and gain the skills and confidence to make a difference in justice and beyond.

Why do people commit crime? Is it personality, trauma, opportunity, inequality, or a complex combination? On this dynamic degree, you’ll go beyond the headlines and stereotypes to explore crime through a powerful psychological lens. By combining criminological theory with the science of human behaviour, you’ll develop an evidence-based understanding of why offending happens, and how it can be prevented.

This isn’t just a degree about crime. It’s about people, their choices, their circumstances, and the systems that respond to them. You’ll examine everything from minor offences to serious and complex offences, exploring how power, identity, social context, mental health, and trauma shape behaviour. Along the way, you’ll ask challenging questions about justice, responsibility, rehabilitation, and reform.

As part of this criminology with psychology course, you'll:

• Examine psychological processes associated with crime, including violent, sexual, and predatory offending

• Explore key psychological theories and perspectives, and analyse their role in policing, courts, and forensic investigation

• Study investigative, forensic, and clinical psychology, mental health, trauma, and pathways into and out of offending

• Design and conduct your own criminological research, building strong analytical and methodological skills

• Develop professional skills for a career in criminal justice, social services, psychology, and policy through volunteering, placements, and practitioner-focused modules

• Learn how to question assumptions, interpret evidence, think ethically, and apply psychological insight to real-world challenges.

Find out more
Learn from experts
Your learning is shaped by active research and expertise. Our lecturers specialise in areas including forensic and criminal psychology, offender profiling, prisons, desistance, and sexual offending.

As members of our Centre for Psychological Research and Centre for Applied Social Research, your teaching team are actively engaged in research that informs policy and practice. You’ll explore current debates, emerging evidence, and pressing issues in contemporary criminal justice.

Industry insights
Guest practitioners bring professional perspectives directly into your classroom. Previous speakers have included police officers, magistrates, psychologists, drug and alcohol practitioners, and social workers.

Building your future potential
As a School of Humanities & Social Sciences student, you’ll be encouraged to think about your future from the start of your journey. Career development is embedded throughout your studies. In your first year, you’ll explore professional pathways linked to criminology and psychology. In your second and third years, you can choose option modules featuring live briefs alongside work placement opportunities.

Volunteering enables you to gain valuable professional experience while making a meaningful impact. Previous students have supported organisations such as the Leeds Youth Justice Service.

Why study the BA Criminology with Psychology course at Leeds Beckett University?

• Inspiring teaching - 98% of students on BA (Hons) Criminology with Psychology were positive about the way teaching staff explain things*

• Tailored learning – choose from a wide range of optional modules to shape your degree around your interests

• Practical experience – gain hands-on experience through placements and volunteering embedded within employability-focused modules

• Innovative assessments – showcase your learning through diverse, creative coursework rather than just traditional exams

• Global perspective - enhance your studies with international opportunities, including studying abroad in the United States

*National Student Survey 2026

Year 1 Core Modules:

• Becoming a Criminologist
• Introduction to Psychology & Crime
• Introduction to Criminal Justice
• Criminology in Practice

Year 2 Core Modules:

• The Psychology of Complex Behaviour
• Psychology & Law
• Researching Crime & Justice
• The Psychology of Harmful Belief Systems
  In addition, choose from a list of Year 2 option modules. Please check our website for a full and up-to-date list.

Year 3 Core Modules:

• Final Year Project
  In addition, choose from a list of Year 3 option modules. Please check our website for a full and up-to-date list.