Criminology with Counselling Skills (Including Placement Year)

What is BA Criminology with Counselling?
BA Criminology with Counselling is a three-year degree, or four years with an optional placement or study abroad year.

You’ll explore how we understand crime and whether it should be punished, while also developing insight into counselling and the nature of emotional difficulties and human relationships. Criminologists engage with some of the most pressing issues facing societies today, and this course examines crime, criminal justice, and human behaviour within wider social and psychological contexts.

Why this course
This course is taught in partnership with the Department of Psychosocial and Psychoanalytic Studies, combining criminology with counselling perspectives to give you a deeper understanding of both crime and human relationships.

You will explore crime and society alongside counselling approaches that examine emotional difficulties, interpersonal dynamics, and the nature of human relationships. This helps you develop the ability to engage with others in a mature, empathic, and reflective way, which is valuable in many professional settings.

Through criminology, you will examine issues such as criminal justice systems and crime in the media, while counselling modules introduce you to psychodynamic thinking and the unconscious dynamics that influence individuals and groups.

You will be taught by criminologists and sociologists in the Department of Sociology and Criminology, alongside counselling experts in the Department of Psychosocial and Psychoanalytic Studies, who are experienced clinicians, academics, and practitioners.

Who should apply
Students interested in understanding crime, criminal justice, and human behaviour
Those curious about counselling, mental health, and interpersonal relationships
Learners who want to develop reflective, listening, and communication skills
Future practitioners in criminology, counselling, social care, or related fields

What you’ll learn
Criminal justice systems: Explore how justice systems operate and respond to crime
Crime and media: Examine how crime is represented and understood in society
Mental health and treatment: Study psychological approaches to understanding and supporting wellbeing
Counselling skills: Develop foundational skills for effective counselling practice
The counselling relationship: Explore interpersonal dynamics and therapeutic communication

Your learning experience
Interdisciplinary teaching: Learn from experts in criminology, sociology, and psychoanalytic studies
Research methods training: Develop skills in surveys, interviews, and focus groups
Psychodynamic perspectives: Gain insight into unconscious processes and group dynamics
Reflective skill development: Build listening, observation, communication, and self-reflective abilities
Placement or study abroad option: Enhance your experience through international study or workplace learning
Independent dissertation: Complete a supervised research project on a topic that inspires you

Careers and outcomes
A BA Criminology with Counselling degree can prepare you for careers in:

Criminal justice and community services: Policing, probation, youth justice, and rehabilitation services
Counselling and support roles: Mental health support, counselling pathways, and wellbeing services
Social care and public services: Roles supporting individuals, families, and communities
Policy and research: Work in social research, criminal justice policy, and related fields
Further study: Postgraduate training in counselling, criminology, psychology, or related disciplines

Many of our courses offer a choice of optional modules to tailor your learning experience. More information about these can be found on the University of Essex website.