Criminology and Psychology

Understand criminality and learn how to investigate a murder, based on interpreting clues at a mocked-up crime scene, right to the point of presenting your findings to the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS).

Hands-on learning
Enter the Murder House and take part in live-action and virtual reality crime scenes to gain practical experience in multiple types of criminal investigations.

Investigate real cases
Join the Plymouth Cold Case Unit to test your research skills and gain hands-on experience investigating unsolved missing persons cases.

Expand your understanding of psychology
Study psychological theories, expand your understanding of areas such as clinical, social, developmental, biological and cognitive psychology and develop a variety of intellectual and practical skills.

This course is for you if...

• you're fascinated by the causes of crime and how the criminal justice system works

• you want to get hands-on, taking part in live-action and virtual reality crime scene simulations

• you're motivated to put skills into practice with local and national criminal justice agencies

• you're motivated to put skills into practice with local and national criminal justice agencies

Course Modules

Year 1
In your first year you’ll be introduced to the criminal justice process in England and Wales, exploring the ideas and theories used to analyse criminology and crime problems and placing crime and criminology into social and historical context. You’ll also study the basic theories of psychology, developing a variety of intellectual and practical skills through topics including social and developmental psychology and the psychology of the everyday experience.

Year 2
In your second year you will advance your awareness of criminological theory to enhance your understanding of the processes of criminal justice practice. Your training in research methods will provide you with an insight into research preparing you early for your final year dissertation project. You’ll also develop a greater understanding of areas such as clinical, social, developmental, biological and cognitive psychology and how these can be applied in practical settings.

Optional placement year
Gain valuable on-the-job experience through our optional placement year. We will support you in your second year in deciding whether to take this opportunity, and assist you in finding a placement and being prepared for it.

Final year
In your final year, you’ll select a criminological issue to investigate for your dissertation, choosing to specialise in an area of your choice. You will also study modules that reflect new, emerging trends in criminology that reflect current local, national and world issues. This includes green criminology, leisure and deviancy, violence and harm, justice in practice, social change and global issues such as state crime, war and terrorism. You’ll also develop your understanding of psychology through academic debates, allowing you to pursue areas that reflect your interests.

For up to date details, please refer to our website or contact the institution directly.