Psychology (Forensic and Criminal)

About the course

BSc (Hons) Psychology with Forensic and Criminal Behaviour explores the psychological factors that influence crime, criminal behaviour and the justice system. You’ll study how psychological theory and research are applied to understanding offending, victimisation and responses to crime within social and legal contexts.

This course is designed for students interested in forensic psychology, criminal behaviour and applied psychology, and who want to develop a strong academic foundation for careers in criminal justice, mental health or further professional training.

Why this course?

• Top 10 in London for student satisfaction in Psychology (NSS 2024)

What you’ll study

You’ll build a solid foundation in psychology with a focus on forensic and criminal behaviour, while gaining professional skills valued across criminal justice, social care and research sectors, including psychological assessment, research methods, critical analysis, ethical practice and professional communication.

Modules offered can vary each year but may include:

• Forensic Psychology

• Criminal Behaviour and Psychopathology

• Psychology of Policing and Investigation

• Research Methods in Psychology

• Psychology of Crime and Justice

How you’ll learn

• Teaching through lectures, seminars, workshops and research informed learning

• Assessment through coursework, examinations, research reports, presentations and applied projects

• Academic support through personal tutors, skills development sessions and small group teaching

You’ll also have access to digital learning resources that support independent study and assessment preparation.

Future opportunities

This course prepares you for careers that involve understanding and responding to criminal behaviour, alongside roles that value research, analytical and communication skills. It also provides a foundation for postgraduate study and professional psychology training.

Example career areas include:

• Forensic and criminal justice support roles

• Policing and offender rehabilitation services

• Victim support and community services

• Research and policy roles

• Further academic and postgraduate study

The transferable skills developed on this course also support progression into postgraduate study or professional psychology training.

Facilities

You’ll study in learning environments designed to support psychological research, discussion and applied learning.

• Teaching rooms for lectures, seminars and group discussion

• Access to psychological research tools, software and academic databases

• Dedicated study spaces for independent research and collaborative work

These facilities support your academic development and help you apply psychology with forensic and criminal behaviour knowledge with confidence.

To work as a teacher at a state school in England or Wales, you will need to achieve qualified teacher status (QTS). This is offered on this course for the following level:

• Course does not award QTS