Psychology with Criminology (with a Placement Year)

Learn the science behind human behaviour and explore the social factors which influence crime through our interdisciplinary course.

You will analyse crime from both psychological and criminological perspectives to understand what causes offending, how the criminal justice system works and the impact on victims. You’ll also be able to collaborate with other students and discuss public policy issues as you put crime into a wider context.

The course can be tailored to your interests, with topics such as cyberpsychology, sentencing and penal policy, and the psychology of oppression and empowerment. To understand more about offender management, you can act out role plays in our mock custody suite and prison cell.

The degree is taught by specialists from two departments, and you’ll receive lots of support as well, including having your own academic mentor.

Our interdisciplinary approach enables you to keep your career options open. You could go on to specialise in forensic, clinical or health psychology, or work in victim support, prisons or probation services.

On successful completion of study, we will issue the following award: BSc (Hons) Psychology with Criminology

Course Modules

Year One Core: Foundations in Psychology; Applying Psychology; Becoming a Researcher 1; Psychology in the Justice System; Steps to Success 1

Year Two Core: Developmental and Biological Psychology across the Lifespan; Becoming a Researcher 2; Victimisation and Social Harm; Steps to Success 2; Option Module 1 
Year Two Optional: Psychology Option Choice 1; Criminological Theory: Power, Conflict and Harm; Sentence Management and Rehabilitation

Year Three Core: Placement Year

Year Four Core: Psychology Project; Society and The Mind; Advanced Criminological Perspectives; Steps to Success 3; Option Module 2 
Year Four Optional: Psychology Option Choice 2; Punishment, Prisons, Rehabilitation and Desistance; Vulnerabilities and the Criminal Justice System

Reflecting the different needs of learners, we use a wide range of formal or ‘summative’ assessment methods at the end of each module. These are carefully designed and monitored to enable students to demonstrate the learning outcomes for each module and also to allow elements of choice and co-creation (e.g., Steps to Success career planning assessments and Psychology Project).  Methods range from traditional essays and exams, through to case study analysis, research report writing, critical reviews, group presentations, live briefs, advisory reports, presentation pitches, independent projects and reflective writing.  All modules have formative assessment opportunities, and we ensure that students undertake a variety of assessment methods at each level and that they are interesting, challenging and develop skills valued by employers. The grades from formal assessments count towards your module mark.

The course will also provide you with opportunities to test your understanding of your subject informally before you complete the formal assessments that count towards your final marks. Each module normally includes practice or ‘formative’ assessments, where you can receive feedback from your module tutor. Practice assessments are developmental and any grades you receive for them do not count towards your module mark.