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Criminology and Psychology

1 Study option · UndergraduateMain Site

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2025-20262026-2027
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Course summary

We have outstanding league table rankings for Criminology and Psychology, and a great track record for graduate prospects. These are just two reasons to take a Criminology and Psychology degree at Lancaster University.

This innovative degree explores the relationship between crime and the human mind. Informed by the latest research and combining theory and practice, the degree offers you the opportunity to study both Criminology and Psychology in equal measure. Due to the flexible structure, you can continue on the joint major pathway or switch to a Psychology major (which includes British Psychological Society accreditation) at the end of your first year.

The degree is led and taught by the world-leading, research-active academics based in our prestigious Law School and Psychology Department. They will introduce you to key themes and topics in Criminology and Psychology, as well as helping you to engage with recent and influential research. The degree draws on the Departments’ expertise in forensic psychology, youth justice, decision-making, policing, prisons and punishment, sex work, hate crime, drugs and substance abuse, gender-based violence, climate change, welfare and media.

Your first year will introduce you to core criminological and psychological concepts and perspectives, including explanations for crime and offending behaviour and social psychology. During your second year you will explore a broad range of criminological theories and perspectives, consider how to ‘do’ criminological and psychological research and be able to choose a range of optional modules which explore various criminological and psychological controversies and issues. By year three, you will have the choice to study specialist subjects in depth from our range of optional modules. You will also be required to research a topic of your choice for a crime-based dissertation.

Masterclasses, expert seminars, volunteering and work placement opportunities will also enhance your knowledge, experience and practical skills. Assessment is varied, including coursework, presentations, exams, reflective accounts and dissertation.

Employability Skills
You will benefit from our excellent connections with NGOs, charities, and local Criminal Justice Agencies such as Lancashire Police and HMP Lancashire Farm. You will be able to visit the prison and engage in collaborative learning, and analyse data from Lancashire Police. Our Psychology Employability Programme will help you to develop your skills for a career in Psychology. All of this is designed to enable you to gain experience, make professional connections and get a head start in your career.

Ways to study this course

Campuses

  • Main Site

Study options

  • BA (Hons) • Full-time • 3 Years

Start dates

  • 01/10/2025

Application codes

Course code:
CL86
Institution code:
L14

Lancaster University has participated in the Teaching Excellence Framework. These ratings were awarded in 2023, for four years.

See why these ratings were awarded
What does this TEF outcome mean?

How to apply

Application codes

Course code:
CL86
Institution code:
L14

Chat to student ambassadors

Discover what it's like to study Criminology and Psychology at Lancaster University: insights on the course, making friends, personal statement tips, uni prep, and recommended books, podcasts, and videos.

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  • Ailiya

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    As an international student from Taiwan, a small island with a rich cultural heritage, I’m excited to bring a global perspective to my role as a university buddy ambassador. Currently pursuing my studies in business, I aim to become a business analyst within the financial sector, driven by my interest in data and strategic decision-making. Beyond academics, I’m passionate about staying active with badminton and yoga training, and I find creative expression through fine art painting. Traveling is another passion of mine, and I love exploring new places and cultures, which has greatly enriched my own university journey. As a buddy ambassador, I’m looking forward to sharing my experiences and insights, supporting new students in their transition, and helping them thrive both academically and personally.

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    Hello! I'm Kathryn and I am an Environmental Science PhD student. I also did a BSc in Environmental Science at Lancaster University. I am researching the chemistry of halogens in the troposphere.

  • Ella

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    Hi, I'm Ella, a 4th year MSci Computer Science student. I love walks on the beach, ice cream, elephants, our rescue Dog Loki and annoying my siblings (we're triplets!). I completed my third year project on Mitigating Gender and Racial Bias in children, creating an educational game and am undertaking a placement with Burlington Stone in Cumbria developing software for their stone production! I'm not entirely sure what I want to do on completion of my degree but I'm interested in HCI and Computing For Good so hopefully along those lines and put my degree to good use. Please get in touch with any questions you have!

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    I’m a 3rd year Computer Science student and Student Ambassador Leader at Lancaster University. I’m from North London but I’m originally from Nigeria. I love weight lifting, crochet and I play the bass guitar!

  • Crystal

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    Mathematics and Statistics
    Hi! I'm Crystal, a second-year MSci Computer Science and Mathematics student with a special interest in Data Science and ML. When I started university, I wasn’t entirely sure about my future career path. However, through various opportunities at university, I’ve developed a strong passion for data science and I now feel much more confident about the direction I want to take in my career. Often spotted around campus carrying badminton rackets because nothing beats badminton after a long day for stress-relief... On my off days I explore places nearby Lancaster, play games with my friends and try out new recipes. Whenever I get homesick, I make Malaysian chicken curry (and it's perfect for winter). Don't hesitate to reach out with any questions you have, whether it's about doing a joint degree, life at Lancaster, or even to talk about any data science/coding projects! I'm interested to hear what you think.

  • Aimée Olivia

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    Zoology
    Hi, my name is Aimée and I come from Switzerland. I am a fourth year Zoology student with an interest genetics, and using it to conserve the species of our planet. I chose to study at Lancaster after falling in love with the campus on an open day. Last year I completed a placement year working in the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland's WildGenes genetics laboratory. At university one of my favourite things to do is discover new coffee shops around Lancaster with my friends. Besides this I can usually be found in Waterstones buying yet another book or at home playing my latest Nintendo Switch obsession!

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    Hi, I’m a penultimate year BSc Hons Accounting and Finance (Industry) student at Lancaster University. I’m from Mumbai, but have been brought up in Dubai, UAE. I like spending my time playing Cricket and listening to bollywood music.

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    Im currently studying Nuclear Engineering and in my second year. Im an international student and used to live in Dubai and South Africa. Im very interested in Nuclear Fusion and uses for nuclear in the medical field.

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    Mathematics and Statistics
    Hi! 🌟 I'm Gail! I'm currently studying for my PhD in Computer Science within the SCC department at Lancaster University, but my academic journey began with an MSci in Mathematics and Computer Science! Please feel free to message about absolutely any queries you may have, such as with academia itself, or just general university life queries! I would be more than happy to help. :)

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    Data, Computing and Communications
    Hey, I'm Josh, a fourth year MSc Cyber Security student at Lancaster University. I am originally from Greater Manchester. I have many passions alongside my degree, such as dance and music. I work as a Student Ambassador Leader for the university.

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    Environmental and Earth Sciences
    Hi I’m Emily! I’m in my third year studying Earth and Environmental Science, with the hopes of becoming a volcanologist in the future. I’d swapped from studying Geography in my first year, so am able to answer questions on either degree. I’ve loved living on campus and in town, I’ll be happy to answer any questions you have about the uni or Lancaster in general :) I’m also on the study abroad scheme so can answer any enquiries about this.

  • Finley

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    I studied Business, Maths, and Computer Science at A-level at my local sixth form and achieved grades of ABC. These grades were enough to get me accepted into my first choice, Lancaster University, to study accounting and finance. However I realised during my first year that Accounting and Finance wasn’t the right course for me, and I decided to move to business management, where I really enjoyed the entrepreneurship module so decided to go into 2nd year on the Business Management (entrepreneurship) course. The current career path I am exploring is business consulting; I feel it suits my personality well and it is a well established industry. During my free time, I regularly go to the gym, and play football with my friends.
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Historical entry grades data BETA

This section shows the range of grades students (with UK A-Levels or Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diplomas) who received offers were previously accepted with (learn more). It is designed to support your research but does not guarantee whether you will or won't get a place. Admissions teams consider various factors, including interviews, subject requirements, and entrance tests. Check all course entry requirements for eligibility.

Data from:
This course and 9 other sociology courses
Date range:
2022-2024

Grades held by accepted students

For Lancaster University, the top and bottom 5% of student grades have been removed from these calculations. This change helps to remove any extraordinary circumstances that could impact the data. Learn more here .
BBC Most common
  1. A*A*A
  2. Highest grades
  3. BCC
  4. Lowest grades

Offer rate for UK school & college leavers

95% Students aged 17/18 who applied to this course were offered a place.

How do you compare?

See how students with your grades have been accepted onto this course in the past.

Student Outcomes

Operated by the Office for Students

60 Employment after 15 months (Most common jobs)

85 Go onto work and study

The number of student respondents and response rates can be important in interpreting the data – it is important to note your experience may be different from theirs. This data will be based on the subject area rather than the specific course. Read more about this data on the Discover Uni website.

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