Criminology and Forensic Psychology

Explore why people commit crimes and how their behaviour generates evidence
Our BSc (Hons) Criminology and Forensic Psychology degree examines why people commit crime and how understanding this behaviour can generate evidence in court as well as help determine steps for offender rehabilitation.

Learn to apply forensic psychology principles to the study of crime
Using the latest research and practice, you will apply psychological theory and practice to study of crime, its consequences, those who indulge in deviant behaviour, and the judicial and legal processes that follow.

Explore a variety of psychology and criminology topics that include:

• Developmental psychology

• Mental health and forensic psychology

• Young people and crime

• Legal frameworks

• Human rights

• Diversity and duty of care

• Sexual offending

Examine the psychological impacts of crime on individuals and wider society
You will consider the impact of crime upon victims, witnesses, offenders, and wider society, as you use the latest research to examine how crime can be prevented and develop your knowledge of psychological rehabilitation methods.

Understand the place of psychology within the law and the criminal justice system
Throughout your degree you will gain an in-depth knowledge of the operations of the criminal justice, as well as learn more about criminal law and the applications of forensic psychology within the judiciary system.

Use scientific data to understand criminal behaviour
During the course, you will receive scientific and statistics training to develop critical and analytical skills, as you learn how to handle data that you can use to predict, explain, and treat criminal behaviour.

Learn from expert active researchers and ex-police staff
Our team of active researchers and experienced experts bring their knowledge and research directly into the classroom with them to ensure that you engage with the latest innovations and theories.

Small teaching groups for more personalised support
Our small, interactive seminars mean you are seen as an individual, not just another face in the crowd as our lecturers get to know you and how best to support your academic and personal development.

BPS accredited course
Our BSc (Hons) Psychology course is accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS), which means you’ll graduate with an industry-recognised qualification ready that acts as a first step to becoming a psychologist.

On this course you will:

• Learn to apply psychological theory and practice to the study of crime, its causes, and its consequences.

• Understand the role of psychology within criminal law and the inner workings of the criminal justice system.

• Learn from ex-police staff and expert psychology practitioners who really get to know you and your needs.

• Gain key scientific skills in data handling and analysis as you learn to understand criminal behaviour.

• Learn on a BPS-accredited course and take the first step to becoming a forensic psychologist.

Develop your scientific knowledge and skills in the study of crime and forensic psychology

Year One
Your first year will introduce you to the foundations of criminology and forensic psychology, as you gain insights into the key issues and debates, consider how society manages crime and criminals, and explore the broad concepts that underpin human rights, diversity, and duty of care.

In addition, you’ll begin to gain the scientific and statistical skills required to conduct your own research and experiments.

Year Two
In the second year, you will examine the core British Psychological Society modules such as biological, cognitive, and developmental psychology, as you broaden your understanding of aspects including legal frameworks and mental health and forensic psychology.

In addition, you will further your knowledge of and skills in statistical data management, as well as the design and implementation of research experiments.

Year Three
In your final year, you will work to apply your acquired subject knowledge and research skills ahead of a final year project on a topic of your choice, as you also investigate young people and crime and sexual offenders.

Criminology in Professional Practice module
Our careers-focused module in your third year introduces you to the practice in real life of criminology and give you an idea of where you could apply your skills, as you explore jobs relating to criminology degrees.

You will be assessed through a range of assignments including scientific reports, essays, group and individual presentations, poster design, multiple choice papers, short answer papers, research participation and essay exams.

Professionally accredited courses provide industry-wide recognition of the quality of your qualification.

• British Psychological Society