Psychology with Criminology

Psychology is the scientific study of the mind and how it shapes and influences our behaviour. On this course, we explore human behaviour using sound scientific methodology – observation, measurement, and testing – to understand how and why people function in the way they do. Alongside studies in psychology, you will also explore the study of crime, how psychological theories can be applied to criminal behaviour, and social reactions to crime.

Our programme helps to equip you with transferable skills in critical thinking and communication, as well as more industry-specific competencies such as scientific research methods, data analysis and data presentation skills.

Our graduates thrive in careers where an understanding of societal issues is key – such as in criminal justice, education, social work, research, advertising, human resources and healthcare.

On the course you’ll study core areas including biological, cognitive, developmental and social psychology, and you’ll cover personality and intelligence, research methods, and historical perspectives. Through elective modules in the second and third years, you will have the opportunity to tailor your learning to align with your interests in specific areas of psychology and criminology.

Key features

• We have experience delivering BPS accredited programmes, and our new block teaching design will also be undergoing accreditation. This ensures teaching remains relevant to the latest developments in the sector.

• Your programme will be delivered in teaching blocks, which means you predominantly focus on one 30 credit module at a time in your first and second year (apart from two 15 credit modules delivered in year 2).

• We offer a wide range of option modules at Year 3 that allow you to tailor your degree according to your interests and career aspirations.

• We offer excellent facilities including dedicated computer laboratories with the latest analysis software, individual research cubicles, interview rooms, and an observation suite, all supported by our psychology technicians.

• The expertise of our staff spans across four main research clusters: Health Psychology, Cognition and Neuroscience, Psychology and Technology, and Self and Identity.

• Graduate careers include healthcare, research, social work, marketing, police services, teaching and human resources.

• Enrich your studies with an international experience through our DMU Global programme. Psychology students have recently explored the history of mental health and neuropsychology in Paris and cross-cultural factors within psychology in Kuala Lumpur.

• Upon accreditation of our block teaching approach, you will be eligible for Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership with the BPS – the starting point of your career as a chartered psychologist – on successful completion of your degree (subject to achieving a minimum of 2:2).

FIRST YEAR:
Block 1: Professional Skills for Psychologists
Block 2: Core Areas and Research Methods 1
Block 3: Contemporary Issues in Criminology
Block 4: Core Areas and Research Methods 2

SECOND YEAR:
Block 1: Mind, Brain and Behaviour
Block 2: Psychology across the Lifespan
Block 3: Choose one optional module from:
Domestic Violence and Abuse, Children and the Criminal Justice System, Animals and Criminology,
Introduction to Probation, Genocide, Restorative Justice, or Drugs and Crime
Block 4: Personality and Social Psychology

THIRD YEAR:
Block 1: Conceptual and Historical Issues in Psychology
Block 1: Employability Skills and Psychology
Block 2, choose one optional module from:
Counselling Psychology
Cognitive Neuropsychology
Wellbeing and Positive Psychology
Introduction to Data Science for Psychologists
Loss, Grief and Bereavement: Cultural, Social, and Therapeutic Perspectives
Psychology of Addiction
Psychology and Culture: Global Issues and International Perspectives
Psychology of Human Rights, Activism and Social Justice

Block 3: Emerging Issues in Criminology
Block 4: Psychology Project

Assessment combines various methods including:

• Essays
• Written exams
• Multiple choice exams
• Presentations
• Podcasts
• Portfolios
• Critical Reviews
  As well as more innovative methods such as oral presentations, research reports, critical reviews of research papers and portfolio assignments. In your final year you will also complete an 8000-10,000 word dissertation. Modules use different assessment methods, although most employ a combination of examinations and coursework.