Forensic and Criminological Psychology (with a Placement Year)

Study the science behind the criminal mind and start exploring the complex thought processes behind the actions, reactions and intentions of offenders within the justice system with our BSc (Hons) Forensic and Criminological Psychology course.

In our BSc (Hons) Forensic and Criminological Psychology course you will be given a firm grounding in key elements of psychology and investigate the theories and principles behind both forensic and criminological psychology, and how these are applied through the UK legal system. This hands-on course is delivered using the equipment and facilities in our outstanding £30m Science Centre, where you will build your expertise in laboratories and with cutting edge facilities like our cognitive research cubicles, observation labs, IT labs and psychophysiological equipment in out Psychology Human Sciences Suite. With Staffordshire University, you’ll be given opportunities to examine methods for collecting and analysing information, to provide the opportunity to apply your knowledge and skills and receive feedback.

Focused on future employability, our course will see you applying forensic and criminological techniques, such as the measurement of physiological responses in interview and video settings. You’ll also get the chance to complete a work placement as part of your studies, which is your opportunity to get real-world experiences in a professional sector, such as the prison service, health, victim support and more.

What’s more, during the course you will get the opportunity to enrich your learning with digital development opportunities and begin to make networks with like-minded students and inspirational guest lectures.

On successful completion of study, we will issue the following award: BSc (Hons) Forensic and Criminological Psychology

Year One Core: Adventures in Psychology 1; Adventures in Psychology 2; Becoming a Researcher 1: Quantitative Methods; Becoming a Researcher 2: Qualitative Methods; Pathways in Forensic and Criminological Psychology; Psychology and the Justice System; Steps to Success 1
Year Two Core: Developmental and Biological Psychology across the Lifespan; Exploring Difference: A Quantitative Approach; Psychology of Crime and Serious Offending; Theory and Application of Qualitative Research Methods
Year Two Optional: People Behaving Badly: The Psychology of Social Issues; Psychological Interventions; Psychology of Social Perception; Psychology Research Assistantship
Year Three: Placement
Year Four Core: Forensic Applications of Psychology; Personalised Psychology Portfolio; Psychology Project; Society and The Mind
Year Four Optional: Advanced Quantitative Research Methods; Behavioural Medicine; Children and Pictures; Health Psychology; Neuropsychological Disorders; Parapsychology and Anomalous Experiences; Psychology of Oppression and Empowerment

Your course will provide you with opportunities to test your understanding of your subject informally before you complete the formal assessments that count towards your final mark. Each module normally includes practice or ‘formative’ assessments, for which you receive feedback from your tutor. Practice assessments are developmental and any grades you receive for them do not count towards your module mark. There is a formal or ‘summative’ assessment at the end of each module. This includes a range of coursework assessments, such as essays, reports, case studies, portfolios, presentations, advisory briefs, pitch presentations, final year independent project and multiple choice and written examinations. The grades from formal assessments count towards your module mark.