Psychology with Criminology - BSc(Hons)

For the first two years, the course covers the core BPS content areas in Psychology. These include social, developmental and cognitive psychology, individual differences, biological psychology, conceptual and historical issues, statistical analysis and research design (qualitative and quantitative).

Year one

You will be introduced to Criminology, covering methods and theoretical approaches along with the structures that constitute the UK criminal justice institution, such as crown and magistrate courts, police services, prisons and young offenders' institutions.

You will study the following compulsory modules:

• Introduction to Psychology
• Research Design and Analysis 1
• Introduction to Criminological Theory
• Introduction to Criminal Justice.

Year two

You will study the following compulsory modules:

• Research Design and Analysis 2
• Identities in Psychology
• Mind, Brain and Development.

Plus one of the following optional modules:

• Criminal Psychology
• Youth Crime, Youth Justice
• Drugs, Crime and Society
• Transgression.

Final year

You have the opportunity to select from a wide range of specialist topic modules in Psychology and Criminology that suits their interests, while undertaking an independent research project of their choice supervised by a member of the academic staff.

You will study the following compulsory module:

• Social Sciences Project and Placement.

Plus four of the following optional modules:

• Advanced Developmental Psychology: Theory and Practice
• Applied Developmental Psychology
• Clinical Aspects of Mental Health
• Cognitive Neuropsychology
• Constructing Gender in Society
• Health Psychology in Practice
• Human Sexuality
• Methods in Neuroscience
• Neurodevelopmental Disorders
• Neurophysiology and Brain Imaging
• Principles of Counselling and Psychotherapy
• Psychological Perspectives on Political Violence
• Psychology and Social Justice
• Psychology in the Community*
• Psychology of Addiction
• Psychology of Appearance and Embodiment
• Psychology of Consciousness
• Psychology of Sport and Exercise
• Psychology of Work, Business and Organizations
• Psychopharmacology
• The Arts and Mental Health.

Plus up to two optional Criminology module from the list below (depending on credit requirements):

• Victims and Victiminology
• Comparative and Transnational Crime
• Terrorism
• Protest, Policing and Public Order
• Childhood Disorders, Disordered Childhood
• Real and Virtual Worlds
• Representations of Crime and Deviance.

*To be taken if you choose to go on placement.

This structure is for the full-time course delivery only. For part-time delivery, the same modules will be studied. However, the structure will differ.

The University continually enhances our offer by responding to feedback from our students and other stakeholders, ensuring the curriculum is kept up to date and our graduates are equipped with the knowledge and skills they need for the real world. This may result in changes to the course. If changes to your course are approved, we will inform you.

The course uses a mixed model of instruction that includes traditional lectures and seminars, along with interaction through a virtual online learning environment - Blackboard. Through Blackboard, you will be able to engage with learning materials, other students and members of staff, as well as use online assignment submission, interactive quizzes, blogs, videos, podcasts and discussion boards. Instructors on the course form a collegiate academic community comprising around 40 permanent academic staff who are readily accessible to you for questions and support.

Throughout the course of study, you will have extensive opportunities to gain hands-on experience with psychological topics and approaches in practical based sessions. Many of these sessions are taught in our large undergraduate teaching laboratory, which features advanced computing systems, software and analytic instrumentation. Additionally, you will have the opportunity to participate in a range of undergraduate, postgraduate and staff research projects.

For more details, see our full glossary of learning and teaching terms.

The course makes use of a variety of formative and summative assessment methods across the three levels of study. Examples of coursework assessment include essays, journal articles and book reviews, research reports, literature reviews, computer based tests, personal reflective journals and group presentations. Controlled assessments can include unseen and seen examinations, timed assignments, group and individual presentations.

For more details, see our full glossary of assessment terms.