Criminology with Forensic Psychology

Criminology with forensic psychology combines the social-scientific analysis of crime and criminal justice with the psychological understanding of criminal behaviour and the processes of the justice system. Criminology examines why crime occurs, how it is defined and measured, how society responds through institutions and policy, and what the consequences of those responses are. Forensic psychology applies psychological science to legal and criminal justice contexts, examining the cognitive and emotional factors that influence criminal behaviour, eyewitness reliability, the assessment of risk and the psychological dimensions of interviewing, profiling and rehabilitation.

Together they provide both a structural and an individual-level understanding of crime.

At the University of Leicester you will study criminology with forensic psychology over three years of full-time study, sitting at the heart of contemporary debates around crime, justice and rehabilitation. A year abroad is built into the programme, broadening your academic perspective on how crime is understood and justice is delivered in different societies and legal systems. You will develop skills in psychological research methods, statistical analysis and critical theory alongside criminological and forensic knowledge, building the intellectual range to address complex questions about why people commit offences and how the justice system should respond.

The typical tariff of 120 reflects a programme accessible to students from a range of educational backgrounds.

Graduates work across the criminal justice system, in mental health settings, social care, the police, probation, victim support organisations, research bodies and policy organisations. Many go on to postgraduate training in forensic psychology, clinical psychology or social work, using the degree as preparation for professional practice. Others apply their skills in human resources, education, community development and the voluntary sector.

The combination of forensic psychological insight and criminological analysis is particularly well suited to roles in offender rehabilitation, risk assessment, safeguarding and the policy design of justice and welfare systems.