Criminology with Psychology

Criminology with Psychology brings together two disciplines that both seek to understand why people behave as they do, particularly in situations where behaviour causes harm. Criminology examines crime as a social phenomenon, asking why offending happens, how it is measured and responded to by the criminal justice system, and whether those responses are just and effective. Psychology contributes the science of human behaviour, including the influence of personality, trauma, mental health, social context, and cognitive processes on how people act.

At Leeds Beckett University, this part-time programme is designed for students who want to go beyond headlines and stereotypes to understand crime through a rigorous psychological lens. You will explore both criminological theory and the science of human behaviour, developing an evidence-based understanding of why offending happens and how it can be prevented. The programme examines everything from minor offences to serious and complex criminality, exploring how power, identity, social context, mental health, and trauma shape behaviour and how the systems that respond to crime can be made more effective and more humane.

The year abroad component broadens your perspective further, giving you exposure to how different countries approach crime, justice, and social control.

Graduates go on to careers in the criminal justice system, including the police, probation, prison service, and courts. Social work, youth justice, victim support, mental health services, and community development are also common paths. The psychological dimension of the degree opens routes into counselling, forensic psychology, and human resources, though further professional training is required for clinical roles.

Policy analysis, research, and the charitable sector are other destinations. Postgraduate study in criminology, forensic psychology, social work, or law is a well-established next step.