Criminology with Psychology

Criminology and psychology is a combination that addresses the study of crime and criminal behaviour from two complementary angles. Criminology is the social scientific study of crime, its causes, its consequences, and the ways in which societies respond to it through law, policing, the courts, and the prison system. Psychology brings the lens of individual mental processes, examining personality, cognition, motivation, and behaviour to understand why people act as they do, including in ways that harm others or transgress social norms.

Together they offer a fuller understanding of crime than either discipline can provide alone.

At the University of Northampton, this programme is offered part-time, making it accessible to students who are working or have other commitments and want to fit their study around their lives. Part-time study can take longer to complete than a full-time degree but gives you the flexibility to apply your learning to your existing professional or personal context as you go.

Across the programme you will study the theories, evidence, and debates in criminology, including the sociology of crime, victimology, criminal justice systems, policing, and the politics of crime policy. The psychology component will develop your understanding of core psychological science, including cognitive, social, developmental, and forensic psychology, with particular attention to the psychological dimensions of offending and the assessment and treatment of offenders. Northampton's location in the East Midlands provides connections to local criminal justice agencies and organisations that can enrich placement and professional experience opportunities.

Graduates of criminology and psychology degrees move into careers in probation, the prison service, youth justice, victim support services, social work, policing, forensic and clinical psychology support roles, and research. Many graduates also continue to postgraduate study, including forensic psychology training programmes accredited by the British Psychological Society, which is the route to chartered status as a forensic psychologist.