Psychology with Criminology

Psychology and criminology together offer a compelling lens on why people behave as they do and how societies respond to behaviour that transgresses shared norms. Psychology explores the mental processes, development, emotions, and social influences that shape individual behaviour, while criminology examines crime as a social phenomenon, looking at how it is defined, measured, policed, prosecuted, and punished. Studying them together equips you to think about criminal behaviour from both an individual and a systemic perspective.

This three-year, full-time programme is accredited by the British Psychological Society, which means it can count towards graduate basis for chartered membership, an important step for those wishing to pursue a career in professional psychology. You will study the major areas of psychological theory and research, including social, developmental, biological, and cognitive psychology, alongside criminological perspectives that examine crime, deviance, victimology, the criminal justice system, and theories of punishment and rehabilitation. The combination allows you to bring psychological understanding to questions about offending, witness testimony, police decision-making, and the treatment of those within the justice system.

Graduates of this combination move into a wide range of careers. The criminal justice system, probation service, victim support, social work, and the police are common destinations, as are roles in psychological research, mental health services, and community support organisations. The BPS accreditation means the degree provides a foundation for those who wish to go on to postgraduate training as a psychologist, whether in clinical, forensic, educational, or occupational specialisms.

Forensic psychology in particular draws on both disciplines and is a field in which graduates of this combination are well positioned.