Psychology with Criminology, BSc (Hons)

This engaging British Psychology Society (BPS) accredited course combines a comprehensive understanding of psychology with the study of criminal behaviour, types of crimes and the Criminal Justice System. Our students benefit from over 60 academic experts, weekly research seminars and have access to first–class laboratory suites. Why choose this course?

Do you have an interest in understanding and investigating how humans think, feel and behave? And are you fascinated by crime and criminality? Then our Psychology with Criminology course is for you.

This multi-disciplinary degree brings together theoretical perspectives of crime with sociology, philosophy and psychology. You will study not only the mind, the brain and behaviour, but also why people commit crime and the social cultural meanings of crime.

In Year One and Year Two the course is designed to provide you with a strong foundation in core psychological topics. Throughout the course you will have training in the theory and practice of research methods. This will provide you with the necessary skills to carry out your own research project in your final year.

You will be able to take full advantage of our excellent teaching laboratory suite. The facilities and equipment are exclusively for our psychology students and will help you carry out your own research and analyse data.

In your final year, you will be able to specialise your degree by choosing from a variety of modules which build upon the interests of our staff. We offer a range of innovative module options that will allow you to create a final year of study that is tailored to your specific needs, interests and future career plans.

Accreditation

This course is accredited by the BPS and you will receive the Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership, provided the minimum standard of lower second class (2.2) honours is achieved.

What our students say

"I had always wanted to join the police and so I believed that the BSc (Hons) Psychology with Criminology would be the best option for me. The course has allowed me to build upon my current knowledge of Psychology as well as my own personal interest in the criminal justice system, criminal psychology and youth offending. It's certainly provided me with the foundation for my future career."

James Mellett
BSc (Hons) Psychology with Criminology

Want to know more?

For more details about our BA (Hons) Psychology with Criminology course you can request a course brochure. Open days are also a great way to find out more about our courses and experience NTU for yourself. Find out when our Open Days are taking place and book your place. If you can't make it in person why not take a virtual tour.

When does the course start?

Please see the academic calendar for term dates.

What will I study?

Year One Core modules include:

• Introduction to Psychology
• Introduction to the Criminal Justice System
• Understanding Crime and Society
• Research Methods
• Statistics
• Explaining Criminal Behaviour.

Year Two Core modules include:

• Cognitive and Biological Psychology
• Social and Lifespan Development Psychology
• Research Methods and Statistics
• Penology
• Issues in Contemporary Policing.

Year Three Core modules include:

• Psychology Research Project
• Professional Practice in Psychology
• Advanced Psychology.

Optional modules

Choose from a selection that currently include the following:

• Criminological Psychology
• Gender, Identity and Body Image
• Personal Relationships and Human Sexual Behaviour
• Ageing and Chronic Illness
• Young People and Crime
• Sex and Violent Crimes
• Drugs, Crime and Violence
• Gender, Crime and Criminal Justice
• Hi-tech Crime

How will I be assessed?

We use a variety of assessment practices that extend beyond the familiar essay and exams. These include research projects, laboratory reports and oral and poster presentations. Assessments in your final year will focus around your dissertation / independent study as well as coursework and exams.

The range of assessment tools has been acknowledged as one of the strengths of the course by the BPS Accreditation Committee and External Examiners.

In response to student feedback the University have introduced a policy ensuring marked work is returned to you electronically within three weeks of submission.

Contact hours

To provide you with a first-class learning experience and to guarantee you have an opportunity to make the most of your time at university, you will receive contact time through a diverse range of delivery methods.

Structured teaching will be delivered through a combination of traditional lectures, seminars and workshops. The smaller group seminars and workshops provide opportunities to develop problem solving skills, group working, analysis, debating skills, presentation skills and discussion about a wide range of views.

Tutorials with staff

As the relationship between students and tutors is an important one, you can expect to have lots of direct contact and support through seminars and one-to-one tutorials. At these sessions you'll have the opportunity to:

• Discuss and gain feedback about your work.
• Ask questions about the projects you're working on.
• Raise any difficulties you are experiencing relating to your work, personal circumstances or your university experience.

Independent study

Independent study is an important part of this course. Throughout the three years of your course the scheduled contact hours you receive will gradually decrease as you develop the skills required to undertake an independent study or dissertation in your final year. You will still have regular contact with your tutors and if necessary ad hoc tutorials can be arranged.

Learning from industry experts

In addition to the traditional lectures, tutorials and independent study you'll also hear and learn from renowned industry experts and professionals in related fields who are regularly invited to come and talk to our students providing you with an insight into their specialist knowledge and experiences.

Psychology Seminar Series

You will get the opportunity to attend the Division of Psychology seminar series which takes place throughout the academic year. The seminars invite experts and professional to present their publications and research findings. This is an integral part of the research culture in the Psychology Division and stimulates Psychological thinking and debate.

Virtual learning environment

You'll also use our virtual learning environment, NOW which is a flexible web-based system that allows you to have 24-hour access to module learning materials and reading lists. It allows you to discuss work with tutors and other students, and submit coursework electronically from anywhere in the world.

Expert staff

You'll be taught by enthusiastic, engaged and expert staff. The course draws upon the multi-disciplinary nature of the team through their expertise, research interests and industry experience and many have also published textbooks in their specialist area of interest. Our NTUshell video series highlights just some of the staff expertise within the School of Social Sciences.

Where will I study?

As a member of the School of Social Sciences' community, you will study on our vibrant City site. You will typically be based in the Chaucer building although you will also learn in the recently regenerated Newton and Arkwright buildings. All of our teaching rooms and learning resources are within a short distance of each other.

When does this course start?

The course will begin with Welcome Week in September and you'll study over three terms each academic year. For specific information, take a look at NTU's future term dates.

Welcoming students from all over the world

The University is proud of its multicultural community. We provide specialist staff, services and facilities that you need to help you through all the stages of being a student. Find out more about the University's dedicated services for international students.

View the full course specification
Please note that course specifications may be subject to change

We have made a significant financial investment in the Psychology Division over recent years. This has included upgrading our facilities and equipment that are used exclusively for the provision of our psychology courses. You will benefit from a modern undergraduate teaching laboratory suite. You will also have access to five specialist suites dedicated to:

• social interaction
• group work and interviewing
• eye-tracking
• cognitive modelling
• visual analysis.

You will also have access to EEG and other psycho-biological measures to record the brain's electrical activity. Alongside these are new flexible cubicles for your project work, a psychometric test bank library and a technical workshop.

You'll have easy access to a great combination of facilities that include:

• Café Chaucer IT area which is open 24 hours a day
• the £13 million Boots Library with learning resources specific to your course
• the recently regenerated Newton and Arkwright buildings which provide an inspiring place to learn
• our virtual learning environment (NOW) which allows you to learn online at any time.

The prime location of the City site gives you easy access to a great combination of facilities and activities including:

• sports facilities
• student accommodation
• music venues
• cafes.