BSc (Hons) Psychology (Criminal Behaviour) (Full Time)

Psychology is the scientific study of behaviour and mental processes, and of the inter-relation between the two. You will explore how people act and interact, both as individuals and in groups, and the thoughts and feelings that underlie behaviour.

Psychology contributes to an understanding of many of the day-to-day problems faced by people in the world today. It uses a wide variety of methodological techniques, including experiments, questionnaires and interviews, to investigate human behaviour and obtain reliable evidence which can form the basis for potential interventions and applications. Psychology therefore has a wide application to a range of careers, both in the psychology profession and in associated occupations.

The BSc (Hons) Psychology (Criminal Behaviour) pathway is designed to provide students with an introduction to aspects of the psychology of crime within the wider discipline, but does not provide any formal training in criminological of forensic psychology.

Industrial focus

The course emphasises the application of psychology, with real-world-focused assessments integrated throughout. Students also have the option to undertake work-based learning as part of their studies. (The course does not provide the work placements, and students should not necessarily expect to find criminological psychology-specific work-based learning.)

Course content

Year 1

Six core units:

• Foundations in Psychology
• Psychological Inquiry OR Psychology in the Workplace
• Methods and Analysis in Psychology
• Applied Psychology
• Psychological Investigations 1
• Investigations in Criminological Psychology.

Year 2

Six core units:

• Biological Psychology
• Real-World Cognition
• Social Psychology in Action
• Exploring Human Development
• Measurement in Criminological Psychology
• The Practice of Research in Criminological Psychology.

Year 3

Three core units and one option unit:

• Criminological Psychology Project
• Personality and Individual Differences.

And either/or:

• Psychology of Crime
• Criminology option (Dangerous Offenders; Crime, Risk and Community Safety; Alcohol, Drugs and Crime; Crime and Media Culture).

Options:

• Psychology of Education
• Psychology and Mental Health
• Counselling: Application and Practice
• Advanced Issues in Education
• Health Psychology: Treatment Issues and Healthcare
• Health Psychology: Promoting Healthy Behaviour
• Positive Psychology
• Occupational Psychology in the Workplace
• Career Decision Making and Employment Strategies
• Psychometrics and Workplace Assessment
• Psychology in Sport
• Debates in Psychology
• Advanced Statistical Analysis
• Team Skills Training and Facilitation
• The Extended Essay
• The Psychology of Intimate Relationships
• Environmental Psychology
• Cyber Psychology
• Health: Biopsychosocial Approaches
• Used or Abused? The Psychology of Drinking
• Applied Qualitative Research
• Curriculum Plus (Work-based Learning, Foreign Language, Community Volunteering).

Why choose Solent?

Psychologists take a scientific approach to the understanding of human behaviour. Psychology is a popular subject because it has relevance to so many areas of everyday life, such as health, education, economics and crime. It is of interest to anyone who wants to understand why people behave in particular ways and in how that knowledge can be applied.The skills acquired by a psychology graduate are valuable for a wide range of careers. In addition, this degree provides an introduction to aspects of the psychology of crime.

• Accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS), giving students eligibility for graduate membership, the first step towards becoming a chartered psychologist.
• Modern facilities including dedicated observation, cognitive, psychophysiology and computer laboratories.
• Dedicated, supportive and experienced staff team with a wide range of professional expertise and research experience.
• Work-based learning opportunities (not specific to criminological psychology).
• Integrated real-world-focused assessment on many modules.

Assessment

Coursework essays, practical written reports, group and individual presentations, time-limited assignments, examinations, poster presentations, case studies, final-year project.

Projects/work experience

A voluntary research assistance scheme is in place which provides opportunities for students to take part in research projects. Examples of projects include the impact of parenting styles on development, academic experiences and an exploration of the role that social networks play in maintaining health and wellbeing.

Key career skills

Analysis and research, presentation, project management, verbal and written communication and problem solving.

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Graduate quote

Samantha McCullough

A former student now working as a psychology assistant in the prison service.

“I was interested in forensic psychology before I started at Solent which is why I chose the Criminal Behaviour pathway. In my final year there were a lot more options and more free reign to study the areas I had developed an interest in previously, which confirmed what I wanted to do. I hope to complete a master’s, then get a trainee forensic psychologist position and eventually work my way towards chartership within the prison service”.

Key info from UNISTATS