Criminology and Psychology

Criminology and psychology are two different disciplines that study crime from different perspectives. This degree will give you a comprehensive understanding of the causes and effects of crime, as well as the ins and outs of the criminal justice system.  

Focusing on real-world knowledge and skills, you’ll examine the causes of offending behaviour, the effects of crime on victims and the operation of the criminal justice system, while working towards British Psychological Society accreditation. 

You’ll be able to choose from a wide range of optional modules focusing on different aspects of psychology and criminology. This gives you the flexibility to shape your own syllabus to suit your future plans, from qualifying as a forensic psychologist to joining the police service. 

This course is delivered across two campuses. The psychology modules are delivered in Gloucester at City Campus, and the criminology modules are delivered at Francis Close Hall in Cheltenham. This will give you the opportunity to use all of the state-of-the-art facilities that UoG has to offer. 

In your first year you’ll be given a firm grounding in both criminology and psychology including the criminal justice system and the role of the psychologist in the system, and the foundations of research and theory in the social sciences.  

In the second and third years you can specialise your learning by choosing from a range of optional modules. This will allow you to develop high-level skills and expertise to match your interests and career goals. 

Learning takes place via interactive lectures, seminars, and simulations. You’ll develop skills of collaboration and team working including exercises that model the ways evidence is collected, analysed and presented in the journey from crime scene to court. 

You’ll also develop skills in research design and analysis. This will culminate in your dissertation in your final year, where you will be able to conduct your own research in an area that interests you.  

You will do a variety of assessments to showcase different skills. They include crime scene reports, research reports, analysis of case studies, and presentations, as well as traditional essays and exams. 

This course is designed to ensure you complete the core curriculum requirements set by the British Psychological Society, which means you can pursue a wide range of psychology-related careers and further education following graduation, as well as criminology-related careers.  

The course is designed to prepare you to work in any part of the criminal justice system, from prisons, probation and rehabilitation units to the security service and research. In your second and third year you’ll choose from a range of module options which give you further opportunities to focus on particular themes that relate to your career interests. 

Your future career is important to us, and we aim to give you plenty of opportunities to develop your professional skills. You’ll do a placement module in your second year and be encouraged to continue work experience and placements on your own.  

Guest lecturers will give you in-depth overviews of the different careers available, and how you can pursue different routes in both psychology and criminology.