You’ll study criminology and psychology to understand the causes and effects of crime while working towards British Psychological Society accreditation. 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.
Our psychology courses are ranked in the top 20 in the UK for student satisfaction by the Guardian University Guide 2023.
Your lecturers use their expertise in both criminology and psychology to integrate insights from the two disciplines. You’ll have the flexibility to shape your own syllabus to suit your future plans, from qualifying as a forensic psychologist to joining the police service.
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 through optional modules in crime science, forensic psychology, policing in the community and the psychology of wellbeing.
You’ll also develop advanced skills in research design and analysis, directing your own research in an area that interests you. Throughout the syllabus you will be develop high-level skills and expertise to match your interests and career goals.
Learning takes place through lectures, seminars, and workshops, and also through practical exercises such as crime scene analyses, simulated forensic investigations, fieldwork and research projects. Assessments include crime scene reports, forensic reports, case studies, blogs and portfolios as well as traditional essays and exams.
104 – 120 UCAS tariff points, BCC – BBB at A levels, MMM – DDM at BTEC, or a Merit in your T-Level.
If you are unsure whether we could make you an offer or you have any questions, just get in touch with our admissions team who will be able to advise you.
English Language or Literature and Maths Grade 4/C in GCSE (or equivalent) are normally required.
We welcome applications from mature students (aged 21 and over) and do not necessarily require the same academic qualifications as school leaving applicants, although some entry requirements may still apply for Professionally Accredited Courses. We accept Access to Higher Education Diplomas and make offers on an individual basis.
Please read the entry requirements for your country – and you’re welcome to contact our admissions team if you have questions.
Here's an example of the types of modules you'll study (the contents and structure of the course are reviewed occasionally, but it is unlikely that there will be significant change).
Module information is not available for this programme.
| Start date | Location | UCAS code |
Fee (UK) per year |
Fee (international) per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sep 2023 | Francis Close Hall, Cheltenham | MC98 | £9,250 | £15,450 |
| Sep 2024 | Francis Close Hall, Cheltenham | MC98 | TBC | TBC |
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International students can benefit from a range of scholarships and bursaries across many undergraduate and postgraduate programmes. |
Find out more | |||
Graduates from this course can go on to work in:
Careers which may require further training include:
Our partnership with the Ministry of Justice means our students can take part in their mentoring scheme – which has been shortlisted as a finalist for excellence in career and employability service engagement (Target Jobs National Graduate Recruitment Awards 2020).
By following the accredited BPS route through our programme you’ll achieve the Graduate Basis for Chartered membership – your first step to becoming a Chartered Psychologist.
You’ll focus on knowledge and skills relevant to the real world, developing skills for employment in forensic settings where you could work with offenders, victims and crime-related material.
You’ll benefit from our links with a wide range of organisations, with opportunities to take part in projects, complete internships and learn about real-world relevance at guest lectures. These organisations include Gloucestershire Constabulary, the Police and Crime Commissioner for Gloucestershire, Advocacy After Fatal Domestic Abuse, Thames Valley Anti-terrorism Unit, Youth Justice Services, Police Service Northern Ireland, the HM Prison Service, and Gloucester City Safe.
Our students also work with Restorative Gloucestershire and Community Restorative Justice Ireland to develop skills in restorative justice.
You’ll be taught by expert lecturers, including a leading homicide expert who advises the government, works with the police and makes regular media appearances, and Chartered Forensic Psychologists with a wealth of practice experience.
Gaining accreditation with the BPS is your first step to becoming a Chartered Psychologist. The syllabus offers the ideal platform to move into a rewarding career in forensic psychology, or other areas of professional practice such as clinical, occupational and health psychology.
Delivering the best possible learning experience through cutting-edge technology and strong practical elements. You’ll work closely with expert lecturers and other students in the seminar room, the laboratory and the field.
Our psychology courses are ranked in the top 10 in the UK for student satisfaction by the Complete University Guide 2023.
Our psychology courses are ranked in the top 20 for student satisfaction by the Guardian University Guide 2023.
You’ll get the chance to see the bigger picture with an international field trip.
You’ll be able to apply your knowledge through real-world projects – from identifying homicide risks with our Homicide Research Group to examining street crime with Gloucestershire Police as part of our Student Community Patrol.
“My research is focused around interpersonal violence, and especially how we can prevent homicide. I work with professionals in reviewing homicides and training . I also work with families bereaved through homicide to help them with criminal justice processes. My teaching is focused around forensic and criminal investigation and issues in public protection.”
Dr. Jane Monckton Smith Senior Lecturer in Criminology
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