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Undergraduate

Criminology and Psychology BSc (Hons)

What is Criminology and Psychology BSc (Hons)?

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.

Get Criminology and Psychology BSc (Hons) course updates and hear more about studying with us.

Entry requirements

    • 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.

Course modules

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Fees and costs

See the further details of fees and potential extra costs when studying a course at the University of Gloucestershire.
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

Possible careers

Graduates from this course can go on to work in:

  • psychology
  • criminal justice and policing
  • related roles in teaching and health and social care.

Careers which may require further training include:

  • policing
  • the probation and prison services
  • victim support
  • crime analysis
  • forensic, clinical and educational psychology.

Industry links

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.

Community links

Our students also work with Restorative Gloucestershire and Community Restorative Justice Ireland to develop skills in restorative justice.

Learn from leading experts

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.

Consider a career as a Forensic Psychologist

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.

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Ranked in the top 10 in the UK for student satisfaction

Our psychology courses are ranked in the top 10 in the UK for student satisfaction by the Complete University Guide 2023.

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Ranked in the top 20 in the UK for student satisfaction

Our psychology courses are ranked in the top 20 for student satisfaction by the Guardian University Guide 2023.

Trips and experiences

You’ll get the chance to see the bigger picture with an international field trip.

Placements

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.

"I am a forensic criminologist specialising in homicide, stalking and coercive control."

“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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