This new degree combines the fields of psychology and criminology. Through scientific study, staff expertise from both areas work together to integrate insights from both disciplines.

It not only covers the curriculum recommended by the British Psychological Society (BPS), through which you will develop an understanding of the individual, but also engages with criminological theories exploring crime, victims, societal structures and the operation of the criminal justice system. For example, you will explore internal human motivation, development, and mental processes.

The course places particular emphasis on applying theoretical knowledge to practical, real world issues and controversies. You will examine current psychological-criminological debates by developing research design and analysis skills, allowing you to conduct your own research. This means you will develop expertise to match your future career goals: going onto phase 1 of becoming a forensic psychologist or working within the criminal justice system.

Therefore, the course also aims to further develop your intellectual and transferable employability skills, for example, critical thinking, communication, teamwork, and problem solving.

The programme spans the social sciences (Psychology and Criminology specifically), providing students with key transferable skills relevant to a variety of careers such as health care, child development, education, and a variety of work opportunities in the criminal justice sector (e.g. the Police, probation officer, court liaison worker).

It is also designed to enable progression to specialist postgraduate study, including postgraduate research.