COURSE CURRICULUM

The Psychology and Criminology degree is structured over three years, combining core psychological knowledge with criminological theory and application. In the first year, students build foundational knowledge through modules such as Foundations of Biological and Cognitive Psychology, Foundations of Social and Developmental Psychology, and Psychological Research Methods and Skills. These are complemented by the Introduction to Criminology module, which explores the basics of crime and criminal behavior. Requisite modules like Politics and Policy and Sociological Imagination broaden the understanding of how social systems and structures influence both psychological development and criminality.In the second year, the curriculum delves deeper into core disciplines. Students undertake Biological and Cognitive Psychology, Social and Developmental Psychology, as well as mandatory research modules in Qualitative Research Methods and Quantitative Data Analysis. Criminological Theory, a key component of this year, explores major theoretical frameworks for understanding crime. Optional modules such as Contemporary Issues in Criminology, Criminal Justice, Policing, Psychology and Crime, and Youth, Crime and Justice allow students to tailor their studies according to their interests in specific criminological topics.In the third year, the focus shifts to applying psychological and criminological understanding in more specialized areas. Students complete core modules including Abnormal Psychology, Individual Differences, and a substantial independent Psychology Project. Optional modules such as Drugs, Crime and Society, Forensic Psychology, Penology, and Victimology provide opportunities to study the intersections of psychology with specific areas of criminology. These advanced modules help students understand the complexities of criminal behavior, the justice system, and the psychological impact on both offenders and victims. The course design offers a comprehensive academic and practical education, equipping graduates with critical thinking, research, and analytical skills valuable in psychology, criminal justice, and related fields.