COURSE CURRICULUM

The Criminology and Psychology BA (Hons) degree is structured over four years, gradually building students’ knowledge and research skills. In Year 1, students are introduced to the fundamental theories of criminology, along with the key institutions and processes within the criminal justice system. They also begin exploring basic psychological theories and develop early analytical skills, particularly in areas such as offender profiling and crime analysis. In Year 2, students deepen their understanding of psychology by studying its historical development and key approaches, including developmental psychology, while also expanding their knowledge of contemporary criminology and exploring optional topics such as forensic science and popular culture. By Year 3, the course becomes more specialized, covering areas like social and cognitive psychology, alongside important criminological issues such as the evolution of the British prison system. Students also enhance their research abilities and start preparing for their final-year dissertation by identifying and planning a topic of interest. In Year 4, students complete an independent research dissertation on a chosen topic within criminology and psychology, while further developing their expertise through advanced modules such as forensic psychology and victimology, focusing on current debates and real-world applications.