Crime is one of the major problems facing society today. To understand the complex issues surrounding it, we have brought together two areas of study that have a natural affinity, giving you a degree that will help you make a real difference.
Psychology is about people - the study of the human mind and behaviour. Criminology involves analysing crime and deviance, exploring a wide range of issues from the nature of criminal justice systems to the role of the media in representing and influencing crime.
The British Psychological Society (BPS) accredits this course – if you achieve a lower second class degree or above, Graduate Basis for Registration is awarded. This is the first step to becoming a chartered psychologist.
By relating a psychological understanding of human behaviour and development to an analysis of crime and deviance, you will be able to gain a comprehensive grasp of the ways in which crime can be analysed, understood and addressed. The degree has a hands-on approach to developing research skills and encourages you to apply the theory you have learned to everyday situations.
Structure
Year one
Introduction to Research Methods
An introduction to statistics and research methods used in psychology.
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Introduction to Developmental Psychology and Social Psychology
You will be introduced to key factors in human development including social, emotional, cognitive and biological foundation. Within social psychology you will look at how individuals perceive, influence and interact with others.
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Criminal Justice Institutions
Introduction to Individual Differences
An introduction to the study of personality, intelligence, gender and mental health.
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Introduction to Biological and Cognitive Psychology
You will be introduced to the basic biological processes and cognitive principles necessary for understanding human psychology.
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Crime and Society
Year Two
Further Research Methods
You will develop the skills learned in year 1, designing, carrying out research and analysing your results.
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Further Biopsychology and Cognition
You will explore the links between biological and cognitive processes and examine how this relationship influences performance in real-world contexts.
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Theoretical Criminology
Developmental Psychology
Building on your knowledge from year 1, you will examine the influences of nature and nurture on human development. You will learn how to critically evaluate historical and contemporary theories. Your assignments will provide you with the opportunity to examine the implications of research for education, policy and clinical practice.
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Individual Differences and Social Psychology
A further study of personality and social psychology.
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Surveillance, Prisons and Social Control
Year Three
You will choose up to two modules from criminology and up to four from psychology (a maximum of four modules). Within psychology the modules we offer have the most up to date research based teaching, and will therefore vary from year to year. A selection our modules are included below.
Psychology modules include:
Occupational Psychology
A practitioner based module which will provide you with a tour of relevant theories and topics (including stress, selection techniques and change at work), as well as an assessment opportunity to apply these in real-world settings, including your own experience in the workplace.
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Brain and Behaviour
This module examines in detail the relationships between behaviour and the nervous system. You will explore these relationships through the consideration of key topics in the field of neuroscience including learning, psychopharmacology, brain damage, organic brain disorder, and mental health.
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Psychology of Global Issues in the 21st Century
This module considers the role of psychology in a global context. You will have the opportunity to use your psychological knowledge to explore the issues of the day.
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Forensic Psychology
An applied module which will introduce you to offender profiling, lie detection techniques and psychological theories of criminal behaviour. Guest speakers have included a serving chief investigating officer, a forensic psychologist and a probation officer.
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Psychology of Addictions and Substance Misuse
This module aims to demonstrate the effects of addiction on the individual in society in bio-psycho-social terms. It will allow you to apply the knowledge gained to a critical consideration of legal issues, risks to health, problems of cessation, and their relationship to addiction treatment methods and possible outcomes.
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Psychology and Health
This module aims to introduce you to the concepts, theory, methods and applications of health psychology. It is concerned with the psychological aspects of physical illness, their treatment and management, and what it is that keeps people healthy and well.
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Educational Psychology
Develops an understanding of the relevance of psychology to education and provides opportunities to apply psychological theory and principles in the field of education and professional practice. Raises awareness of opportunities for professional development in the field of educational psychology.
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Criminology modules include:
- Gambling, Vice and Public Policy
- Ethnicity and Crime
- Contemporary Prisons and Imprisonment
- Exploring Human Rights
- Sociology of Forensic Sciences
- Constructing guilt and Innocence
- Violence in Society
- Police and Media
- Violence and Representation
- Representing the Holocaust
You will also complete the dissertation module.
Dissertation
You will carry out a research project on a topic of your interest. The range of skills you develop as you navigate the process of research design, completing an ethic form, recruiting participants and carrying out your research, performing appropriate analysis and writing up your work, will be invaluable in all workplaces.
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