Undergraduate BSc (Hons)

Psychology and Criminology

Attendance

Full-time

Course

Three year

Next enrolment

September 2025

Introduction

In a nutshell

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. 

This course will provide training for careers in health, social care, criminal justice, and other public and social services. In your final year, you can tailor your degree with a range of optional modules, including a work placement. 

This course is accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS). 

You will:

  • Understand how to relate a psychological understanding of human behaviour and development to an analysis of crime and deviance, gaining a comprehensive grasp of the ways in which crime can be analysed, understood and addressed.
  • Use a hands-on approach to developing research skills.
  • Be able to apply the theory you have learned to everyday situations.
Placement

options available

International

students accepted

Course accreditations

The British Psychological Society logo

This is for you if...

1.

You have an interest in crime and its occurrence.

2.

You have the desire to explore all areas of psychology.

3.

You have strong written skills.

4.

You have a critical mind (with a sprinkling of scepticism).

5.

You are able to think fast on your feet.

6.

You want to make a real difference.

Course details

All about the course

Psychology is about people and focuses on 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. Together these two areas will provide you with the skills and knowledge to succeed in a number of careers. 

The psychology and criminology course will equip you with a theoretical understanding of human behaviour and you will apply the skills you learn to a varied range of innovative assessments. The course has been designed with a clear emphasis on employability and incorporates valuable practical activities (e.g. courtroom observation, museum visit, police station visit), core skills (e.g. writing skills, presentations, group collaboration), and workshops from experts in the field (e.g. forensic, educational, and occupational psychologists). 

During the second year, you will have the opportunity to apply for a sandwich year which will be taken between the second and third year of your programme, to either study abroad or gain professional experience. Please note, there is a limited number of placements available and therefore a place on the sandwich year isn't guaranteed. 

Year one

Core Areas of Psychology

Embark on an exciting exploration of Psychology with our captivating module that delves into the intricacies of the five core areas as defined by the British Psychological Society. This integration of approaches will immerse you in the fascinating field of Psychology, to deepen your grasp of human behaviour through the exploration of both foundational theories and cutting-edge research. By mastering this module, you’ll not only gain a comprehensive understanding but also acquire the skills needed to confidently apply specialised knowledge at an advanced level. 

Criminal Justice and Human Rights

You will be introduced to the form, key features and purpose of the institutions of the contemporary criminal justice system in England and Wales and begin an exploration of the issues relating to justice and civil liberties.

Introduction to Quantitative Analysis

Build a strong foundation in quantitative approaches, honing skills in data analysis techniques and specialised software applications. This knowledge forms the basis for advanced skill development at higher levels of study, enabling you to master the essential tools for impactful research and professional success. 

Introduction to Qualitative Research

Gain a profound understanding of the philosophical foundations and practical applications or qualitative approaches to psychological research. Delve into diverse data collection methods such as interviews, observations, and focus groups. Elevate your analytical skills through a focus on thematic analysis, setting the stage for future specialisation and independent application at advanced levels of study. 

Philosophical roots, research approaches and academic skills in Psychology

Explore Psychology's origins and evolution in this module offering insights into its philosophical and scientific roots. Uncover the intriguing journey from early understandings to the establishment of Psychology as a distinct discipline, shaped by historical and cultural milestones. Consider the dynamism of research frameworks, from traditional approaches to post-modern influences. The module will also empower you with academic skills essential for a successful Psychology degree and future career development. 

Understanding Criminology

The module introduces fundamental questions in criminology: What is crime? What causes crime? How does crime and criminal justice affect us? How should we best respond to criminal behaviour? In addressing these questions, key concepts will be explored. You will have the opportunity to choose a particular type of crime or deviance, then apply the various fundamental questions raised by the module week by week. The case studies will help you to apply concepts to contemporary issues. You will have the opportunity to consider different policy and practice solutions for criminal justice ‘industry’.

Year two

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. You will also go into more depth in topics such as language and thought, reading, understanding language, and speech production.

Further Research Methods

Further master the skills of research design and execution. Elevate your statistical ability to interpret complex results, including multivariate analysis, effect size, and confidence intervals. Dive further into the world of qualitative analysis, grasping methods like grounded theory, interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA), and conversational analysis. 

Developmental and Social Psychology

This module covers the influences of nature and nurture on human development, including exploring how these influence children’s communicative and language development. You will gain practical experience of conducting social psychological research, and examine the implications of research for education, policy, and clinical practice.

Individual Differences

Explore the rich history, theoretical frameworks, and methodologies of personality and intelligence. Consider diverse approaches, from trait-based and humanistic to cognitive and biological, providing a comprehensive overview and enabling you to apply your insights to real-world case studies. 

Theoretical Criminology

You will develop an understanding of the range of theories of crime and criminal justice and locate the key issues of criminology within their socio-political and historical context. You will gain a knowledge of the most important theories, and their relevance for understanding crime matters in contemporary society.

Optional modules - choose one from:

Critical Victimology

This module offers students an opportunity to develop and apply knowledge on victimology, including causes, processing and responses to victimisation at individual, community and criminal justice levels. The criminological approaches (including theory) and (national and international) policy responses to victims and their needs are examined from a critical criminological approach. 

Critical Perspectives on Policing

Critical Perspectives on Policing will introduce you to issues surrounding policing and social control, situating contemporary issues and debates within the broader theoretical, social, political and historical context. Whilst focused primarily on policing in England and Wales, the module considers policing across a range of jurisdictions as appropriate. 

Violence in Society

An overview of the conceptualisation of “violence”. You will examine debates concerning violence in various aspects of life, consider the contemporary debates surrounding violence in a range of contexts, trace the development of theorisations of violence and consider ethical, methodological and practical issues involved in the researching of violence.

Human Rights, Genocide and Resistance

This module addresses the complex and often paradoxical relationships between human rights, extreme human rights abuses, particularly genocide, and resistance to such abuses. Its distinctiveness lies in providing students with interdisciplinary, theoretically informed approaches to human rights, genocide and resistance.

Environmental Justice

We live in a globally responsible world where decisions taken at a local level inevitably have a global impact. Addressing issues of environmental concern through a lens of social justice, this module invites you to think critically about the most pressing issue of our life – the Climate Crisis and you will examine this through both a Sociological and Criminological lens, emphasising the ‘Local to Global’ policy-making across subjects as interconnected as, climate change and activism, environmental ideology and Eco-Fascism, human rights, and the rural/urban divide. During this module, you will become equipped with the knowledge, skills, and tools to analyse the complex interactions between environmental and social systems, and to advocate for a more sustainable and equitable future. 

Year three

Dissertation

You will carry out a large-scale empirical research project on a topic of your choice. The range of skills you develop as you navigate the process of research design, applying for ethical approval, recruiting participants and carrying out your research, performing appropriate analysis, and writing up your work will be invaluable in any workplace. 

Become Unstoppable: Professional Skills

This module will provide students with the skills required to be an effective professional. Students will reflect on their career aspirations, their own wellbeing and that of others within the workplace. 

Optional modules (psychology) - you will choose two from the following options including: 

Atypical Child Development

This module explores what it’s like for children growing up with various conditions like autism spectrum disorder, Down’s syndrome, deafness, and developmental language disorder, and well as the impact on development of growing up in adverse environments such as poverty.

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, aphasia/alexia, organic brain disorder, and mental health.

Educational Psychology

Develops your 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.

Effective and Affective Thinking and Processing

During this module, you will learn to apply theories and methodologies from cognitive psychology to real-world behaviour. You will explore the influence of emotional processing on human cognition and performance and reflect on the optimal conditions for thinking and decision-making.

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.

Media Psychology

This module explores the effects that exposure to media has on people, as well as how people process information from media. It looks at advertisement, persuasion, news journalism, social media and internet use, including the use of metaphors in the media. It also covers conversation analysis and discursive psychology.

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.

Psychology of Global Issues in the 21st Century

A new module which 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.

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 as well as what it is that keeps people healthy and well.

The Psychology of Extreme Violence

The psychology of serial homicide, mass shooting, and terrorism. The module also explores the neurodevelopmental and psychosocial risk factors in serial killers and mass shooters, the pathway to intended violence in such extreme cases of violence and the neuropsychodynamics of individuals who commit serial homicide and single homicide.

The Psychology of Mental Health

You will explore conceptualisations of mental health, explanations of mental health, legal and social ramifications of mental ill health, the range of conditions treated within psychiatry, and therapeutic modalities and agencies. You will also think about the language used in the field, such as the shift from talking about ‘abnormal psychology’ to less stigmatising terms, and also the linguistic origins of the terms used to describe mental health conditions.

Work Placement

You will have the opportunity to put what you've learnt into practice by undertaking a work placement.

Optional modules (criminology) - you will choose two from the following options including: 

Crime, Society and Racialisation

You will gain an understanding of the construction of deviant labels based on variables of ethnicity, gender and youth, and the relationship between these labels and crime. You will engage with issues surrounding experiences of crime and encounters with the criminal justice system. You will also compare crime policies on a national and international scale and look at a number of historical and contemporary case-studies.

Critical Perspectives on Policing

Critical Perspectives on Policing will introduce you to issues surrounding policing and social control, situating contemporary issues and debates within the broader theoretical, social, political and historical context. Whilst focused primarily on policing in England and Wales, the module considers policing across a range of jurisdictions as appropriate. 

Critical Victimology

This module offers students an opportunity to develop and apply knowledge on victimology, including causes, processing and responses to victimisation at individual, community and criminal justice levels. The criminological approaches (including theory) and (national and international) policy responses to victims and their needs are examined from a critical criminological approach. 

Environmental Justice

We live in a globally responsible world where decisions taken at a local level inevitably have a global impact. Addressing issues of environmental concern through a lens of social justice, this module invites you to think critically about the most pressing issue of our life – the Climate Crisis and you will examine this through both a Sociological and Criminological lens, emphasising the ‘Local to Global’ policy-making across subjects as interconnected as, climate change and activism, environmental ideology and Eco-Fascism, human rights, and the rural/urban divide. During this module, you will become equipped with the knowledge, skills, and tools to analyse the complex interactions between environmental and social systems, and to advocate for a more sustainable and equitable future. 

Gender, Crime and Criminal Justice

This module offers a broad introduction to the gendered dimensions of crime/criminality, criminal victimisation, criminal justice, and penology, and of the gendered theorising which attempts to account for this. It looks at the significance of gender to our understandings of and responses to crime and deviant behaviour.

Human Rights, Genocide and Resistance

This module addresses the complex and often paradoxical relationships between human rights, extreme human rights abuses, particularly genocide, and resistance to such abuses. Its distinctiveness lies in providing students with interdisciplinary, theoretically informed approaches to human rights, genocide and resistance.

Migration and Socio-Legal Dynamics

This module explores the complex interconnections within the field of migration studies and human rights, as related to various identities, i.e. gender, sexuality, religion, race and ethnicity. Students will be introduced to a range of theoretical approaches and critically examine the socio-legal frameworks, policies, and ethical dilemmas surrounding the rights of migrants, refugees, and displaced communities. By employing an intersectional and multi-layered analytical approach, students will gain an understanding of the interconnectedness of various social identities and their impact on the migration process. Here, we will focus on particular case studies such as children and young people, women and queer migrants, and their experiences in hostile migration environments (such as the UK and EU).

When exploring case studies and contemporary issues relating to migration, links will be made to historical contexts and processes of racialisation that shape discourses of migration. The lecturers will draw on their own experiences and research, and there will be guest lectures by other experts by experience. A mixed teaching approach will be used, with lectures, workshops and tutorials all delivered interactively.

Students will be introduced to and encouraged to access and use a range of sources, including: - academic texts, journal articles, web sites, policy documents/legislation, research findings, literature from pressure groups, media sources.  

Assessment will consist of any of the following:

- Portfolio (100%)

- 3,500 word essay (100%)

- Individual pre-recorded presentation (alternative assessment) - 20min (100%)

Policing and Social Control

You will be introduced to issues surrounding the policing and social control in the past, in contemporary society and in the future, and analyse how social control and surveillance are manifested. You will identify the implications for policing and social control studies on wider sociology as well as policy and practice.

Prisons and Punishment

Provides an understanding of the evolution of the modern prison and its policies, practices, and regimes. In this module you will develop an understanding of the relationship between prisons, probation, and the courts; and of the use and impacts of punishment with regard to age, gender, and ethnicity.

Probation and Rehabilitation

You will gain an understanding of rehabilitation and personal change, developing a critical appreciation of how dominant theoretical approaches underpin professional practice in criminal justice. You will consider the development of probation services and related interventions (including substance misuse) in their historical, cultural, political and conceptual contexts and develop an understanding of the relationship between rehabilitation and diversity. You will be encouraged to take a critical, reflexive approach and consider the purposes and challenges of delivering rehabilitation in the penal system, substance misuse services and related industry.

The Criminal Justice Process - Criminology

You will gain an overview of the philosophy, nature, significance, outcomes and consequences of the criminal justice process and explore how it functions. You will think critically about key aspects of the criminal justice process and examine the interaction between different actors and agencies involved, and between the criminal justice process and politics, the community and the media. You will also have the opportunity to engage with professionals from each stage of the criminal justice process.

Violence in Society

An overview of the conceptualisation of “violence”. You will examine debates concerning violence in various aspects of life, consider the contemporary debates surrounding violence in a range of contexts, trace the development of theorisations of violence and consider ethical, methodological and practical issues involved in the researching of violence.

Please note that it may not be possible to deliver the full list of options every year as this will depend on factors such as how many students choose a particular option. Exact modules may also vary in order to keep content current. When accepting your offer of a place to study on this programme, you should be aware that not all optional modules will be running each year. Your tutor will be able to advise you as to the available options on or before the start of the programme. Whilst the University tries to ensure that you are able to undertake your preferred options, it cannot guarantee this.

What Will I be Doing?

75%

Coursework

25%

Exams

Teaching

Throughout your course, you will be taught by an experienced and enthusiastic staff team who are research-active and are recognised at both international and national levels for their work on a variety of topics. 

Research specialisms of the psychology staff include clinical and health psychology, occupational stress, emotional intelligence, visual attention, terrorism, media and social media, child development, and the inclusion of digital technologies within the psychotherapeutic field. Research specialisms of the criminology staff include research into prisons and policing, youth justice, human rights, ethnicity and crime, racist and gendered violence, and urban criminology. We are proud of the quality of the Psychology and Criminology course and we are committed to providing a stimulating and rewarding environment in which to study.

We adopt a range of teaching methods including:

  • Lectures
  • Seminars
  • Presentations from external speakers
  • Self-directed study
  • Group work
  • Online lectures
  • Online discussion groups
  • Study skills workshops

In addition, all students are allocated a personal tutor. Your personal tutor will be an academic member of staff who can offer one-to-one support for any queries or difficulties that you may encounter, either personally or academically.

Assessment

Assessment methods will vary depending on the modules you choose to study, you can expect:

  • Exams 25%
  • Research reports 25%
  • Essays 25%

The remaining 25% will be split between:

  • Assignments
  • Practical reports
  • Group work
  • Presentations

Facilities

We provide a comfortable and friendly environment for you to carry out a wide range of psychological testing. These include:

  • Eye-tracker laboratory – we have Tobii T120 and Tobii X2-60 eye-trackers to monitor conscious and unconscious gaze movements from a range of displays including smartphones and tablets.
  • Observation suite - with a two-way mirror, this laboratory allows for observation of behaviour in adults and children.
  • Psychophysiology laboratory – includes functional near-infrared spectroscopy brain imaging equipment, heart rate monitors, and galvanic skin response recorders.
  • A dedicated computer suite that allows access to a range of psychological programs such as ERTSLab and E-Prime.
  • You will also have access to Psychology laboratory cubicles, Private interview rooms and a Social learning space.

School of Health and Society

We are focused on enhancing the health and wellbeing of patients, service users and athletes and our commitment to public involvement helps us retain our strong focus on real-world issues.

Employment and stats

What about after uni?

You will be equipped to work in a number of environments such as health and social care, criminal justice institutions, and the prison service. You could also continue your study at postgraduate level. If you go on to become a chartered psychologist, you may specialise in forensic, clinical, educational, health, or occupational psychology.

It is important to note that all practising psychologists must have postgraduate qualifications which means there isn’t a fast-track route to a career in psychology. To become a chartered psychologist, you need to gain Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership by completing a BPS-accredited degree. You can then look at further training in your specific field of interest. An undergraduate degree in psychology is typically the first step on the ladder for those wanting to become a psychologist. It generally takes around six years to become fully qualified, usually including a full three-year degree and three years of postgraduate training.

Our graduates have taken a range of jobs within a variety of fields. Some graduates have gained employment as an assistant psychologist, mental health support worker, within drug and alcohol services, or have gone on to pursue a career as a chartered psychologist. Alternatively you may take a role within policing or probation services, education, advertising, marketing, or retail.

Whatever direction you choose, the key skills within this degree ensure that you will be both accomplished and imaginative in your career. You can find more information about careers in psychology on the BPS website.

Further study options

A taste of what you could become

An Investigative analyst, A probation officer, Youth offending support officer.

A mental health support worker, A drug and alcohol service worker.

A custody support worker.

A prison case worker, a forensic psychologist, A prison officer.

a guidance counsellor, A high intensity therapist.

And more...

Career Links

The British Psychological Society accredits this course – if you achieve a lower second-class degree or above, a Graduate Basis for Chartership is awarded. This is the first step to becoming a chartered psychologist. 

    Requirements

    What you need to know

    Applicant profile

    An ideal student will have:

    • A good understanding of the disciplines of psychology and criminology.
    • The desire to explore all areas of psychology.
    • An interest in crime and its occurrence, especially how it is explained, and how 'criminals' are processed by the criminal justice system.
    • Strong written skills and an aptitude for research.

    English Language Requirements

    If you are an international student and not from a majority English-speaking country, you will need IELTS 6.0 with no element below 5.5. We also accept a range of other English language qualifications. If you do not have the English language requirements, you could take the Pre-Sessional English course, or the International Foundation Year to gain entry onto this degree.

    Standard entry requirements

    GCSE

    GCSE Maths, English & Science (science preferred) C/4 or above, equivalents accepted. 

    You must fulfil our GCSE entry requirements as well as one of the requirements listed below. 

    A-Levels

    112-120 UCAS Tariff points.

    UCAS tariff points

    112-120 UCAS Tariff points.

    BTEC National Diploma

    DMM

    T-Level

    T Level - Merit.

    Foundation Degree

    60% pass mark.

    Access to HE

    112-120 UCAS Tariff points.

    Scottish Highers

    112-120 UCAS Tariff points - BBBCC.

    Irish Leaving Certificate

    112-120 UCAS Tariff points.

    International Baccalaureate

    31 points

    European Baccalaureate

    Pass in Diploma of at least 65%.

    International Students

    We accept qualifications from all around the world. Find your country to see a full list of entry requirements. If you do not meet the entry requirements, you could take the International Foundation Year to gain entry onto this degree. 

    Alternative entry requirements

    Salford Alternative Entry Scheme (SAES)

    We welcome applications from those who may not meet the stated entry criteria but who can demonstrate their ability to pursue the course successfully. Once we have received your application we will assess it and recommend it for SAES if you are an eligible candidate. 

    There are two different routes through the Salford Alternative Entry Scheme and applicants will be directed to the one appropriate for their course. Assessment will either be through a review of prior learning or through a formal test. 

    How Much?

    Type of study Year Fees
    Full-time home 2025/26 £9,250.00per year
    Full-time international 2025/26 £17,650.00per year

    Additional costs

    You should also consider further costs which may include books, stationery, printing, binding and general subsistence on trips and visits.

    Scholarships for international students

    If you are a high-achieving international student, you may be eligible for one of our scholarships. Explore our International Scholarships

    Apply now

    All Set? Let's Apply?

    Still have some questions? Register for one of our Open Days or contact us:

    By email: enquiries@salford.ac.uk

    By phone: +44 (0)161 295 4545

    Enrolment dates

    September 2025

    UCAS information

    Course ID CM89

    Institution S03