BSc (Hons)

Psychology with Criminology

LC3V

Are you fascinated by the relationship between the human mind, crime and the criminal justice system? Want to study not only offender profiling, investigative interviewing and deception, but also the causes of crime and its impact on society? Want to obtain the research skills necessary to explore these topics ethically and rigorously? We can offer you all of this in Psychology with Criminology.

Book open with magnifying glass and a pen

Course overview

Psychology with Criminology enables you to study human thought and behaviour, along with a range of issues and topics associated with the applied context of crime. These complementary fields provide you with the skills and knowledge to progress in a wide range of fulfilling careers, within and beyond the criminal justice system, where you can really make a difference.

In Year 1, you will be introduced to the main psychological sub-disciplines, practice the research methods psychologists employ to study these, and consider key conceptual and historical issues. You will also be introduced to the ‘rendezvous’ discipline of Criminology, to explore crime and criminal activity. Year 1 also sees you embark on the department’s successful three-year award-winning graduate employability path.

In Year 2, you will examine the core British Psychological Society (BPS) required subjects, such as personality and individual differences, social psychology, quantitative and qualitative research methods and child development. There will also be a focus on your development, not only as an ethical researcher, but also as a future employable graduate. In addition to this essential BPS content, you will explore topics in Criminology such as violent crime.

In Year 3, you will continue to develop your understanding of the core BPS curriculum, looking at biological and cognitive psychology, alongside your choice of optional modules from both psychology and criminology. Additionally, supported by a research active expert, you will develop, conduct and write up your own piece of independent research on a topic that interests you.

 

What you need to know

Course start date

September

Location

Winchester campus

Course length

  • 3 years full-time
  • 6 years part-time

Apply

LC3V

Typical offer

112-120 points

Fees

From £9,250 pa

Course features

  • A degree accredited by the British Psychological Society that explores psychology and criminology with a focus on real-world applications.
  • An award-winning employability programme designed by our chartered occupational psychologist to develop your bespoke professional and personal competencies.
  • A vibrant research environment with opportunities for you to get involved with psychological research.
  • Study in a friendly and inclusive learning community. You will be supported by a dedicated team of lecturers, your own personal tutor and in your final year, one to one supervision for your final year project.

 

Course details

Our aim is to shape 'confident learners' by enabling you to develop the skills needed to excel in your studies here and as well as onto further studies or the employment market.               

You are taught primarily through a combination of lectures and seminars, allowing opportunities to discuss and develop your understanding of topics covered in lectures in smaller groups.

In addition to the formally scheduled contact time such as lectures and seminars etc., you are encouraged to access academic support from staff within the course team and the wide range of services available to you within the University.

Independent learning

Over the duration of your course, you will be expected to develop independent and critical learning, progressively building confidence and expertise through independent and collaborative research, problem-solving and analysis with the support of staff. You take responsibility for your own learning and are encouraged to make use of the wide range of available learning resources available.

Overall workload

Your overall workload consists of class contact hours, independent learning and assessment activity.

While your actual contact hours may depend on the optional modules you select, the following information gives an indication of how much time you will need to allocate to different activities at each level of the course.

Year 1 (Level 4): Teaching, learning and assessment: 252 hours. Independent learning: 948 hours

Year 2 (Level 5): Teaching, learning and assessment: 240 hours. Independent learning: 960 hours

Year 3 (Level 6): Teaching, learning and assessment: 192 hours. Independent learning: 1008 hours

Please note these are indicative hours for the course.

Assessment

Our validated courses may adopt a range of means of assessing your learning. An indicative, and not necessarily comprehensive, list of assessment types you might encounter includes essays, portfolios, supervised independent work, presentations, written exams, or practical performances.

We ensure all students have an equal opportunity to achieve module learning outcomes. As such, where appropriate and necessary, students with recognised disabilities may have alternative assignments set that continue to test how successfully they have met the module's learning outcomes. Further details on assessment types used on the course you are interested in can be found on the course page, by attending an Open Day or Open Evening, or contacting our teaching staff.

Percentage of the course assessed by coursework

The assessment balance between examination and coursework depends to some extent on the optional modules you choose. The approximate percentage of the course assessed by different assessment modes is as follows:

Year 1 (Level 4)*: 60% coursework. 39% written exams. 1% practical assessment

Year 2 (Level 5)*: 79% coursework. 6% written exams. 15% practical assessment

Year 3 (Level 6)*: 83% coursework. 13% written exams. 4% practical assessment

Please note these are indicative percentages and modes for the programme.

Modules

Please note the modules listed are correct at the time of publishing. The University cannot guarantee the availability of all modules listed and modules may be subject to change. The University will notify applicants of any changes made to the core modules listed. For further information please refer to winchester.ac.uk/termsandconditions

Modules

Researcher and Professional Skills 1 30 Credits

This module develops key research,  academic and professional skills expected from psychology students during their studies, and to understand the transferability of these into the workplace. In this module you are introduced to the principles of research design, and to basic techniques of qualitative and quantitative data analysis. Key conceptual and historical issues relating to the philosophy of science are addressed, and ethical issues are covered. Students will carry out practical investigations in small groups to develop key skills in research design, data collection, analysis and report writing. Students are also encouraged to see how data analysis relates to research design, and hence to understand and value the insights that can be gained by a competent knowlegde of quantitative and qualitative analysis techniques. Students will have the opportunity to develop reflective skills, cognitive flexibility, communication skills and resilience. Students will be provided with greater awareness of their strengths, values and areas for development. 

Researcher and Professional Skills 2 30 Credits

This module further develops key research,  academic and professional skills expected from psychology students during their studies, and builds on understanding the transferability of these into the workplace. The module covers further aspects of research design, and additional techniques of qualitative and quantitative data analysis. Key conceptual and historical issues relating to the philosophy of science are discussed, and ethical issues are covered. Students will carry out practical investigations in small groups to further develop key skills in research design, data collection, analysis and report writing. Students are encouraged to develop their understanding of how data analysis relates to research design, and hence to understand and value the insights that can be gained by a competent knowlede of quantitative and qualitative analysis techniques. Students will have the opportunity to develop reflective skills, cognitive flexibility, communication skills and resilience. Students will be provided with greater awareness of their strengths, values and areas for development.

Perspectives in Psychology 30 Credits

This module introduces students to the main sub-disciplines of psychology: biological psychology, cognitive psychology, developmental psychology, individual differences and social psychology, as outlined in the British Psychological Society's required curriculum. You will look at core topics within each of the sub-discipline areas, gaining an understanding of how psychology (and its sub-disciplines) developed over time and an understanding of key conceptual and historical issues that are relevant to the discipline as a whole. Seminars with further develop this understanding by fostering discussion and debate on the key concepts and studies, helping you to better understand the relationship between theory and research. 

Introduction to Crime and Criminal Justice 30 Credits

Criminology is considered as a ‘rendezvous’ but specialist discipline; a study of crime and criminal activity that serves as a meeting point for Social Science disciplines. This module introduces and explores the various disciplinary approaches to the study of crime. However, it will have as its starting point an exploration of common-sense and everyday perceptions and the social construction of crime, as well as the representation of crime and the criminal justice system. The module will also begin to introduce and explore the range and scope of issues and topics examined by the specialist discipline of Criminology.

Modules

Quantitative and Qualitative Research Methods 30 Credits

This module develops students’ quantitative and qualitative psychological research skills, expanding on knowledge and experience gained at Level 4. We will cover quantitative and qualitative research designs (e.g., full factorial designs) and data collection methods (e.g. interviews, vignettes, story completion tasks, surveys and experiments). Students will learn about quantitative analytical methods (e.g., ANOVA, multiple regression, power analysis) and qualitative analytical methods (e.g., thematic analysis, interpretative phenomenological analysis, discourse analysis).  The module will cover the conceptual and historical development of research methods and the theoretical perspectives underpinning quantitative and qualitative psychological research. Students will acquire research skills (collecting and analysing data), critical skills (e.g. evaluating research and methods), and communication skills (e.g., writing reports and research results). Students will gain further understanding of statistical software (e.g., SPSS) and a broader awareness of ethical issues relating to quantitative and qualitative psychological research. 

Cognition, Biology and Individual Differences 30 Credits

This module provides students with a broad overview of fundamental topics in key areas of psychology: biology, cognition, and individual differences. Topics related to biological processes include typical and atypical neuropsychology, neuroscience, and behavioural genetics. Topics related to cognition include sensation and perception, attention, language, learning, memory, problem solving, and consciousness. Topics related to individual differences include personality, intelligence, and psychometric test development. Conceptual and historical issues relevant to biological, cognitive, and individual differences psychology are also covered. Students will gain critical understanding and practical experience of research methods used by psychologists working in biological, cognitive, and individual differences topics. 

Applied Skills for Professional Research and Practice 30 Credits

This module aims to provide students with opportunities to develop and enhance a range of skills and competencies expected of a psychology graduate. Students will build on their subject specific knowledge from other modules to prepare for conducing independent psychological research, developing an empirical research proposal for a research project to complete at Level 6. Students will evolve their career goals and aspired professional identities, develop tangible career tools (e.g. employability audit, Personal Action Plan) and gain an awareness of the psychology related career pathways available upon graduation. Students will gain experience of applying psychological knowledge and theory in different contexts. The assessment structure encourages experience of verbal and written communication as well as self-reflection on personal and professional development, and how the degree prepares for further study or career pathways both within and beyond Psychology.

Violent Crime 30 Credits

Violent crime often triggers social outcry and political response when targeted towards particular vulnerable groups within society. However, the notion of violent crime moves beyond the obvious offending into areas such chastisement of children, violence in social disorder and domestic violence/abuse. The aim of this module is to explore the range of violent offending currently criminalised within the criminal justice system, the social and political responses to such offending and the treatment of violent offenders.

Drawing on theoretical considerations from sociological, penological and psychological fields of knowledge alongside political, social and media reactions, the module offers a multi-disciplinary view on this particular form of offending.

Modules

Final Year Project and Future Directions 30 Credits

The project takes the form of an original independent empirical investigation in a psychological topic area. 
Students are required to select their topic/research question and produce a research proposal before the end of Semester 2 of Level 5. Supervisors are allocated according to research topic. Data collection may only commence once ethical approval has been granted by the ethics committee.  The indicative length of the project is 5,000 words for quantitative and 7000 for qualitative projects. Additionally, this module will facilitate future employability through one-to-one tutorials between students and their FYP supervisor; providing individualised support concerning post graduate aims and specific job searches.

Developmental and Social Psychology 30 Credits

This module builds on the coverage of developmental and social psychology at Level 4 by exploring contemporary theories and applications of developmental and social psychology in greater depth. Students will be introduced to the major historical and contemporary theoretical perspectives on child and adolescent development, as well as key conceptual and historical debates in social psychology. For developmental psychology, key empirical studies, applied issues, and developmental diversity will be critically examined in areas such as attachment, social relations, language, and cognitive development. Students will gain critical understanding and practical experience of observational research methods with child participants.  For social psychology, key topics such as identity, attitudes, prejudice, stereotyping, attribution theory, and leadership will be covered, as well as critical approaches to social psychology and traditions emerging from these, such as social constructionism. Across both developmental and social psychology, the influence of diverse sociocultural environments will be considered, as well as the importance of cultural context upon experience and behaviour.

Criminology optional modules 30 Credits

In semester one, students can choose one of the following 15 credit modules. 

Criminal Bodies - 15 credits

Identity, Equality and Crime - 15 credits

In semester two, students can choose one of the following 15 credit modules. 

Substance Abuse and Misuse - 15 credits

Sport and Crime - 15 credits

Psychology optional modules 30 Credits

Students can choose one of the following 30 credit modules.

Forensic Psychology: The investigative process and offender rehabilitation - 30 credits

This module will consider current research, theory, and debates relevant to psychology’s application to the Criminal Justice System, from crime through to offender rehabilitation. Students will draw on theories of cognitive, social and development psychology, and apply these to the real-world concerns of both forensic and investigative psychologists. Within the module students will become familiar with a range of topics relevant to police and jurors (such as interview procedures, line-up construction and juror decision making), witnesses and victims (such as memory, suggestibility, and individual vulnerabilities) and offenders (such as theories of criminal behaviour, false confessions, detection of deception, and rehabilitation). Students will critically engage with this evidence and communicate their knowledge of these issues to a non-psychology audience.  

Clinical and Health Psychology - 30 credits

This module will outline current literature, research, theory, and conceptual debates in the field of clinical and health psychology. It aims to familiarise students with mental health issues and the treatment within clinical psychology. Similarly, it provides insight into the approaches, interventions and areas of research and practice associated with health psychology. The module builds on previous knowledge imparted at lower levels and expands student understanding of clinical and health psychology into areas of application and practice. The module invites students to look closely into a set of mental and physical health problems, and issues that are typically encountered in clinical and health psychology. Students are encouraged to engage critically with public research in each of the respective areas. 

Entry requirements

112-120 points

Our offers are typically made using UCAS tariff points to allow you to include a range of level 3 qualifications and as a guide, the requirements for this course are equivalent to:

  • A-Levels: BBC-BBB from 3 A Levels or equivalent grade combinations (e.g. BBB is comparable to ABC in terms of tariff points)
  • BTEC/CTEC: DMM from BTEC or Cambridge Technical (CTEC) qualifications
  • International Baccalaureate: To include a minimum of 2 Higher Level certificates at grade H4
  • T Level: Merit in a T Level

Additionally, we accept tariff points achieved for many other qualifications, such as the Access to Higher Education Diploma, Scottish Highers, UAL Diploma/Extended Diploma and WJEC Applied Certificate/Diploma, to name a few. We also accept tariff points from smaller level 3 qualifications, up to a maximum of 32, from qualifications like the Extended Project (EP/EPQ), music or dance qualifications. To find out more about UCAS tariff points, including what your qualifications are worth, please visit UCAS.

In addition to level 3 study, the following GCSEs are required:

GCSEs in Mathematics and English Language at grade 4 or C, or higher. Functional Skills at level 2 is accepted as an alternative, however Key Skills qualifications are not. If you hold another qualification, please get in touch and we will advise further

If you will be over the age of 21 years of age at the beginning of your undergraduate study, you will be considered as a mature student. This means our offer may be different and any work or life experiences you have will be considered together with any qualifications you hold. UCAS have further information about studying as a mature student on their website which may be of interest.

International points required

If English is not your first language, a formal English language test will most likely be required and you will need to achieve the following:

  • IELTS Academic at 5.5 overall with a minimum of 5.5 in all four components (for year 1 entry)
  • We also accept other English language qualifications, such as IELTS Indicator, Pearson PTE Academic, Cambridge C1 Advanced and TOEFL iBT

If you are living outside of the UK or Europe, you can find out more about how to join this course by contacting our International Recruitment Team via our International Apply Pages.

2025 Course Tuition Fees

  UK / Channel Islands /
Isle of Man / Republic of Ireland 

International

Year 1 £9,250 £16,700
Year 2 £9,250 £16,700
Year 3 £9,250 £16,700
Total £27,750 £50,100
Optional Sandwich Year* £1,850 £3,340
Total with Sandwich Year £29,600 £53,440

Additional tuition fee information

If you are a UK student starting your degree in September 2025, the first year will cost you £9,250**. Based on this fee level, the indicative fees for a three-year degree would be £27,750 for UK students.

Remember, you don’t have to pay any of this upfront if you are able to get a tuition fee loan from the UK Government to cover the full cost of your fees each year.

UK Part-Time fees are calculated on a pro rata basis of the full-time fee for a 120 credit course. The fee for a single credit is £77.08 and a 15 credit module is £1,156. Part-time students can take up to a maximum 90 credits per year, so the maximum fee in a given year will be the government permitted maximum fee of £6,935.

International part-time fees are calculated on a pro rata basis of the full-time fee for a 120 credit course. The fee for a single credit is £139.14 and a 15 credit module is £2,087.

* Please note that not all courses offer an optional sandwich year.

**The University of Winchester will charge the maximum approved tuition fee per year.

Additional costs

As one of our students all of your teaching and assessments are included in your tuition fees, including, lectures/guest lectures and tutorials, seminars, laboratory sessions and specialist teaching facilities. You will also have access to a wide range of student support and IT services.

There might be additional costs you may encounter whilst studying. The following highlights the mandatory and optional costs for this course:

Optional

Field trips

Some optional criminology modules may involve a field trip. Indicative cost is £450 for each trip. 

Core texts

Core texts are available from the University Library; however some students prefer to purchase their own copies. Some core texts can be bought second hand or as an ebook, which can often reduce this cost. Indicative cost is £400 for the whole course. 

Mandatory

Disclosure and Barring Service

A Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) clearance check may be required if you undertake a placement, volunteering, research or other course related activity where you will have contact with children or vulnerable adults. The requirement for a DBS check will be confirmed by staff as part of the process to approve your placement, research or other activity. The indicative cost is £40.

SCHOLARSHIPS, BURSARIES AND AWARDS

We have a variety of scholarship and bursaries available to support you financially with the cost of your course. To see if you’re eligible, please see our Scholarships and Awards.

CAREER PROSPECTS

In addition to the subject knowledge, Psychology with Criminology graduates also develop skills in communication; numeracy; analysis; teamwork; critical thinking; computing; independent learning; project management and many other skills, all of which are highly valued by employers.

Due to the wide range of skills and the rigour with which they are taught, training in psychology is widely accepted as providing an excellent preparation for many careers. These may include, but are not limited to, careers in the probation service, the courts, police service, prison service, security services/agencies, charities, health and social care, youth work or further education. Those wishing to follow a professional career in psychology - such as forensic, clinical, educational or occupational psychology - need to undertake further study and training to gain professional recognition as a Chartered Psychologist. 

The University of Winchester ranks in the top 10 in the UK for graduates in employment and/or further study (Graduate Outcomes Survey 2023, HESA).

Accreditation

This course is accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS); those wishing to pursue professional careers in psychology - such as clinical, educational, or occupational psychology - need to undertake further study and training to gain professional recognition as a Chartered Psychologist. Graduates will be eligible to apply for Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC) status, which is an entry requirement for many accredited postgraduate training courses in psychology. This is the first step towards becoming a Chartered Psychologist. 

Pre-approved for a Masters

On completion of your BSc (Hons) Psychology with Criminology degree with us, you will be pre-approved to start a Masters degree at Winchester. If you wish to pursue a career as a Forensic Psychologist, then you may want to explore our MSc in Forensic Psychology. To be eligible, you will need to apply by the end of March in the final year of your degree and meet the entry requirements of your chosen Masters degree.

OUR CAREERS SERVICE
"Psychology does have an impact on the world. It teaches us the small little things about us that can really make a difference" Holly, BSc (Hons) Psychology student

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18 January 2025