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Psychology with Criminology Modules

In the first and second years, the focus is upon providing a good foundation in what the BPS recognises as the core areas of Psychology as well as an understanding of criminology.  All modules in the first and second years are compulsory.

First year

  • Introductory Research Methods in Psychology - gives a broad introduction to a variety of methodological and statistical concepts in psychology
  • Core Areas of Psychology - provides a concise overview of the core paradigms in psychology, including biological, cognitive, developmental, personality and social psychology
  • Historical Perspectives in Psychology - explores the nature of psychological explanation in historical context
  • Introduction to Criminology - an introduction to theories explaining crime and the response to it, making links between theory, policy and practice

Second year

  • Further Research Methods for Psychologists - more advanced statistical tests, concepts and methodological designs
  • Biological Psychology - examines the biological processes underlying key psychological mechanisms such as visual and auditory perception and language as well as the brain mechanisms of psychological disorders
  • Cognitive Psychology - explores the key areas of cognition such as attention, memory, language and reasoning and focuses on the practical implications of research
  • Developmental Psychology - focuses on the way humans develop, from early childhood through to old age. It also examines the development of self, identity and gender roles
  • Personality and Intelligence - explores how psychologists have conceptualised and researched some of the key ways in which people differ
  • Social Psychology -  explores concepts that serve to govern our social interactions, including attitude change and persuasion, social representations and inter-group conflict

Also choose one of the following elective modules:

  • Domestic Abuse - this module considers the changing social, political and legal recognition of abuse and violence in intimate relationships and its impact
  • Drugs, Substance Use and Crime - explores the changing nature of drugs, alcohol, substance use and crime.  The module focuses on exploring the social context of drugs, alcohol and substance use [primarily but not exclusively] in the UK and how it is controlled and managed in various settings with a focus on the criminal justice system.

Third year

The following three modules are compulsory:

  • Psychology Project - gives you the opportunity to design and conduct an empirical study showing originality and expertise in methodological and data handling techniques
  • Conceptual Issues and Critical Debates in Psychology - explores the key conceptual issues in contemporary psychology, including an examination of modernist and post-modernist approaches and the concept of social constructionism
  • Employability Skills and Psychology - you will undertake a period of work experience and consider how psychological theory can be applied in a work environment

Also choose one of the following options:

  • Young People and the Criminal Justice System - explores why young people are seen as a ‘problem’, the welfare vs justice debate and its role in contemporary youth justice policy

Or both

  • International Perspective – provides a critical understanding of patterns of crime and developments in social control from an international perspective
  • Victimology - examines the social construction of victimisation, the history and rise of the victim movement and the needs and rights of victims of crime 

Plus two of the following elective modules:

  • Counselling Psychology - introduces the basic principles of counselling psychology and practice
  • Cognitive Neuropsychology - provides an overview of modern cognitive neuropsychological approaches to dysfunction following head injury and how theory is applied to case histories
  • Work Psychology - helps students to gain a broad knowledge base in work psychology
  • Psychology of Chronic Illness - build on prior knowledge of social, differential and developmental psychology and applies this to the area of chronic illness
  • Well-being and Positive Psychology - introduces the scientific study of optimal human functioning within areas such as happiness, wellbeing, personal strengths, positive emotions, optimism, hope and flow
  • Psychology of Eating Behaviours - develops an understanding of human appetite and eating behaviours from a variety of biological and psychological perspectives
  • Psychology and Education - gives an overview of various aspects of psychology as applied to education
  • Cyberpsychology - covers all aspects of human interaction with technology, with a focus on the impact of cyberspace and the Internet on individual and group behaviour
  • Perception - provides an overview of vision research and develops skills to critically evaluate current vision science literature
  • Criminological and Forensic Psychology - explores approaches to defining and measuring crime and how psychological theories can be applied to criminal behaviour

Our final year options allow you to tailor your study to specific career pathways. The range of modules available are subject to change and are dependent on student numbers enrolled and could be withdrawn without prior notice due to limited numbers.