What motivates people to behave as they do? Why do people commit crime? BA (Hons) Criminology with Psychology explores how the mind works and how that relates to crime and society and prepares you for a wide range of careers within the criminal justice system.
Three A-levels at grades CCC or above
Or BTEC triple grades MMM or above
Or Access with 23-45 D/M with a minimum of 6D
Or T level P (C+)
And GCSE English Language at grade 4 or grade C or above and GCSE Maths or a Science at grade 4 or grade C or above (or equivalent qualifications)
We will accept 2 AS levels in lieu of one A level but must be accompanied by 2 A Levels or BTECs (General Studies is excluded).
UCAS points 96
UCAS code CRPS
UCAS institution code P63
Duration Three years full-time or up to six years part-time
Contact Tara Godber, our Applicant Support Coordinator, if you have any questions. Email applicantsupport@marjon.ac.uk and Tara will get back to you.
Our BSc (Hons) Criminology with Psychology degree explores the causes of crime, the criminal justice system, the legal framework and responses to crime. It combines the sociology of crime and causes and responses, with the study of Psychology. Teaching and learning gives equal weight to the two core subjects of Criminology and Psychology, developing a deep understanding of human behaviour and how this relates to the criminal justice system.
During the course you'll be introduced to psychology and criminology theories with a focus on the social psychology of crime. You’ll investigate the common traits of actors in the criminal justice system in a criminal justice setting, such as a court or a crime scene. You'll also have opportunities to develop research techniques and to complete your own piece of social psychological research and to do 50 hours of work placement in a criminal justice organisation. You'll also develop a sound understanding of the ethics of criminology and take an in-depth look at the psychology behind crime.
Learn to apply criminological and psychological tools to any type of investigations, but with an emphasis on crime scene investigations
Study in dedicated psychology lab spaces and at simulated crime scenes in our 'crime scene house' with the support of specialist tutors
Small groups for teaching and learning allow you to have support to develop your individual projects
Learn how to apply psychology to develop effective forms of crime deterrent, rehabilitation and victim support
Visit real criminal justice environments
Get a broad perspective by studying crime in the context of local communities, as well as nationally and internationally
“ Over the past 3 years, the course has been fun and energetic. The lecturers are nice and are always there to provide additional insight if needed. The course has loads of modules from criminology and psychology backgrounds, providing you with every opportunity to show off your skills. I was fortunate enough to have the chance to go on trips to Germany as well, which was always a fun experience with the group. As the student representative of CrimPsych, I have loved being able to work closely with my peers and help them as much as I can. I would say that the course has been affected by the pandemic, however, I believe that from next year the course will be back to where it should be for new students joining after the schedule change.”
Who commits crime?
What drives an individual's offending behaviour?
What causes criminality and how does psychology explain it?
How can an understanding of psychology help us reduce criminal behaviour?
How best do we support victims and offenders to prevent crime?
How do we encourage resilience to loss and trauma?
BA (Hons) Criminology with Psychology prepares students for careers in offender management, civil service, youth services, community development and the police.
Includes lectures, seminars, experiential learning, guest speakers and field trips (domestic and international) to criminal justice agencies/sites such as prisons, police stations and other relevant organisations.
Assessment methods are varied and in some modules allow students to choose their own topics so that can further explore their own areas of interest. Types of assessments include exams, case studies, formal reports, poster presentations, essays, blogs, journals and reports.
Sam has spent over 17 years teaching criminal justice and sociology in Higher Education. Before that she worked for six years in administration at the South Carolina Department of Corrections, working with youthful offenders, and victims, and eventually in educational programming. She teaches a broad range of classes and has a variety of research interests including globalization, criminal and social deviance, social control, and immigration. She is the author of The Criminalization of Immigration: The Post 9/11 Moral Panic (2013) and co-author of the forthcoming publication: Security and the State in the Era of Globalization: Criminology in the XXI Century.
Fees UK students: £9,250 per annum
Fees for International students: £14,600 per annum
This fee covers your tuition and access to course-specific equipment and facilities, as well associated services including access to the library, study skills support, IT support, student support and wellbeing services and membership of the Student Union. There may be additional costs by course.
Our Student Funding Advisors offer confidential and impartial advice about your funding options.
Learn moreDr Katheryn Edwards is a BPS Chartered Psychologist and Fellow of the Higher Education Academy. Her PhD investigated a dual process account of human mind-reading. Katheryn teaches across a number of modules relating to cognitive psychology, developmental psychology, research methods and study skills.
Damien holds a BPS accredited BSc in Psychology, an MSc in Social Research methods and Evaluation, and is a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy. His doctoral research sits at the intersection of environmental psychology and environmental ethics. Damien teaches across multiple psychology modules, including qualitative research methods and social psychology.
Currently serving as a police sergeant with over 26 years of experience. 9 years lecturing. Policing experience includes - response, neighbourhood, training and assessing officers, burglary squad, interview teams, custody, evidence review, and licensing in both urban and rural police areas. Recently used forensic science in developing effective crime prevention within policing. Recipient of the Plymouth Police Commander's Mayflower Memorial Award in 2019. Recently received national recognition for work around the developing evaluation and investigative working practices around drink spiking offences in the UK.
Rosanna specialises in the psychology of sporting performance, examining the critical perceptual cognitive factors that enable elite performance. Her research fields are cognitive psychology, performance psychology and quantitative methods.
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