BSc (Hons) Criminology and Psychology

Course Overview

Our BSc (Hons) Criminology and 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.

More Info

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 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.

Why this course at Marjon?

Learn to apply criminological and psychological tools to any type of investigations, for example insurance, fire, mental health 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 who are experienced in criminal behavioural analysis.
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.
Get a broad perspective by studying crime in the context of local communities, as well as nationally and internationally.

Perfect if you're curious about:

Who commits crime?
What drives an individual's offending behaviour?
What is evidence and how is it collected?
Are you a victim of crime?
How best do we support victims and offenders to prevent crime?
How do we encourage resilence to loss and trauma?

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Course Snapshot

Dr Hazel Bending - Lecturer

"Your first year will see you develop an understanding of psychological perspectives as well as learning broad knowledge about crime and law in society. In the second year you will learn about the biology of emotion in the brain and how criminologists think differently about crime scenes. You will also take on a work placement to gain experience in the industry. In the third year you will learn about the mind of criminals and what underpins criminal behaviour. You will also develop communication skills and focus on the ethics of working in criminal justice."

Modules

* denotes an optional module:

1st Year

Social Psychology
The module answers questions such as how do people work in groups? What influences our group roles and behaviour? Is the Zimbardo study into the roles people play in prisons still relevant today?
Crime: Key questions and organisational responses
This module focuses on the challenges of defining and responding to crime and deviance. You'll consider the punishment of crime and learn about the criminal justice system in England and Wales.
Academic personal and professional development
This module helps you to make the step up to degree-level study. You'll reflect on your own academic, personal and professional aspirations and plan for the personal development needed to achieve these. We'll help you to develop a broad understanding of careers across the criminology and psychology fields. You'll learn how to manage yourself and your work at university, how to access and create resources, and how to develop the core knowledge, skills and attributes needed to become an enterprising Marjon graduate!
Thinkers in criminology: an introduction to theory
You'll study the philosophies of crime and deviance. You'll understand the key theories and theorists of crime and deviance and apply these criminological theories to criminal justice in practice.
Psychology in practice
You decide the content. Together we explore topics and questions which are of interest to the class.
Public law
You'll study the history and principles of the British constitution and examine ‘common law’, tracking the development of human rights law, the scope of government authority and the workings of judicial review.

2nd Year

Social Psychology 2
You will look at personality and close relationships, addressing questions such as: Is personality fixed? How do we construct our sense of self? Do early attachments impact on adult life?
Penology: Understanding punishment
Study philosophies of punishment. You'll ask 'Why punish?' and consider the impact of punishment and alternative approaches to punishment.
Thinking and learning
You'll focus on thinking, intelligence, problem solving and learning, exploring how they typically develop.
Crime and communities
What is the role of community? You'll consider contested definitions, criminalising the marginalized and approaches to dealing with the ‘mad, sad, and bad’. You'll learn about the criminalization of social policy, control of ‘difficult’ populations and social policy as crime causation.
Research methods
In this module you'll undertake an original piece of research, learning the process of research design, quantitative and qualitative research methodologies, literature review and how to analyse and writing up your research findings.
Memory and language
You'll learn about long-term and working memory, plus language expression and comprehension. How do these typically develop? What are the biological underpinnings? How do we assess memory and language when working with individuals?

3rd Year

Honours Project
The Honours Project is an individual piece of research on a topic of the your choice related to criminology and psychology. You'll ask a research question and design your research which is to include a literature review, data collection, data analysis and reporting. You'll write it all up to produce your dissertation.
Crime and the private space
Develop an in-depth understanding of what constitutes private, semi-public and public spaces and an critical appreciation of the social, cultural and legal limitations regarding private space. You'll review both historical and contemporary policy approaches to controlling crime and deviance in the private space, exploring multi-agency responses to crime.
Contemporary issues in Psychology
Again you decide the content. Together we explore topics and questions which are of interest to the class.
Violent crime*
You'll study definitions and theoretical approaches to violent crime, reviewing case studies of violence and violent crime. You'll understand violent crime from social, political and cultural perspectives.
Contemporary issues in crime and criminology
This module focuses on the theory that underpins policy making in the criminal justice system. You'll review a number of case studies which relate to hot topical issues, for example this might currently be knife crime.
Working with people
Time to put your social psychology knowledge to the test! You'll look at your own management and leadership styles and those of others. You'll work in a team and explore the social psychology of organisations.

Please note: This course is subject to validation which means that it is either a new course or that the content is currently being updated. You can apply for this course now while some of the details of the course are being finalised by the University. Please contact the course leader if you would like further information.

Lecturers

Dr Hazel Bending

Senior Lecturer

Hazel is a chartered psychologist. She teaches psychology, mental health and wellbeing and reflective practice. Her research focuses on how students best learn; investigating how various techniques from using technology to wellbeing can enhance students’ experiences and skills.

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