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

Criminal Justice Careers
Explore the possible criminal justice careers that are available to students. It involves a series of guest lecturers who are employed in criminal justice roles.
Introduction to Psychology
Spans behavioural, psychodynamic, cognitive, humanistic and cognitive-behavioural perspectives on psychology.
Crime and Criminology
Explore the control of crime and responses to crime - perceived breaches of the criminal law evoke a series of responses from a network of agencies we refer to as the criminal justice system.
Understanding Research: Theory and Method
An introduction to social sciences research.
Psychology in Practice
This is enquiry based learning which will see you discussing topics of current interest within the field of psychology.
Social Psychology
Delve into the history and context of social psychology, group behaviour, prosocial and antisocial behaviour.

2nd Year

Social Psychology 2
Investigate the biological basis for social behaviour and emotion, attachment and the unconscious mind, personality and cognitive styles.
Thinking Like a Criminologist
Introduces the key skills involved in thinking like a criminologist, with equal emphasis on gaining a theoretical and practical understanding of criminology.
Quantitative Research Methods
This module is designed to support you as a researcher. You will be in the field doing empirical research.
Qualitative Research Methods
Includes interviewing in social research, ethnographic methods, feminist methodology, biography, autobiography and auto-ethnography, research with children and young people and qualitative data analysis.
Forensic Psychology*
You'll explore cognitive, biological, psychodynamic psychology perspectives on memory and look at perception and identification and the role of psychology in the investigation of crime.
Engaging with Employability Criminology
You'll do up to 50 hours work placement over a six month period in a criminal justice agency. You can choose to do a criminology focused placement or a psychological survey analysis.

3rd Year

Working with People
Includes leadership and management, organisational psychology, communication within organisations and organisational culture and individual difference.
Profiling and Reconstruction of Crime
Let's talk evidence. You'll learn Behavioural Evidence Analysis (BEA) and criminal profiling as well as the reconstruction and reporting techniques which will ensure evidence is admissible in court.
Criminology Project: Dissertation
A choice between a criminological and/or a psychological dissertation supported by a supervisor.
Social Psychology of Taphonomy
In this module you will look at models of loss and an academic focus on death, rituals and body pathology. It will include working with people who are dealing with loss, death and dying.
The Ethical Professional
Focuses on the ethical issues in criminology, legal duties and professional approaches.
Criminal Psychology
You will look at psychological aspects which underpin criminal behaviour, addiction, mental health and neuropsychology.

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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Dr Andrew Whittington

Senior Lecturer

Andrew is a Senior Lecturer with experience and skills as a taxonomist and expert witness in forensic entomology.

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