Overview

This course is designed to give you an understanding of the study of human behaviour, the causes of criminal behaviour, public reactions to crime and the psychology of all those involved in, and affected by, crime. It explores public social attitudes; psychological explanations of criminal behaviour and consequences for social policies and for the management of offenders.

A focus on out of classroom activity emphasises practical field trips to prisons, courts and destinations which in the past have included trips to South Africa, Finland, New York, Germany and Poland.

You will work with staff with a wide range of research interests who present at conferences on relevant issues including gun control, drugs, violence, sexual abuse, policing and policy issues.

*Please note that we are unable to guarantee any placement or study abroad opportunities and that all such opportunities may be subject to additional costs (e.g. travel, visas and accommodation etc.), competitive application, availability and/or meeting any applicable visa requirements. To ensure that you fully understand the requirements in this regard, please contact the International Office for further details if you are an EU or International student.

Course information

Ideal for those who are seeking to develop a career in the criminal justice sector (e.g. policing, community safety, youth offending), this fascinating course explores the role of crime and its control through the criminal justice process, drawing on aspects of applied psychology to better understand the behaviour of criminals and the impact of both crime and punishment.

The course aims to equip you with an understanding of how crime and punishment are perceived exploring a wide variety of phenomena associated with crime, victimisation, punishment and criminal justice in a global context. The curriculum focuses on the causes of crime and the means by which society attempts to deal with it.

The teaching team come from a range of specialist backgrounds including mental health, psychology, sociology, and criminal justice and these feed in to a rich and varied range of perspectives that underpin your learning. Staff engage in research, national and international conference presentations, and writing for publication on topical issues related to the curriculum, such as gun control, drugs, violence, sexual abuse, policing and policy issues, all of which inform your learning. You will also be encouraged to engage in volunteering activities supported by the University. In previous years an annual Criminology Volunteering Fair has been hosted. Agencies such as Warwickshire and West Midlands Police, Coventry Rape and Sexual Abuse Centre, Victim Support have attended to advertise PCSO and support worker roles. This event also provides excellent professional networking opportunities for posts such as intelligence analysts.