Bachelor of Science (Hons) -  

 CRIMINOLOGICAL PSYCHOLOGY WITH FOUNDATION YEAR

Have you ever wondered what drives a person to commit a crime? If the criminal mind intrigues you, then this course will give you the answers. In BNU's BSc (Hons) Criminological Psychology course, you’ll explore areas of forensic psychology, victimology and psychology to find out what makes the mind of a criminal tick…

Why study this subject?

BNU's BSc (Hons) Criminological Psychology with Foundation Year course is accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS) and is a recognised qualification by employers throughout the country. This course combines studying the core areas of psychology with applied areas of forensic psychology, victimology and psychology in the criminal justice system.

This course looks at how psychology furthers their understanding of criminal behaviour and will give you the opportunity to get involved in research in the social, developmental, cognitive and biological dimensions of the subject.

Why study at Buckinghamshire New University?

At BNU, they explore every aspect of psychology on their wide range of courses. BNU's teaching department is home to an incredible community of Psychology and Social Science students who can collaborate with you on projects, providing a rich supply of volunteers when you run your own experiments.

Your learning won’t just take place in a lecture theatre – you’ll have the chance to learn in labs and seminar rooms, gaining the skills that you’ll need when you start your exciting career.

BNU prides itself on teaching practical skills wherever and whenever they can, meaning you will always leave them feeling confident and prepared for your future. This hands-on approach will give you a sense of what it’s really like to work in the world of psychology and criminology, in whatever career you choose.

There are many roles for psychology graduates within the Criminal Justice System such as the courts, prisons and probation services. BNU have designed this course to teach you all you need to know about the underlying principles of psychology used to great effect in various forensic settings.

BNU's strong links with several local prisons will ensure you’ll be exposed to psychology in an applied context and they regularly invite guest speakers to provide additional insight to the worlds of forensic and clinical psychology.

Their BSc (Hons) Psychology and Criminology programme is accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS) and is a recognised qualification by employers throughout the country. Upon graduation, you’ll be eligible for the Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC) and from there you can take your next steps to becoming a Chartered Psychologist.

What facilities can you use?

On BNU's BSc (Hons) Criminological Psychology programme, you’ll take part in laboratory and computing workshops where you’ll have the practical use of software used by social scientists in the presentation of research data.

You’ll also have the opportunity to use the BNU's state-of-the-art observation laboratory to engage in the measurement of psycho-physiological responses using Biopac©. You’ll be able to measure the activity of the cardiovascular system, brain, autonomic nervous system and more. You’ll also have access to Tobii eye tracking equipment and HTC Vive, a virtual reality software, meaning you can push the boundaries and get creative with your research ideas!

Their library is packed with all the information you need for your assessments – you’ll have access to hundreds of specialist books, articles and online journals. Not to mention there’s plenty of room to knuckle down for some quiet study time.

What will you study?

You’ll immerse yourself in the psychology present at every stage of the criminal justice system; crime, policing, legal system, prison, probation and rehabilitation).

Over the course of three years, you’ll dive into fascinating topics like developmental, biological, social, cognitive, forensic and police psychology as well as criminology, victimology, disability and mental health in the criminal justice system and radicalisation and terrorism.

The course also involves a lot of empirical study meaning you’ll learn exactly how to lead an experiment using different research methods. These additional modules will not only contribute to solidifying your grounding as a great researcher but will also teach you useful.

How will you be taught and assessed?

This course is offered as a four-year programme, including an initial Foundation Year. The Foundation Year will allow you to develop your academic study skills and build confidence in your abilities, identifying your own strengths and development needs for progression onto an undergraduate degree.

You’ll be introduced to the core areas of psychology within the British Psychological Society Curriculum and criminology before moving on to explore more complex issues and theories throughout your time on the course.

The programme is delivered through a combination of lectures, seminars, classroom-based activities and workshops, independent learning methods and practical sessions.

You’ll always be encouraged to think critically about the ideas you engage with on this course and you’ll be given the opportunity to explore and discuss those ideas with your tutors and fellow students.

Whilst studying at BNU, you’ll also be given the opportunity to visit prisons and courts and hear from external speakers who can provide you with a deeper understanding of the subject from their ‘real-life’ experience.

You’ll work alone on your assignments, researching and critically engaging with your work. You’ll also participate in group assignments to coordinate presentations, both of which will provide you with useful transferrable skills for the future. You’ll be assessed through a number of methods including poster presentations, essays and assignments, examinations, oral presentations, laboratory/research reports and an empirical dissertation in your final year.

What are your career prospects? 

Throughout your time with Buckinghamshire New University they’ll support you on the route to your chosen career. They will help you to develop crucial skills, encouraging you to become enterprising, employable and good leaders. BNU will also help you find employment after graduation. 

As part of the BSc (Hons) Criminological Psychology course, they will help you find the sort of career that suits you through advice and talks that cover both voluntary work and full-time employment.

Typically, graduates from this course will look at working with offenders either in an intervention or rehabilitative environment, perhaps with HM Prison Service or Probation Service.

There will be other opportunities available to you in the public and ‘not for profit’ sectors like the Civil Service, local government, the NHS, Social Services and Housing Associations.

After graduation, you won’t be limited to a career in criminological psychology either – the skills you gain are fully transferable so you can think about diverse areas like health, education, sports and local government.

Graduates can also choose to study for a postgraduate course, like their MSc Applied Forensic Psychology, MSc Psychosocial Interventions, MSc Applied Positive Psychology or even our MSc Cognitive Behavioural Therapy.