Course description
The best bits
- Combining two subjects boosts your employability and gives you the opportunity to develop knowledge and expertise in two subject areas, making you a more versatile graduate
- The course is accredited by the British Psychological Society if you major in Psychology
- Specialist facilities include our observation suite, eye-tracker equipment and Babylab
- Learn from lecturers at the forefront of psychological research
- You'll have opportunities to contribute to research projects and conduct your own research
- We have strong links with practice including HM Prison Service, Youth Justice Board and local Police Constabularies
- An opportunity to achieve an additional professional qualification in youth justice
Psychology and Criminology at Derby
Psychology and Criminology are fascinating academic disciplines, opening doors to a wide range of careers after graduation where you can have a real impact on society. You'll be taught by expert staff who are conducting influential studies into areas of psychology such as mental health and wellbeing, compassion and mindfulness, autism and maths anxiety.
Our Criminology staff have a growing international profile for shaping understanding and practice in the criminal justice sector. Their research projects cover everything from drug use, hate crime and human trafficking to psychopathy, organised crime and witness reliability.
During this course you’ll have guest lectures by world-class researchers, conduct your own research and be able to contribute to cutting-edge psychological research projects at the University. You’ll be encouraged to think creatively, challenge established beliefs and develop your own research interests. Our emphasis on problem-based learning means you will be well equipped to meet the real-world challenges you will face in your future career.
Specialist facilities
Our Psychology facilities are used for both teaching and research. They include computing labs with specialist software for designing experiments and research. You'll use a range of psychological recording equipment such as the latest eye-tracker equipment for analysing eye movement and our Babylab for ethical research with babies and young children.
Our Criminology facilities are based at One Friar Gate Square. Offering the perfect environment for innovative and engaging teaching, it includes well-resourced lecture theatres, seminar rooms and social learning spaces. You’ll be able to gain practical experience of investigative processes using our first-rate facilities such as a replica crown court and custody suite.
Accredited course*
British Psychological Society accreditation means we're delivering a high standard of psychology education. It shows we've met BPS standards for course content and design, and student development. It also means you can apply for BPS student membership. This provides:
- Access to networking opportunities
- The BPS student online community
- Discounts on books
- Events and e-learning
- Academic journals
- The chance to transfer to graduate membership free of charge after completing your degree
And you will have the opportunity to progress to accredited postgraduate qualifications and training to gain chartered membership of the BPS.
For students to receive the Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC) of the British Psychological Society (BPS), students need to do the following:
- Choose a Psychology major pathway with all prescribed modules
- Obtain at least a 40% overall for the Independent Study in Psychology
- Obtain at least a lower second-class degree
Choose your pathway
Studying a Psychology and Criminology Joint Honours degree allows you to choose whether you major in one subject or study them both equally.
You begin this degree by studying both subjects equally in your first year. By the end of your first year, you will then decide whether you would like to major or minor in a chosen subject or continue to study them both equally
How you will learn
For Psychology modules, you will learn from lecturers and tutors who have a wealth of knowledge and experience, and are carrying out research designed to offer fresh perspectives on issues that are significant at every stage of life, from birth to old age, including:
- Maternal health and the development of new-borns, to help improve health care during childhood
- Mental health and wellbeing such as maths-induced anxiety, eating disorders, addiction and irrational thinking
- Compassion and mindfulness, tackling self-esteem issues and fostering sensitive support for others
- The psychological aspects of pain
- Emotional processing
- The positive benefits of engaging with the natural environment
Your lecturers bring their latest thinking to your studies. And, in some cases, you’ll have opportunities to get involved in research projects yourself. Quality inspectors have commended us for being “at the forefront of technology-enhanced learning” in Psychology.
For Criminology modules, you will learn through lectures, tutorials, group work and independent learning.
How you are assessed
For Psychology modules, you’ll be assessed mainly through assignments, via essays, posters, presentations, and reports. You may also have to take some exams. These can include essay questions, multiple choice and short answer questions.
For Criminology modules, you’ll be assessed through coursework, portfolios, individual and group projects/presentations and examinations.
Who will teach you?
You will be taught by our team of engaging, passionate and inspiring subject experts.
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