Psychology & Criminology

Explore alternative conceptions of ‘crime’ and how this affects how ‘crime’ is perceived in society. Discover how these conceptions based on the idea of ‘social harm’, affect our perceptions of crime, the criminal, and criminalisation.

In this module, you'll identify key theorists in the discipline of criminology and outline and engage critically with the framework ideas, theories and practices that inform their respective approaches.

Research underpins everything that you will learn on your degree. Developing an understanding of how to design, analyse and interpret research studies will provide you with the core skills needed throughout your course. You will learn to undertake research in a range of different areas and how to convey these findings to a range of different audiences.

Developmental psychology considers the psychology of life span providing you with an understanding of how we learn language, develop attachments and the impact of ageing upon our behaviours. You will learn about the way in which our behaviours and actions are shaped by the groups we identify with and how as individuals our attitudes develop, alongside other core areas of social psychology.

Cognition concentrates on mental processes such as memory, thinking and language. Your physiological systems underpin all of these behaviours. Psychobiology gives you an understanding of the interaction between your biology and behaviour. Together these two approaches allow you to understand a range of processes including memory, attention and perception.

The module introduces you to the ethical practice of psychology, and starts the process of planning your career either as a psychologist, or in another role where you will apply the knowledge and skills you develop from your psychology degree to a different domain.

This module will introduce you to a variety of statistical and research techniques in both academic and commercial settings. You will have the opportunity to apply these techniques within a practical setting.

This module explores social psychology and developmental psychology. You will look into a range of topics to develop your understanding and knowledge of social psychology such as attribution, social cognition and aggression and developmental psychology such as language development, attachment and Theory of Mind.

This module will allow you to demonstrate an understanding of a number of fundamental issues in human cognition, ranging from visual perceptual processes to problem solving and reasoning. You will also be provided with an understanding of key areas within physiological psychology.

Establish the skills to carry out, and write up, your own independent empirical studies using qualitative methods of data collection and analysis.

The aim of this module is to provide you with a comprehensive introduction to a number of areas of crime and the criminal justice system that psychologists have addressed and sought to understand. Topics covered may include, eye-witness testimony, expert witnesses, domestic and honour based violence, crime detection and treatment and a range of other areas. 

Explore critical explanations of how the state responds to young people breaking, or at risk of breaking, the law or acting in an antisocial way.

This module aims to introduce you to key issues and debates relating to the justification and use of punishment following a conviction for a criminal offence.

In this module, you'll explore the use of recreational drugs within an historical context to reflect on the construction of the distinction legal/illegal drugs use. As well as evaluate the effectiveness of policies designed to control drug use from a comparative perspective.

You will examine psychological theories of topics such as personality, intelligence, emotion, motivation and the self. This is achieved within a framework of discussion of concepts and debates within psychology. There is also a focus on the application of theories to individual differences and the ethical concerns which these can raise.

In this module, you will investigate an area of Forensic Psychology under supervision by a staff member. You will choose your topic based on your interest and approval from your supervisor.

Explore how collective identities determine how an individual encounters crime and the criminal justice system and its impact on determining criminal justice policy in relation to diverse identities and justice.

During this module, you'll explore theoretical ideas and issues associated with crimes of the powerful such as corporate crime, state crime and genocide.

Develop and extend your critical understanding of the problem of global human trade, exploitation, abuse and control in contemporary society and evaluate the effectiveness of policy and other responses to migratory patterns and control.

Critically explore a range of core ideas and debates around the use of contemporary imprisonment, both domestically and globally to support reflective thinking and analysis of the use of prison as a method of punishment.

You'll learn about the development of forensic psychology. The module aims to increase understanding of the origins of offending behaviour and the assessment and treatment of offenders. You'll also study current issues specific to violent and sexual offenders.

The aim of this module is to develop your critical understanding of topics relating to the impact and consequences of crime from both social psychological and forensic perspectives. You will explore content on how impacts and consequences relate to both individual both victims and society in general.

This module provides a short placement opportunity for you to apply your psychological knowledge in a workplace setting. This allows you to build confidence and experience ahead of post-study employment, to learn more about the application of your psychological skills to a new job or to experience new settings in which you might work.