BSc (Hons) Criminology with Psychology
- UCAS code: M9C8
- Mode of study: Full time
- Duration: 3 years
- Entry requirements 2013: 240-300 points from 3 A levels or equivalent, to include a minimum of 100 points in a relevant subject.
- Please see details of the range of other qualifications that will also be considered on the 'Entry Requirements' tab below. Please do contact us for advice on other qualifications that aren't listed here.
Find out more:
Tel: +44 (0)23 9284 8299
Email: humanities.admissions@port.ac.uk
Department: Institute of Criminal Justice Studies
Course overview
This degree course is designed to provide you with an opportunity to study the interdisciplinary nature of criminology as a major subject, whilst taking psychology as a minor subject. There will be an integration of coherent subject themes, including law, criminal justice and sociology, with a particular emphasis on psychology and how this discipline informs our understanding of individual and collective behaviour, examining why crime occurs, the impact of crime and how to respond to it.
Why study at Portsmouth?
At Portsmouth we have the largest criminology department in Britain offering a range of undergraduate and postgraduate courses. Our students come from a diverse range of backgrounds and include professionals working within the criminal justice system and related areas. We employ more than 50 academics and offer an unrivalled range of expertise. Many of our academics have worked within the criminal justice system and many are actively involved in research. We will equip you well with the skills necessary to gain a job in the criminal justice sector or related areas.
Placements
This course allows you to take the Learning From Experience (LiFE) option, which lets you earn credits toward your degree for work / research placements, volunteer roles or internships undertaken alongside your studies. The option gives you the opportunity to enhance your employability skills, to reflect on the ways in which you've done so, and to learn to express this to potential employers.
How do I apply?
All undergraduate applicants should apply through UCAS by 15 January each year. Late applicants should contact the Admissions Centre first for advice.
If you are interested in this course and would like further information and advice, please contact our Admissions Centre (details above).
Course content
The course facilitates the development of independent study and collaborative work, and contains a strong research focus that will be facilitated by the research interests of the teaching staff. You are able to make real choices in the balance of your studies through the option programmes, electives and the focus of your dissertation. A major strength of the programme is the tremendously wide range of specialised option choices available.
It is important to note that the psychology units included as the minor route in the programme are not intended to meet the British Psychological Society (BPS) criteria for accreditation.
The following are the units you will study:
Year one
- Introduction to Criminology
- Introduction to Criminal Justice
- Psychology of Everyday Life
- Key Ideas in Human & Animal Behaviour
- Skills for Criminologists
- Researching Criminology I
Year two
- Questioning Criminology
- Researching Criminology 2
- Psychology options including:
- Biological & Cognitive Psychology
- Social & Developmental Psychology
- Individual Differences & Psychometrics
- Criminology options including:
- Key Issues in Criminal Justice
- Punishing Offenders
- Police, Law and Community
- Criminal Law and Psychology
- Language Elective
- Learning from Experience
- Victims of Crime: Key Players
- Youth Crime, Youth Justice
- Policing a Diverse Society
- Crime Reduction, Partnerships & Community Safety
Year three
- Dissertation
- Psychology options including:
- Language & Communication
- Introduction to Forensic Psychology
- Issues in Clinical & Health Psychology
- Criminology options including:
- Contemporary Criminologies
- Crime, Exclusion & Mental Health
- Safer Communities & Neighbourhood Policing
- Forensic Psychology
- Dangerous Offenders & Criminal Justice
- Treatment & Rehabilitation of Offenders
- Fighting Fraud & Corruption
- Cyber Crime: Virtual Realities
- Hate Crime
- Miscarriages of Justice
Teaching and assessment
Our teaching approach involves lectures, seminars, tutorials and workshops, and you will be expected to fully participate in group discussions and group projects. You will be given an introduction to software packages and web-based learning materials that increasingly supports the educational experience.
The learning experience for undergraduates is different to pre-degree study and we address this by teaching the necessary skills for degree-level work through study skills tutorials in years one and two. Tutorial support continues in your final year, but focuses on dissertation supervision.
Assessment is through a combination of coursework and examinations. Coursework involves seminar papers, presentations, group projects, written assignments and the 10,000-word dissertation. Examinations include open, pre-seen papers and closed traditional examinations. Full support is given to help you to develop the techniques necessary for your assessed work.
Career prospects
The course aims to provide a sound academic base for a variety of criminal justice sector careers such as the police, probation service, prison service and the legal profession. Other areas include crime and safety partnerships, criminological research and crime analysis, as well as other public and private industries.