Frequently asked questions 
About the BSc (Hons) Psychology with Criminology
Our BSc (Hons) Psychology with Criminology undergraduate course is a multi-disciplinary degree which draws on a number of different theoretical perspectives on crime, from sociology, philosophy to psychology. You will learn how to integrate theory and knowledge across the domains of the mind, brain, lifespan development, social processes, personality and individual differences and apply this to understanding real world psychological and criminological issues. Alongside this you will develop a critical approach to your studies and consider the socio-cultural meanings that are attached to crime and criminality and the contexts within which crime occurs and is understood.
You will study core psychological and criminological topics over the first two years which provide a strong foundation in the disciplines and their methods. By your final year you will have gained the research skills and expertise required to carry out your own research project, developed from a research question of your choice. In your final year you will select from a portfolio of specialist module options that build upon the research and other specialist interests of staff. The degree of choice available to you is unusual and the unique portfolio of options we offer allows you to create a final year of study that is tailored to your specific needs, interests and future career plans.
Accreditation by the British Psychological Society (BPS)
This course is accredited by the BPS and confers Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership, provided the minimum standard of lower second class (2.2) honours is achieved.
Please note the following information for applicants
BSc (Hons) Psychology with Criminology course content
Core modules
Year One
- Introduction to Psychology
- Introduction to Social Policy
- Introduction to the Criminal Justice System
- Information Skills for Psychologists
- Research Methods
- Statistics
- Explaining Criminal Behaviour
Year Two
- Biological Psychology
- Cognitive Psychology
- Lifespan Development Psychology
- Individual Differences
- Research Methods (Quantitative and Qualitative) and Statistics
- Penology
- Policing in a Democratic Society
Year Three
- Psychology Research Project
- Integrative Perspectives in Psychology
- Advanced Psychology
Optional modules:
Choose from a selection that currently include the following:
- Criminological Psychology
- Cognitive Neuroscience
- Psychology and the Media
- Addiction, Behaviour and Technology
- Issues in Child Abuse
- Young People, Crime and Justice
- Gender and Violence
- Key Issues in Clinical Criminology
- Drugs, Crime and Control
- Women, Crime and Criminal Justice
How do you study?
You will experience a variety of teaching methods, including small group tutorials, workshops and laboratory studies sessions as well as the traditional large formal lectures provided by enthusiastic, engaged and expert staff. We pride ourselves on allowing you plenty of opportunities to talk, both formally and informally, to staff and your peers about your ideas and we will encourage and support your active involvement in your own learning and understanding.
There is a very high quality of both learning and pastoral support available in the Psychology Division in addition to that provided by Nottingham Trent University's Student Support Services. We are committed to our students' success and this is reflected in the employability of our students, which was 100% in the last academic year (2006-2007).
Special features of the BSc (Hons) Psychology with Criminology degree
The University has made significant financial investment in the Psychology Division over recent years, upgrading facilities and equipment that are used exclusively for the provision of our psychology courses. You will benefit from a state-of-the-art undergraduate teaching laboratory suite including ten hexagonal adaptable pods which each comfortably seat six students. Pods can be used as a flat desk surface for research group meetings and activities or, at the touch of a button, the pods transform into six separate computer workstations with specialist software.
There are also laboratories specifically for postgraduate students and for those following courses in cyberpsychology (including on-line gaming). Undergraduate students also have access to five specialist suites dedicated to:
- social interaction
- group work and interviewing
- eye-tracking
- cognitive modelling and visual analysis
- EEG and other psycho-biological measures.
Alongside these are new flexible cubicles for student project work, a psychometric test bank library and a technical workshop. The whole laboratory area is designed to be comfortable and user-friendly with break out space available for meetings with fellow students and staff and using wireless internet facilities.
Assessment
We employ an imaginative range of assessment techniques that extends beyond the familiar essay and exam allowing you to demonstrate your abilities across a number of different domains and giving every student the opportunity to excel.
Accreditation by the British Psychological Society (BPS)
This course is accredited by the BPS and confers Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership, provided the minimum standard of lower second class (2.2) honours is achieved.
Your future career in Psychology and Criminology
We've got an excellent employability record. 94% of our graduates* from full-time undergraduate courses are employed or engaged in further study six months after leaving.
(*of those available for work, HESA survey 2009 / 10)
Our recent Psychology (including combined subjects) graduates have gone on to careers including:
- assistant psychologist
- childrens residential support worker
- data analyst
- mental health support worker
- occupational therapy assistant
- police constable
- primary care mental health worker
- prison officer
- probation service officer
- psychology lecturer
- psychiatric support worker
- research assistant
- senior clinical support worker
- teenage pregnancy sexual health project worker
- trainee clinical neurophysiologist.
Taken from the Graduate Destinations Database 2006-2010.
Professional careers involving psychology* might also include:
- research
- teaching
- forensic psychology
- clinical psychology
- occupational psychology
- educational psychology
- environmental psychology.
Professional careers incorporating criminology* might involve:
- probation
- police
- prison services.
Other professional careers, such as marketing, journalism and human resources would benefit from the transferable skills you acquire during your psychology degree.
*Postgraduate study or further training may be required.
This course does not currently offer placements.
Entry requirements
- 300 minimum UCAS Tariff points achieved from a maximum of three A-levels or equivalent qualification.
- No more than one A-level should be in a performance, artistic or creative subject*
- Five GCSEs grade C or above
- GCSE English Language and Maths grade C or above
*Performance, artistic or creative subjects include the following:
- Art and Design
- Dance
- Design and Technology – Food Technology
- Design and Technology - Product Design
- Design and Technology – Systems and Control
- Drama
- Theatre Studies
- Fine Art
- Graphic Design
- Leisure Studies
- Music
- Music Technology
- Performance Studies
- Performing Arts
- Photography
- Textiles
- Three Dimensional Design or similar
- Applied Art and Design
- Applied Art and Design (Double Award)
- Applied Leisure Studies
- Applied Leisure Studies (Double Award).
This list is subject to change. For further information or if you have a query about a subject please contact us.
English language entry requirements
See the English language entry requirements for courses at the School of Social Sciences and a full list of all English language qualifications accepted by the University.
Application and selection
Selection is based on the application form. All applicants and potential applicants are encouraged to attend one of our open days. Applications are made through UCAS where you can apply directly online. Mature or international students can find out more about applying by calling +44 (0)115 848 4460. We have a strong commitment to maintaining access for all to higher education. We recognise the need to invest financially in the future of our students, so we have introduced a system of bursaries aimed at enabling home students from lower income families to undertake a degree course. For information about Nottingham Trent University bursaries please visit the Fees and funding pages.
Contact us
Email
Telephone: +44 (0)115 848 4460
School of Social Sciences website
