Psychology with Criminology BSc (Hons)

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Level(s) of Study: Undergraduate
UCAS Code(s): C8M2 / C8M3
Start Date(s): September 2023
Duration: Three years full-time / Four years placement
Study Mode(s): Full-time / Sandwich
Campus: City Campus
Entry Requirements:
More information

Year of entry:

2023

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Introduction:

This engaging British Psychological Society (BPS) accredited Psychology with Criminology degree combines a comprehensive training in Psychology with the study of criminal behaviour, types of crime, and knowledge of the criminal justice system. Our students benefit from over 80 academic experts and weekly research seminars, and have access to first-class laboratory suites.

The course covers all the core areas of Psychology stipulated by the BPS curriculum. This accounts for two-thirds of the course, and includes the workings of the brain; the processes and mechanisms of human thinking, feeling and behaviour; and how psychologists, psychological research and therapy can make a tangible and positive difference to people’s lives and society. The remaining third of the curriculum considers the social-cultural implications of crime and criminality, and the contexts in which crimes are committed and understood.

Degree Options:

BSc (Hons) Psychology with Criminology C8M2

BSc (Hons) Psychology with Criminology (Sandwich) C8M3 – this is a four-year course that includes a work placement year.

Why choose this course?

Teaching and Research Excellence

By joining a psychology course at NTU you’ll be part of a research active community.

You’ll design and carry out your own research in your final year and you may have the opportunity to compete for paid work as a research assistant between Year Two and Three.
In the Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2021, 100% of NTU's research environment in Psychology, Psychiatry and Neuroscience was assessed to be world-leading or internationally excellent in terms of quality.

Professional skills and recognition

Our Psychology courses* are accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS) so as long as you graduate with at least a 2.2 honours degree you will be eligible to receive the Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership of the BPS – a necessary qualification if you wish to pursue further training and a career as a professional psychologist.
You can gain practical experience between Years Two and Three as well as undertake a work placement or study abroad at one of our partner institutions.
You also have the option of choosing to complete a four year course which includes a year-long work placement.
In your final year you'll get the opportunity to take part in our Professional Practice in Psychology module. Offering you the chance to experience life as a consultant psychologist, providing psychological solutions to real-world problems.

* does not include Psychology courses in Nottingham Law School, or Nottingham Institute of Education

A personalised experience

Tailor your learning experience – with a range of optional modules and pathways, you can pursue your own interests and begin to shape your learning towards further study and / or a particular career.
You will have the chance to tailor-make your studies by choosing options from a unique blend of modules across two subjects.

Expert staff and specialist facilities

Study in one of the largest psychology departments in the UK. You will be taught and supervised by over 90 expert psychologists who have a diverse range of interests and research areas.
You'll be able to take full advantage of our excellent teaching laboratory suite. The facilities and equipment are exclusively for our psychology students, and will help you carry out your own research and data analysis.

What you’ll study

In the first two years of your degree, you'll complete an introduction to psychology and core modules in biological, social, developmental and cognitive psychology, as well as undertaking training in research methods and statistics.

In criminology, you'll complete additional modules covering criminal behaviour, crime and society, the criminal justice system, issues in contemporary policing, and penology.

In your final year, you'll sit a further core module in psychology, and can tailor your studies (often with a view to future employment opportunities) by choosing from a range of optional psychology and criminology modules. In your final year, you'll also complete a research project in psychology, focused on a topic of your choosing under the supervision of a research-active member of staff.

You can also take part in the innovative Professional Practice in Psychology module, a unique feature of psychology at NTU. Taking on the role of a consultant psychologist, you will work on real-life problem scenarios supplied by external organisations, and provide evidence-based solutions to these organisations.

Four-year placement course

You also have the option of choosing to complete a four-year course that includes a year-long work placement in between Year Two and Year Three. You must apply with the UCAS code C8M3 to be considered for the four-year sandwich or placement course.

Study abroad

If you are on the three-year full-time course, you may also have the chance to study abroad at one of our partner universities. You'll decide early on in your first year if you would like to apply to take part in the exchange programme. You would study abroad between Year Two and Year Three, and it would therefore involve extending the course length to four years. The study abroad option is only available for students on the three-year full-time route, and therefore you must apply with the UCAS code C8M2.

Core modules

Introduction to Psychology

You will examine how psychology research is conducted and interpreted; a range of perspectives in psychology, including comparative psychology; psychopathology and cognition; key studies and theories in psychology; and current developments in psychology. You will study in detail historically important approaches to psychology. There is also a practical focus on the levels of analysis at which psychologists work, and the relationship between psychological theories and everyday human behaviour and experience.

Introduction to the Criminal Justice System

You will develop a clear understanding of the UK criminal justice system, in particular its origins, structure, functions and development, as well as examining the impact of social issues such as gender, age, ethnicity and social class upon and within the system. The module explores the key underpinnings of the criminal justice system, including the central management organisations – most notably the Home Office and the Ministry of Justice – and the core agencies that operate within the system, such as police, prison and probation services. You will also study key developments occurring within the UK criminal justice process, whilst also noting the influence of international models on the UK, including the "victim movement" and the increasingly victim-centred nature of the criminal justice system.

Understanding Crime and Society

Crime cannot be understood without taking into consideration a range of socio-economic circumstances and aspects of social change. You will explore a range of contextual factors that impact upon the nature and level of crime, and which also shape how crime is responded to both by government organisations and wider society.

The module is divided into three distinct components:

Part A – Understanding the changing nature of society
Key socio-economic developments and changes within contemporary society: an overview of key issues and trends relating to inequality, deprivation, social class, ethnicity, gender, family, drugs, etc.
Part B – Understanding the relationship between place, people and crime in Nottingham
This component uses the Chicago School’s concept of zones of transition and stability to explore the presence of crime hotspots within Nottingham. An introduction to environmental criminology and the Chicago School approach will be complimented by a series of field trips to real zones of transition and stability within the City.
Part C – Developing stakeholder-orientated crime profiles of localities within Greater Nottingham
This final component of the module provides students with an opportunity to apply the generic socio-economic themes from Part A, along with the Chicago School framework developed in Part B, to the study of crime within a specific locality. Extending the focus beyond the city core, Part C of the module utilises student-led case studies to develop crime profiles of neighbourhoods on the fringes of the city, and within satellite market towns and rural communities from around Nottingham.

Research Methods in Psychology

An introduction to a variety of research methods used in psychology. You have the opportunity to develop and practice report-writing skills, understand experimentation and self-report methods, and gain practical experience. You will run and report upon your study in groups. You will be required to formulate hypotheses, search for and review any relevant literature in the library, prepare necessary materials or instruments, select a sample, collect and analyse data using appropriate statistical techniques, interpret the findings, and produce an individual written report of the work undertaken.

Statistics (One)

Study the fundamental concepts and practices of statistical data analysis in psychology. By the end of the module, you should be able to design research studies in psychology, and be familiar with a range of descriptive, nonparametric and parametric statistics. The module is assessed by one examination at the end. Continuous feedback throughout the year will help you progress, help you develop your skills, and act as a resource to draw upon when conducting research.

Explaining Criminal Behaviour

Explore the theoretical explanations for crime and criminality adopted by schools of thought from disciplines such as sociology, psychology, and criminology. You will identify developments in criminological thought, the role of criminology in society from the medieval era through to contemporary trends in criminological thought, and you will examine the role of criminological theory in criminal justice practice. Key themes to be covered in this module typically include: the origins of explaining criminal behaviour; crime and pre-modernity; the rational actor model of crime and criminal behaviour (Classicism, right realism, contemporary rational actor theories); the predestined actor model of crime and criminal behaviour (biological, psychological and sociological positivisms); crime and the post-modern condition; crime and the future of criminology; and applying psychology-based theories to different types of crime.

Core modules

Cognitive and Biological Psychology

Study the cognitive and biological perspective of psychology, encountering concepts and research methodologies in topics such as memory, attention, sensation, and perception. You will be introduced to the structure and function of the brain and allied structures; the language of biological psychology; the main approaches taken in behavioural neuroscience, such as functional neuroanatomy and functional neurophysiology; a range of biological, evolutionary and genetic influences that affect human behaviour and experience; basic cognitive processes; and the relationship between cognitive approaches and other approaches in psychology. You will also consider the applications of cognitive psychology in accounting for everyday processes and in improving human performance.

Social and Lifespan Developmental Psychology

Examine social and lifespan developmental aspects of psychology, including: the major theories and methodological approaches in social and developmental psychology; the range of development across a person’s lifespan; the diversity of development of individuals and groups across age, time, culture and place; and the relationship between theories in social psychology and an everyday understanding of social behaviour.

Research Methods and Statistics (Two)

An integrated module studying advanced experimental, psychometric, and qualitative research techniques in laboratory practicals. Supporting this are a series of lectures and workshops designed to help you develop your statistical knowledge and skills. Laboratory work will involve one experimental study, one regression-based study, and a qualitative study. All studies will be on an area relevant to psychology. You will be organised into small groups, and each group will have to run and report upon their study. You will also be required to formulate hypotheses, search for and review relevant literature, prepare or select necessary stimuli or scales, select a sample, collect and analyse data appropriately, interpret findings, and produce individual reports of the work undertaken. The module will also build upon the content of Statistics (One). Particular emphasis will be placed on factorial ANOVA and the concept of interaction. You will also consider the theory and statistical techniques associated primarily with non-experimental research. These include multiple regression, Cronbach’s alpha, multiple correlations, and exploratory factor analysis.

Penology

Take a critical approach to theoretical and practical understandings of punishment, penality and penal institutions in England and Wales. This module seeks to provide an appreciation of the evolution, conditions and structure of the modern penal system, and the challenges that the current incarnation of penal administration – the National Offender Management Service (NOMS) – faces in delivering effective penal policy in England and Wales. The module sets the political, economic, structural and societal context within which NOMS operates, and covers the impact of these on NOMS' ability to: deliver effective punishments; protect the public from offenders; protect communities from the impact of crime;, reduce re-offending; take account of the needs, wishes and rights of the victims of crime; and rehabilitate offenders. Finally, the module introduces and discusses key debates in penology and considers the future of punishment delivery. For example, to what extent will the privatisation of "punishment and justice" achieve the stipulated aim of "transforming rehabilitation"?

Policing

Examining the development and current status of the police service in England and Wales, with particular attention paid to structure, functions, powers and culture. The module aims to provide you with an appreciation of the core principles that underpin policing whilst also examining how the police service operates; the police officer’s law enforcement powers; and the role of the police in the criminal justice process. By focusing on a number of contemporary issues and theoretical debates in crime and policy, it demonstrates the importance of situating the police and policing into a wider socio-economic and political context whilst also evaluating the impact of national influences on different aspects of police work.

Core modules

Psychology Research Project

A major piece of work whereby you will carry out independent research, the topic and design of which is decided upon in consultation with a supervisor. The project will demonstrate that you can conduct an extended research report, as well as show your understanding of the methodological skills and presentational techniques developed throughout the course.

Professional Practice in Psychology

Addressing aspects of professional psychology, you will work on a problem from a set of professional scenarios and form a project team to address the problem.The first half of the module addresses a single area of professional practice; theory and application of occupational and organisational psychology. The second half of the module uses problem-based learning methods to give you an experience of professional project work across a broader range of applied areas of interest. Students select a problem from a set of professional scenarios and form a project team to address the problem. The project team work as a group to produce a consultancy report of their findings and each student writes an essay reflecting on their experiences.

Advanced Psychology

Choose between the following:

Students select a module in either Advanced Social and Developmental Psychology or Advanced Cognitive and Biological Psychology. These modules involve exploring these core areas of psychology in more depth and will develop your critical analysis skills on these areas.

Advanced Cognitive and Biological Psychology
This advanced psychology module aims to give students further insight into biological and cognitive material, building on the basic knowledge acquired in Year Two. In particular you will be encourage to develop a reflective understating of the anatomy and physiological processes that underpin psychological experience, develop an understand of the methodologies used to examine issues in biological psychology, critically examine how contemporary bio-psychological models are developed and evaluate them as explanations of behaviour, develop a thorough understanding of how various cognitive psychological constructs can be used to theorise mental functioning in a range of domains, and develop an in-depth understanding of the cognitive processes that underlie the performance of several different everyday tasks and have an understanding of relevant research evidence, and of how research relates to theory, to be able to critically evaluate different accounts of cognitive functioning in specific domains.
Advanced Social and Developmental Psychology
This module will build on the Year Two Social and Lifespan Developmental Psychology module. You will further explore child development and its relationship to a child’s genetics and environment, childhood, education and family, attachment and emotional development, adolescence, Language development, cognitive processing and development, difficulties in children’s development, social categorisation, social identity, Pro-social behaviour, processes of social influence and intergroup relations. You will also develop knowledge and understanding of social psychological processes, be able to contextualise the development and use of social and developmental psychological theory and research and build on your understanding of how evidence from investigations can inform theory and practice, provide in-depth discussions of a set of contemporary applied issues in social and developmental psychology, evaluate the relevance of theory and research in social and developmental psychology to specific areas of application and become a critical reader of the research literature.

Optional modules

Choose one from a selection of optional Psychology modules and one from a selection of Criminology modules that may include:

Psychology modules

Trauma in Children and Adolescents

The aim of the module is to provide theoretical understanding of the impact of childhood trauma on children and adolescents, and to provide an understanding of the role and roots of resilience. The module seeks to provide students with knowledge about the signs and symptoms, behavioural patterns, and underlying psychological and biological changes associated with psychopathology after childhood and adolescent trauma.

Health Psychology of Chronic Illness

Health psychology is an interdisciplinary field, concerned with the application of psychological knowledge to health, illness and healthcare. Its primary purpose is to understand and improve the health and wellbeing of individuals and communities. This module will introduce students to some of the core areas within the field, exploring key concepts used in the study of both healthy and ill populations. The module will cover contemporary psychological theories of health and illness from a number of perspectives, and will draw upon research that has used a variety of methodological approaches. For example, we will explore psychological perspectives on behaviours which pose a risk to health (such as smoking, obesity and exercise), consider what happens when we get ill (e.g. seeking help, medicine taking behaviour and adjustment to illness) and explore how psychologists can help people who are dying and suffering from bereavement. Particular focus will be given to how theory can be used to inform practice and the development of interventions.

Psychopathology: Phenomenology, Assessment, Treatment and Current Issues

It has been estimated that mental illness accounts for a third of all illnesses in the UK, and a quarter of the population will be affected at some point in the lifespan. The overarching aim of this module is to develop students’ knowledge of mental disorders and topics relevant to clinical psychology. Specifically, this module aims to: provide students with comprehensive knowledge of psychological disorders in adults and psychological and developmental disorders in children; provide awareness about current clinical practice such as commonly adopted classification (DSM-V) and recommended treatments (NICE guidelines); develop students’ understanding of theory, research and current issues around clinical psychology and consider their impact; critically evaluate recent psychological research and scrutinise its application to contemporary clinical practice; and encourage consideration of multiple viewpoints and critically examine different approaches in the field.

Cyberpsychology

Study the impact of the Internet and new technologies on our social relationships and the ways we relate to each other, as well as more technical aspects of cyberpsychology and philosophical issues relating to how we do, might, or should interact within virtual environments.

Contesting Mental Illness: The Psychology of Distress

This modules focuses on critiquing key assumptions behind mainstream psychiatry and exploring psychological and service-user led alternatives. Through taking this approach, you'll develop a psychological foundation for understanding mental health difficulties, along with developing important employability skills relevant to a career in clinical psychology and the helping professions.

Gender, Identity and Body Image

Taking a social constructionist stance you will challenge the taken for granted ‘obviousness’ of our assumptions about a number of issues relating to gender, identity and body image.

Psychology of Religion

Why does religion exist? What function does it serve in society? What’s the difference between a cult and a religion? What is the difference between a psychotic hallucination and a religious vision? What is the role of religion and spirituality in everyday life? How might it contribute to our wellbeing? How might religious practices have something to offer society (e.g. mindfulness practice of Buddhism). These are the sorts of questions that will be explored in this module. Lectures will typically include: the historical and cultural background to religion and spirituality; the evolutionary, biological, social and cognitive explanations for religion; understanding cults and why people join them; the psychology of religious and spiritual experiences and practices.

Occupational Psychology

Occupational Psychology is concerned with the application of psychological knowledge for the understanding of individual behaviour in organisations and workplaces.

Mind Reading and Mind Control

Psychologists are often asked if they know what people are thinking. This module will explore the extent to which current methods in cognitive psychology and cognitive neuroscience allow us to read people’s minds, and even control what they are thinking. It will provide you with a critical and practical understanding of the modern developments that enable us to determine the inner workings of the mind.

Personality, Personality Disorder and Violence

This module aims to provide students with an understanding of personality by discussing the most prominent personality models such as the Five Factor Model, and more specific maladaptive trait models, such as the Dark Triad.

Psychology in the Criminal Justice System

The module will develop students' knowledge of the utilisation of psychology within the criminal justice system and investigative procedures.

Psychology of Criminal Behaviour

The module will develop students' knowledge of the utilisation of psychology to explain a range of criminal behaviours.

Black and Cultural Psychology

Qualitative III: Applied and Creative Approaches to Qualitative Research

Criminology modules

Young People, Crime and Justice

Critically explore the youth justice system in the UK and the responses to juvenile justice.

Sexual and Violent Crimes

Study sexual and violent offending within a theoretical context and the response to this type of offending.

Drugs and Society

This module provides a detailed understanding of the wider social context of drug use, together with an examination of the effects of drug consumption and addiction on individual users.

International Crime

This module develops your awareness of the problems associated with: i) transnational crime; ii) crime issues of significance to the international community; iii) the social, political, legal and policy difficulties associated with such crime types.

Hi-Tech Crime

Examine the evolution and dynamics of offending and the implications for wider society and deviance taking place on the Internet.

Cultural Criminology

This module aims to highlight the work of cultural criminologists in response to behaviours that may be deemed anti social or ‘delinquent’ in nature.

Please note:

The number of places available on some optional modules may be limited. These will be offered on a first-come, first-served basis. Students who are unable to select their first choice will be offered an alternative from the remaining optional modules.

Student Profiles

George Martin

I particularly enjoy the freedom we are given when devising studies for our research reports… and also how the course modules complement one another despite being so different.

Lorena Scarse de Oliveira

The best aspect about the School is the support and help that they provide you throughout the year.

Joe Stimson

I chose my course at Nottingham Trent University because the city, the University and NTU life in general seemed perfect for me.

How you’re taught

The BSc (Hons) Psychology with Criminology is taught by experienced staff used to dealing with students from a range of backgrounds and with varying levels of skill and experience.

To provide you with a first-class learning experience, and to guarantee you have an opportunity to make the most of your time at university, you will receive contact time through a diverse range of delivery methods, including lectures, workshops, and one-on-one supervision. The smaller group sessions provide opportunities to develop:

problem-solving skills
group working skills
analytical skills
debating skills
presentation skills
research and data analysis skills.

Tutorials with staff

Students are supported throughout the course via a tutorial system. These small group meetings allow the students contact with an individual member of staff, who will help them with study skills and advice about the course and curriculum. At these sessions, you will also have the opportunity to:

discuss and gain feedback about your work
ask questions about the projects you're working on
raise any difficulties you are experiencing relating to your work, personal circumstances or your university experience.

Independent study

Independent study is an important part of this course. Throughout the three years of your course, you will develop the skills required to undertake an independent research study in the form of a final year research project. Our final year students conduct research projects in a wide range of areas in psychology, some of which have been successfully published.

Virtual learning environment

You'll also use our virtual learning environment NOW, which is a flexible web-based system that allows you to have 24-hour access to module learning materials and reading lists. It allows you to discuss work with tutors and other students, and submit coursework electronically from anywhere in the world.

Learning from experts

Our lecturers are highly respected researchers who conduct innovative research in their specialist areas. Research groups include:

Addiction and Aberrant Behaviours
Wellbeing
Development, Interaction and Social Relations
Language and Psycholinguistics
Cognition

There are also a range of research units including:

The International Gaming Research Unit
Emergency Services Research Unit
Specific Language Impairment Research Unit
Sexual Offences, Crime and Misconduct Research Unit

In addition to the traditional lectures, tutorials and independent study, you will also hear and learn from renowned experts and professionals in related fields who are regularly invited to come and talk to our students, providing you with an insight into their specialist knowledge and experiences.

You'll get the opportunity to attend the Department of Psychology seminar series that takes place throughout the academic year. The seminars invite experts and professionals to present their publications and research findings. This is an integral part of the research culture in the Psychology Department and stimulates thinking and debate.

Study abroad opportunities

The study abroad option is only available for students on the three-year full-time route, and therefore you must apply with the UCAS code C8M2.

All of our exchange partners offer modules taught in English, including our European partners, so foreign language skills are not essential.

Learn a new language

Alongside your study, you also have the opportunity to learn a new language. The University Language Programme (ULP) is available to all students, and gives you the option of learning a totally new language or improving the skills you already have.

Learning a new language can:

enhance your communication skills
enrich your experience when travelling abroad
boost your career prospects.

Find out more about the University Language Programme.

How will I be assessed?

You'll be assessed in a variety of ways and on a modular basis – through traditional means such as examinations and essays, but also in more innovative ways such as research reports, oral and poster presentations, and by a final year research project. Our diverse approach to assessment allows students to demonstrate the breadth of their abilities and provides opportunity for everyone to excel.

The range of assessment tools has been acknowledged as one of the strengths of the course by the BPS Accreditation Committee and External Examiners.

In response to student feedback, the University have introduced a policy ensuring marked work is returned to you electronically within three weeks of submission.

Contact hours

Full Time

Year 1 lectures/seminars/workshops (27%), independent study (73%)
Year 2 lectures/seminars/workshops (25%), independent study (75%)
Year 3 lectures/seminars/workshops (22%), independent study (78%)

Sandwich

Year 1 lectures/seminars/workshops (27%), independent study (73%)
Year 2 lectures/seminars/workshops (25%), independent study (75%)
Year 3 Placement (100%)
Year 4 lectures/seminars/workshops (22%), independent study (78%)

Staff Profiles

Maria Kontogianni

Principal Lecturer

School of Social Sciences

Maria Kontogianni is a Principal Lecturer in Psychology at Nottingham Trent University, with a particular responsibility for staff development and staff wellbeing.

Andrew Dunn

Senior Lecturer

School of Social Sciences

Dr Andrew Dunn is a senior lecturer at Nottingham Trent University. He is an experimental psychologist interested in perception, memory, attention and evolution. His view is that humans have evolved…

Andy Grayson

Associate Professor

School of Social Sciences

Andy Grayson

Angie Young

Principal Lecturer

School of Social Sciences

Angie Young

Alex Sumich

Associate Professor

School of Social Sciences

Alex Sumich

Antonio Castro

Senior Lecturer

School of Social Sciences

Antonio Castro

Christina Howard

Associate Professor

School of Social Sciences

Christina is an Associate Professor in Psychology. She teaches on our undergraduate Psychology courses, Masters Psychology courses as well as supervising PhD students.

Belinda Winder

Professor

Psychology

Belinda Winder

Blerina Kellezi

Associate Professor

School of Social Sciences

Blerina Kellezi

How you’re assessed

Full Time

Year 1 coursework (37%), written (55%) and practical (8%)
Year 2 coursework (42%), written (41%) and practical (17%)
Year 3 coursework (58%), written (17%) and practical (25%)

Sandwich

Year 1 coursework (37%), Practical (8%) and written (55%)
Year 2 coursework (42%), Practical (17%) and written (41%)
Year 4 coursework (59%), Practical (8%) and written (33%)

Careers and employability

Our Psychology with Criminology course is designed so that you can develop all the knowledge and skills that you'll need for your future career.

The course will develop your transferable skills, including:

numerical skills (including statistical analysis)
analytical skills and critical thinking
communication skills
presentation skills
problem-solving skills.

Highly sought after by employers, these skills will put you in a strong position within the graduate market.

We're building successful graduates

The job titles below give an indication of the careers our recent Psychology and Criminology graduates are following:*

Assistant Psychologist
Mental Health Support Worker
Coroners Officer
Psychological Case Coordinator
Therapeutic Support Worker
Healthcare Assistant
Police Investigative Officer
Fraud Analyst
Offender Support Worker
Researcher
Youth Worker
Police Communication Operator
Residential Care Worker
Police Officer
Psychological Treatment Coordinator
Family Services Worker
Assistant Teacher
Patient Services
Recovery Worker
Business Development Executive
Database Administrator
Learning Support Assistant
Marketing Executive
Pastoral Assistant
Recruitment Consultant

Excellent work experience opportunities

You'll get the opportunity to participate in our Professional Practice in Psychology module. This provides you with the opportunity to experience life as a consultant psychologist, to provide psychological solutions to real-world problem scenarios supplied by external organisations, and to present their solutions to these organisations.

If you have applied for the four-year sandwich course (CM83), you will complete a year-long work placement.

We encourage all our students to take part in voluntary work. Nottingham Trent Volunteering will allow you to get involved in one-day challenges, student-led projects and the volunteer shop. You can also gain formal recognition for your achievements outside of your studies with our Acceler8 employability award. This award will improve your employability prospects and act as a record of the experiences you gain at NTU.

Your career development

With the British Psychological Society’s GBC secured (providing you graduate with a 2.2 honours degree), you will be eligible on graduation to pursue further postgraduate (Masters or Doctoral) training in psychology, possibly as a professional psychologist (in forensic, clinical, educational, occupational, counselling or sport psychology), to pursue an academic and / or research career in various areas of psychology or criminology (by working as a research assistant, for example, or by studying for a Masters or PhD), or to pursue criminology-relevant careers in the probation, police or prison services.

Psychology qualifications tend to be very popular with all employers because they demand an ability to communicate effectively in both spoken and written forms (through verbal presentation and the writing of essays and reports), an ability to solve real-world problems, and well-developed numerical skills. This all means you will be well placed to capitalise on other graduate employment opportunities in areas as diverse as marketing, human resources, policing and teaching. Further study or training may be required for some of these roles.

Our Employability team

Careers and employability advice is available to all our undergraduate students and is provided by a team of subject specialists within the Department of Psychology and the University's Employability team.

Psychology is very proud of its graduates and their successes. We very much look forward to helping you graduate to your chosen career, be it in psychology or beyond.

Campus and facilities

As a Psychology with Criminology student you will benefit from our dedicated learning environment, including purpose-built psychology teaching labs, state-of-the-art lecture theatres, and dedicated student study areas.

Our specialist research laboratories support staff research, as well as student projects, in the exciting areas of human cognition, behavioural neuroscience, human interaction and communication, and human development. These include:

eye-tracking labs (and mobile eye-tracking equipment)
motion capture lab
suite of EEG labs
transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) lab
transport lab, including driving simulators
developmental observation lab
interview and focus group rooms
computational modelling and data analysis lab
auditory perception lab
large number of bookable lab cubicles
various other technical equipment, including an Oculus Rift and video and audio capture and analysis equipment.

Find out more about these specialist facilities.

You will also have easy access to fantastic facilities in the Chaucer and Taylor buildings including:

lecture theatres and teaching classrooms
open access PCs and secure wireless points
study areas and social spaces
Chaucer café serving drinks and light snacks
our brand new School of Social Sciences reception, providing you with easy access to our helpful and friendly support staff.

IT resources

Our IT resource rooms and PC clusters are distributed across the City Campus, with PCs providing access to:

Microsoft Office
email
web browsing
networked file storage
high-speed online printing services

The University’s main resource room in the library is available 24 hours a day.

Book and library resources

In our library you will have access to an extensive and diverse range of books and periodicals that focus on specialist areas within Criminology. The library's OneSearch system provides access to all our:

electronic resources
journals
books.

We have a liaison librarian who is available to give you detailed help in finding and using print and electronic resources. They can also help you with things such as Harvard referencing and research skills.

City location

The location of the City Campus also means that you have easy access to:

sports facilities
shops
student accommodation
music venues
cafés.

Take a Virtual Tour

Students using our psychology labs

City IT facilities

Boots Library, City Campus

Students' Union building — City Campus

Entry requirements

What are we looking for?

Three years full-time

112-120 UCAS Tariff points from up to four qualifications.
GCSE Maths and English grade C / 4.

Four year placement

120-128 UCAS Tariff points from up to four qualifications.
GCSE Maths and English grade C / 4.

It is preferable that students do not have more than one A-level in a performance, artistic or creative subject. However, all applications will be considered on an individual basis. 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
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

Psychology is about understanding behaviour, in all its forms. Primarily you will have an interest in psychology – in why people behave in the way they do. Psychology at Nottingham Trent University is treated as both a biological and social science, and it is preferable that you have some understanding of the broad nature of the discipline. Ideally, you will be interested in learning about out how to carry out research and analyse data.

All applications are considered on a case-by-case basis and we are happy to accept applications from mature students, students with access qualifications, and many other types of standard and non-standard qualifications for which we can calculate UCAS points. Non-standard applicants may be interviewed.

Please note that a Disclosure and Barring Service check (formerly known as a Criminal Records Bureau disclosure) will be necessary before working with young people or vulnerable populations, but it is not required for admission onto the BSc (Hons) Psychology or the course pathways.

Course transfers

Transfers between the full-time and sandwich courses may be possible when you have enrolled at NTU, but the transfer will be subject to places becoming available on the sandwich course. The transfer will also be subject to you meeting criteria which include:

meeting the UCAS entry criteria for the course
passing your first year on the full-time course with a specific percentage average, with no fail or compensated passes.

Please note that course transfers cannot be guaranteed.

Other qualifications and experience

We may also consider credits achieved at other universities and your work/life experience through an assessment of prior learning. This may be for year one entry, or beyond the beginning of a course where applicable, for example, into year 2. Our Recognition of Prior Learning and Credit Transfer Policy outlines the process and options available for this route.

Getting in touch

If you need more help or information, get in touch through our enquiry form.

What are we looking for?

Three years full-time

120 UCAS Tariff points from up to four qualifications.
GCSE Maths and English grade C / 4.

Four year placement

128 UCAS Tariff points from up to four qualifications.
GCSE Maths and English grade C / 4.

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
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

Course transfers

meeting the UCAS entry criteria for the course
passing your first year on the full-time course with a specific percentage average, with no fail or compensated passes.

Please note that course transfers cannot be guaranteed.

International qualifications

We accept qualifications from all over the world – check yours here:

Entry requirements by country

Undergraduate preparation courses (Foundation)

If you don’t yet meet our entry requirements, we offer Foundation courses through our partner Nottingham Trent International College (NTIC), based on our City Campus:

Foundation courses leading to undergraduate study at NTU

English language entry requirements

You can meet our language requirements by successfully completing our pre-sessional English course for an agreed length of time, or by submitting the required grade in one of our accepted English language tests, such as IELTS:

Advanced standing (starting your undergraduate degree in year 2 or 3)

You may be able to start your undergraduate course in year 2 or 3 based on what you have studied before. This decision would be made in accordance with our Recognition of Prior Learning and Credit Transfer Policy.

Would you like some advice on your study plans?

Our international teams are highly experienced in answering queries from students all over the world. We also have members of staff based in Vietnam, China, India and Nigeria and work with a worldwide network of education counsellors.

Complete this simple form to keep in touch with the International Office.

Fees and funding

Preparing for the financial side of student life is important, but there’s no need to feel anxious and confused about it. We hope that our fees and funding pages will answer all your questions.

Getting in touch

For more advice and guidance, you can contact our Student Financial Support Service.

Tel: +44 (0)115 848 2494

Additional Costs

Your course fees cover the cost of studies, and include loads of great benefits, such as the use of our library, support from our expert Employability team, and free use of the IT equipment across our campuses.

Library books

Most study modules will recommend one or more core text books, which most students choose to purchase. Book costs vary and further information is available in the University’s bookshop. Our libraries provide a good supply of essential text books, journals and materials (many of which you can access online) – meaning you may not need to purchase as many books as you might think! There may also be a supply of second-hand books available for purchase from previous year students.

Field trips

All essential field trip costs will be included in your course fees. There may be the opportunity to take part in optional field trips, which do incur additional costs.

During the course, you will go on a two day residential trip in year one and potentially a one to four week international summer school between year two and the final year. Travel and accommodation arrangements are provided during these trips/tours but learners will be required to cover certain elements of travel costs themselves. There will be a requirement for learners to contribute towards their own food provision/costs during the trips/tours.

Placements

If you're undertaking a placement year, you'll need to budget for accommodation and any travel costs you may incur whilst on placement. Many of our placement students do earn a salary whilst on placement which can help to cover these living costs.

Print and copy costs

The University allocates an annual printing and copying allowance of £20 depending on the course you are studying. For more details about costs for additional print and copying required over and above the annual allowance please see the Printing, photocopying and scanning information on the Library website.

How to apply

Ready to join us? Then apply as soon as you can. Just click the Apply button at the top of the page and follow the instructions for applying. Make sure you check the entry requirements above carefully before you do.

Writing your application and personal statement

Be honest, thorough and persuasive in your application. Remember that we can only make a decision based on what you tell us, so include all of your qualifications and grades, including resits or predicted grades.

Your personal statement is a really important part of your application – it’s your chance to convince us why we should offer you a place. You’ve got 4,000 characters to impress us. Make sure you use them to show how your skills and qualities are relevant to the course(s) you’re applying for. For more hints and tips, take a look at our page on how to write a good personal statement.

Keeping up to date

After you’ve applied, we’ll be sending you important emails throughout the application process – so check your emails regularly, including your junk mail folder.

You can get more information and advice about applying to NTU on our Your Application page. Good luck with your application!

You can apply for this course through UCAS. If you are not applying to any other UK universities, you can apply directly to us on our NTU applicant portal.

Application advice

Apply early so that you have enough time to prepare – processing times for Student visas can vary, for example. After you've applied, we'll be sending you important emails throughout the application process – so check your emails regularly, including your junk mail folder.

Follow our guide to the application process

Writing your personal statement

Be honest, thorough, and persuasive – we can only make a decision about your application based on what you tell us:

Advice on writing a good personal statement

Would you like some advice on your study plans?

Complete this simple form to keep in touch with the International Office.

The University's commitment to delivering the educational services advertised.

Good luck with your application!

Take the next steps:

How to apply

Our 5 top tips, what we’re looking for and a step-by step guide on applying to an undergraduate course at NTU through UCAS.

Find out more

Fees and funding

Everything you need to know about fees and funding while you’re at university, including tuition fees and living costs, how you’ll pay for your studies, and bursaries and scholarships.

Find out more