Criminology and Psychology (with a Foundation Year) BSc (Hons)

Make a difference from day one with this hands-on Criminology and Psychology BSc.

You’ll study both criminology and psychology in parallel, allowing you to link human behaviour with the social and structural factors that cause and reduce crime.

You'll be taught by active researchers who have influenced legal change, and your degree course includes real-world work placements. You could find yourself supporting people facing the civil and family courts or vulnerable adults in police custody.

This course is pending accreditation from the British Psychological Society (BPS). Once accredited, graduates of the course will be eligible for BPS Graduate Membership.

Gain real-world experience

On work placements, you’ll collaborate in local crime prevention initiatives with the police, go out on police patrols, and develop your counselling skills for therapeutic practice.

You’ll have the opportunity to study clinical modules that place you within one of Europe’s largest court systems, and benefit from the civil society and practitioner networks of our flagship Bakhita Centre for Slavery, Safety and Social Justice.

Example placements include:

• The Royal Courts of Justice and the Central Family Court

• The One Stop Shop Domestic Abuse, Stalking and Sexual Violence Service

• Statutory partners and civil society organisations supporting victims and survivors

• A trade union (placement under development)

Get workplace ready

Enhance your employability through assessments designed to mirror professional practice. Hone your skills in criminal profiling, solving genuine cases, developing briefings for policymakers and completing safeguarding training.

Move beyond traditional exams to get yourself ready for employment from day one of your studies.

In your second and third year, you can choose options from our popular workplace learning modules. You can also consider doing a placement year between your second and final year too.

This is a great launchpad to gain industry relevant skills and develop your professional networks.

Specialist facilities on campus

You will conduct experiments in behavioural research laboratories on campus, enhancing your CV through industry-recognised psychological testing materials and analysis software.

There are other facilities across campus including the Library, the Living Room, and our sports facilities that you will have access to as a St Mary's student.

Join us on regular field trips

Applying what you learn in the classroom to the real world is a big part of 'doing' criminology. With our campus located in the UK's capital, you will have plenty of opportunities to visit courts, prisons, museums, and other public exhibitions.

These field trips will allow you to explore criminal behaviour, understand causes of crime, and evaluate the consequences of crime from new perspectives.