Study our Criminology and Psychology degree and discover how human behaviour and society shape crime
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:
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The Royal Courts of Justice and the Central Family Court
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The One Stop Shop Domestic Abuse, Stalking and Sexual Violence Service
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Statutory partners and civil society organisations supporting victims and survivors
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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.
Access specialist facilities
Conduct experiments in behavioural research laboratories and enhance your CV through industry-recognised psychological testing materials and analysis software.
About the Placement Year
A placement year enables you to undertake a year of experience in an organisation between your second and final year.
It will enable you to:
- apply the knowledge and skills you gain from your course in a work setting
- build your commercial awareness and insights into organisations and industries you might want to work in
- develop your professional skills through company training, networking skills and confidence in the workplace
- get some great experience for future job applications or even land a graduate job.
Support from St Mary’s every step of the way
Securing a placement can really help you develop your job search skills and the Employability Service placement and Careers Teams can support you to find and apply for available opportunities.
Please note: in the event that you cannot secure a placement you will be able to transfer onto the three year version of your degree programme.
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Career opportunities
A Criminology and Psychology degree prepares you for a variety of roles as employability skills and key graduate attributes (curiosity,
- analytical thinking and critical reasoning
- creative and agile thinking
- leadership and collaboration
- communication and project management
- emotional intelligence and self-awareness
- curiosity and lifelong learning
Graduates from our existing BSc Criminology and Sociology have
When you start your course at St Mary's, you'll have access to our Career Services, which provides students and graduates with impartial advice on their career progression and development.
Course content
These modules comprise the core content of this offer and are subject to validation.
Please note: it is possible that a module listed on the website will not be able to run due to reasons beyond our control. For more information please refer to our course information disclaimer.
Entry requirements
2026 to 2028 entries
Start date
Standard offer
120 UCAS points
Contextual offer
96 UCAS points
About Contextual Offer:
Not sure about your grades? We consider all factors when reviewing your application, as we know not everyone has the same support to reach their potential. So we may make a contextual offer below the standard Tariff if you meet our criteria. Read more about contextual offers.
We understand that sometimes barriers you can't control get in the way of academic achievement. You are more than just your grades. We'll consider your application as a whole, taking into account things like:
- subjects studied at Level 3
- your GCSEs (or equivalent) profile
- non-academic achievements you mention in your personal statement
- your references and motivation.
Fees & funding
September 2026
Home
£9,790
International
£17,445
(£1200 during placement year)
*Please note: Tuition fee increases for undergraduate Home students are subject to regulatory control by the UK Government. The above Home fees for September 2026 are confirmed by the UK Government subject to Parliamentary procedure in early 2026. These fees are annual and may increase as detailed in our tuition fee variation disclaimer.
For more information on foundation year fees for home students, please check the details on our tuition fee page.
For more information about whether you are likely to pay home or international fees, please visit our 'understanding your tuition fee status' page.
Information about tuition fees, student loans, and funding your studies can be found within our fees and funding section.
Scholarships
Find out more about our range of scholarships and bursaries available to undergraduate students.
Living costs
A guide to your living costs has been created by our Student Funding Team.
Accommodation costs vary depending on whether you opt for an en suite room and on-site catering. Take a look at our accommodation options and the prices you can expect to pay.
How the degree is taught
- Contact time
- 18%
- Independent study
- 52%
- Guided learning
- 30%
Teaching methods
You'll be taught on our beautiful and historic campus located in Twickenham, London.
Feedback
We adhere to the university’s policy of providing feedback on assessments within 15 working days.
Apply now
If you're currently living in the United Kingdom and Ireland, you'll need to apply directly through UCAS. You can check our step-by-step application guide for detailed information. You will also need to apply directly if you want to study any course part-time.
If you're an international student and you would like to apply for Foundation and Placement Year courses, you can submit an application directly or add St Mary's University as a choice on UCAS. Check our guideline for more information.
Transferring from another institution?
St Mary's is happy to consider applications from students who wish to transfer from another university. If this is you, please follow these instructions. Please note: we do not currently accept transfers into our LLB courses.
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