BSc (Hons) Psychology and Criminology with Foundation Year

Why study this subject?

Our BSc (Hons) Psychology and Criminology course sheds light on the contexts in which crime and social life are discussed. Having criminology as a secondary discipline brings a sociological perspective on crime to core areas of psychology.

Not only will you build an understanding of yourself and of others that can help you in everyday life, but you’ll also learn valuable skills that will attract any future employer. You’ll get to know the psychological reasons behind crime and learn about the criminal justice system. You’ll develop your analytical mind, understand human motivation and nurture your own curiosity. 

This degree is accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS) and is a recognised qualification by employers throughout the country.

Why study at Buckinghamshire New University?

At BNU, we explore every aspect of psychology on our wide range of courses. Our teaching department is home to an incredible community of Psychology and Social Science students who can collaborate with you on projects, providing a rich supply of volunteers when you run your own experiments.

Your learning won’t just take place in a lecture theatre – you’ll have the chance to learn in labs and seminar rooms, gaining the skills that you’ll need when you start your exciting career.

BNU prides itself on teaching practical skills wherever and whenever we can, meaning you will always leave us feeling confident and prepared for your future. This hands-on approach will give you a sense of what it’s really like to work in the world of psychology and criminology, in whatever career you choose.

BNU will always provide you with excellent industry links and you’ll have plenty of opportunity to volunteer. Our team has built strong links with local organisations who frequently provide opportunities for our students to work with ex-offenders and victims of crime meaning you can get hands-on, practical experience whilst studying with us.

Our BSc (Hons) Psychology and Criminology programme is accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS) and is a recognised qualification by employers throughout the country. Upon graduation, you’ll be eligible for the Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC) and from there you can take your next steps to becoming a Chartered Psychologist.

What facilities can I use?

On our BSc (Hons) Psychology and Criminology programme, you’ll take part in laboratory and computing workshops where you’ll have the practical use of software used by social scientists in the presentation of research data.

You’ll also have the opportunity to use our state-of-the-art observation laboratory to engage in the measurement of psycho-physiological responses using Biopac©. You’ll be able to measure the activity of the cardiovascular system, brain, autonomic nervous system and more. You’ll also have access to Tobii eye tracking equipment and HTC Vive, a virtual reality software, meaning you can push the boundaries and get creative with your research ideas!

Our library is packed with all the information you need for your assessments – you’ll have access to hundreds of specialist books, articles and online journals. Not to mention there’s plenty of room to knuckle down for some quiet study time.

We’ll also sign you up to our Virtual Learning Environment which means you’ll have access to lots of online resources wherever you are!

What will I study?

This course will give you insights into social diversity and inequality. You’ll understand their implications for crime and the criminal justice system. You’ll also learn about the ethical issues related to working with vulnerable people in the criminal justice system or researching problems identified in crime and victimisation.

Across you three years at Bucks studying our BSc (Hons) Psychology and Criminology, you’ll study fascinating subject areas like development and social psychology, criminal law and justice, cognitive processes, biological psychology, victimology and interpersonal violence.

You’ll also get to grips with how to run your own research experiment through our research skills and methods modules.

In your final year, you’ll have the opportunity to deep dive into a specialist area you’re really passionate about by completing an empirical dissertation. With the support and guidance of your personal tutor along with the facilities available to you here at Bucks, the possibilities for this project are endless.

How will I be taught and assessed?

This course is offered as a four-year programme, including an initial Foundation Year. The Foundation Year will allow you to develop your academic study skills and build confidence in your abilities, identifying your own strengths and development needs for progression onto an undergraduate degree.

You’ll be introduced to the core areas of psychology within the British Psychological Society Curriculum and criminology before moving on to explore more complex issues and theories throughout your time on the course.

The programme is delivered through a combination of lectures, seminars, classroom-based activities and workshops, independent learning methods and practical sessions. You’ll always be encouraged to think critically about the ideas you engage with on this course and you’ll be given the opportunity to explore and discuss those ideas with your tutors and fellow students.

Whilst studying at BNU, you’ll also be given the opportunity to visit prisons and courts and hear from external speakers who can provide you with a deeper understanding of the subject from their ‘real-life’ experience.

You’ll work alone on your assignments, researching and critically engaging with your work. You’ll also participate in group assignments to coordinate presentations, both of which will provide you with useful transferable skills for the future.

You’ll be assessed through a number of methods including poster presentations, essays and assignments, examinations, oral presentations, laboratory/research reports and an empirical dissertation in your final year.

Placements Plus

BNU is a Placements Plus university. So, whatever degree you do, you can be sure there’ll be plenty of industry-relevant opportunities on offer, to help you get into your chosen field.

We’ll also prepare you for work beforehand, with special skills for work training, further boosting your CV, and building skills employers will value. In recognition of the value we place on these skills we have incorporated this experience into your study time.

Placements Plus is all about helping you get some valuable experience under your belt while you’re a student, to increase your choices later, and help you get the graduate-level job you want.