Criminology and Psychology

Key features of the course

• Helps you understand how criminology makes sense of crime, harm, social conflict, victimisation and criminal justice
• Develops your understanding of how psychology helps explain human interaction, conflict, criminalisation and victimisation
• Builds critical, analytical and communication skills through an original approach to teaching criminology and psychology
• Enhances your employability in vocational areas, such as the criminal justice system and various social services. 

A nationally recognised qualification in its own right, this diploma of higher education is also equivalent to the first two thirds of the BA (Honours) Criminology and Psychology (Q98).

Entry requirements

There are no formal entry requirements for this qualification.

At The Open University we believe education should be open to all, so we provide a high-quality university education to anyone who wishes to realise their ambitions and fulfil their potential.

Even though there are no entry requirements, there are some skills that you'll need to succeed. If you're not quite ready for OU study we can guide you to resources that prepare you, many of which are free.

Answer a few quick questions to check whether you're ready for study success

Skills for career development

You will be introduced to skills for critically analysing everyday understandings of crime and how the criminal justice system operates. You will also develop the skills needed to critically analyse aspects of human behaviour, and some of the principles of forensic psychology and counselling. Alongside these you will build on some  transferable general skills which may further help work or your career prospects, including:

• identifying and understanding some kinds of data and information
• analysing evidence
• applying your learning to some practical issues
• reflecting on your own learning 
• developing strategies to update your knowledge
• ​communicating and presenting coherent arguments.

Career relevance

This diploma is relevant to a range of career paths, some of which are listed below. Some relate directly to criminology and psychology, others draw upon other skills which you will acquire. This diploma does not guarantee entry to the career fields listed, but it may ease access and increase your employability in relation to them, and it enhances prospects for progression once you are qualified to enter them.

Exploring your options

Once you register with us (and for up to three years after you finish your studies), you’ll have full access to our careers service for a wide range of information and advice. This includes online forums, website, interview simulation, vacancy service as well as the option to email or speak to a careers adviser. Some areas of the careers service website are available for you to see now, including help with looking for and applying for jobs. You can also read more general information about how OU study enhances your career.

In the meantime if you want to do some research around this qualification and where it might take you, we’ve put together a list of relevant job titles as a starting point. Many of these careers require further study, training and/or work experience:

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