Psychology with Criminology BSc(Hons)

About the course

This undergraduate Psychology BSc(Hons) degree is designed to give you a thorough grounding in both general psychology and criminal psychology, which could be applied to a wide range of situations and careers once you graduate.

You’ll explore some specialist areas, including biopsychology, developmental psychology, personality and individual differences, and forensic psychology. We’ll also help you gain an invaluable insight into what makes people behave the way they do and why they choose to take part in criminal activity.

Psychology is the science of mind and behaviour. On this course, therefore, we’ll give you the opportunity to explore how psychological theory relates to the actions people take in life.

You'll look at criminal behaviour and weigh up the different theories about the causes of crime – from parenting to society, peer pressure and genetics. You’ll look at how theories apply in the real world, to gain crucial insights into how psychology is used within the criminal justice system.

Why study Psychology with Criminology BSc(Hons)

We're 24th in the UK (2nd in Yorkshire) for Psychology, in the Guardian League Tables 2025.

This degree is accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS); you’ll be able to apply, on a graduate basis, for Chartered Membership, if you graduate with a Lower Second Class Honours or higher and complete the empirical psychology project.

You’ll be taught by psychology and criminology lecturers who are experts in several fields and have a wide range of specialisms. They are focused on supporting you, and we have a dedicated Transition and Progression Tutor, who will help you adapt to studying Psychology at degree level.

Many of our lecturers are members of our Applied Criminology and Policing Centre, too, and produce world-leading research in this field. Some of our-final year optional modules are partly taught by professional clinical and forensic psychologists, giving you the opportunity to learn directly from those in professional practice.

You’ll have the opportunity to build your communication skills, assertiveness, ability to work in teams and presentation techniques, all of which are useful in many careers and professions. You’ll enhance your studies by using specialist equipment in our psychology labs, including an electroencephalographic (EEG) machines, biopacs, an eye movement tracker, an Oculus Rift (a virtual reality system) and specialist polygraph (lie detector machine).

This course aims to ensure you’re more attractive to employers. Alternatively, it will prepare you for further study, helping you expand your knowledge and hone your skills.

Not quite ready to start Psychology with Criminology BSc(Hons)? Successful completion of our Health Foundation Pathway leading to a BSc(Hons) Degree will equip you with the foundation knowledge to study Psychology with Criminology.

Entry requirements

In addition you must have Level 2 Maths or Numeracy or GCSE Maths at grade 4 or above, or grade C or above if awarded under the previous GCSE grading scheme.

If you do not have the appropriate qualifications for direct entry to this degree you may be able to apply to our Health Foundation Pathway leading to a BSc(Hons) Degree.

If your first language is not English, you will need to meet the minimum requirements of an English Language qualification. The minimum for IELTS is 6.0 overall with no element lower than 5.5, or equivalent. Read more about the University’s entry requirements for students outside of the UK on our International Entry Requirements page. If you have alternative qualifications or do not meet the IELTS requirement we also offer a range of Pre-Sessional English Programmes.

You may be eligible to gain accreditation for your prior learning towards this course.

Other suitable experience or qualifications will be considered. For further information please see the University's minimum entry requirements.

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