Criminology and Psychology BA (Hons)

We aim to equip you with the criminological skills to investigate and evaluate criminal behaviour, analysing the influences of society and culture on criminal activities such as riots, crime waves, fear of crime, drug taking, and terrorist attacks, as well as the complex relationships between victims, offenders, society and those who enforce the law.You’ll have the opportunity to gain a detailed understanding of the workings of the criminal justice system, policing and different aspects of punishment, enhanced by regular interaction with criminal justice agencies. You’ll have the opportunity to hear regularly from guest speakers from different sectors of the criminological spheres, such as the Prison Service, Police, UK Borders Agency and Youth Offending Team. We also organise several practical field trips – in the past visiting Rye Hill and Onley prisons, The Old Bailey and The Holocaust Centre.The practical focus of the course is designed to enhance your job prospects. The Law element aims to provide you with an understanding of practical legal skills and knowledge, such as of dispute resolution, written and oral advocacy, negotiation and client interviewing and counselling, useful in most careers. Course content is regularly reviewed by our Partnership Group, which is made up of key criminal justice agencies and allied professions, including West Midlands Police, HM Prison Service, the Coventry Rape and Sexual Abuse Centre, MIND and the Citizens Advice Bureau. We strongly encourage our students to gain practical work experience; you can volunteer as a special constable or spend a year on professional placement working in organisations, such as victim support, youth hostels for young offenders.**Key Benefits*** Excellent professional links with employers including Police, HM Prison Service and Positive Youth Foundation.* Based in new £57 million state-of-the-art Alison Gingell Building provides facilities for teaching and research, featuring hospital simulation.* The opportunity to develop the skills employers desire, such as working to deadline, presentation, verbal and written communication and report writing.* High levels of student satisfaction.* Expert guest lecturers which recently have covered topics including policing and mental health, representing victims of sexual abuse, female genital mutilation, and deaths in police custody.* Opportunities to participate in exciting field trips abroad, which have previously included the John Jay College of Criminal Justice in New York and the Stasi museum in Berlin (additional costs may apply).