Criminology and Psychology BA (Hons)

This new and highly innovative degree explores the relationship between crime and the human mind. Informed by cutting-edge research and combining theory and practice, the degree offers you an unparalleled chance to master both Criminology and Psychology in equal measure. Due to the flexible structure of our courses you can continue on the joint major pathway or switch to a Psychology major (which includes British Psychological Society accreditation) at the end of your first year.

The degree is led and taught by the world-leading, research-active academics based in our prestigious Law School and Psychology Department. They will introduce you to key themes and topics in Criminology and Psychology, as well as helping you to engage with recent and influential research.

You can choose to study areas such as:

• hate crime
• cognitive, developmental and advanced social psychology
• criminal careers
• forensic and investigative psychology

Masterclasses, expert seminars, volunteering and work placement opportunities will also enhance your knowledge, experience and practical skills. Assessment is varied, including coursework, presentations, exams, reflective accounts and dissertation.

You will benefit from our excellent connections with NGOs, charities, and local Criminal Justice Agencies such as Lancashire Police and HMP Lancashire Farm. You will be able to visit the prison and engage in collaborative learning, and analyse data from Lancashire Police; this data is then often used by the force. All of this helps you to make professional connections and get a head start on your career.

We also offer two employability programmes. Our Psychology Employability Programme helps you to develop your skills for a career in Psychology, and, our Lancaster Award offers you the opportunity to complete key activities such as work experience, employability/career development, campus community and social development. We also support you with a dedicated careers officer and through our links to professional bodies and organisations.

Your degree opens the door to a career within, and beyond, the criminal justice system. It could lead to jobs in areas such as HR, marketing, management and the public and private sectors, including: the police, probation service, prison service, social work, work with young people, Home Office, Ministry of Justice, voluntary sector bodies working with offenders, victims and their families, and welfare charities.

Careers

Your degree can lead to a wide choice of rewarding jobs in the public, private and third sectors.

Our criminology graduates are welcomed by the Police, the National Probation Service, the National Offender Management Service, and private providers within the Criminal Justice System (such as G4S). Your degree can also open doors to roles in the Home Office, Ministry of Justice, Department for Health, or with a charity linked to the Criminal Justice System, such as WomenMATTA (supporting women in prison).