BA (Hons) Criminology and Psychology with Foundation Year

What drives criminal behaviour, and how can psychology help us build safer, more just societies? This degree offers a unique dual perspective, equipping you with the critical understanding of both the justice system and the human mind. You will graduate ready for a rewarding career where you can analyse complex problems and work to make a real-world difference in our communities.

Intake:

January, February, April, June, September, November

Location:

London, Birmingham, Manchester, Leeds (Blended Learning)

Duration:

4 years

Fees:

£9,250 per year

This course is your ideal route into higher education if you are passionate about crime and psychology but don’t have the traditional entry qualifications for a standard degree. It is perfectly suited for career changers, those returning to learning after a break, or school leavers who want to build a strong academic foundation in a supportive environment before progressing. We value your unique perspective and are dedicated to providing you with the skills and confidence to succeed.

Delivered through our innovative blended learning model, which combines face-to-face tuition at a study centre with flexible online study, you get the best of both worlds. The curriculum delves into the core questions of both disciplines. From criminology, you’ll explore theories of crime, the role of the police and prisons, and the workings of the criminal justice system. From psychology, you’ll investigate the biological, social, and cognitive factors that influence human behaviour. Learning is focused on application; you will analyse real-world case studies, debate contemporary issues like cybercrime and domestic abuse, and develop the skills to evaluate criminal justice policy.

This dual-focus degree opens up a broad range of career paths. Graduates are well-prepared for roles within the police service, probation and prison services, youth justice, and victim support organisations. The strong analytical and research skills you develop are also highly valued in social policy, community development, and government roles. Many students also proceed to postgraduate study in specialised fields like Forensic Psychology, Social Work, or a law conversion course. This degree provides a powerful and relevant skill set to understand and address some of society’s most pressing challenges.

Foundation Year: Developing Your University Skills

This year is designed to equip you with the essential skills and subject-specific knowledge to thrive on your degree, building your confidence for undergraduate study.

Developing Academic Skills: Learn the fundamentals of successful university work, from structuring an academic essay and referencing correctly to thinking critically about information.
Research Skills and Using Information: Discover how to find reliable sources, evaluate evidence, and use information effectively and ethically in your assignments.
Using Numeracy, Data & IT: Develop the practical digital and data literacy skills needed for modern study and the workplace, from using university software to interpreting basic data.
Values, Ethics & Working Collaboratively: Explore the importance of professional ethics and develop the communication and teamwork skills essential for both your studies and future career.
Crime and Law in Context: An accessible introduction to the core concepts of criminology and the legal system, setting the scene for your future degree modules.
Psychology in Context: Get your first taste of psychological theories, exploring different approaches to understanding the human mind and behaviour.

Year 1: Core Concepts in Criminology and Psychology

This first year of degree-level study establishes the essential theories and frameworks of both subjects. All modules are core.

Crime & Society: Explore the relationship between crime and social factors like inequality and poverty, questioning who defines what is criminal and why.
Criminal Justice System: Investigate the journey from arrest to sentence, analysing the roles and responsibilities of the police, courts, and correctional services in England and Wales.
Introduction to Social & Developmental Psychology: Discover how our interactions with others and our journey through life stages shape who we are and how we behave.
Introduction to Biological & Cognitive Psychology: Examine the inner workings of the mind, from memory and perception to the biological structures in the brain that influence our actions.
Psychology & Criminal Behaviour: Begin to connect the two disciplines by exploring early psychological explanations for why people commit crimes.
Effective Interdisciplinary Study: Develop the key skill of combining ideas from different subjects to gain a more complete understanding of complex issues.

Year 2: Deeper Analysis and Practical Application

You will build on your foundational knowledge to analyse more specific and contemporary issues in crime and psychology. All modules are core.

Cybercrime: Investigate the fast-evolving world of online crime, from hacking and fraud to online harassment, and explore the challenges of policing the internet.
Police & Policing: Take a critical look at the role, powers, and culture of the police in modern society, debating key issues like police accountability and community relations.
Penology & Prison: Go behind the prison walls to explore the purpose of punishment, the realities of prison life, and the effectiveness of rehabilitation programmes.
Personality & Intelligence: Delve into the psychological theories that attempt to measure and explain individual differences in personality and intelligence.
Social Psychology & The Social World: Build on your knowledge of social psychology to explore topics like prejudice, group behaviour, and obedience in greater detail.
Research Methods & Ethics: Learn the practical ‘how-to’ of psychological and criminological research, from designing surveys to conducting interviews, all while upholding strict ethical standards.

Year 3: Independent Research and Specialist Topics

In your final year, you become a specialist, leading your own major research project and tailoring your studies to your career aspirations.

Core Module:

Research Project: Plan and carry out a large-scale, independent research project on a criminology or psychology topic of your choice. This is your opportunity to become an expert in an area that fascinates you, guided by a dedicated supervisor.

Optional Modules (Choose four):

Forensic Psychology: Apply psychological principles directly to criminal investigations, exploring topics like offender profiling, eyewitness testimony, and court processes.
Zemiology: The Study of Social Harms: Broaden your focus from just ‘crime’ to examine other forms of social harm, such as corporate negligence or environmental damage, and question why they are often not criminalised.
Domestic Abuse: Take an in-depth look at one of society’s most serious issues, exploring its causes, its impact on victims, and the effectiveness of responses from the justice system.
Psychology of Wellbeing: Shift focus to the positive side of psychology, exploring theories of happiness, resilience, and personal growth, and how they can be applied in practice.
Counselling Psychology: An introduction to the theory and skills behind counselling, exploring different therapeutic approaches and the nature of the therapeutic relationship.

Funding Your Studies with Student Finance

You may be eligible to receive financial support from the UK Government to help cover your tuition fees and living expenses while studying.

✔ Tuition Fee Loan – Covers 100% of your tuition fees, paid directly to the university, so you can focus on your studies without financial stress.
✔ Maintenance Loan – Helps with living costs, including rent, food, and travel, making student life more manageable.

At Active Care Education, we simplify the process for you! Our expert team will guide you step-by-step, ensuring you secure the funding you’re entitled to. If you’re a British Citizen, Refugee, have Indefinite Leave to Remain, or hold EU Pre-Settlement Status (2.5 – 3 years), you could qualify for this government-backed funding.

Why wait? Start your journey towards a degree without upfront costs! Contact Active Care Education today for free assistance.