UDCRIPSY - BSc Criminology and Psychology

The course is delivered through a range of pedagogic methods including formal lectures, seminars, workshops, project-based research activity and individual tutorials held in staff office hours. There is an emphasis upon the link between teaching and research so that staff research provides the basis for teaching on a range of modules.

The course integrates face-to-face with online learning. All modules use Weblearn/Blackboard facilities making key information available and also providing a convenient place for handbook information, calendars and class announcements. Some modules, for example Researching Crime and Deviance, focus specifically on the development of CIT skills. The course will also progressively examine ways of further developing the link between face-to-face and online learning as ideas and technology develop, and as resources permit. The course encourages contact between students and tutors and, in the course of this, encourages active learning. CIT and other media are used to encourage collaboration among students.

On completion of this course, students will be able to:

Demonstrate confidence, resilience, ambition and creativity and will act as inclusive, collaborative and socially responsible practitioners/professionals in their discipline.

This course features core modules from both criminology and psychology so that graduates will have developed key skills and knowledge from both disciplines. The course includes core modules where students learn research methods, how to analyse and read data, as well as core substantive modules where students learn around key issues as well as critical skills. In the second year there is the option of studying a module from outside of criminology and psychology which can broaden students’ knowledge. Finally, all students much complete a final year research project where as well as gaining research skills they also gain detailed knowledge on a topic of their choice

The following learning outcomes incorporate and depend on systematic understanding of the key aspects of the knowledge base of Criminology and Psychology, including a coherent and detailed knowledge of some specialist areas in depth.

On successful completion of this course students will be able to:

1. deploy accurately established techniques of analysis and enquiry within Criminology and Psychology;

2. devise and sustain arguments, and/or to solve problems, using ideas and techniques, some of which are at the forefront of Criminology and Psychology;

3. describe and comment upon particular aspects of current research, or equivalent advanced scholarship, in Criminology and Psychology, recognising the uncertainty, ambiguity and limits of knowledge;

4. manage their own learning, and to make use of scholarly reviews and primary sources (for example, refereed research articles and/or original materials appropriate to Criminology and Psychology);

5. apply the methods and techniques that they have learned to review, consolidate, extend and apply their knowledge and understanding, and to initiate and carry out projects;

6. critically evaluate arguments, assumptions, abstract concepts and data (that may be incomplete), to make judgements, and to frame appropriate questions to achieve a solution - or identify a range of solutions - to a problem;

7. communicate information, ideas, problems and solutions to both specialist and non-specialist audiences;

8. exercise initiative and personal responsibility, including decision-making in complex and unpredictable contexts;

9. undertake appropriate further training of a professional or equivalent nature

Please check the latest Course Handbook for further information.

Criminology
Psychology

Students are assessed through a combination of essays, module-specific research projects, seen and unseen examinations and an individual largely self-directed project at level 6. At level 4 assessments seek to encourage students to specify and describe theories and institutions. At level 5 assessments require students to extend and critically to evaluate the knowledge they have encountered. Students at this level are also required to produce research reports including data analysis and interpretation. At level 6 assessments test students’ critical knowledge of applied areas of Criminology and Psychology and their ability to think and research independently.

During the 3rd year there is a core work placement module

Part-time structure

Year 1: Level Four
Autumn
SC4000 (30 credits)
PC4053 (15 credits)
PC4054 (15 credits
Spring
SC4006 (30 credits)
PC4053 (15 credits)
PC4054 (15 credits)

Year 2: Level Four
Autumn
SC4001 (30 credits)
PC4052 (15 credits)
PC4055 (15 credits)
Spring
SC4001 (30 credits)
PC4052 (15 credits)
PC4055 (15 credits)

Year 3: Level Five
SC5001 (30 credits)
PC5056 (15 credits)
PC5067 (15 credits)

Year 4: Level Five
SC5000 (30 credits)
PC5055 (15 credits)
PC5054 (15 credits)

Year 5: Level Six
SC6000 (30 credits)
SC6051 (15 credits)
PC6051 (15 credits)

Year 6: Level Six
SC6P00 (30 credits)
PC6054 (15 credits)
PC6070 (15 credits)

At level 6 students must complete at least 2 30-credit modules and a total of at least 30 credits of modules labelled as Alternative core (3)

In the first year students begin processes of personal development planning in core modules and start to build up a record of achievements. They are encouraged to reflect in workshop contexts and individually on specifically what they have learned from modules and the ways in which this knowledge may be used in, or applied to, the wider social world. Specific modules focussed on research methodologies provide a forum in which students reflect upon their practice as researchers, its ethical dimensions and the ways in which this practice may be applied to solving problems in the context of volunteering activity and/or employment. Self-directed project research at level 6 provides an opportunity for students to consolidate this reflection, bringing together particular substantive areas of interest with methodological issues and considering how this might provide a basis for their further self-development and contribution to the wider social world in the future.

A combined degree in criminology and psychology is useful in a variety of professions including policing, social work, the probation service, human resources, victim support services and local authority research.

Graduates often undertake further postgraduate academic study or vocational training.

In addition to the University's standard entry requirements, you should have:

• a minimum of grades BBC in three A levels (or a minimum of 112 UCAS points from an equivalent Level 3 qualification, eg BTEC National or Advanced Diploma)
• GCSE English grade C/grade 4 or above (or equivalent)

Applications are welcome from mature students who have passed appropriate access or other preparatory courses or have appropriate work experience.

If you don’t have traditional qualifications or can’t meet the entry requirements for this undergraduate degree, you may still be able to gain entry by completing the Criminology, Policing and Law Extended Degree (including Foundation Year) BSc (Hons).

All applicants must be able to demonstrate proficiency in the English language. Applicants who require a Tier 4 student visa may need to provide a Secure English Language Test (SELT) such as Academic IELTS. For more information about English qualifications please see our English language requirements.