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Criminal Psychology

Bachelor of Science (Honours) at the University of Derby

Programme details
Degree: Bachelor of Science (Honours) (BSc (Hons))
Discipline: Psychology
Duration: 36 months
Study modes: full-time

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Description:

Explore the fascinating intersection between psychology and the criminal justice system, and gain a deeper understanding of the thorough processes, intentions, motivations and reactions of criminals in the context of their criminal behaviour.

About the course

How does criminal behaviour develop? Are psychopaths born or made? Are eye witnesses accurate? How should we rehabilitate offenders? These are just some of the challenging questions you will explore on our stimulating degree. 

We are one of the few universities in the UK to offer an integrated degree dedicated to the intersection between psychology and the criminal justice system. Criminal psychology is increasingly used to inform practice within the justice system and there is a growing demand for professionals who can draw on knowledge of the subject in a wide range of roles and contexts.

Our BSc (Hons) Criminal Psychology enables you to apply psychological theories, methods and research to some of the critical challenges facing the criminal justice system today.

You will cover all the main areas of psychology and gain a thorough understanding of complex issues such as criminal behaviour and the personal consequences of crime. There is the chance to focus on specialist areas ranging from cybercrime to domestic abuse, hate crime to psychopathy, mentally disordered offenders to substance misuse. Among the latest additions to the portfolio are optional modules in subjects such as addictive behaviours and schizophrenia.

Throughout, we emphasise the importance of evidence-based practice so you will research real-life criminal justice problems and seek pragmatic solutions to address those problems.

Professional recognition

Our BSc (Hons) Criminal Psychology course is accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS). As long as you achieve at least a second class honours qualification and obtain at least 40% in your Independent Study in Psychology - you will be eligible for the Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC) of the society. This is the first step to becoming a chartered psychologist . 

The next step you will need to complete is a Stage One accredited postgraduate qualification, which we offer in our MSc Forensic and Criminal Psychology. Following this you must complete Stage Two towards becoming a Forensic Psychologist, which is the independent training route. Trainees will complete eight pieces of work, taking a minimum of two years, in the following areas: conducting psychological applications and interventions, research, communicating psychological knowledge and advice to other professionals, and training other professionals in psychological skills and knowledge. All of these activities are supervised by a registered Forensic Psychologist. Successful submission and HCPC registration leads to qualification as a Forensic Psychologist.

Hands-on learning

We have strong links with a wide range of criminal and community justice agencies including the police, probation services, prisons, youth justice, courts and victim support organisations.  These enrich your learning and open the door for you to undertake independent research projects.

During your second year, as part of the Qualitative Methods module, you will complete a 30-hour volunteering placement. We also encourage you to take up additional volunteering opportunities throughout the degree to add substance to your CV and to ensure you are ‘workplace-ready’ on graduating.

The BSc (Hons) Criminal Psychology also features fieldtrips to courts and prisons (subject to availability of the facilities). 

Extra qualifications

If you have a particular interest in youth justice, this course gives you the chance to achieve an additional professional qualification – the Youth Justice in Effective Practice Certificate (YJEPC) – alongside your degree studies.

The YJEPC is the most widely held qualification in youth justice and brings together current theory, practice and evidence. It will not only boost your employability in the eyes of potential employers but also help you to make more effective judgements in your future career.

The opportunity to gain the YJEPC is available if you take two specific modules – Working with Young Offenders and Youth Justice.  

Expert teaching

Supporting you all the way is our team of enthusiastic and experienced lecturers who are experts in their fields. They include chartered psychologists as well as sociologists, experienced police officers and lawyers. Several are still actively engaged with practice, which helps you keep up to date with the latest developments.

Your learning will be underpinned by the internationally renowned research activities of our staff who are helping to shape understanding and practice across the criminal justice sector. Their expertise spans thought-provoking topics such as psychopathy, dark triad, sex offenders, domestic violence, personality disorders and evolutionary psychology.  It all means your modules will feature latest thinking and contemporary materials.

Guest speakers include professionals who have pursued a career in the criminal justice sector and who will share their own experiences of criminal psychology. 

Equipment and resources

As a Criminal Psychology student, you’ll be based on the Derby Campus at One Friar Gate Square. Offering the perfect environment for innovative and engaging teaching, it includes well-resourced lecture theatres, seminar rooms, computer laboratories and social learning spaces.

You’ll be able to gain practical experience of investigative processes using our facilities which include a mock court room and replica police custody suite (expected completion November 2019).

Because you’ll be working alongside students taking courses in subjects such as law, sociology and policing, there are many opportunities to share knowledge, expertise and experience. 

Real-world research

We will prepare you to become a competent researcher yourself, equipped with the skills to analyse data and policies critically and to contribute to original criminal psychology knowledge. 

As part of the course, you will pursue independent research into themes matching your career ambitions and intellectual interests. You may also have the chance to get involved in staff research projects where feasible and to present your work at relevant conferences.

 



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