Criminology and Psychology degree – BSc (Hons) – Bath Spa University Skip to main content

Criminology and Psychology

BSc (Hons)

Undergraduate degree - combined honours

Award
BSc (Hons) Criminology and Psychology
School/s
School of Sciences
Campus or location
Newton Park
Course length
Three years full time, or four years full time with professional placement year. Part time available.
UCAS codes
Institution Code: B20
Course Code: UN28 or SE72
Campus Code: A,BSU

Entry requirements

We accept a wide range of qualifications for entry to our undergraduate programmes. The main ones are listed under 'Typical offers' in the main column below. For combined courses, please check both subjects. If your qualification is not listed, please email admissions@bathspa.ac.uk with your specific details.

Investigate, scrutinise and understand the causes and consequences of crime with our Criminology degree.

  • An interdisciplinary programme of study and a broad range of staff expertise.
  • Examines crime, justice and punishment at local, national and transnational levels of society.
  • A theoretical, empirical and applied education in Criminology to develop your knowledge and skills.

We're fascinated by crime. Turn on the television or search for something online and you'll soon encounter images, reports and programmes about crime, justice and punishment. Crime saturates media and popular culture, suggesting both our enduring fascination with wrongdoing and its consequences, and crime's status as an ongoing social problem.

But, what's the story behind these representations of crime? Criminology explores the causes, motivations and patterns of criminal conduct. In addition to improving our knowledge and understanding of crime, Criminology also informs policies and practices in policing, law, criminal justice and punishment.

With our Criminology degree, you'll study crime from a variety of approaches, gain practical and relevant experience, and develop a range of transferable skills that you can take into a range of careers and employment sectors.

What you'll learn

Overview

Criminologists study crime from a variety of approaches, making this a diverse field of study. You’ll study crime from a variety of angles and perspectives. Core modules focus on the main theories, debates, issues and research problems in criminology and criminal justice, while optional modules enable you to develop your particular interests.

We’ll support and encourage you to gain practical experience in relevant fields through voluntary work and placements. You’ll develop practical and analytical skills as well as subject knowledge in crime and criminal justice.

Course structure

Year one
You’ll learn about the research traditions of criminology and be introduced to key concepts, theories and issues. You’ll investigate different types of crime such as property crime, sexual and violent crime, homicide, corporate crime, anti-social behaviour and drug use. You’ll also learn about criminal law and criminal justice agencies and institutions.

Optional modules will increase your understanding of psychological and social dimensions of crime. You’ll study models of individual personality and behaviour, and visualise and analyse key sources of social science data. You’ll also study a complementary subject.

Year two
You’ll study contemporary debates in criminology, criminal justice, and the psychology of crime, and train in research methods and crime mapping techniques.

You can choose from a number of optional modules to create a programme tailored to your personal interests. You can investigate the ecology of crime, delve more deeply into the social divisions associated with crime, study justice and punishment, or explore crime in the media and popular culture.

Year three
You’ll undertake an original piece of criminological research in an area that interests you, along with comparative study of criminal justice and penalty in a global context.

Again, you can select from a range of modules, a number of which highlight the global dimensions of crime and justice. There will be opportunities to undertake a voluntary placement in an organisation relevant to the criminal justice sector.

How will I be assessed?

We use a range of assessments to gain a comprehensive measure of your performance. Assignments may include essays, book reviews, examinations, portfolios, creative work, contributions to online resources, presentations, reports, in-class tests, reflective writing and individual and group projects.

How will I be taught?

We take pride in our innovative and engaging modules that inspire and challenge, and we encourage you to reflect critically on your subject.

We’ll guide you through your studies, support you, and help you make the most of your academic studies. Your personal timetable will comprise all the modules for which you have been registered, and these incorporate different modes of teaching.

You’ll participate in a wide variety of activities including lectures, seminars, workshops, one-to-one tutorials, and sessions with visiting speakers.

To find out more about how we teach and how you'll learn, please read our Learning and Teaching Delivery Statement.

Course modules

This course offers or includes the following modules. The modules you take will depend on your pathway or course combination (if applicable) as well as any optional or open modules chosen. Please check the programme document for more information.

Year one (Level 4) modules
  • Crime and Disorder in Everyday Life
  • Crime, Violence and Harm
  • Crime: Representation and Reality
  • Sociology of Deviance and Social Control
  • Questioning Society
  • Power / Resistance
Year two (Level 5) modules
  • Policing, Crime Control and Prevention
  • Criminal Justice: Theory, Policy and Practice
  • Social Science Research Methods
  • Crime, Law and Society
  • The Criminological Mind
  • Exploring Violence
  • Forensic and Investigative Psychology
  • Geotechnologies for Society and Environment
  • Migration: Identity, Belonging, Citizenship and Security
  • Youth in Society: Power, Politics and Participation
  • Crime Fiction
  • The Life Course: Ageing and Generation
  • Social Problems, Social Divisions, Social Justice
  • Law for Business Enterprise
  • Work Placement
  • The Psychology of Criminal Investigations
  • Professional Placement Year
Year three (Level 6) modules
  • Dissertation in Criminology
  • Media, Sociality and Everyday Life
  • Victims and Victimisation
  • Terrorism Studies
  • Punishment and Penology in Global Context
  • Young People, Identities and Subcultures
  • Gender in Society: Critical Perspectives
  • Community Engagement
  • Narratives of Crime
  • Unlocking Criminology
  • Exploring Law in Business
  • Culture, Risk and Environmental Justice
  • Ethnicity and Society
  • Cyber Security

Opportunities

Study abroad

As part of your degree, you could study abroad on a placement at one of Bath Spa’s partner universities.

Work placements, industry links and internships

We’ll strongly encourage you to take advantage of placement opportunities in your second and third year, so you can apply your learning in the real world contexts of criminal justice. Practitioners contribute to teaching in some modules and you can find out more from them about working in fields related to criminal justice. Fieldwork opportunities, such as trips to local courts, will also provide opportunities to observe the legal system in action and learn more about potential careers. We also have links with local criminal justice organisations including local police services and prisons.

Projects

Project work enables you to focus on your particular interests and is built into all three years of the programme. Through individual and group projects you’ll develop employment-related skills in research, analysis, time management, leadership, problem-solving and planning.

Your first year involves a project with creative, critical and reflective elements. Moving into your second year, you’ll undertake in-depth study of the spatial dimensions of crime and learn digital crime-mapping using ARC-GIS software. A module in research methods will give you experience of research design and data collection and analysis to support project work. In the dissertation core module in your third year, you can apply the knowledge and skills you’ve developed to an independent research project on any criminological or criminal justice topic that interests you.

Careers

A qualification in Criminology will prepare you for a career in a variety of relevant fields in criminal justice and associated social and welfare professions including:

  • Policing
  • Crime prevention and security
  • Crime reduction initiatives
  • Law
  • Offender management and interventions
  • Prisons
  • Probation
  • Youth justice
  • Social work
  • Community development

As a social sciences degree, the course will give you with a range of transferable skills which you can take into a career in a number of others sectors such as health and social care, marketing, HR, teaching or the media.

Global Citizenship

If you’re a full-time undergraduate student starting your first year at Bath Spa University, you can apply for the Certificate in Global Citizenship, which you’ll study alongside your degree.

You’ll gain global awareness and add an international dimension to your student experience, and funding is available. On successful completion of the programme, you’ll be awarded a Certificate in Global Citizenship. This is in addition to your degree; it doesn’t change your degree title or results.

Professional placement year

Overview

This optional placement year provides you with the opportunity to identify, apply for and secure professional experience, normally comprising one to three placements over a minimum of nine months. Successful completion of this module will demonstrate your ability to secure and sustain graduate-level employment.

By completing the module, you'll be entitled to the addition of 'with Professional Placement Year' to your degree title.

Preparation

Before your Professional Placement Year, you'll work to secure your placement, constructing a development plan with your module leader and your placement coordinator from our Careers and Employability team.

How will I be assessed?

On your return to University for your final year, you'll submit your Placement Portfolio, detailing your development on your placement.

Facilities and resources

Where the subject is taught

Criminology is taught at our Newton Park campus

Resources

All modules can be found on our Virtual Learning Environment, Ultra, providing unlimited online access to learning materials such as handbooks, lecture slides, assessment information, discussion boards and other resources.

Our library gives you access to books, academic journals and DVDs and an extensive range of electronic services. It also provides a place for individual study and collaborative work.

Fees

UK students full time

2023/24 Entry

Course fees
Year 1 £9,250
Year 2 £9,250
Year 3 Published Autumn 2024

2024/25 Entry

Course fees
Year 1 £9,250
Year 2 Published Autumn 2024
Year 3 Published Autumn 2025

2025/26 Entry

Course fees
Year 1 Published Autumn 2024
Year 2 Published Autumn 2025
Year 3 Published Autumn 2026
UK students part time

2023/24 Entry

Course fees
Year 1 £4,625
Year 2 £9,250
Year 3 Published Autumn 2024

2024/25 Entry

Course fees
Year 1 £9,250
Year 2 Published Autumn 2024
Year 3 Published Autumn 2025

2025/26 Entry

Course fees
Year 1 Published Autumn 2024
Year 2 Published Autumn 2025
Year 3 Published Autumn 2026
International students full time

2023/24 Entry

Course fees
Year 1 £15,930
Year 2 £16,675
Year 3 Published Autumn 2024

2024/25 Entry

Course fees
Year 1 £16,675
Year 2 Published Autumn 2024
Year 3 Published Autumn 2025

2025/26 Entry

Course fees
Year 1 Published Autumn 2024
Year 2 Published Autumn 2025
Year 3 Published Autumn 2026
All students full time - with professional placement year

During the placement year, the fee is reduced to 20% of the full time fee. Otherwise, fees are the same as for full time study. This applies to UK, EU and International students.

Interested in applying?

What we look for in potential students

We’re looking for individuals who are interested in all aspects of crime, justice and punishment. You’ll be looking to study these issues in a multidisciplinary way, that challenges conventional or ‘common sense’ notions of criminality.

Typical offers

We accept a wide range of qualifications for entry to our undergraduate programmes. The main ones are listed below:

  • A Level – grades BBB-BCC preferred.
  • BTEC – Extended Diploma grades from Distinction Distinction Merit (DDM) to Distinction Merit Merit (DMM) accepted in any subject.
  • T Levels – grade Merit preferred.
  • International Baccalaureate – a minimum of 28 points are required.
  • Access to HE courses – typical offers for applicants with Access to HE will be the Access to HE Diploma or Access to HE Certificate (60 credits, 45 of which must be Level 3, at Merit or higher).

If you don’t meet the entry requirements above, we may be able to accept your prior learning or experience from outside of formal education. See our Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL) page to learn more.

English Language Requirements for International and EU Applicants

IELTS 6.0 - for visa nationals, with a minimum score of IELTS 5.5 in each element.

Course enquiries

For further information about the programme or entry requirements, please email us at admissions@bathspa.ac.uk.

How do I apply?

Ready to apply? Click the 'apply now' button in the centre of this page.

Need more guidance? Head to our how to apply pages.

Three year course
With placement year

Understand the mind and human behaviour from a range of perspectives and methodologies on our applied Psychology degree.

  • Tailor your studies to your future aspirations with optional modules and interdisciplinary learning.
  • Learn from passionate experts in biological, cognitive, developmental and social psychology.
  • Prepare yourself for a diverse range of careers and industries – Psychology is highly valued by employers.

Psychology is one of the most popular degrees in higher education. Whether the focus is neural mechanisms or complex human relationships, Psychology is an interconnected "hub Science" that allows students to contribute to the questions and challenges that face society.

Providing you with a variety of skills including communication, computing, numeracy, teamwork, independent learning and critical thinking, a degree in Psychology is highly valued by employers. Our course equips graduates for a range of careers and fields including education, health, civil service, private industry and commerce, as well as postgraduate study.

Our range of study options (single honours and combined) enables you to better tailor your studies to your future aspirations. You’ll be able to select optional modules and engage in interdisciplinary learning.

“The best thing about Bath Spa is that everyone really cares about you as an individual. The lecturers and tutors always go the extra mile to make sure that you get the most out of your degree, and the amount of contact time we had with them was brilliant.”

Madeleine Carter, Psychology graduate

Accreditation

Both our single and combined honours Pyschology courses are accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS) providing Graduate Basis for Registration with the BPS to gain Chartered Psychologist status, provided you achieve a 2.2 overall and pass the final year dissertation.

The logo for a British Psychological Society accredited Psychology course

 

What you'll learn

Overview

You'll explore the five main psychological perspectives: biological, cognitive, developmental, individual differences and social. You'll learn about research methods, and you'll engage with the historical and conceptual underpinnings of psychology throughout the course. You’ll also learn to leverage science to the benefit of your fellow students, industry and for social good.

You'll cover the content and skills that define a Psychology graduate, and you'll have the opportunity to look at conceptual and career possibilities that you may not have previously considered.

Course structure

Year one
Begin by exploring the main areas of psychological science, the ways in which you can use psychology in your life, and controversial issues around race and gender. In addition, you’ll be introduced to the research and data analysis skills that you'll need to become a scientist in your own right.

Year two
Take on further depth and challenges as you advance your understanding of research design and analysis. You'll take a closer look at biological, cognitive, developmental and social psychology. Choose from optional modules based around the specialities of course staff.

Students on the single honours course (BSc (Hons) Psychology) also have the option to choose a work placement module, while all students, including those on our combined Psychology courses, can choose to take a professional placement year.

Year three
You'll embark upon your dissertation, working one-to-one with a member of staff on an original psychology research project. You'll also learn about creative enterprise with psychological science, completing a consultancy project of your own. In addition, you'll continue to enjoy the same opportunities to study specialist topics as in year two.

How will I be assessed?

Assessment varies and includes essays, debates, research reports, group presentations and examinations, as well as more authentic assessments (for example, policy briefs).

How will I be taught?

Most modules involve a mixture of lectures and follow-up seminars and tutorials. In the case of research methods, much of the teaching is conducted via practical classes.

You’ll participate actively in seminars and tutorials; these are characterised by small-group work. Bookable tutorials enable you to have one-to-one discussions with staff.

To find out more about how we teach and how you'll learn, please read our Learning and Teaching Delivery Statement.

 

Course modules

This course offers or includes the following modules. The modules you take will depend on your pathway or course combination (if applicable) as well as any optional or open modules chosen. Please check the programme document for more information.

Year one (Level 4) modules
  • Introduction to Psychology
  • Research Methods in Psychology 1
  • Individual Differences: personality and intelligence
  • Psychological Science for Student Sucess
  • Debates in Psychological and Critical Thinking
  • Worlds of Ideas
Year two (Level 5) modules
  • Research Methods in Psychology 2
  • Cognitive and Developmental Psychology
  • Biological and Social Psychology
  • Clinical Psychology
  • Counseling Psychology
  • Business Psychology
  • Psychology and Social Justice
  • Environmental Psychology and Sustainability
  • Criminal and Forensic Psychology
  • Educational Psychology
  • Health Psychology
  • Work Placement
  • Health: Mind, Body, Society
  • Science and Journalism Publishing
  • Professional Placement Year
  • Contemporary Application of Business Psychology
Year three (Level 6) modules
  • Dissertation 1: Design and pre-registration
  • Dissertation 2: Research report
  • Contemporary Application of Psychological Science
  • Careers in Psychology
  • Special Topics in Psychology
  • Advanced Topics in Psychology
  • Work interventions: Health and Wellbeing

Opportunities

Work placements, industry links and internships

Our students have access to corporate-sponsored internship and placement opportunities. These offer experience in areas such as marketing, multimedia and product design, filming and editing, business management, HR, customer services, research and analysis, project management and events.

Students who take advantage of the Global Citizenship programme can use their scholarship to support an international placement.

Careers

Psychology degrees teach both scientific and people skills, and career paths for Bath Spa graduates are varied. While some students have worked towards becoming a professional psychologist, other graduates chose to train in counselling and education, or have gone into management, sales and advertising, probation work and human resources. Some of our graduates have also gone on to postgraduate education at the Master's and PhD levels.

Psychology prizes

At the end of the academic year, we award prizes to recognise achievements in academic success and reward effort and excellence. Prizes specific to Psychology are:

  • The British Psychological Society Graduate Award
  • Oxford University Press Prize for best dissertation.
Global Citizenship

If you’re a full-time undergraduate student starting your first year at Bath Spa University, you can apply for the Certificate in Global Citizenship, which you’ll study alongside your degree.

You’ll gain global awareness and add an international dimension to your student experience, and funding is available. On successful completion of the programme, you’ll be awarded a Certificate in Global Citizenship. This is in addition to your degree; it doesn’t change your degree title or results.

Professional placement year

Overview

This optional placement year provides you with the opportunity to identify, apply for and secure professional experience, normally comprising one to three placements over a minimum of nine months. Successful completion of this module will demonstrate your ability to secure and sustain graduate-level employment.

By completing the module, you'll be entitled to the addition of 'with Professional Placement Year' to your degree title.

Preparation

Before your Professional Placement Year, you'll work to secure your placement, constructing a development plan with your module leader and your placement coordinator from our Careers and Employability team.

How will I be assessed?

On your return to University for your final year, you'll submit your Placement Portfolio, detailing your development on your placement.

"I enjoyed the variety of subjects, specifically in the second and third year of the Psychology degree. The lecturers were fantastic and very friendly. They always had time for any questions or concerns."

Christelle Van Antwerpen, Psychology graduate

Facilities and resources

Where the subject is taught

Psychology is taught at our Newton Park campus. You'll have access to a wide range of excellent facilities including:

Resources

Teaching resources include EBSCO (online access to over 400 Psychology-related journals), statistical computer software for analysing quantitative data and NVivo for qualitative data analysis. We also have a biopsychology lab where we make use of "biopac" equipment (computerised biological measures such as EEG) for practicals and project work as well as other shared and dedicated laboratory spaces for research.

"I believe the broad theoretical and practical courses at Bath Spa University strongly helped me develop a comprehensive understanding of Psychology, which is now allowing me to go further into my studies."

Michele Garibbo, Psychology graduate

Fees

UK students full time

2023/24 Entry

Course fees
Year 1 £9,250
Year 2 £9,250
Year 3 Published Autumn 2024

2024/25 Entry

Course fees
Year 1 £9,250
Year 2 Published Autumn 2024
Year 3 Published Autumn 2025

2025/26 Entry

Course fees
Year 1 Published Autumn 2024
Year 2 Published Autumn 2025
Year 3 Published Autumn 2026
UK students part time

2023/24 Entry

Course fees
Year 1 £4,625
Year 2 £9,250
Year 3 Published Autumn 2024

2024/25 Entry

Course fees
Year 1 £9,250
Year 2 Published Autumn 2024
Year 3 Published Autumn 2025

2025/26 Entry

Course fees
Year 1 Published Autumn 2024
Year 2 Published Autumn 2025
Year 3 Published Autumn 2026
International students full time

2023/24 Entry

Course fees
Year 1 £15,930
Year 2 £16,675
Year 3 Published Autumn 2024

2024/25 Entry

Course fees
Year 1 £16,675
Year 2 Published Autumn 2024
Year 3 Published Autumn 2025

2025/26 Entry

Course fees
Year 1 Published Autumn 2024
Year 2 Published Autumn 2025
Year 3 Published Autumn 2026
All students full time - with professional placement year

During the placement year, the fee is reduced to 20% of the full time fee. Otherwise, fees are the same as for full time study. This applies to UK, EU and International students.

Interested in applying?

What we look for in potential students

You'll be fascinated by human behaviour and the workings of the mind, and curious enough to ask questions that will help drive our science forward. You'll have explored some areas in psychology and be excited to understand the other facets that make up the discipline. You'll be passionate about science and the application of our field to industry and for social good to make people's lives better.

Typical offers

We accept a wide range of qualifications for entry to our undergraduate programmes. The main ones are listed below:

  • A Level - grades BBB-BCC preferred. If studying Psychology, then a Grade B or higher is required. If Psychology is not an option at your school or college, then another A Level subject will be accepted, but a keen interest in psychology will need to be described in your personal statement.
  • BTEC – Extended Diploma grades from Distinction Distinction Merit (DDM) to Distinction Merit Merit (DMM) in a related subject. Applicants will need to show a keen interest in psychology in the personal statement.
  • T Levels – grade Merit preferred in a relevant subject.
  • International Baccalaureate - a minimum of 28 points are required. Applicants will need to show a keen interest in psychology in the personal statement.
  • Access to HE courses – typical offers for applicants with Access to HE will be the Access to HE Diploma or Access to HE Certificate (60 credits, 45 of which must be Level 3, at Merit or higher). Applicants will need to show a keen interest in psychology in the personal statement.

If you don’t meet the entry requirements above, we may be able to accept your prior learning or experience from outside of formal education. See our Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL) page to learn more.

English Language Requirements for International and EU Applicants

IELTS 6.0 - for visa nationals, with a minimum score of IELTS 5.5 in each element.

Course enquiries

For further information about the programme or entry requirements, please email us at admissions@bathspa.ac.uk.

How do I apply?

Ready to apply? Click the "apply now" button in the centre of this page.

Need more guidance? Head to our how to apply pages.

Course leader: Dr Jennifer Kinloch
Email: j.kinloch@bathspa.ac.uk

Three year course
With placement year

Website feedback to web@bathspa.ac.uk