Overview

BA Criminology and Psychology explores the motivations of human behaviour and how the darker side of our nature is dealt with by the criminal justice system.

Exploring key theories from both disciplines, the course is designed to:

give well-rounded insights into real-world issues
explore how and why people do what they do
help you study a broader study of society’s reactions to deviant behaviour, the combined social sciences approach helps with this.
cover a wide range of topics from the motivations of serial killers, to state crimes and miscarriages of justice.

Over three years of study, institutions such as the police, courts, prisons, and probation service will be reviewed; developing a deeper understanding of their processes, functions, and challenges. Taught by a blend of former practitioners, active researchers, and radical criminologists you will be exposed to a variety of perspectives and develop critical analysis skills.

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Course options

Select year

Degree

UCAS code: M9C8 112 UCAS points

BA (Hons) Criminology and Psychology, home applicant, full time
- Home Applicant
- Full time, 3 years
- Pound 9250 Per year
Apply through UCAS
BA (Hons) Criminology and Psychology, home applicant, part time
- Home Applicant
- Part time, 6 years
- Pro-rata full time fee
Apply direct
BA (Hons) Criminology and Psychology, international applicant, full time
- International Applicant
- Full time, 3 years
- Pound 14820 Per year
Apply direct

What makes this course different

Great teaching

93% of our students surveyed responded positively to the question “Teaching on my course”(National Student Survey 2023).
Top ranking

1st in London for “Teaching on my course” and “Assessment and Feedback” (National Student Survey 2023).
World class research

We have a vigorous and collaborative research culture. You will be part of an institution that shapes the future of the filed.

Course modules

Select year

Introduction to Crime and Punishment

Core Module

This module will introduce students to the key thinking and research, historically and presently, about the causes and consequences of crime on society. It will also examine and explore many of the key issues that face us when trying to understand how best to deal with those who commit crimes. It will consider crime as a social construction, the construction of victims and perpetrators, and the ways in which crimes of the powerful are overlooked by focusing on working-class groups. It will explore the relationship between the media and police and the ways in which they impact meanings and perceptions of crime and criminals.

Developing Skills for Justice (MW)

Core Module

This module will examine the structural factors, including poverty, racism and discrimination, underpinning our understanding of crime and social justice. You will examine our responses to stress and develop practical mindfulness skills to deal with that stress, fully cognisant of its systemic origins, in order to empower us to resist and confront those systemic factors. You will have the opportunity to develop a proposal for a crime and justice project (e.g., a youth engagement project or a digital campaign to reduce hate crime or knife crime). Some of these projects will be implemented in groups at Level 5.

Introduction to Cognitive and Developmental Psychology

Core Module

In this module, we explore the mechanisms that process information about the world (such as perception, memory, and attention) and by which we develop our responses to it (e.g., by thinking, communicating, and shaping behaviour by our learning). In doing so, this module introduces core topics in cognitive psychology (which seeks to scientifically model how the mind functions) and developmental psychology (which seeks to understand change through the lifespan).

Research Skills

Core Module

This module helps you develop understanding, and foundational skills, on the nature of research in criminology by providing an introduction to the varying approaches and practical ways for putting different methods into practice. It goes on to locate criminological research within a crime and justice policy framework in order to assess its practical restraints, ethical considerations and political implications.

Introduction to Biological and Social and Individual Differences

Core Module

The main aim of this module is to provide an introduction to the core fields of Social and Biological Psychology and Individual Differences and a foundation for understanding and evaluating these approaches within the discipline of Psychology and an understanding of historical, social and cultural influences. Students will also develop a knowledge of relevant key concepts and theories, providing a grounding for level 5 study of applied topics in these fields.

Criminal Justice Process

Core Module

This module aims to provide essential knowledge and analysis of the criminal justice process and acts as a foundation for the other courses on the criminology and criminal justice degree. You will be introduced to recent developments in criminal justice policy in relation to adult offenders and encouraged to engage critically in current debates.

Theoretical Criminology

Core Module

Introduction to Forensic Psychology

Core Module

The main aims of this module are:

To introduce concepts and issues in forensic and criminological psychology.
To provide an overview of the historical, current and potential future relationships between psychology and the criminal justice system.
To provide a clear overview of how psychology has been used, and can further be used, to inform practical problems arising in the criminal justice system.

Essential Skills for Justice (MW)

Core Module

This module builds on Developing Skills for Justice at Level 4. In this module we will focus more on group work essential for success in the workplace. We will develop teamwork skills, group facilitation and active listening skills. Students will use these skills in groups to develop a project related to crime and justice that some students proposed at Level 4 (e.g., a youth engagement project or a digital campaign to reduce hate crime or knife crime).

Crime Policy into Practice

Core Module

This module will first outline some of the key sociological theories of crime and deviance in post-modern society and the sociocultural and political-economic contexts in which they have emerged. It will then move on to examine and discuss the complex processes at play within contemporary society – driven by the media and the police – that have resulted in the trend toward the increasing criminalisation of social policy. In particular, it will explore the public anxieties and media fixations upon perceived social problems that soon become law and order problems, whereby the behaviour of large segments of the population (non–compliant individuals) is increasingly monitored and regulated by criminal or civil sanctions. Furthermore, the module will go on to detail the vast array of influences that impact on and inform crime policy as well as focusing on the ‘politics’ of justice practice: law enforcement, prisons and imprisonment, and offender management.

Individual Differences and Diversity

Core Module

This module has three principal aims: (i) to develop a critical and historical awareness of theories of, and issues relating to, individual differences (ii) to instil an understanding of, and foster respect for, diversity; (iii) to encourage you to be insightful and reflective about your own and others' behaviour and mental processes.

An ongoing theme of the module will be to consider the implications of the knowledge imparted for real-life events and the development of professional practice. These aims are intended to help you develop into a psychologically literate citizen.

Applied Research & Evaluation

Core Module

Project Criminology and Psychology

Core Module

This is the criminology research project module. It provides an opportunity for you to: identify an area within the subject area for further independent research; to prepare a research proposal for acceptance by the module team; to undertake the necessary research under supervision; and to present that research for assessment.

Leadership Skills for Justice (MW)

Core Module

This module provides you with the opportunity to build on Developing Skills for Justice and Essential Skills for Justice at Levels 4 and 5. You will develop core employability skills and acquire tangible evidence to support your employability narrative at interviews. You will develop and demonstrate skills in (i) the analysis of a problem (ii) planning and organising a task/project, including time management (iii) exercising judgement in the light of observed and published data (iv) compiling a report, (v) teamwork and collaboration and (vi) use of appropriate technologies.

Psychological Criminology

Core Module

The aim of this module is to provide you with an introduction to the developing relationship between psychology and criminology. You will combine the study and practice of forensic psychology and criminology, particularly in relation to police and court systems. You will be encouraged to critically appraise the relevance and efficacy of psychological and forensic studies of crime.

Researching Contemporary Issues in Cybercrime

Optional Module

This module will develop skills in researching cybercrime building upon module Cybercrime and Professional Practice and Module Research Methods. As part of this module you will conduct a cyber focused research project developing your own design and will gain knowledge and skills to conduct research in a cyber area of your choice. Contemporary research in a range of areas will be presented and you will critically evaluate the methodological design in considering the implications of the findings. The set of three modules will provide a detailed understanding of the impact of cybercrime on contemporary society including national and international perspectives in the following areas:

Financial cybercrime, online abuse and hate, cyber terrorism, policing of cybercrime in the context of the design and implementation of research.

When you have completed the module, you will be able to evidence skills in:

Applied research methods; critically evaluating research in the cyber context and in producing a professional research proposal.

Race, Ethnicity, Crime and Justice

Optional Module

The module will aim to introduce students to the main theoretical discourses and empirical research pertaining to the bitterly contested and politically charged ‘race and crime’ debate. This module will explore from a historical perspective the social, economic and political forces that have: i) led to the widespread stereotyping and criminalisation of the black Caribbean community within the popular media and the academy ii) resulted in higher incidences of victimisation amongst black and Asian groups as a result of racist violence, and institutional racism as manifested throughout the criminal justice process. The module will initially outline and deconstruct those key theories pertaining to race – and the itinerant themes of racist thinking that were so central to the British imperial and colonial project – and ethnicity before going on to examine the impact of post-Second World War black and Asian settlement within Britain upon the race and crime debate. Whilst this module will look to explore issues of racism, ethnicity, crime and justice largely within the English context, where relevant the course will also look to draw upon the extensive American-derived literature concerning the race and crime debate.

Youth Crime, Gangs and Sub-culture

Optional Module

The module will aim to introduce you to the main theoretical discourses and empirical research – both historically and within contemporary context – pertaining to the understanding of:
(i) The diverse cultural formations adopted by young people
(ii)   subcultural (and post-subcultural) theories of youth culture with regard to explanations of crime and deviance
(iii)   youth transitions, social exclusion and crime
(iv)   of media representations of ‘deviant’ youth cultures/styles, and
(v)   the contested notion of the emergence of violent street gangs in England’s urban centres.

Policing and Criminal Investigation

Optional Module

The aim of this module is to enable you to develop an awareness of police investigation and to critically assess the role of the police in combating serious and organised crimes. You will look at how the police investigate and the governance and accountability arrangements that the police operate within. You will examine the policing response to murder including serial killings, child & domestic deaths, sexual offences, organised crime, miscarriages of justice, and an introduction to cyber-crimes. The legal constraints that the modern investigator operates within are explored along with the history of investigations and how serious cases are solved. You will discuss the police’s role within the wider criminal justice system.

Mentally Disordered Suspects, Defendants and Offenders

Optional Module

This module explores the connections between mental health, crime and justice, through a critical examination of the position of people with mental disorders and learning disabilities in the criminal justice system.

You will study issues such as the relationship between mental disorder and crime, vulnerability, deaths in custody, miscarriages of justice, indefinite detention and dangerousness; using a wide variety of sociological, policy and legal materials, including analysis of video and audio documentaries, charity and pressure group websites and blogs. You will also learn about the policy of diversion, and engage in debates about whether people who commit crimes and are mentally disordered at the time can be considered criminally responsible, and whether they should be punished for their actions. We will look at arguments for preventive detention within the mental health system, forensic mental health care and High-Security Hospitals.

This module will be of particular interest if you are considering a future career within the criminal justice, health and social care fields and will enable you to evidence key employability skills relevant to these sectors. You will acquire a practical understanding of the relevant legal and policy frameworks and the rights and interests of those subject to legal control in both the mental health and criminal justice systems. You will also be able to reflect on the impact of those frameworks and engage in debate over their future reform through an understanding of competing social, legal and scientific theories about the relationship between mental disorder and criminality.

Occupational Psychology

Optional Module

The module aims to introduce you to the main areas of occupational and organisational psychology and provide a critical understanding of the various ways in which contemporary psychological knowledge is applied to the workplace behaviour of people and to business management. It elucidates multiple aspects of human performance at work and ways to optimise them, considering their individual, group and organisational contexts.

Psychology of Emotion

Optional Module

Cyberpsychology

Optional Module

This module aims to provide a broad introduction to the field of cyberpsychology; a subject that examines all aspects of psychology in the context of technology. Broadly speaking the module aims to: 1) Introduce students to the topic of cyberpsychology and its associated research methods; 2) Outline some of the topics and applications of cyberpsychology; 3) Develop a critical faculty whereby students consider the implications of their existing knowledge of psychology to contemporary technology.

Psychology of Belief

Optional Module

The aims of the module are to assist you in developing; your skills and competencies in critical thinking and the evaluation of information; your ability to understand behaviours motivated by different values and different cultural perspectives; and your ability to understand the causes of beliefs which they do not themselves ascribe to.

You will explore the various factors (e.g., social, developmental, cognitive, cultural, and biopsychological) that contribute to unsubstantiated beliefs, look at various theories of religious belief, and explore the psychology of moral values and political affiliation.

Counselling Psychology

Optional Module

Health Psychology

Optional Module

The module describes and evaluates biopsychosocial approaches to health and illness. It examines social and psychological processes which contribute to the occurrence of various physical health outcomes and to the maintenance of health. It discusses the role of psychosocial processes in the experience and progression of health and illness. Specifically, it examines biopsychosocial precursors and consequences which are identifiable empirically in the aetiology and progression of a variety of health phenomena. Such precursors include the role of social support, social cognitions, individual differences in coping and personality, life change events and psycho-neuro-immunological, endocrine and other physiological processes. In summary, this module explores how psychological and social factors impact our health. Implications for the prevention of illness and promotion of health are considered.

Cognitive Neuropsychology

Optional Module

This module provides a broad insight into the area of cognitive neuropsychology, i.e. we try to show how the study of brain injury informs and is informed, by normal theories of cognition. The module outlines the aims and methodology of cognitive neuropsychology, the nature of brain injury and plasticity, different neuropsychological disorders and neuropsychological perspectives on subjects such as intelligence and emotion. This module also considers the future of neuropsychology and rehabilitation.

NOTE: Modules are subject to change. For those studying part time courses the modules may vary.

Download course specification

Your future career

We offer dedicated careers support, further opportunities to thrive, such as volunteering and industry networking. Our courses are created in collaboration with employers and industry to ensure they accurately reflect the real-life practices of your future career and provide you with the essential skills needed. You can focus on building interpersonal skills through group work and benefit from our investment in the latest cutting edge technologies and facilities.

Industry links

You will be taught by practitioners and world – renowned experts and advisors in criminology and policing.

Graduate employers

Our graduates have gone on to jobs at such companies and organisations as the Shaw Trust, working as a case manager to help ex offenders back into society.

Job roles

Roles you could go into include:

crime analyst
civil servant
psychologist (with further training) or
case manager.

Explore the different career options you can pursue with this degree and see the median salaries of the sector on our Career Coach portal.

Further study

You could go on to further study by doing an MSc Psychology at UEL.

UEL is home. It is also a global community and immensely diverse. UEL is unique. It is our village; where we uplift one another regardless of our backgrounds."

Dr Olubunmi Onafuwa

Senior Lecturer and Researcher in Law

How we support your career ambitions

We offer dedicated careers support, further opportunities to thrive, such as volunteering and industry networking. our courses are created in collaboration with employers and industry to ensure they accurately reflect the real-life practices of your future career and provide you with the essential skills needed. You can focus on building interpersonal skills through group work and benefit from our investment in the latest cutting edge technologies and facilities.

Career Zone

This digital platform provides you with careers and employability resources, including:

Jobs board for internships, placements, graduate opportunities, flexible part-time work
Mentoring programmes for insight with industry experts
1-2-1 career coaching services
Careers workshops and employer events
Learning pathways to gain new skills and industry insight

Mental Wealth programme

Our Professional Fitness and Mental Wealth programme which issues you with a Careers Passport to track the skills you've mastered. Some of these are externally validated by corporations like Amazon and Microsoft.

See more details

We are careers first

Our teaching methods and geographical location put us right up top:

Work-based projects
Networking and visits to leading organisations
Support in starting a new business
London on our doorstep

How you'll learn

When not attending timetabled lectures or workshops, you will be expected to continue learning independently through self-study. This will typically involve skills development through online study, reading journal articles and books, working on individual and group projects and preparing coursework assignments and presentations. Your independent learning is supported by a range of excellent facilities including online resources, specialist facilities, such as game labs, the library, the full Microsoft Office software, including MS Teams, and Moodle: our Virtual Learning Environment.

Guided independent study

Your independent learning is supported by a range of excellent facilities including online resources, and specialist facilities, such as edit suites, the library, the full Microsoft Office software, including MS Teams, and Moodle: our Virtual Learning Environment.

Some students have worked as volunteer community support officers, while others have volunteered in local community groups. If you choose this approach, you'll be able to count your community experience towards your degree.

Academic support

If you need a bit of extra help with certain skills such as academic writing, English, maths, or statistics, our Academic Tutors offer workshops, drop-in sessions, and one-to-one appointments to help our students achieve their potential.

You can receive advice and guidance on all aspects of the IT systems provided by the university from our IT Service Desks located on all three campuses.

Our Student Support hubs in Docklands and Stratford feature centralised helpdesks to cater to your every need. UEL provides also support and advice for disabled students and those with specific learning difficulties (SPDs).

Dedicated personal tutor

When you arrive, we'll introduce you to your personal tutor. This is the member of the academic course team who will provide academic guidance, be a support throughout your time at UEL and who will show you how to make the best use of all the help and resources that we offer.

Workload

Your overall workload consists of class and online tutor-led sessions, individual learning, and practical activities. The size of classes can vary depending on the nature of the course, module, and activity. This can range from large groups in a lecture theatre setting, to smaller groups taking part in seminars and collaborative work. You will receive your personalised timetable at the beginning of the academic year depending on your course.

Your timetable

Your individualised timetable is normally available within 48 hours of enrolment. Whilst we make every effort to ensure timetables are as student-friendly as possible, scheduled teaching can take place on any day of the week between 9.00am and 6.00pm. For undergraduate students, Wednesday afternoons are normally reserved for sports and cultural activities, but there may be occasions when this is not possible. Timetables for part-time students will depend on the modules selected.

Class sizes

To give you an indication of class sizes, this course normally attracts 40 - 50 students a year. Lecture sizes are normally 40 plus students.

In workshops, you will be taught in groups of 12 - 15 students. However, this can vary by academic year.

How you'll be assessed

Assessment tasks are mainly spread across the year to make the workload manageable. Assessment methods include group work, exams and individual work including essays, presentations, case studies, professional development and practical activities depending on the nature of the course.

All grades count towards your module mark. More details will be included in the student handbook and module guides. You will always receive detailed feedback outlining your strengths and how you can improve. We aim to provide feedback on assessments within 15 working days, although you will receive immediate feedback following many of our face-to-face assessments.

Campus and facilities

Our campus and the surrounding area

University Square Stratford is one of London's most modern and well-equipped campuses. It serves 3,400 students and is the base for our courses in law and criminology, dance and performing arts, and the Master of Business Administration (MBA).

Modern facilities include: performing arts spaces; three performance studios; the Harvard lecture theatre, with live lecture capture technology; the multimedia Weston Learning Centre; a dedicated MBA suite and teaching space; a 300-seat specialised tiered lecture; and a simulated courtroom for mooting experience.

The campus is close to new Stratford developments such as Westfield Stratford City, and next door to the Theatre Royal and Picturehouse cinema.

University Square Stratford

Who teaches this course

This course is delivered by Royal Docks School of Business and Law

The teaching team includes qualified academics, practitioners and industry experts as guest speakers. Full details of the academics will be provided in the student handbook and module guides.

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The banner below displays some key factual data about this course (including different course combinations or delivery modes of this course where relevant).

What our students and staff say

The criminology and psychology course is a melting pot of exciting ideas and cutting-edge research. It is suited for anyone fascinated by the inner world of decision-making, personality, and social deviance. Exploring human drivers, persecution, and discrimination, questions are asked about the nature of crime and why people are labelled criminals."

Professor John Coxhead

Director, international PIEL Centre

I love teaching Criminology to my UEL students, as well as using the amazing facilities on campus. I find that they have something new to teach me each year, too."

Dr Emma Cunningham

Senior lecturer, Criminology

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Criminology and Psychology BA (Hons)

Overview

Find out more

Course options

Degree

Accepted Qualifications

International Qualifications

BA (Hons) Criminology and Psychology

BA (Hons) Criminology and Psychology, home applicant, full time

BA (Hons) Criminology and Psychology

BA (Hons) Criminology and Psychology, home applicant, part time

BA (Hons) Criminology and Psychology

BA (Hons) Criminology and Psychology, international applicant, full time

Submitting your applicationPlease read and consider the entry and visa requirements for this course before you submit your application. For more information please visit our international student advice pages.

About our foundation years

What makes this course different

Great teaching

Top ranking

World class research

Course modules

Introduction to Crime and Punishment

Developing Skills for Justice (MW)

Introduction to Cognitive and Developmental Psychology

Research Skills

Introduction to Biological and Social and Individual Differences

Criminal Justice Process

Theoretical Criminology

Introduction to Forensic Psychology

Essential Skills for Justice (MW)

Crime Policy into Practice

Individual Differences and Diversity

Applied Research & Evaluation

Project Criminology and Psychology

Leadership Skills for Justice (MW)

Psychological Criminology

Researching Contemporary Issues in Cybercrime

Race, Ethnicity, Crime and Justice

Youth Crime, Gangs and Sub-culture

Policing and Criminal Investigation

Mentally Disordered Suspects, Defendants and Offenders

Occupational Psychology

Psychology of Emotion

Cyberpsychology

Psychology of Belief

Counselling Psychology

Health Psychology

Cognitive Neuropsychology

Download course specification

Your future career

Industry links

Graduate employers

Job roles

Further study

How we support your career ambitions

Career Zone

Mental Wealth programme

We are careers first

How you'll learn

Guided independent study

Academic support

Dedicated personal tutor

Workload

Your timetable

Class sizes

How you'll be assessed

Campus and facilities

Our campus and the surrounding area

Who teaches this course

DiscoverUni

What our students and staff say

Related courses

TERMS AND CONDITIONS Modal

Terms of Admittance to the University of East London

1) Student enrolment

2) Tuition fees

3) Student ID Cards

4) Proof of qualifications

5) Non-academic entry requirements

6) Criminal convictions

Submitting your application
Please read and consider the entry and visa requirements for this course before you submit your application. For more information please visit our international student advice pages.