BSc (Hons) Psychology (Criminal Behaviour) (Full Time)

Covering all the major areas of psychology, this degree also offers the opportunity to focus on the specialist field of criminal behaviour.

Course overview

Psychology is the scientific study of behaviour and mental processes (and the interrelation between the two). It is concerned with how we act and interact, both as individuals and in groups, and in exploring the thoughts and feelings that underlie our behaviour using techniques such as experiments, questionnaires and interviews.

This degree allows you to cover all of the major areas of psychology whilst also pursuing an interest in criminal behaviour and the psychology of crime. Forensic psychologists are interested in the application of psychological theory in the criminal justice system, criminal investigation, understanding of criminal behaviour and the treatment of offenders. Criminology explores the nature, incidence and the motivations for criminal behaviour and its repercussions.

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Industrial focus

Throughout your studies, you will consider both theory and experimental evidence. The emphasis throughout the course is on real-world applications of psychological theory and research within the field of criminal behaviour, particularly in Year 3. 

Course content

Year 1

Six core units:

• Introduction to Cognitive, Developmental and Social Psychology
• Introduction to Abnormal, Biological and Personality Psychology
• Research Methods and Statistics
• Integrating Psychology: Skills and Applications
• Psychological Investigations 1
• Investigations in Criminological Psychology. 

Year 2

Six core units:

• Social Psychology
• Cognitive Psychology
• Psychological Investigations 1
• Psychobiology
• Developmental Psychology
• Measurement in Criminological Psychology. 

Year 3

Three core units (including a dissertation), two specialist option units and one applied option unit
Core units:

• Project
• Personality and Individual Differences
• Psychological Debates: Conceptual and Historical Issues.

Specialist option units:

• The Psychology of Crime
• Dangerous Offenders
• Crime, Risk and Community Safety
• Alcohol, Drugs and Crime
• Crime and Media Culture.

Applied option units:

• Applied Cognitive Psychology
• Applied Developmental Psychology
• Applied Social Psychology. 

Why choose this course?

• Accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS), giving students eligibility for graduate membership, the first step towards becoming a chartered psychologist.
• Modern facilities include dedicated observation, cognitive, psychophysiology and computer laboratories.
• Major psychological teaching/research software includes MEL LAB, SuperLab, and apparatus for psychophysiological work such as Biopac.
• A dedicated and supportive staff team, led by a chartered forensic psychologist, with a wide range of professional expertise and research experience.
• Options cover many specialist areas of interest including crime and media culture, alcohol, drugs and crime and dangerous offenders.

Assessment

Coursework essays, practical group-based written reports,
group and individual presentations, time-limited assignments, examinations, poster presentations, final-year dissertation.

Key career skills

Analysis and research, presentation, project management, communication and problem solving.

Projects/work experience

A voluntary research assistance scheme is in place which provides opportunities to take part in research projects currently undertaken by members of staff. Examples of projects students are currently engaged in include the impact of parenting styles on development, academic experiences, and an exploration of the role social networks play in maintaining health and well-being.

Graduate profile

Samantha McCullough

A former student now working as a psychology assistant in the prison service.

“I was interested in forensic psychology before I started at Solent which is why I choose the Criminal Behaviour pathway. In my final year there were a lot more options and more free reign to study the areas I had developed an interest in previously which confirmed what I wanted to do. I hope to complete a Masters and then get a trainee forensic psychologist position and eventually work my way towards chartership within the prison service”.