BSc Hons Criminology with Psychology

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University College Dublin

Program Overview

The BSc (Hons) Criminology with Psychology at UCD offers a dynamic interdisciplinary degree that integrates criminological theory and the scientific study of human behaviour, ideal for students curious about why crime happens, how justice systems respond, and what psychological factors influence behaviour. You’ll explore core concepts from both criminology and psychology, gaining analytical, research and problem-solving skills that prepare you for work in criminal justice, mental health, policy, research and related fields.

Curriculum structure

Year 1

In your first year you’ll establish foundational knowledge in both disciplines with introductory modules such as Introduction to Criminology, Crime & Society, Introduction to Psychology and Brain & Behaviour, giving you the conceptual tools to understand crime, law, and the psychological bases of behaviour. You’ll also develop essential academic skills through modules like Academic & Professional Skills for Criminology which prepare you for independent study and research.

Year 2

In the second year the programme deepens your understanding with core studies such as Experiencing Punishment, Foundations of Psychology, Child & Adolescent Development and *Criminal Law and Research Methods in Criminology. These modules expand your ability to analyse offending behaviour from both legal and psychological perspectives and build solid methodological skills that underpin advanced study.

Year 3

Third year gives you the chance to explore specialised topics with modules such as Security, Surveillance & the Big Brother Society, Civil Society and Law & Hate, and various electives, allowing you to tailor your degree towards your interests. You’ll continue to refine your research skills and critical thinking through more complex, disciplinary combinations.

Year 4

In final year you will undertake a core capstone research dissertation, applying your accumulated knowledge and research methods training across criminology and psychology in a sustained independent project that showcases your analytical and academic abilities. Senior electives allow further specialization, and there are opportunities for international study through exchange partnerships.

Focus areas (in a string):

Criminological theory, criminal behaviour analysis, law and criminal justice, psychological processes and development, research methods in criminology and psychology, security and surveillance studies, social impacts of crime, forensic psychology foundations.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At University College Dublin, the BSc (Hons) Criminology with Psychology degree isn’t just about classroom learning — it’s designed to give you practical, real-world experience and research engagement that bring your understanding of crime, law and human behaviour to life. You’ll be able to apply criminological and psychological theory to real problems, work with faculty on cutting-edge research themes, and make connections with organisations through structured opportunities such as internships, group work, exchange programmes and UCD’s excellent facilities. This hands-on focus equips you with both the analytical skills and professional confidence that employers and postgraduate programmes value:

Here’s how experiential learning is integrated into the programme and supported by UCD resources:

Group Research Projects & Dissertation: In later years you complete a capstone research dissertation that synthesises criminological and psychological methods, allowing you to engage in independent research under academic supervision — a powerful practical experience and portfolio piece.
International Exchange Opportunities: You can study abroad at UCD’s partner universities during third year, matching the modules you normally take at UCD so that your learning remains coherent while gaining global perspective and intercultural exposure.
Collaborative Learning & Group Projects: Throughout the programme you encounter team-based assignments and interdisciplinary learning that reflect professional collaborative environments in justice, policy and community settings.
UCD Careers Network Support: While not specific to a placement module within the degree, UCD’s Careers Network helps students explore work experience options, internships and career planning from early in the programme, with dedicated resources to support transitions into employment or postgraduate study.
Psychology Research Facilities: Although the criminology degree itself sits between law and psychology, UCD’s School of Psychology houses extensive research labs (e.g., Eye Tracking & Motor Imagery Lab, Cognitive & Translational Neuroscience Lab, Media & Entertainment Lab) that reflect the active research environment you can connect with during optional psychology-focused research activities.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of the BSc Hons Criminology with Psychology at UCD leave with a strong interdisciplinary skill set that opens doors to careers such as criminologist, probation officer, policy analyst and research assistant in justice or social science fields. Because this degree blends psychological insight with criminological understanding and is delivered by UCD’s distinguished academic community, you’ll be well-placed to step into impactful roles that shape public safety, community wellbeing and justice policy:

Career Support & Employability:

• UCD Careers Network: UCD’s official Careers Network offers personalised support including career counselling, job search strategies, employer fairs and internship listings to help you explore and secure roles relevant to criminology and psychology.

• Graduate Employment Strength: UCD is ranked 118th globally in the QS World University Rankings 2026, underscoring its strong reputation that supports graduate employability worldwide.

• Interdisciplinary Networks: Through connections with UCD’s Sutherland School of Law and School of Psychology, students can engage with employers, researchers and policy-makers, building networks that extend into legal, governmental and community sectors.

Industry & Sector Opportunities:

• Graduates are well positioned to pursue careers in An Garda Síochána, prison services, probation and rehabilitation services, NGOs, research institutes, government policy units, and community organisations, reflecting the real job relevance of the programme.

Accreditation & Long-Term Value:

• While the degree itself is not a professional qualification in law or clinical psychology, it gives a rigorous academic foundation in social science and psychological perspectives that is valued in public service, research, policy and community work.

Graduation Outcomes:

• Graduates leave ready to apply critical thinking, quantitative and qualitative research skills, ethical decision-making, and practical understanding of social and individual behaviour — capabilities prized in roles from community engagement and human services to analytical and research careers.

Further Academic Progression:

After completing the BSc Hons Criminology with Psychology, many students choose to continue their studies through postgraduate pathways such as the MSc in Criminology & Criminal Justice offered by UCD’s Sutherland School of Law, which deepens expertise in criminal justice policy, research methods and critical analysis. Graduates may also pursue master’s degrees in psychological science, sociology, social policy, forensic psychology or law, and even progress toward doctoral research that can lead to careers in academia, specialised research or expert roles in justice and social systems.