Psychology with Criminology BSc (Hons)

3 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of Sussex

Program Overview

Psychology with Criminology BSc (Hons) at the University of Sussex brings together the scientific study of human behaviour with the study of crime, justice systems, and criminal behaviour. It is a strong choice if you want to understand why people commit crimes and how psychology can be applied in policing, courts, rehabilitation, and wider criminal justice settings.

Curriculum structure:

Year 1
In your first year, you build a solid foundation in psychology while being introduced to key ideas in criminology and the justice system. You study modules such as Psychology as a Science, Individuals and Groups, and Cognition in Clinical Contexts, alongside criminology-focused learning like Thinking Like a Criminologist and Understanding the Criminal Justice System. You also develop essential research and data skills through Analysing Data, while exploring behaviour through Psychobiology and Psychology of Childhood.

Year 2
The second year deepens your understanding of psychological processes and criminal behaviour. You study Cognitive Psychology, Developmental Psychology, and Social Psychology, alongside criminology modules such as Punishment and Penology and Police and Policing. You also strengthen your analytical skills through Discovering Statistics and Quantitative and Qualitative Methods, learning how to interpret real behavioural and justice-related data.

Year 3
In your final year, you focus on independent research and advanced specialist topics. You complete a Research Dissertation while studying criminology through Criminological Futures. You also choose optional psychology modules such as Forensic Psychology, Clinical Psychology in Practice, or Cognitive Neuroscience, allowing you to shape the degree around your career interests.

Focus areas (in a string):
Forensic psychology, criminal behaviour, criminal justice systems, policing studies, cognitive psychology, social psychology, developmental psychology, research methods, statistics, behavioural science

Learning outcomes (in a string):
Understand theories of crime and behaviour, analyse criminal activity using psychological methods, evaluate justice systems, conduct independent research, apply statistical and qualitative techniques, develop critical thinking skills, interpret behavioural and legal evidence, communicate research findings clearly

Professional alignment (accreditation):
The psychology component is accredited by the British Psychological Society, supporting eligibility for Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership and progression into professional psychology training pathways.

Reputation (employability rankings):
Psychology at Sussex is ranked 8th in the UK in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings by Subject 2026, reflecting strong teaching quality, research strength, and graduate employability outcomes.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At the University of Sussex, Psychology with Criminology BSc (Hons) is taught in a way that strongly connects theory with real-world application. You’ll not only study psychological and criminological ideas but also apply them through research projects, data analysis, and case-based learning focused on crime, justice, and behaviour. The course is supported by active researchers and specialist facilities, giving you a realistic understanding of how psychology is used in criminal justice and related fields. You can also strengthen your experience through optional placements, study abroad opportunities, and independent research work.

This hands-on learning is supported through facilities, tools, and practical opportunities such as:

Access to psychology research laboratories for studying behaviour, cognition, and criminal psychology applications
Child development research suite for observational and developmental behavioural studies
Psychophysiology lab used to measure behavioural and biological responses in research settings
Training in research methods, statistics, and data analysis used in both psychology and criminology modules
Final-year independent dissertation based on original research with academic supervision
Optional placement year providing experience in sectors such as policing, mental health, public services, or research organisations
Optional study abroad opportunity to gain international academic and cultural experience
Criminology-focused learning through real case studies of policing, justice systems, and criminal behaviour
Group projects and collaborative assignments across psychology and criminology modules
Access to the University of Sussex Library, including specialist psychology and criminology research databases
Learning within a research-active School of Psychology with expertise in forensic and applied psychology

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of Psychology with Criminology BSc (Hons) at the University of Sussex gain a strong mix of psychological insight and understanding of crime and justice systems, preparing them for careers across criminal justice, mental health, and public services. Typical roles include probation officer, youth justice worker, police support officer, research assistant, and positions in safeguarding, policy, and community services. The degree equips you to work in roles where understanding behaviour and evidence-based decision-making is essential:

Dedicated Careers and Entrepreneurship support including Career Lab programmes, employer networking events, internships, and employability workshops from the first year
One-to-one careers guidance for CV development, interview preparation, and planning progression into psychology and criminology-related careers
Access to placement opportunities and work experience support in organisations such as the NHS, police services, CAMHS, and national research bodies
Strong graduate destinations across organisations such as the police service, NHS, Barnardo’s, Mind, Victim Support, and other public and third-sector organisations
A high proportion of students gain work experience before graduation, helping to build practical skills and confidence
British Psychological Society accreditation supports further progression into professional psychology training pathways
Graduates enter careers in criminal justice, policing, probation services, mental health support, social services, research, and policy development
Teaching is research-led and focused on applied skills, supporting strong employability outcomes

Further Academic Progression:
After completing this degree, students can continue with postgraduate study in areas such as Psychology, Forensic Psychology, Criminology, Criminal Justice, Social Research, or Mental Health. It also provides a route into professional psychology training and advanced research degrees such as MSc and PhD programmes in psychology, criminology, or related behavioural science fields.