Psychology and Criminology BSc (Hons)

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

Aston University

Program Overview

The BSc Psychology and Criminology at Aston University is designed for students who want to understand both human behaviour and how crime, law, and justice systems operate in society. It combines psychological science with criminological perspectives, helping you explore why people commit crime, how society responds, and how behaviour is influenced by social and biological factors.

Curriculum structure

Year 1

In your first year, you build a strong foundation in both psychology and criminology through modules such as Key Skills in Psychology I, Biological and Cognitive Psychology, Developmental and Social Psychology, Ideas that Shape Society, Power in Society, and Theories of Crime and Society. These modules help you understand how individuals think and behave, alongside how crime and social order are explained within society. You also develop essential academic and research skills needed for further study.

Year 2

In your second year, you move into more advanced study with modules including Research Methods and Data Analysis, Applied Psychology and Professional Skills, Cognition and Cognitive Neuropsychology, Individual Differences and Personality, and Theories of Crime. You also choose optional modules such as Media and Society, Global Society, Victimology, Racisms, and Prisons, Policing and Punishment, allowing you to explore crime, justice, and social issues in more depth.

Placement year (optional)

If you take the placement year, you gain real-world experience in organisations such as police services, probation services, charities, research institutes, or public sector bodies. This helps you apply your academic learning in practical settings while building confidence, professional awareness, and employability skills.

Final year

In your final year, you complete an independent research project and study advanced modules such as Critical Social Psychology, Child Development, Corporate Power, Migration, Borders and Detention, Fraud, Bribery and Corruption, and Emerging Technologies: AI and Law. This year allows you to specialise in areas that interest you most while developing strong independent research and analytical abilities.

Focus areas (in a string)

Psychology, criminology, criminal behaviour, social theory, cognitive psychology, developmental psychology, crime and justice systems, social inequality, research methods, data analysis, forensic behaviour, media and crime, law and society

Learning outcomes (in a string)

Understanding of human behaviour and crime, ability to apply psychological and criminological theories, strong research and analytical skills, data interpretation, critical thinking about justice and society, academic writing and communication, awareness of social inequality and criminal justice systems, independent research skills, employability-focused development

Professional alignment (accreditation)

The psychology element of this degree is accredited by the British Psychological Society, giving eligibility for Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership, which is an essential step towards professional psychology training pathways.

Reputation (employability rankings)

Aston University is recognised for strong graduate employability, with graduates progressing into careers in policing, the Civil Service, consultancy, healthcare, and research roles. The university consistently performs well in UK graduate outcomes data, showing strong employment success after graduation.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At Aston University, Psychology and Criminology is taught through a strongly practical, research-driven approach where you regularly apply theory to real issues such as criminal behaviour, social patterns, and human decision-making. From the start of the course, you develop hands-on skills in designing studies, collecting evidence, and analysing data using established psychological and social science methods. Learning is closely connected to real research environments, helping you understand how psychology and criminology work in practice rather than just in theory.

This applied learning is supported through specialist facilities, collaborative projects, and direct engagement with real research:

Specialist psychology laboratories for cognitive and behavioural experiments, including studies on memory, perception, and decision-making
Observation suites with audio-visual recording systems for analysing behaviour in controlled research settings
Eye-tracking and motion analysis equipment used to study attention, responses, and behavioural patterns
Dedicated spaces for group research, focus studies, and social behaviour analysis relevant to psychology and criminology
Training in both qualitative and quantitative research methods, including statistical analysis of behavioural and social data
Use of professional research and data analysis software for experiments, surveys, and criminological research
Participation in staff-led research projects, giving you experience of real academic investigations
Group-based projects that strengthen teamwork, communication, and problem-solving skills
Optional placement year in organisations such as the police, NHS, probation services, government bodies, charities, and research institutes
Access to university learning resources and academic support services for independent research and study development.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates from the BSc Psychology and Criminology at Aston University are well prepared for careers in areas such as psychology, criminal justice, public services, and social research. Many move into roles like probation officer, police officer or investigator, youth justice worker, victim support worker, or mental health support roles, while others enter policy, rehabilitation, or research-based positions. The combination of psychological science and criminological understanding gives you a strong foundation for working with people and systems in real-world settings.

At Aston, employability support is built into your degree experience, helping you develop a clear direction for your future career:

Aston Careers and Placements Service offers personalised support including CV writing, interview preparation, career coaching, and access to employer networking events and graduate recruitment opportunities
Strong placement opportunities with organisations such as the NHS, Civil Service, Home Office, HM Prison Service, police services, and research organisations, helping you gain real professional experience during your degree
Strong graduate outcomes, with students progressing into roles across public services, criminal justice, healthcare, and research sectors after graduation
Links with major employers in government, consultancy, and national organisations, supporting smoother transition into employment
British Psychological Society accreditation for the psychology component, giving eligibility for Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership, which is essential for progressing into professional psychology training routes
Development of highly transferable skills such as research, data analysis, communication, critical thinking, and problem-solving, valued across many industries

Further Academic Progression:

After completing this degree, many students continue into postgraduate study to specialise further. Popular routes include Master’s degrees in Forensic Psychology, Clinical Psychology, Criminology, Criminal Justice, or Social Research. Some also progress to research degrees such as MRes or PhD, especially if they are interested in academic, policy, or advanced professional psychology training pathways.