Psychology with Criminology BSc Honours

3 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

Middlesex University London

Program Overview

Psychology with Criminology BSc (Hons) at Middlesex University combines the study of human behaviour with the criminal justice system, helping you understand why crime happens and how psychology can be used in areas like prevention, investigation, and rehabilitation. It is a strong choice for students interested in forensic psychology, policing, mental health, or careers connected to justice and social behaviour.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1

In your first year, you build a foundation in both psychology and criminology through modules such as Psychological Science: From Biology to Individual Variation, Psychological Science: From Individuals to Society, and Crime in Social Context. You begin by understanding how behaviour develops through biological, cognitive, and social influences, while also learning how crime is shaped and studied within society.

This year is focused on giving you essential academic skills, introducing core theories, and helping you understand how both disciplines connect in real-world contexts.

Year 2

In your second year, the course becomes more applied with modules such as Brain, Body and Mind, Criminology in Practice, and Social and Developmental Psychology. You explore how psychological processes link to behaviour, while also studying how crime is managed within justice systems and society.

At this stage, you start to connect theory with real-world criminal justice issues and develop a more critical understanding of behaviour, crime, and social systems.

Year 3

In your final year, you study more advanced and specialised topics such as Critical Forensic Psychology, Contemporary Issues in Criminology and Social Policy, and complete a Psychology Dissertation. You may also choose optional modules that focus on areas like victimisation, rehabilitation, or applied forensic psychology.

This year is designed to strengthen your independent thinking, research ability, and professional understanding of psychology in criminal justice settings.

Focus Areas

Forensic psychology, criminal behaviour, social psychology, developmental psychology, mental health, criminological theory, crime prevention, victimology, rehabilitation, research methods

Learning Outcomes

By the end of the degree, you will be able to analyse criminal behaviour using psychological theories, evaluate crime and justice systems, carry out independent research, and apply psychological knowledge to real-world forensic and social issues. You will also develop strong critical thinking, ethical awareness, and communication skills relevant to justice and mental health careers.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

This course is accredited by the British Psychological Society, which means it provides eligibility for Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership. This is an important step if you want to continue towards becoming a chartered psychologist in the UK.

Reputation (Employability & Rankings)

Middlesex University places strong emphasis on employability, with graduates progressing into roles in policing, probation services, social care, the NHS, and research organisations. The course is designed with applied learning and real-world relevance, supporting strong graduate outcomes in both psychology and criminology fields.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At Middlesex University, the Psychology with Criminology BSc (Hons) is designed to give you real, practical experience alongside academic study, so you learn how psychological theories apply directly to crime, offenders, victims, and the justice system. You are encouraged to think like a practitioner from the beginning, working with real case studies, research methods, and applied tasks that reflect how psychologists and criminologists work in professional settings. The course also develops your ability to analyse behaviour using evidence-based approaches, supported by specialist teaching and research-focused learning environments.

As you progress, you engage with practical investigations, applied criminology work, and psychology-based research using university resources and industry-informed methods:

Hands-on learning in psychology labs where behaviour, cognition, and decision-making are studied using experimental methods
Exposure to forensic psychology applications through modules such as Critical Forensic Psychology and Crime in Social Context
Training in research methods and data analysis using psychological and criminological software tools used in professional research
Criminology in Practice module, where you explore real criminal justice settings such as policing, probation, and rehabilitation services
Opportunities to develop applied understanding of crime through case studies, scenario-based learning, and real-world justice system examples
Group projects that replicate professional teamwork in psychological research and criminal investigations
Independent final-year dissertation where you design and complete your own research project linking psychology and crime
Access to digital databases, academic journals, and online research tools to support evidence-based learning
Opportunities for placements or exposure to external organisations linked to criminal justice, social care, and mental health services
Support from experienced, research-active academics who bring real-world forensic and psychological insight into teaching

This approach ensures you graduate with practical experience, strong analytical skills, and the confidence to work in psychology, criminology, or related professional fields.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of Psychology with Criminology BSc (Hons) at Middlesex University gain a strong understanding of human behaviour alongside crime, justice systems, and psychological processes. This combination prepares you for careers where understanding people, behaviour, and decision-making is essential, particularly within psychology, policing, rehabilitation, and social support services. Many students go on to roles such as probation officer, assistant psychologist, police support officer, or social researcher, while others work in youth justice, mental health services, or policy and community roles.

Your career development is actively supported throughout the course, with a strong focus on employability and real-world experience:

Dedicated Careers and Futures service providing ongoing support with CV writing, interview preparation, and job search guidance
Access to placement opportunities in criminal justice and related sectors, including police services, probation teams, NHS mental health services, and charitable organisations
Employability built into the course through applied learning, case studies, and research projects based on real-world crime and psychology issues
Industry-informed teaching shaped by links with criminal justice and social care organisations, helping align your skills with employer expectations
Strong British Psychological Society (BPS) accreditation for the psychology component, supporting long-term progression into professional psychology careers
Graduates entering roles in public services, government agencies, social care, research, and community support organisations
Learning from research-active staff whose expertise is connected to forensic psychology, criminal behaviour, and applied psychology
Development of transferable skills in research, analysis, communication, and critical thinking valued across multiple sectors

Further Academic Progression:
After completing this degree, you can continue into postgraduate study in areas such as forensic psychology, clinical psychology, counselling psychology, or criminology. Many students also progress to BPS-accredited master’s degrees or research programmes (MSc or PhD), which support further specialisation or routes towards becoming a chartered psychologist or academic researcher.