Psychology (Criminal Psychology) BSc (Hons)

3 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

Nottingham Trent University

Program Overview

The BSc (Hons) Psychology (Forensic Psychology) at Nottingham Trent University explores the psychological factors behind criminal behaviour and how psychology is used within policing, courts, and rehabilitation settings. It’s ideal for students interested in criminal justice careers while building strong skills in psychological research, data analysis, and applied forensic practice.

Curriculum structure

Year One
In your first year, you’ll build a foundation in psychology while being introduced to criminal and forensic contexts. Modules such as Understanding the Self: Psychology 101, Psychology in Action (Criminal Psychology), and Exploring Psychological Impact and Change introduce key psychological theories and how they relate to behaviour and offending. You’ll also develop research skills through Research Design and Practice (1) and Analysing Data: Methods and Tools (1), learning how psychological evidence is collected and analysed.

Year Two
Your second year deepens your understanding of psychology and its application to the criminal justice system. You’ll study modules including Brain, Behaviour and Cognition: Understanding the Mind, Social Evolution and Individual Development, and Psychology in the Criminal Justice System, alongside Research Design and Practice (2) (Criminal Psychology). This year focuses on offender behaviour, investigative psychology, and developing stronger analytical and research skills.

Final Year
In your final year, you specialise in forensic psychology and apply your knowledge to real-world scenarios. You’ll complete the Research Project in Criminal Psychology and study modules such as Psychology of Criminal Behaviour and Psychological Applications to Work Settings. Optional modules like The Psychology of Sexual Offending or Psychopathology and Offending Behaviour allow you to explore specific forensic topics in greater depth.

Focus areas (in a string): forensic psychology, criminal behaviour and offending, psychology in the criminal justice system, investigative psychology, cognitive and biological psychology, social and developmental psychology, research methods and statistics, offender rehabilitation, independent forensic research

Learning outcomes (in a string): understand psychological explanations of criminal behaviour, apply psychology to criminal justice settings, analyse forensic evidence using research methods, conduct independent forensic research, evaluate offender rehabilitation approaches, develop critical thinking and analytical skills, communicate psychological findings professionally, understand ethical practice in forensic contexts

Professional alignment (accreditation): British Psychological Society accredited degree providing Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership and progression toward professional psychology training

Reputation (employability rankings): Nottingham Trent University psychology courses are highly ranked for student demand and offer strong employability support through placements, applied projects, and career-focused learning built into the degree.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

Students on the BSc (Hons) Psychology (Forensic Psychology) at Nottingham Trent University develop practical experience by applying psychological theory to real criminal justice settings such as policing, courts, and offender rehabilitation. You’ll work in specialist psychology laboratories, use advanced research tools, and take part in applied projects that reflect real forensic psychology practice. The course combines hands-on learning, group work, and independent research so you graduate with both academic knowledge and practical experience:

Dedicated psychology laboratories including eye-tracking labs, EEG labs, motion capture lab, and transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) lab
Developmental observation labs, interview rooms, and focus group facilities for behavioural research
Transport lab with driving simulators to study decision-making and cognitive responses
Computational modelling and data analysis labs for advanced psychological research
Use of R statistical software for analysing psychological and forensic data
Professional Practice in Psychology module involving real-world problem-solving tasks set by external organisations
Psychology of Criminal Behaviour module applying theory to real offender behaviour and case studies
Independent Research Project in Criminal Psychology supervised by research-active academics
Group-based applied projects within Psychological Applications to Work Settings
Optional year-long sandwich placement in relevant areas such as criminal justice or support services
Study abroad opportunities and international summer schools
Virtual learning environment for collaboration, learning resources, and assessments
Access to Boots Library, psychology study spaces, and dedicated research areas across campus.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates from the BSc (Hons) Psychology (Forensic Psychology) at Nottingham Trent University gain strong knowledge of criminal behaviour, psychological assessment, and research methods, preparing them for careers across criminal justice, mental health, and public services. Many go on to roles such as assistant psychologist, probation officer, police support officer, or research assistant, while others progress into wider behavioural and public sector careers. The course also develops transferable skills in data analysis, communication, and critical thinking that are highly valued by employers:

Dedicated employability support from NTU Employability and psychology staff, including CV development, interview preparation, and personalised career guidance
Real-world learning through employer challenge projects where students work on applied psychology problems set by external organisations
At least 60 hours of structured work experience embedded into the course and assessed as part of your degree
Optional year-long sandwich placements in areas such as criminal justice, policing, or support and rehabilitation services
NTU SHIELD opportunities offering supervised experience in mental health and wellbeing support for young people
British Psychological Society accreditation providing Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership and progression into professional psychology training
Strong links with employers across probation services, NHS settings, local authorities, charities, and research organisations
Development of practical skills in research, statistical analysis using R, and evidence-based decision-making
Opportunities for study abroad and international summer schools to broaden experience and employability
High student demand for psychology courses at Nottingham Trent University, reflecting strong reputation and graduate outcomes
Work-integrated learning throughout the degree, including applied projects, placements, and consultancy-style assignments

Further Academic Progression:
After completing this degree, students can continue to postgraduate study in areas such as forensic psychology, clinical psychology, counselling psychology, occupational psychology, cyberpsychology, or psychological research methods. With British Psychological Society Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership, graduates can progress to Master’s degrees, doctoral training, or specialist professional routes leading to careers as a forensic psychologist, clinical practitioner, or research professional.