BSc Psychology with Criminology

3 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of Reading

Program Overview

The BSc Psychology with Criminology at the University of Reading combines the scientific study of human behaviour with a detailed exploration of crime, criminal behaviour, and the justice system. It is well suited to students who are curious about why people commit crimes and how psychology can be used to understand, prevent, and respond to criminal behaviour.

You will study both psychological science and criminological theory, gaining a clear understanding of how individual behaviour and social systems interact in the context of crime and justice.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1

In your first year, you build a strong foundation in both psychology and criminology. You study core psychology areas such as cognition, brain and behaviour, development, and research methods through modules like The Person and the Brain, Learning about Learning, and Introduction to Psychological Research. Alongside this, you are introduced to criminology, exploring basic ideas about crime, society, and the criminal justice system.

Year 2

The second year develops your understanding of both disciplines in greater depth. You study Cognitive and Biological Psychology, Social Psychology and Individual Differences, Development Across the Lifespan, and Research Methods in Psychology. At the same time, criminology modules focus on criminal justice processes, crime control, and how society responds to offending behaviour.

Year 3

In your final year, you focus on more advanced and specialised topics in psychology and criminology. Psychology becomes more research-led, while criminology explores areas such as offending behaviour, punishment, and justice policy. You also complete an independent research project, where you can investigate a topic that connects psychology and criminology in a meaningful way.

Focus Areas

Forensic psychology, criminal behaviour, cognitive psychology, social psychology, criminology theory, criminal justice systems, research methods, offending behaviour, mental health and crime

Learning Outcomes

You will develop strong research and analytical skills, a deep understanding of psychological and criminological theories, the ability to evaluate criminal behaviour, and experience in independent research. You will also gain critical thinking, data analysis, and problem-solving skills relevant to psychology and criminal justice careers

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

The psychology component of this degree is accredited by the British Psychological Society, providing eligibility for Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership, which is an essential step for progressing into professional psychology training

Reputation (Employability Rankings)

The University of Reading is known for its research-led teaching in psychology and criminology, with particular strengths in forensic psychology, crime behaviour, and social science research. Graduates progress into careers in criminal justice, policing, probation services, psychology, research, and wider public sector and analytical roles

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

The BSc Psychology with Criminology at the University of Reading focuses strongly on learning through practical experience, helping you apply psychological theory and criminological ideas to real-world situations. You develop hands-on skills through laboratory work, case-based learning, and research projects that explore both human behaviour and criminal activity in depth. The course also gives you experience with professional research tools and methods used in psychology and social science settings.

This applied learning is delivered through a mix of specialist facilities, research training, and interactive teaching methods:

Access to psychology laboratories for studying cognition, behaviour, perception, and neuroscience in controlled research settings
Use of specialist research equipment such as eye-tracking systems and neuroscience tools for investigating human behaviour
Participation in real psychological experiments and criminology-focused case studies throughout the degree
Training in research methods and data analysis using professional software such as SPSS
Group-based learning activities, including seminars, workshops, and collaborative criminology and psychology projects
Applied learning through case studies of criminal behaviour, justice processes, and offender decision-making
Opportunity to design and complete an independent research project combining psychology and criminology in the final year
Access to digital learning platforms, research databases, and online academic resources for both psychology and criminology
Teaching informed by research-active academics working in psychology, neuroscience, and criminology
Use of university libraries with extensive collections in psychology, criminology, and law to support academic and independent study

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates from the BSc Psychology with Criminology at the University of Reading leave with a strong mix of psychological science, criminological understanding, and research skills, which prepares them for careers across criminal justice, psychology, and public service sectors. Many students progress into roles where they work directly with people or contribute to understanding and managing criminal behaviour and social issues. Typical early career paths include assistant psychologist, probation support roles, research assistant, and positions within policing, justice, or community services.

Progression after the degree is supported through academic training, professional links, and career development support:

University career services: The University of Reading provides dedicated careers support, including CV building, interview preparation, and guidance for psychology and criminology-related career pathways
Employment outcomes: While exact salary figures are not specified on the programme page, graduates typically enter UK graduate-level roles in psychology, criminal justice, and public sector organisations, with many progressing into further specialist training
University–industry connections: The programme is informed by research-active staff in psychology and criminology, with strong academic links to applied areas such as forensic psychology, criminal behaviour research, and justice-focused studies
Long-term accreditation value: The psychology element is accredited by the British Psychological Society, providing eligibility for Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership, which is essential for progressing into professional psychology training routes
Graduation outcomes: Graduates commonly move into roles in the criminal justice system, probation services, policing support, youth justice, research organisations, HR and behavioural analysis, or continue into postgraduate study
Career direction flexibility: The combination of psychology and criminology develops transferable skills in analysis, communication, and research, opening pathways into both specialist and broader graduate careers

Further Academic Progression:
After completing this degree, students often continue to postgraduate study such as Master’s programmes in Forensic Psychology, Clinical Psychology, Criminology, or Mental Health. Many also progress to doctoral-level research or professional psychology training routes, depending on their career goals.