BSc Psychology with Criminology with Professional Placement

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of Reading

Program Overview

The BSc Psychology with Criminology with Professional Placement Year at the University of Reading combines the scientific study of human behaviour with an in-depth understanding of crime, criminal justice, and social responses to offending. It is designed for students who want to explore why people commit crimes and how psychology can be used within policing, courts, rehabilitation, and wider justice systems.

You will study psychology and criminology together while gaining real workplace experience through a year-long placement, helping you connect academic knowledge with practical application.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1

In your first year, you build a strong foundation in both psychology and criminology. You study core psychology topics 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 concepts that explore crime, justice, and social behaviour, helping you understand how individuals and society interact.

Year 2

The second year develops your understanding of both psychology and criminology in greater depth. You study Cognitive and Biological Psychology, Social Psychology and Individual Differences, Development Across the Lifespan, and Research Methods in Psychology, while criminology modules focus on criminal justice systems, offending behaviour, and how society responds to crime. This year also prepares you for your professional placement by building applied and workplace-relevant skills.

Year 3 (Professional Placement Year)

In this year, you complete a full-time professional placement in a relevant setting such as the NHS, police services, probation services, youth justice organisations, or research institutions. This gives you direct experience of how psychology and criminology are used in real-world practice, helping you build confidence, professional awareness, and workplace skills.

Year 4

In your final year, you return to university for advanced study in psychology and criminology. You explore more specialised topics in forensic psychology, criminal behaviour, and justice systems, alongside completing an independent research project where you investigate a topic of your choice in depth.

Focus Areas

Forensic psychology, criminal behaviour, criminal justice systems, cognitive psychology, social psychology, neuroscience, research methods, offending behaviour, youth justice, rehabilitation

Learning Outcomes

You will develop strong research and analytical skills, a detailed understanding of psychological and criminological theories, practical experience in professional environments, and the ability to evaluate criminal behaviour and justice systems. You will also gain skills in critical thinking, communication, data analysis, and applied research

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 important step towards becoming a professional psychologist

Reputation (Employability Rankings)

The University of Reading is known for research-led teaching in psychology and criminology, with strengths in forensic psychology, criminal behaviour, and applied social science. Graduates progress into careers in the criminal justice system, NHS, probation services, policing support, research, and postgraduate study in related fields

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

The BSc Psychology with Criminology with Professional Placement Year at the University of Reading is built around learning through real experience, helping you connect psychological theory and criminological knowledge with real-world practice. From laboratory work and case-based criminology study to a full-year professional placement, you develop practical skills by working with real data, real organisations, and real-world criminal justice contexts.

This hands-on learning is supported through specialist facilities, applied training, and direct exposure to professional environments:

Access to psychology laboratories for studying cognition, behaviour, neuroscience, and social processes in controlled research settings
Use of specialist equipment such as eye-tracking systems and neuroscience-based tools to study human decision-making and behaviour
Participation in psychological experiments and criminology case studies that explore crime, offending behaviour, and justice systems
Training in research methods and data analysis using professional statistical software such as SPSS
A full-year professional placement in organisations such as the NHS, police services (including Thames Valley Police), probation services, youth justice teams, and prison-related services
Experience of real criminal justice environments such as HM Prison and Probation Service and youth justice organisations
Engagement with academic staff working in forensic psychology, criminal behaviour, and applied social science research
Completion of an independent final-year research project combining psychology and criminology, supported by academic supervision and research facilities
Access to university digital learning platforms and academic databases for psychology and criminology research
Use of specialist university libraries with extensive psychology, criminology, and law resources to support study and independent research

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates from the BSc Psychology with Criminology with Professional Placement Year at the University of Reading are well prepared for careers across psychology, criminal justice, and public service roles. The combination of psychological science, criminology, and a full professional placement year helps students build strong analytical and practical skills that are highly valued in real workplace settings.

Progression after the degree is supported through academic training, industry links, and dedicated employability support:

University services supporting employment: The University of Reading Careers team provides support with CV development, interview preparation, placement guidance, and tailored advice for psychology and criminology-related career paths
Employment outcomes: Around 97% of psychology graduates are in work or further study within 15 months of graduation, showing strong overall employability outcomes
University–industry partnerships: Strong connections with organisations such as Thames Valley Police, NHS services, HM Prison and Probation Service, youth justice services, and forensic psychology and criminal justice research environments
Long-term accreditation value: The psychology component is accredited by the British Psychological Society, giving eligibility for Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership, which is essential for progressing into professional psychology training routes
Graduation outcomes: Graduates typically move into roles such as assistant psychologist, probation officer, youth justice worker, police support officer, research assistant, victim support worker, and roles within social care and public services

Further Academic Progression:
After completing this degree, students often progress to postgraduate study such as Master’s programmes in Forensic Psychology, Clinical Psychology, Criminology, or Mental Health. Many also continue into doctoral research or professional training routes required to become chartered psychologists.