BSc (Hons) Criminology and Psychology

Program Overview

The BSc (Hons) Criminology and Psychology program at Bath Spa University is a three-year, full-time course providing a stimulating and intellectually engaging learning experience. It is structured to progressively build foundational knowledge in both criminology and psychology in the first year, explore core criminological theories and fundamental psychological principles in the second, and culminate in specialized studies at the intersection of criminology and psychology, along with an interdisciplinary research project in the final year. Students benefit from interactive lectures, engaging seminars incorporating case studies from both criminology and psychology, opportunities for applying psychological and criminological frameworks to understanding criminal behavior and the justice system, and collaborative group work. A key element involves fostering a critical understanding of the individual and social factors that contribute to crime, the psychological impact of crime on individuals and communities, and the application of psychological principles in criminal investigations, offender rehabilitation, and victim support. The program encourages students to develop their analytical skills and to approach the study of crime with both social scientific and psychological perspectives.

Curriculum: The curriculum for the BSc (Hons) Criminology and Psychology program is designed to provide a comprehensive and integrated understanding of the core areas of both disciplines. Core modules typically cover criminological theory, the sociology of crime and deviance, core psychological principles (cognitive, social, developmental), research methods in both criminology and psychology, and forensic psychology. As students progress, they often have the opportunity to specialize in areas such as youth crime, victimology, offender rehabilitation, criminal psychology, mental health and crime, and investigative psychology through elective modules that bridge the two disciplines. The program emphasizes the development of critical thinking, analytical skills, research methodologies relevant to both social science and psychology, and ethical considerations in both criminological research and psychological practice within the criminal justice system. Students will engage in case study analysis from both criminological and psychological perspectives, participate in debates on contemporary issues at the intersection of crime and psychology, and undertake interdisciplinary projects that require them to integrate knowledge from both fields. The final year often includes advanced seminars on current criminological and psychological debates and a significant interdisciplinary research project or dissertation.

Research Focus: The BSc (Hons) Criminology and Psychology program at Bath Spa University benefits from a research-informed learning environment within the School of Humanities and Cultural Industries and the School of Psychology. Faculty members in both disciplines are actively engaged in research related to areas such as the psychological factors underlying criminal behavior, offender profiling, eyewitness testimony, the psychology of victims, the impact of trauma, and the effectiveness of psychological interventions in criminal justice settings. This research informs the curriculum, ensuring that students are exposed to current academic debates, theoretical advancements, and empirical findings in both criminology and psychology. Students are encouraged to develop their own research interests at the intersection of these fields through assignments and their final year interdisciplinary project, fostering independent learning and critical inquiry.

Industry Engagement: Bath Spa University's BSc (Hons) Criminology and Psychology program fosters connections with relevant organizations within the criminal justice system, mental health services, and research institutions. The program may facilitate guest lectures by forensic psychologists, police officers with specialized psychological training, probation officers, victim support workers, and researchers in related fields. Students may have opportunities for visits to relevant institutions and engagement with practitioners. While formal placements may vary, the program emphasizes the development of transferable skills relevant to these sectors, such as communication, critical analysis, research skills, and an understanding of human behavior in criminal contexts. The curriculum often incorporates real-world case studies and scenarios to enhance students' understanding of professional practice at the intersection of criminology and psychology.

Global Perspective: The BSc (Hons) Criminology and Psychology program at Bath Spa University incorporates a global perspective by examining cross-cultural variations in crime and criminal behavior, international approaches to forensic psychology, and the impact of globalization on crime and mental health. The curriculum may include case studies of crime and justice issues in different cultural contexts, discussions on international perspectives on criminal psychology, and the exploration of global challenges related to crime and mental well-being. The university's diverse international student body contributes to a global learning environment, fostering discussions and collaborations across different cultural perspectives on crime and psychology. Furthermore, the program may touch upon topics such as international perspectives on offender rehabilitation and victim support, preparing graduates to understand and engage with these issues in a global context.