BA (Hons) Criminology with Forensic Psychology

Program Overview

The BA (Hons) Criminology with Forensic Psychology program provides a focused and integrated study of crime and criminal behavior through both criminological and psychological lenses. It emphasizes a critical and analytical approach to understanding why people commit crimes, how the criminal justice system operates, and the psychological factors relevant to criminal investigations, court processes, and offender management. The program encourages students to examine the individual and social factors that contribute to crime, as well as the psychological principles that can inform crime prevention and rehabilitation efforts. Through a combination of lectures, seminars, case studies, and research projects, students develop a comprehensive understanding of the complex interplay between crime and psychology.

Curriculum: The curriculum is structured to provide a progressive learning experience, starting with foundational modules that introduce core criminological theories, the structure of the criminal justice system, and fundamental psychological principles. Students then advance to more specialized modules covering topics such as forensic psychology, criminal profiling, eyewitness psychology, the psychology of offenders, forensic mental health, victimology, investigative psychology, and criminological and psychological research methods. The program encourages students to critically evaluate the application of psychological theories and research to understanding and addressing criminal behavior within the legal and criminal justice contexts. A significant component involves developing research skills through the design and execution of research projects, alongside critical analysis of theoretical debates and empirical studies in both criminology and forensic psychology.

Research Focus: The University of Worcester fosters a research-informed teaching environment within its School of Humanities and Social Science and the School of Psychology, which directly benefits the BA (Hons) Criminology with Forensic Psychology program. Faculty members are actively engaged in research across various areas of criminology and forensic psychology, including offender behavior, risk assessment, eyewitness testimony, jury decision-making, the psychology of victims, and the effectiveness of rehabilitation programs. Students benefit from being taught by academics who are actively contributing to their fields and may have opportunities to engage with research through their studies and final-year dissertations. The program aims to cultivate a research-oriented mindset, encouraging students to critically evaluate existing research and contribute their own analytical insights to understanding the psychological underpinnings of crime and the pursuit of justice.

Industry Engagement: The BA (Hons) Criminology with Forensic Psychology program recognizes the importance of preparing students for successful careers within the criminal justice system and forensic settings. The curriculum often incorporates guest lectures from practitioners working in forensic psychology, policing, probation, prisons, and related fields. The University of Worcester actively seeks to build and maintain links with local and national organizations involved in criminal justice, forensic mental health services, and research institutions. This engagement may include opportunities for volunteering, internships, and research collaborations, providing students with valuable practical experience and insights into potential career pathways. The aim is to ensure that graduates possess the skills and knowledge that are highly valued by employers in fields that require a strong understanding of both crime and forensic psychology.

Global Perspective: The University of Worcester welcomes a diverse international student body, enriching the learning experience within the BA (Hons) Criminology with Forensic Psychology program. Crime and the application of psychology within the justice system are global concerns, and the program encourages students to develop a comparative understanding of different legal systems, crime trends, and the role of forensic psychology in various international contexts. Discussions and analyses often incorporate international examples, and students have opportunities to interact with peers from various cultural backgrounds, fostering a global perspective essential for understanding the complexities of crime and justice in an increasingly interconnected world.