About this course
Explore the fascinating worlds of crime, the criminal mind and deviant behaviour. Examine the different, and sometimes contradictory, views on the psychology behind our nature and the choices we make. These are complementary subjects, which often feature in the media and popular culture.
Criminology looks at the origins and patterns of criminality, the justice system and the reasons for committing crime. Psychology examines the mind to try to explain and predict human interaction and behaviour choice.
On this criminology and psychology course, you’ll study:
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criminal behaviour
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victimisation and society's reaction
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the socio-legal context of crime
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the future of social control
You’ll also examine the major views and topics within psychology, including:
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cognitive psychology
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developmental psychology
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social psychology
As part of your degree you can:
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use our research facilities, which include eye-movement recording and virtual reality labs
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examine cyber and international crime
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study abroad for a semester in Brazil, Canada or China
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challenge yourself and help make a difference with our Social Impact Lab
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take specialist modules from other disciplines to unlock a range of career options
The University is also home to the Institute of Criminal Justice. You can take part in seminars, workshops and lectures, and explore the relationships between criminal justice scholarship, research, policy, and practice.
This programme is accredited by the British Psychological Society. It will open the door to further research or careers in public service, criminal justice and beyond.
Accreditations
Course location
This course is based at Highfield.
Awarding body
This qualification is awarded by the University of Southampton.
Download the Course Description Document
The Course Description Document details your course overview, your course structure and how your course is taught and assessed.
Changes due to COVID-19
Although the COVID-19 situation is improving, any future restrictions could mean we might have to change the way parts of our teaching and learning take place in 2021 to 2022. We're working hard to plan for a number of possible scenarios. This means that some of the information on this course page may be subject to change.
Find out more on our COVID advice page.
Entry requirements
For Academic year 202223
A-levels
AAB
A-levels additional information
Offers typically exclude General Studies and Critical Thinking.
A-levels with Extended Project Qualification
If you are taking an EPQ in addition to 3 A levels, you will receive the following offer in addition to the standard A level offer: ABB and grade A in the EPQ
A-levels contextual offer
We are committed to ensuring that all applicants with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise an applicant's potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme, as follows: ABB
International Baccalaureate Diploma
Pass, with 34 points overall with 17 points at Higher Level
International Baccalaureate contextual offer
We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.
International Baccalaureate Career Programme (IBCP) statement
Offers will be made on the individual Diploma Course subject(s) and the career-related study qualification. The CP core will not form part of the offer. Where there is a subject pre-requisite(s), applicants will be required to study the subject(s) at Higher Level in the Diploma course subject and/or take a specified unit in the career-related study qualification. Applicants may also be asked to achieve a specific grade in those elements. Please see the University of Southampton International Baccalaureate Career-Related Programme (IBCP) Statement for further information. Applicants are advised to contact their Faculty Admissions Office for more information.
BTEC
D in the BTEC National Extended Certificate plus AA from two A levels DD in the BTEC National Diploma plus A from one A-level DDD in the BTEC National Extended Diploma
RQF BTEC
We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.
Additional information
BTEC qualifications should be in Health and Social Care, Public Services, or Forensic and Criminal Investigation. Please check with us if your BTEC qualification is in a different subject before applying.
QCF BTEC
D in the BTEC Subsidiary Diploma plus AA from two A levels DD in the BTEC Diploma plus A grade from one A-level DDD in the BTEC Extended Diploma
We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.
Access to HE Diploma
60 credits with a minimum of 45 credits at Level 3, of which 39 must be at Distinction and 6 credits at Merit
Access to HE additional information
Irish Leaving Certificate
Irish Leaving Certificate (first awarded 2017)
H1 H2 H2 H2 H2 H2
Irish Leaving Certificate (first awarded 2016)
A1, A1, A1, A1, A1, A2
Scottish Qualification
Offers will be based on exams being taken at the end of S6. Subjects taken and qualifications achieved in S5 will be reviewed. Careful consideration will be given to an individual’s academic achievement, taking in to account the context and circumstances of their pre-university education.
Please see the University of Southampton’s Curriculum for Excellence Scotland Statement (PDF) for further information. Applicants are advised to contact their Faculty Admissions Office for more information.
Cambridge Pre-U
D3 D3 M2 in three Principal subjects
Cambridge Pre-U additional information
Cambridge Pre-U's can be used in combination with other qualifications such as A Levels to achieve the equivalent of the typical offer
Welsh Baccalaureate
AAB from 3 A levels or AA from two A levels and B from the Advanced Welsh Baccalaureate Skills Challenge Certificate
Welsh Baccalaureate additional information
Welsh Baccalaureate contextual offer
We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.
European Baccalaureate
79-85% overall
Other requirements
GCSE requirements
Applicants must hold GCSE English language (or GCSE English) (minimum grade 4/C) and mathematics (minimum grade 4/C)
Find the equivalent international qualifications for our entry requirements.
English language requirements
If English isn't your first language, you'll need to complete an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) to demonstrate your competence in English. You'll need all of the following scores as a minimum:
IELTS score requirements
- overall score
- 6.5
- reading
- 5.5
- writing
- 5.5
- speaking
- 5.5
- listening
- 5.5
We accept other English language tests. Find out which English language tests we accept.
You might meet our criteria in other ways if you do not have the qualifications we need. Find out more about:
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our Access to Southampton scheme for students living permanently in the UK (including residential summer school, application support and scholarship)
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skills you might have gained through work or other life experiences (otherwise known as recognition of prior learning)
Find out more about our Admissions Policy.
Got a question?
Please contact our enquiries team if you're not sure that you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course.
Email: enquiries@southampton.ac.uk
Tel: +44(0)23 8059 5000
Course structure
Each year, you’ll study modules in both criminology and psychology, and specialised modules that span both disciplines.
You’ll take 8 modules per year, which consist of contact time (lectures, seminars, workshops), preparation for classes, and independent study. In years 2 and 3, you can choose optional modules from related disciplines or other faculties. You can even learn a new language.
You can also choose from a range of interdisciplinary modules, including Business Skills, Life in the Cosmos or Understanding Modern China. These are a great opportunity to expand your knowledge and create an impressive CV.
Year 1 overview
You’ll take core and compulsory crime and psychology modules. These will introduce you to criminology and the workings of the criminal justice system, and to some of the most important findings, theories and research in psychology.
You’ll study:
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Introduction to Psychology
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Understanding Everyday Life
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Behavioural Neuroscience
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Criminal Justice Studies
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Individual Differences
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Introduction to Criminology
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Research Methods and Data Analysis
Year 2 overview
You’ll study qualitative and quantitative research methods in detail, and learn about context and policy in criminology.
You’ll also examine:
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Criminological Psychology
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Crime and Criminal Justice: Historical Perspective
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Developmental Psychology
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Language and Memory
You can also choose from optional modules such as:
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Criminology: Policy and Practice
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Perception
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Gender and Society
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Cognitive Neuroscience
Year 3 overview
You’ll put your academic skills into practice with a dissertation that combines psychology with criminology. With help from an experienced supervisor, you'll prepare original research that meets the requirements of the British Psychological Society.
You’ll study law enforcement, social control, and controversial issues like domestic violence and policing minority groups. You’ll also look at current issues in clinical psychology.
The rest of the year’s content consists of optional modules, including:
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The Deserving and Undeserving: Victims and Scroungers in Criminology and Social Policy
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Violent and Sexual Offenders
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Intergroup Relations and Interpersonal Influence
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Globalisation, Inequalities and Power
Want more detail? See all the modules in the course.
Modules
Changes due to COVID-19
Although the COVID-19 situation is improving, any future restrictions could mean we might have to change the way parts of our teaching and learning take place in 2021 to 2022. We're working hard to plan for a number of possible scenarios. This means that some of the information on this course page may be subject to change.
Find out more on our COVID advice page.
For entry in Academic Year 2022-23
Year 1 modules
You must study the following modules in year 1:
The module aims to develop the themes introduced in the Introduction to Psychology Module in semester 1. The module integrates the approaches and findings of biological psychology in an attempt to understand the biological factors that explain why people...
In this module you will develop an understanding of the England and Wales criminal justice system, with a particular focus on its philosophies, institutional practices and processes and outcomes. You will gain an understanding of how the criminal justice ...
The course covers the topics of personality and intelligence from the perspective of individual differences. Some research psychologists explore the ways in which people are the same, and seek to draw general conclusions about human nature. Howeve...
This module focuses on definitions and measurement of crime and deviance; it explores sociological theories and bio-psychological approaches of crime and deviance and it promotes critical thinking on the social construction of crime.
Introduction to Psychology will touch on a number of different topics including The Science of Psychology, Sensation, Perception, Memory, Metacognition, Social Cognition, Attitudes and Emotions, Interpersonal processes, Development & Health Psychology, an...
This module is designed to extend understanding of the research methods and data analysis techniques introduced in the first semester of the first year. You will be introduced to further statistical techniques used in psychology and learn to apply them bo...
Psychology is a science that involves experimental work and data analysis. The module will provide the fundamental information required to progress to more complex statistical techniques taught in Semester 2 and Year 2. Learning about research methods and...
The module will look at the disciplines of sociology and criminology through an examination of key aspects of everyday life and the ways in which these have been analysed by social scientists. This module also includes a preparatory section, which prov...
Year 2 modules
You must study the following modules in year 2:
This module encourages you to take an in-depth look at the way psychology has been used to explain and control crime. We will explore the way psychological principles can be applied to such issues as violence, murder, serial killing and the role of the c...
Anthropology actively studies people in real-life settings in order to investigate the crucial roles that culture and social organisation play in their lives. Sociology actively pursues strong theoretical perspectives which further explores the relationsh...
This module will develop your understanding and knowledge of development across childhood, adolescence and adulthood. We will present historical and current research studies and explain how these link to related theoretical frameworks. The module will e...
This module is designed to provide you with an introduction to cognitive psychology, or the study of human cognitive processes, with an emphasis on three of those processes – communication, language and memory. Apart from being intrinsically interesting (...
This module focuses upon the contemporary development of criminology as a discipline and the range of perspectives and theories that form part of it. These include traditional and more radical sociological and criminological theories. One of the pre-re...
This module has two goals. First to teach students the foundations, principals and methods of qualitative research. Second to support students in identifying a topic and designing a research project for their third year dissertation. One of the pre-req...
The lectures cover theory, terminology, calculations for statistical tests, concepts relating to research methods and the use of SPSS. This module will focus on understanding rationale behind different statistical procedures, discriminating between di...
You must also choose from the following modules in year 2:
This module is designed to introduce you to some of the key concepts and debates surrounding children and childhood. It will provide you an opportunity to develop an analytical and critical understanding of the theoretical frameworks, research, policy and...
This second-year module will present a broad introduction to the field of cognitive neuroscience. This module will focus on how psychological theories of the mind are informed by neuropsychological and neuroscientific evidence. Topics covered include: hem...
The module will introduce sociological perspectives on gender and to contemporary debates about gender and society.
This module will explore the issues of race, racism, racial conflict, and race relations in contemporary Britain and worldwide. Although we will mainly refer to Britain, global examples from Europe, the US, the Caribbean, Africa, and South America will be...
Year 3 modules
You must study the following modules in year 3:
The module will provide an introduction to adult psychopathology, to present the psychological and biological models that have been developed to explain a variety of psychological disorders, and to examine both the empirical foundation of these models and...
This module provides students with an opportunity to conduct a small-scale, independent research project, working under the guidance of an experienced supervisor. Students will: - Conduct an in-depth literature review combining both Criminological and...
This module considers a range of issues in the area of the sociology of the policy and policing and more broadly the sociology of social control - issues, include domestic violence, public order and policing minority groups.
You must also choose from the following modules in year 3:
The Advanced Quantitative Research Skills module is focused on extending existing skills in analyzing data from quantitative research. The module consists of two parts. In the first part programming skills in R are being learned. In the second, students w...
This module is designed to introduce you to some of the key concepts and debates surrounding children and childhood. It will provide you an opportunity to develop an analytical and critical understanding of the theoretical frameworks, research, policy and...
This module looks at the changing nature of material, social and cultural inequality in British society, and how it affects our everyday lives.
This module is concerned with the development of modern societies and the nature of 'modernity'. It will draw on the writings of contemporary sociologists in order to consider what the most important processes of social change taking place are and how the...
In this module we will first explore why all industrialised countries developed programmes to reduce social risks. We will then examine how and why this development was different in different countries. Finally we will discuss some of the main challenges...
The module aims to enhance students' knowledge about current theories and research in the area of developmental psychopathology.
This is an advanced module that exposes students to the scientific study of intergroup relations and interpersonal influence. The module will cover research illustrating the psychological underpinnings of persuasion, conformity, obedience, group/group-mem...
This module aims to provide a descriptive and critical overview of the practice of educational psychology in the UK and to highlight some of the key debates.
This course explores the fascinating world of perception, within the natural world and in virtual and augmented environments. Students will understand how we use our senses - vision, sound, touch and taste - to decipher information about the objects, scen...
Penology is the study of punishment, in prison and in the community. Students are encouraged to think critically about the multiple purposes and debatable effectiveness of our contemporary modes of punishment, and to understand why this 'end product' of t...
The module will draw on the student’s prior learning with regard to various psychological areas; including but not restricted to, learning , attitude, attachment, Clinical and behaviour change. An introduction to animal behaviour and welfare will be provi...
This module adopts a project-based approach. Through building the first project, the basic rules and syntax of the five web technologies (HTML5, CSS, PHP, MySQL, and JavaScript) are gradually introduced as they are used in the project. Subsequent projec...
Advertising is an everyday and significant phenomenon. Sponsors hire agencies to inform us about, and persuade us to buy, innumerable branded products and services on the market, though a variety of mass media. Advertisements also urge us to donate to cha...
This module will explore the issues of race, racism, racial conflict, and race relations in contemporary Britain and worldwide. Although we will mainly refer to Britain, global examples from Europe, the US, the Caribbean, Africa, and South America will b...
This module is concerned with different anthropological and sociological approaches to studying two important areas of human experience, namely sexuality and intimacy. We explore the relationship between sex, love and intimacy, taking into consideration ...
Humans are adapted to be highly social. We interact with a number of other people everyday, and successful social interactions depend on the ability to infer other's mental and emotional state from limited cues. Social and affective neuroscience applies t...
This module will help you to develop graduate attributes, including: - academic attributes – ability to critically appraise knowledge claims based on qualitative and quantitative methods; and - communication skills – ability to communicate research desi...
Societal sensitivity regarding victims in the UK has grown in recent decades. In the UK new policies and legislation have emerged at all levels in the criminal justice system with the aim of putting the victim at the centre of the criminal justice process...
Would you like to understand why people - mostly men - are violent, or commit rape, or sexually abuse young children? Are people who do such things mentally ill? What might have happened to them in their lives that makes them commit such serious offences...
Learning and assessment
The learning activities for this course include the following:
- lectures
- classes and tutorials
- coursework
- individual and group projects
- independent learning (studying on your own)
Course time
How you'll spend your course time:
Year 1
Study time
Your scheduled learning, teaching and independent study for year 1:
How we'll assess you
- dissertations
- essays
- individual and group projects
- oral presentations
- written exams
Your assessment breakdown
Year 1:
Year 2
Study time
Your scheduled learning, teaching and independent study for year 2:
How we'll assess you
- dissertations
- essays
- individual and group projects
- oral presentations
- written exams
Your assessment breakdown
Year 2:
Year 3
Study time
Your scheduled learning, teaching and independent study for year 3:
How we'll assess you
- dissertations
- essays
- individual and group projects
- oral presentations
- written exams
Your assessment breakdown
Year 3:
Academic support
You’ll be supported by a personal academic tutor and have access to a senior tutor.
Course leader
Craig Webber is the course leader.
Careers
When you pass your final dissertation module and complete this course with at least a 2:2 degree, you’ll be eligible for graduate Chartered Membership with the British Psychological Society (BPS). This stands out on a CV and provides access to career and training events at the BPS, which will widen your criminology and psychology career options.
You’ll develop the knowledge and skills required for criminological and psychology research, including:
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methods and techniques
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ethical principles
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evaluation of results
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communication
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problem solving
This course can lead to management, planning and delivering social and public services and criminal justice. It also offers an excellent foundation for professional training or postgraduate study.
Our graduates embark on diverse career pathways including:
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academia
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clinical, forensic and occupational psychology
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criminal justice
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government
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health and occupational psychologies
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police
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research and education
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social services and welfare
Contact us to speak to a careers advisor.
Careers services at Southampton
We are a top 20 UK university for employability (QS Graduate Employability Rankings 2019). Our Careers and Employability Service will support you throughout your time as a student and for up to 5 years after graduation. This support includes:
work experience schemes
CV and interview skills and workshops
networking events
careers fairs attended by top employers
a wealth of volunteering opportunities
study abroad and summer school opportunities
We have a vibrant entrepreneurship culture and our dedicated start-up supporter, Futureworlds, is open to every student.
Work in industry
We offer internships and placement opportunities to help our graduates gain valuable work experience. Our students recently took paid internships with the Office for National Statistics.
You could also choose to take a Year in Employment, which is a paid work placement between your second and third year.
Fees, costs and funding
Tuition fees
Fees for a year's study:
- UK students pay £9,250.
- EU and international students pay £19,300.
What your fees pay for
Your tuition fees pay for the full cost of tuition and all examinations.
Find out how to:
Accommodation and living costs, such as travel and food, are not included in your tuition fees. Explore:
Bursaries, scholarships and other funding
If you're a UK or EU student and your household income is under £25,000 a year, you may be able to get a University of Southampton bursary to help with your living costs. Find out about bursaries and other funding we offer at Southampton.
If you're a care leaver or estranged from your parents, you may be able to get a specific bursary.
Get in touch for advice about student money matters.
Scholarships and grants
You may be able to get a scholarship or grant that's linked to your chosen subject area.
We award scholarships and grants for travel, academic excellence, or to students from underrepresented backgrounds.
Support during your course
The Student Services Centre offers support and advice on money to students. You may be able to access our Student Support fund and other sources of financial support during your course.
Funding for EU and international students
Find out about funding you could get as an international student.
How to apply
When you apply use:
- UCAS course code: LC68
- UCAS institution code: S27
What happens after you apply?
We will assess your application on the strength of your:
- predicted grades
- academic achievements
- personal statement
- academic reference
We aim to respond to you within 2 to 6 weeks with a decision about your application.
Equality and diversity
We treat and select everyone in line with our Equality and Diversity Statement.
Got a question?
Please contact our enquiries team if you're not sure that you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course.
Email: enquiries@southampton.ac.uk
Tel: +44(0)23 8059 5000
