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BSc (Hons) Psychology & Criminology

Gain expert insight into psychology, criminal behaviour and the intriguing complexities of the criminal justice process on a degree accredited by the British Psychological Society.

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    Overview

    Covid-19 - Psychology & Criminology Essential Information

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    UCAS Code: P3C5
    Course Length: 3 Years Full-Time
    Start Dates: September 2021, September 2022
    Subjects: Criminology and Offending
    Psychology
    Location: Edge Hill University
    Example Offers: BBC-BBB (A Level) or DMM (BTEC)
    View full entry criteria

    This degree combines the study of psychology and criminology in a single programme, enabling you to explore multiple contrasting and complementary perspectives to a variety of aspects of the two subjects.

    You will develop your skills, knowledge and understanding of the major issues and perspectives within psychology as required by the British Psychological Society (BPS). The degree will also enable you to develop the criminological skills to research, analyse and critique the complexities of behaviour categorised as criminal, as well as gain a detailed understanding of the workings of the criminal justice system. A compulsory dissertation provides the opportunity to combine specific aspects of your interests across both fields of study in an independent research project, conducted with the support of your tutors.

    Please note, you will study a slightly higher number of Psychology modules than Criminology modules on this degree. On successful completion of the programme, you will be eligible to gain the Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC) with the British Psychological Society (BPS). If you wish to study the two subjects equally without gaining accreditation, you should consider our BA (Hons) Criminology and Psychology degree.

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    In Depth

    What will I study?

    In Year 1 of this degree, you will be introduced to the key concepts and principles of psychology and criminology. You will study criminological theory and the criminal justice process, receive an overview of the academic and transferable skills required for applied psychology, discover the key approaches to research in psychology and be introduced to various elements of behavioural psychology.

    In Year 2, you will receive a grounding in critical criminological theory and its application to contemporary criminal justice. You will also develop the skills necessary for designing, conducting and analysing your own research. The remaining Year 2 modules focus in-depth on core psychological strands, including developmental psychology, social psychology, cognitive psychology and biological psychology.

    In Year 3, you will deepen your understanding of selected areas of Psychology and Criminology. The modules will enable you to build upon your understanding of some of the topics presented earlier in the degree. You may choose to study, for example, topics such as crimes perpetrated by states and powerful organisations, key aspects of the criminal justice system, policing, and/or imprisonment. You will also be immersed in current research and practice associated with personality and individual differences in the study of human behaviour. The final element of the programme is the completion of a dissertation which may draw and combine insights and concerns from both psychology and criminology.

    How will I study?

    The programme is delivered through a combination of lectures, tutorials, student-led seminars, small group work, practical workshop, directed study (preparing for classes) and independent study.

    How will I be assessed?

    Assessment methods include essays, formal examinations, statistical exercises, group research projects, report writing, oral presentations, designing a research proposal and completing a dissertation.

    Who will be teaching me?

    You will be taught by a highly-committed team of research-active, expert tutors whose primary areas of specialism correspond directly with the themes of the modules available across this programme.

    A Great Study Environment

    A lecturer addresses a class of a dozen or so students in the Law and Psychology building.The £6m Law and Psychology building provides contemporary teaching and learning facilities for students in the Department of Psychology and the Department of Law and Criminology.

    The three-storey building includes a 250-seat lecture theatre, seminar and tutorial rooms, and social learning areas which encourage a more informal and interactive style of learning. There are also specially designed experimental facilities for psychological research.

    Psychology resources include state-of-the-art eye trackers, transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) methods, and near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) for examining cognitive functioning and brain activity. Other specialist laboratories include a group testing laboratory, two bi-directional observation rooms, a ‘bar simulation laboratory’ (for alcohol research), audio-visual suites and dedicated IT facilities equipped with subject specific software installed to support experimental work.

    You are encouraged to join the student-led Edge Hill University Law and Criminology Society which offers a range of activities to enhance your professional development, from mooting workshops to educational visits, mentoring opportunities, a debating society and monthly social events.

    Modules

    Expand All

    Year 1

    CRI1124Introduction to Criminological Theory (20 credits)

    Introduction to Criminological Theory introduces you to key theoretical perspectives relevant to the study of crime and social justice. The module will use contemporary case studies in crime, deviance and conflict to evaluate the main theoretical traditions and recent critiques within criminology, providing a foundation in critical analysis. In particular, the module will emphasise the political underpinnings to theoretical perspectives and will encourage you to recognise the need to locate theories of crime and deviance in their structural contexts.


    Assessment: Coursework: 50%, Written Exam(s): 50%.

    CRI1125Introduction to the Criminal Justice Process (20 credits)

    Introduction to the Criminal Justice Process introduces you to key aspects of the criminal justice system, primarily in England and Wales but with some reference to other UK and international jurisdictions. The module will critically analyse official responses to ‘crime’ and deviance through an examination of fundamental criminal justice agencies including the police, criminal courts and prisons as well as probation and youth justice services.


    Assessment: Coursework: 50%, Written Exam(s): 50%.

    PSY1109Essential Skills in Applied Psychology (20 credits)

    Essential Skills in Applied Psychology develops a range of academic, personal and interpersonal skills designed to enhance your potential both within and beyond university. The focus is on harnessing key undergraduate skills such as academic reading, writing and critique, group working, finding and presenting information, time management, self-awareness and reflection, and applying them in the context of the degree subject. The module takes a holistic approach to applications of theory.


    Assessment: Coursework: 100%.

    PSY1111Introduction to Personality, Social and Developmental Psychology (20 credits)

    Introduction to Personality, Social and Developmental Psychology will familiarise you with the approaches and concepts central to the study of behaviour. The module explores the historical and theoretical concepts of personality and individual differences, social cognition and social and cognitive development.


    Assessment: Coursework: 50%, Written Exam(s): 50%.

    PSY1112Introduction to Cognitive and Biological Psychology (20 credits)

    Introduction to Cognitive and Biological Psychology considers the processes underlying behaviour (such as perception, sensation and memory) and how human beings are embedded in their world (e.g. by way of their shared biology and learned knowledge). In this way, the module aims to equip you with a broad understanding of basic theories and concepts and a range of interrelated approaches towards the psychological study of human behaviour.


    Assessment: Coursework: 50%, Written Exam(s): 50%.

    PSY1116Investigating Methods in Psychology (20 credits)

    Investigating Methods in Psychology demonstrates the key approaches to research in psychology and develops your skills in experimental design, data analysis and data interpretation. You will learn about approaches to research in areas of cognitive, developmental, social and biological psychology and will be provided with the opportunity to learn and practice these techniques yourself.  The module will also enable you to gain the skills required in order to produce descriptive and inferential statistics.


    Assessment: Coursework: 100%.

    Year 2

    CRI2225Critical Criminological Theory (20 credits)

    Critical Criminological Theory provides a grounding in critical criminological theory and its application to contemporary debates and issues concerning harm and criminal justice. The module will familiarise you with the development of criminological theory in historical and political contexts. You will be encouraged to apply theoretical perspectives to issues incorporating harm and crime, as well as social and state responses, drawing on national and international examples. The module will challenge mainstream theories of crime and deviance by locating current examples of harm, criminalisation and criminal justice within determining contexts of class, gender, sexuality, neo-colonialism and age within political priorities of the neoliberal agenda.


    Assessment: Coursework: 50%, Written Exam(s): 50%.

    PSY2112Developmental Psychology (20 credits)

    Developmental Psychology addresses the processes involved in key aspects of human development and their relevant applications in real world settings. It will focus mainly (though not exclusively) on development in childhood including areas such as cognition, memory, language, emotional, and social development. Emphasis will be placed on the evaluation of key theories and psychological research that have informed our understanding of development in these areas.


    Assessment: Coursework: 50%, Practical(s): 50%.

    PSY2113Social Psychology (20 credits)

    Social Psychology reveals the extent to which social influences and interactions are pervasive in affecting individual behaviour, while also considering how the actions of an individual in turn affect other individuals and groups. You will develop an awareness of the relationship between person and situation and examine how this dynamic relationship both influences, and is crucial to, the understanding of behaviour.


    Assessment: Coursework: 50%, Written Exam(s): 50%.

    PSY2114Cognitive Psychology (20 credits)

    Cognitive Psychology will examine both classic and contemporary research that has led to the development of theories regarding how attention, perception and memory all function. The module will also examine how each of these components interact during everyday tasks. You will consider how thinking, language and emotion enable us to reason about, and interact meaningfully with, the external world, gaining an understanding of the processes used to communicate, comprehend, and use information and knowledge.


    Assessment: Coursework: 50%, Written Exam(s): 50%.

    PSY2115Biological Psychology (20 credits)

    Biological Psychology studies the human nervous system, including its structure and functioning. There will be a particular focus upon the brain. You will learn in detail the processes by which messages are passed through the system and the way the brain interacts with the hormones of the endocrine system in order to preserve life. The methods by which the brain is commonly researched will also be explored in order to provide a basis for understanding much current research and theorising in psychology.


    Assessment: Coursework: 100%.

    PSY2116Research Methods and Data Analysis (20 credits)

    Research Methods and Data Analysis provides you with the skills necessary to design, execute and report your own research. A particular emphasis is placed on data analysis: quantitative techniques (analysis of variance and regression) and qualitative techniques (grounded theory and phenomenological analysis). These data analysis skills will be essential for carrying out dissertations and are also highly valued by employers.


    Assessment: Coursework: 100%.

    Year 3

    PSY3129Personality and Individual Differences (20 credits)

    Personality and Individual Differences influence all aspects of human behaviour. Knowledge and understanding of the nature of individual differences and the processes by which they influence our behaviours and motivations in everyday life is at the very essence of human psychology. Such knowledge is relevant in key disciplines such as clinical and forensic psychology, as well as to individuals generally in their efforts to understand what makes people ‘tick’. This module will explore and evaluate theories and research that have advanced our knowledge and understanding of this key area of psychology. It will develop your capacity for critical thinking, for active and independent learning, and for effective communication and teamwork.


    Assessment: Coursework: 100%.

    PSY3135Dissertation (30 credits)

    Dissertation requires you to carry out a piece of research for which, with tutorial support, you have responsibility for designing, gathering data, analysing data, and reporting the findings. You will work independently and demonstrate a high degree of autonomy and initiative in managing your work.


    Assessment: Coursework: 100%.

    PSY3136Reflections and Future Directions (10 credits)

    Reflections and Future Directions considers the historical and conceptual issues in psychology from an informed perspective, using knowledge and understanding acquired throughout the degree. You will learn to acknowledge your own individual role as a prospective psychology graduate within a wider context, recognising and maximising the skills acquired throughout the programme, in preparation for future employment or further study.


    Assessment: Coursework: 100%.

    You will select three of the following modules:

    CRI3021Crimes of the Powerful 1 (20 credits)

    Crimes of the Powerful 1 traces and explores serious harms and crimes perpetrated by states and associated professional and commercial interests from the eighteenth to mid-twentieth century. Adopting a zemiological frame, the module locates such harms within a range of political forms, particularly during times of social and economic upheaval, and ethnic, national and imperial conflict. The module concludes with a detailed exploration of the origins, implementation, consequences of, and responses to, the extreme state violences of the first half of the twentieth century. The aim is to enable you to critically explore issues at the cutting edge of criminological thinking.


    Assessment: Coursework: 50%, Written Exam(s): 50%.

    CRI3022Crimes of the Powerful 2 (20 credits)

    Crimes of the Powerful 2 considers the key forms and determinants of serious contemporary harms originating in the actions or omissions of corporations, states and associated powerful organisations after the Second World War. The module critically examines the origins of such harms, the ways in which they are framed within dominant and alternative discourses, and critiques the responses to them. The module takes an expansive view of harm, drawing upon examples from within and without the criminal justice system, at local, national and international levels.


    Assessment: Coursework: 50%, Written Exam(s): 50%.

    CRI3023Crime and Place (20 credits)

    Crime and Place enables you to build your knowledge and understanding of the relationships between crime and place and examine developments in policy relating to place, criminality and safety. The module appraises the strengths and weaknesses of different theoretical, philosophical and practical approaches to crime and place. Geographies/landscapes of crime and criminalisation are examined utilising empirical and theoretical materials.


    Assessment: Coursework: 100%.

    CRI3109The Politics of Policing (20 credits)

    The Politics of Policing equips you with a critical knowledge and understanding of the concept of policing, both in its philosophical sense and as a function of the modern liberal democratic state. The module will consider the role and function of the police service, and explore related issues including police powers, political accountability, protection of civil liberties and the concept of equality before the law. Contemporary strategies and approaches to policing will be located within their structural, political, social and geographical contexts. The module is underpinned by theories of authority, power and legitimacy.


    Assessment: Coursework: 50%, Written Exam(s): 50%.

    CRI3110The Politics of Imprisonment (20 credits)

    The Politics of Imprisonment provides you with a critical knowledge and understanding of the nature, functions and justifications for the use of punishment, specifically incarceration, in modern society. The module will consider the philosophical theories that are used to legitimise the state’s use of imprisonment and the sociological theories that explain historical developments in the purpose of state punishment. The various divisions and functions of the prison estate will be examined within their historical, structural, political, social and geographical contexts. Related methods of state punishment, such as the death penalty, will also be considered. You will adopt an international perspective and explore penal theory and practice in a range of countries. The relationships between power, legitimacy and justice will be central themes throughout the module.


    Assessment: Coursework: 50%, Written Exam(s): 50%.

    CRI3112Justice, Rights and the State (20 credits)

    Justice, Rights and the State examines the development of the discourse about rights and justice. Taking a national and international approach, the module will consider the development of rights historically and the new discourses of rights. You will evaluate statutory policies and responses to the issue of rights and justice and consider how states respond to issues of justice and rights, including where states themselves uphold or violate citizen’s rights.


    Assessment: Coursework: 50%, Practical(s): 50%.

    CRI3113Expanding the Criminological Imagination (20 credits)

    Expanding the Criminological Imagination critically reflects upon and analyses the discipline of criminology. You will examine criminology’s political, practical and theoretical strengths and limitations and explore the production and commodification of criminological knowledge. The module will consider whether criminology has become a ‘parasitic’ discipline with the criminalisation of social problems, and the ever increasing techniques of crime control, forming the justification for the discipline’s existence, rather than providing a platform for resistance. You will explore the concept of the ‘criminological imagination’ as an alternative way of envisaging the discipline and its utility. You will also examine the way in which criminology has to connect with other disciplines in order to expand the range of issues it deals with. This is a necessity in order to help criminologists make sense of issues where the ‘normal’ boundaries of criminology would stifle or limit an analysis.


    Assessment: Coursework: 40%, Practical(s): 60%.

    Optional modules provide an element of choice within the programme curriculum. The availability of optional modules may vary from year to year and will be subject to minimum student numbers being achieved. This means that the availability of specific optional modules cannot be guaranteed. Optional module selection may also be affected by timetabling requirements.

    Timetables

    Timetables for your first week are normally available at the end of August prior to enrolment in September. You can expect to receive your timetable for the rest of the academic year during your first week. Please note that while we make every effort to ensure that timetables are as student-friendly as possible, scheduled teaching can take place on any day of the week. Wednesday afternoons are normally reserved for sports and cultural activities.

    Disclaimer

    Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of our published course information, however our programmes are subject to ongoing review and development. Changing circumstances may necessitate alteration to, or the cancellation of, courses.

    Changes may be necessary to comply with the requirements of accrediting bodies, revisions to subject benchmarks statements, to keep courses updated and contemporary, or as a result of student feedback. We reserve the right to make variations if we consider such action to be necessary or in the best interests of students.

    Entry Criteria

    Entry Requirements

    Typical offer 112-120 UCAS Tariff points, for which no specific subjects are required, plus GCSE English and GCSE Mathematics at Grade C or Grade 4 or above (or equivalent).

    Example Offers

    Some examples of how you can achieve 112-120 UCAS Tariff points are detailed below.

    • A Level: BBC-BBB;
    • BTEC Extended Diploma (or combination of BTEC QCF qualifications): Distinction, Merit, Merit (DMM);
    • International Baccalaureate (IB): We are happy to accept IB qualifications which achieve the required number of UCAS Tariff points;
    • Access to Higher Education Diploma: 45 credits at Level 3, for example 15 credits at Distinction and 30 credits at Merit or 24 credits at Distinction and 21 credits at Merit. The required total can be attained from various credit combinations.

    Please note, the above examples may differ from actual offers made. A combination of A Level and BTEC awards may also be accepted.

    As long as you have a minimum of two A Levels (or equivalent), there is no maximum number of qualifications that we will accept UCAS points from. This includes additional qualifications such as the Welsh Baccalaureate and Extended Project Qualification (EPQ), AS Levels that haven’t been continued to A Level, and General Studies AS or A Level awards.

    For further information on how you can meet the entry requirements, including details of alternative qualifications, please visit www.edgehill.ac.uk/offers.

    EU students can get country-specific information about the University’s entry requirements and equivalent national qualifications at www.edgehill.ac.uk/eu.

    International students should visit www.edgehill.ac.uk/international for information on the entry criteria for overseas applicants.

    English Language Requirements

    International students require IELTS 6.0, with a score no lower than 5.5 in each individual component, or an equivalent English language qualification.

    If your current level of English is half a band lower, either overall or in one or two elements, you may want to consider our Pre-Sessional English course.

    Are there any alternative ways to meet the entry requirements?

    If you have the ability to study for a degree but lack the necessary qualifications or confidence, our Fastrack: Preparation for Higher Education course could be for you. This free, seven-week programme provides a great opportunity to enhance your study skills and subject knowledge and demonstrate that you are ready to study a particular subject with us, in lieu of achieving the UCAS Tariff points in the entry criteria.

    Upon successful completion of a Fastrack course, you will be well placed to progress onto a corresponding Edge Hill University degree, although additional entry requirements may apply and the availability of specific programmes cannot be guaranteed. For more information, visit www.edgehill.ac.uk/fastrack.

    Recognition of Prior Learning

    Edge Hill University recognises learning gained elsewhere, whether through academic credit and qualifications acquired from other relevant courses of study or through recognition of an individual’s professional and employment experience (also referred to as ‘experiential learning’). This may include credit or learning undertaken at another university.

    Previous learning that is recognised in this way may be used towards meeting the entry requirements for a programme and/or for exemption from part of a programme. It is your responsibility to make a claim for recognition of prior learning. For guidance, please consult the University’s academic regulations (sections C7 and F3.1) or contact the faculty in which you are interested in studying.

    Career Prospects

    What are my career prospects?

    This programme is accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS) as conferring eligibility for the Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC), provided the minimum standard of a lower second class honours is achieved. This is the first step towards becoming a chartered psychologist.

    There are two clearly identifiable career routes for Psychology & Criminology graduates. Firstly, successful completion of this programme will open up a number of postgraduate training and career opportunities, notably forensic psychology, educational psychology, clinical psychology, work psychology, health psychology and research.

    Alternatively, you will be well placed to pursue a career in a range of professions including areas such as probation work, youth and community work, research, the police service, the prison service and criminal justice agencies.

    It is important to recognise that training in psychology is acquired through postgraduate education and supervised practice, not through an undergraduate degree. On completion of this programme, you will require further training to practice as a psychologist.

    How can I enhance my employability?

    It is useful to consider, even before you apply, how you will spend your time while studying and make the most of your university experience.

    Optional, additional activities may be available on this degree which could help to prepare you for a stimulating and rewarding career. These include:

    • Sandwich Years – you may have the opportunity to apply to complete a sandwich year placement, usually as the third year of a four year degree, and gain highly relevant work experience;
    • Erasmus+ and Study Abroad – you may have the opportunity to apply to spend time studying or working abroad, usually as the third year of a four year degree, enabling you to immerse yourself in a different culture;
    • Learning a Language – you may be able to participate in Language Steps classes, delivered at the Edge Hill Language Centre, as additional study.

    Please note, the availability of these additional activities cannot be guaranteed for all students. Depending on availability and the number of students wanting to participate, there may be a competitive application process for sandwich year placements or studying abroad opportunities or you may be required to secure a relevant placement yourself.

    Finance

    Tuition Fees

    If you are a prospective UK student who will be joining this undergraduate degree in academic year 2021/22, the tuition fee will be £9,250 per annum (subject to final Government approval).

    Tuition fees for international students enrolling on the programme in academic year 2021/22 are £12,500 per annum. Exemptions apply for EU students who have settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme, as well as Irish nationals, who may be eligible for the UK tuition fee rate.

    The University may administer a small inflationary rise in tuition fees, in line with Government policy, in subsequent academic years as you progress through the course.

    Financial Support

    Subject to eligibility, UK students joining this undergraduate degree can apply for a Tuition Fee Loan from the Government to cover the full cost of tuition fees. UK students enrolling on the programme may also be eligible to apply for additional funding to help with living costs.

    For comprehensive information about the financial support available to eligible UK students joining this programme in academic year 2021/22, together with details of how to apply for potential funding, please view our Money Matters 2021/22 guide at www.edgehill.ac.uk/undergradfinance2021.

    EU students who have settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme may be eligible to apply for financial support. Irish nationals should apply to Student Universal Support Ireland (SUSI).

    Financial support information for international students can be found at www.edgehill.ac.uk/international/fees.

    Scholarships

    Ten scholarship winners sitting together in a lecture theatre at the Scholarship Awards Evening.Edge Hill University offers a range of scholarships with a competitive application process for prospective full-time undergraduate students.

    These scholarships aren’t linked to academic success and celebrate determination, talent and achievement beyond your coursework, for instance in creativity, enterprise, ICT, performance, sport or volunteering.

    An additional scholarship, which you may qualify to receive, rewards outstanding A Level and BTEC grades.

    To find out more about scholarships, to assess your eligibility, and to meet some of our dedicated scholarship winners, visit www.edgehill.ac.uk/scholarships.

    Apply

    How to Apply

    Apply online through UCAS at www.ucas.com.

    Visit www.edgehill.ac.uk/applyucas to find out more about the application process.

    Further information for international students about how to apply is available at www.edgehill.ac.uk/applyinternational.

    Should you accept an offer of a place to study with us and formally enrol as a student, you will be subject to the provisions of the regulations, rules, codes, conditions and policies which apply to our students. These are available at www.edgehill.ac.uk/studentterms.

    Visit Us

    If you are considering applying to study at Edge Hill University, the best way to gain an insight into student life is to discover our stunning campus for yourself by attending an open day. You can view dates and book your place at www.edgehill.ac.uk/opendays.

    Alternatively, if you are unable to attend an open day, you can find out more about our full range of events for prospective students, including campus tours and virtual activities, at www.edgehill.ac.uk/visitus.

    Request a Prospectus

    If you would like to explore our full range of degrees before you apply, you can order an undergraduate prospectus at www.edgehill.ac.uk/undergradprospectus.

    Get in Touch

    If you have any questions about this programme or what it’s like to study at Edge Hill University, please contact:

    International students should visit www.edgehill.ac.uk/international or email international@edgehill.ac.uk with any queries about overseas study.

    A prospective student and her parents read a printed open day guide while stood on a bridge near the Catalyst building.

    Course Changes

    Expand All This page outlines any material changes to course content, programme structure, assessment methods, entry criteria, and modes of study or delivery, implemented in the past two years.

    12th February 2020 - Change to Entry Requirements

    112-120 UCAS Tariff points are required to join this programme with effect from September 2021 entry.

    Covid-19 - Psychology & Criminology Essential Information

    Teaching and Learning at Edge Hill University in 2020

    In this video Pro Vice-Chancellor, Lynda Brady, answers your questions and explains how teaching will work when you join us at Edge Hill University in September.

    Campus Facilities at Edge Hill University in 2020

    In this video Pro Vice-Chancellor, Lynda Brady, explains how we’re preparing the campus for your arrival in September and the facilities that will be available.