Criminology and Psychology BSc (Hons)

Looking to pursue a career that makes a difference? Our Criminology and Psychology degree at the University of Chester offers a unique blend of disciplines that will equip you with the knowledge and skills to tackle society's most pressing issues.

Explore the intersection of crime, psychology and society. Delve into theories, policies and real-world case studies to gain a deep understanding of the factors that contribute to criminal behaviour.

This course develops socially aware students who learn criminology from an interdisciplinary and international perspective. You will handle and interpret evidence, engage with debates about positive social change, and develop an understanding of criminal justice in society. You'll also develop integrity in your real world application of the discipline, which will be assessed through varying means ensuring you become a reflective learner.

You will evolve into a reflective academic and researcher with an active voice, and will approach real world problems relevant to psychology, criminology and criminal justice with cultural awareness and sensitivity. At the end of the course, you'll be able to apply your transferable skills to a range of employment roles and opportunities. 

Our experienced team come from a range of backgrounds and will guide you through a dynamic and diverse curriculum, ensuring you're well-prepared for a rewarding career.

You will explore theoretical and practical insights into crime, harm and victimisation, applying knowledge and building an understanding of the criminal justice system and journey.

There is a clear social justice focus throughout this course, which critically reviews media landscapes and their impacts on society. There is also an exploration of experiences of punishments and injustices which are considered in the context of promoting social change. You will critically reflect upon marginalised communities, including how stereotypes and representations can lead to the disproportionality that exists within criminal justice settings.

The information listed in this section is an overview of the academic content of the course that will take the form of either core or option modules and should be used as a guide. We review the content of our courses regularly, making changes where necessary to improve your experience and graduate prospects. If during a review process, course content is significantly changed, we will contact you to notify you of these changes if you receive an offer from us.

This course is delivered in three terms of ten weeks each. In each term, you will study 40 credits comprised of either one or two modules. Scheduled contact hours range between approximately six and ten hours per week, depending upon the level of study and the complexity of the material being taught. This course is delivered through a mix of in-person and online learning. You can expect to take part in lectures, workshops and peer-led seminars. 

You should expect to spend an average of 30-34 hours per week on independent study, which might include following asynchronous learning material, tutorial time with staff, using the University’s library, working with peers and preparing work for assessment. Teaching will be delivered by experienced academics and practitioners in the subject. This will be supplemented by occasional guest lecturers and speakers. 

There will be a broad range of assessment methods so you are exposed to the different types of tasks that you might encounter in the workplace. These will include coursework in the form of essays (long and short form), portfolios and presentations. Assessment support is provided throughout the modules. We continuously review the assessment methods used to ensure they adequately prepare you for graduate level employment.

All teaching is delivered by experienced academics and practitioners, with the fundamental principles of the Chester Future Skills Curriculum at its core - building your subject competence, confidence and key transferable skills to shape you into a world-ready Chester graduate.

Job Prospects

Criminology graduates possess a vast range of skills and expertise that are highly applicable to roles in public, private and charitable sectors. Graduates of criminology are often employed in: criminal justice agencies; third-sector organisations that work with vulnerable individuals and groups; or policy and analyst roles for public service agencies or private companies. Further study including taught postgraduate and doctoral programmes are also an option.   

Careers Service

The University has an award-winning Careers and Employability service, which provides a variety of employability-enhancing experiences; through the curriculum, through employer contact, tailored group sessions, individual information, advice and guidance.

Careers and Employability aims to deliver a service which is inclusive, impartial, welcoming, informed and tailored to your personal goals and aspirations, to enable you to develop as an individual and contribute to the business and community in which you will live and work.

We are here to help you plan your future, make the most of your time at University and to enhance your employability. We provide access to part-time jobs, extra-curricular employability-enhancing workshops and offer practical one-to-one help with career planning, including help with CVs, applications and mock interviews. We also deliver group sessions on career planning within each course and we have a wide range of extensive information covering graduate jobs and postgraduate study.