Criminology and Psychology

Criminology and psychology is a combination that brings two complementary analytical frameworks to bear on questions about human behaviour, social harm, and justice. Criminology examines why crime and deviance occur, how criminal justice systems are organised, what works in reducing offending, and how concepts of harm and justice are socially constructed. Psychology provides the tools to understand individual behaviour, cognition, emotion, and development, drawing on biological, cognitive, social, and clinical perspectives to explain why people do what they do.

Together, the two disciplines offer a richer understanding of crime and criminal behaviour than either can provide alone.

Arden University's three-year full-time Criminology and Psychology degree offers a blended learning study mode, combining timetabled classes at Arden campus locations with independent online study through the university's virtual learning environment. Each week you will have eight hours of timetabled contact spread over two days, supplemented by around twenty-five hours of independent study. The degree has a typical entry tariff of 88 points, and Arden's approach provides all course materials free of charge as part of the fee.

You will study the theoretical and empirical foundations of both criminology and psychology, developing knowledge of criminal behaviour, the criminal justice system, research methods, and psychological assessment alongside an understanding of how these fields intersect in forensic and social contexts.

Graduates work in criminal justice services, probation, the police, social work, mental health support, victim services, and research roles. The combination also opens doors in community development, youth work, education, and the voluntary sector. Many graduates continue to postgraduate study, including professional training in psychology, criminology, social work, or related disciplines, with psychology accreditation being a particular route for those wishing to qualify as a chartered psychologist in a forensic or clinical setting.