Criminology with Psychology

Criminology with psychology is a combination that addresses one of the most fundamental questions in the study of crime: why do individuals offend? Criminology provides the social and structural framework, asking how crime is defined, how it is distributed across populations, and how the justice system responds. Psychology brings the lens of individual behaviour, cognition, and emotion, examining the mental states, developmental histories, decision-making processes, and social relationships that contribute to offending and victimisation.

Together they give you a richer and more complete analytical toolkit than either discipline offers alone.

At the University of Sussex, this three-year full-time programme develops your understanding of crime, deviance, and the justice system alongside core psychological science. You will study criminological theory and research, criminal justice policy, victimology, and the psychology of offending, risk assessment, rehabilitation, and witness testimony. The programme treats both disciplines rigorously, developing your ability to evaluate evidence, construct arguments, and engage with empirical research methods from both social science and psychology.

A foundation year is available for students who need additional preparation, a sandwich year places you in a professional environment, a year abroad broadens your perspective, and work placement experience is integrated throughout.

Graduates are well placed for careers in probation, the police service, forensic settings, victim support, youth offending teams, the prison service, social research, and policy roles in criminal justice. The psychology component is particularly valued in roles that involve risk assessment, offender management, and rehabilitation. Postgraduate study in forensic psychology, clinical psychology, criminology, and criminal justice is a common progression, and many graduates also pursue professional qualifications in psychological practice alongside their careers.