Psychology and Criminology

Psychology and criminology together provide a rich and complementary framework for understanding human behaviour in social and legal contexts. Psychology illuminates the mental processes, emotions, development, and social influences that shape individuals, offering insights into why people act as they do and what happens when behaviour causes harm. Criminology situates crime within social structures, examining how it is defined and measured, who is affected, how criminal justice systems respond, and what actually works in reducing offending and supporting victims.

The combination allows you to approach questions about crime from both inside individual experience and across the social landscape.

This three-year, full-time programme at the University of Salford includes a sandwich year and a year abroad, giving you the opportunity to gain professional experience in a relevant context and to engage with psychology and criminology in a different national and cultural setting. You will study the major areas of psychological theory and research alongside criminological perspectives on crime, deviance, victimisation, and the criminal justice system. The combination is particularly relevant to understanding forensic psychology, the psychology of witnesses, offender behaviour, and the psychological dimensions of policing, prosecution, and rehabilitation.

Graduates move into a wide range of careers in criminal justice, mental health, social care, and the public sector. The probation service, police, youth offending teams, victim support organisations, and community mental health services are common destinations. The psychological foundation of the degree can also support entry to postgraduate training in clinical, forensic, or counselling psychology for those who meet the additional requirements.

The sandwich year and year abroad add professional and international experience that strengthen graduates' profiles for competitive roles. Many graduates also continue to postgraduate study in forensic psychology, criminology, social work, or clinical psychology.